Understanding Missouri S&T Tuition, Fees, and Costs

For students considering higher education, understanding the financial aspects of college is crucial. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the tuition, fees, and overall costs associated with attending Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T), a public institution located in Rolla, Missouri. Founded in 1870, Missouri S&T is a member of the University of Missouri System and is known for its strong programs in engineering, business, sciences, and mathematics.

Basic Cost of Attendance

The cost of attendance at Missouri S&T is a standardized estimate that includes various university charges and other educational expenses. It is important to note that these amounts are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the governing board. However, any increases to tuition and fees must be approved by the governing board at least 30 days prior to the beginning of the academic term to which they apply. The cost of attendance will be prorated based on your enrollment status, and students with less than 30 credit hours may receive a reduced tuition rate for fall 2025 or spring 2026.

Tuition and Fees

Missouri University of Science and Technology's tuition is $15,930 for in-state students and $35,118 for out-of-state students. These figures include both tuition and fees, often referred to as the sticker price. Compared with the national average cost of in-state tuition of $12,436, Missouri University of Science and Technology is more expensive. For students coming from out of state, the tuition is more expensive than the national average cost of out-of-state tuition of $29,815. Fees differ by institution and may fund library services, student gym facilities, student centers, technology resources, and campus health centers.

Other Expenses

Beyond tuition and fees, students should also budget for other expenses, including:

Books and Supplies: Approximately $488 per year.
Personal Expenses: Around $978 per year.
Transportation: Estimated at $1,364 per year.
Food and Housing: This is an estimate for living on-campus based upon weighted average residential life cost for the campus population.

When comparing the costs of different institutions, it's essential to consider the total cost, which includes the sticker price, food and housing, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses.

Financial Aid Opportunities

Financial aid can significantly reduce the net price of attending Missouri S&T. Financial aid packages can include grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study jobs, and they vary depending on a student's financial need, which is typically determined based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Types of Financial Aid

Grants and Scholarships: These do not need to be paid back. Need-based scholarships consider a student’s financial status, while merit-based scholarships are awarded for academic or athletic achievements. Scholarships might also be available based on community service, unique hobbies, personal background, or a parent’s employer or military affiliation. Some students receive enough scholarship money to cover tuition and living expenses.
Loans: These must be paid back with interest. Federal loans and private loans are options to explore.
Work-Study Jobs: Working while in school can help lessen the burden of student loans. Schools offer work-study programs to those who qualify and campus jobs to students looking to earn money in their free time.

Financial Aid Statistics at Missouri S&T

Students Receiving Financial Aid: 51.3%
Freshmen With Need Who Received Financial Aid: 99.12%
Average Aid Package Awarded: $21,351
Average Need-Based Scholarship or Grant Award: $13,434
Average Need-Based Loan Amount: $4,476
Non-Need-Based Aid: $10,873
Average Need-Based Scholarship or Grant Award (First-year Students): \$15,659
Percentage of First-Year Students Receiving Need-Based Financial Aid (Fall 2023): 55%
Average Need-Based Self-Help Aid Awarded to First-Year Students: \$4,360
Average Non-Need-Based Scholarship or Grant Awarded to First-Year Students: \$16,541

Missouri University of Science and Technology met 75% of its students’ financial aid need.

Important Financial Aid Dates

Application Due: Not available
Priority Application Due: Not available
Notification Date: Not available
Response Due: Not available

Tuition Guarantee Plans

Tuition at the time of first enrollment is guaranteed only to students making advance payment.

Net Price

The net price is a college’s cost of attendance minus the grants and scholarships a student receives. It is specific to individual circumstances and a college’s financial aid policies. The average net price at Missouri S&T is $14,023 per year. For the most accurate estimate of your net price, use the college’s Net Price calculator.

Student Loan Debt

Understanding student loan debt is crucial for financial planning. It can affect a student's financial life long after graduation. Ideally, total student loan debt should be less than the anticipated starting salary.

Debt Statistics for Missouri S&T Graduates

Typical Loan Debt: $30,906
Median Federal Loan Debt Among Borrowers: $23,250
Median Monthly Federal Loan Payment: $246 (assuming a 10-year repayment term at 5.05% interest)
Percentage of Graduating Students Taking Out Private Loans: 16%
Average Private Loan Debt at Graduation: $38,170
Graduating Students Who Have Borrowed (Any Loan Type, 2024): 58%

Student Debt vs. Annual Income

A good rule of thumb is to keep total debt less than your child's expected annual income. That way they should be able to afford to repay their loans in 10 years or less. The more you save for your child before college, the less they will have to pay back after college. You'll also want to compare your child's monthly payments to their monthly income. Anything less than 10% is considered affordable, 15% is a stretch, and anything over 20% is not recommended.

Annual Income After Graduation: $67,100

Saving for College

Saving early and consistently can significantly reduce the amount of debt a student needs to take on. Consider using a 529 college savings plan to save for future education expenses.

The True Cost of Waiting to Save

Most families will aim to save less than 100% of their total projected college costs. Your child may receive grants or scholarships towards college, and you may use loans or current income to pay a portion of the costs.

A smarter way to reduce your child's future monthly payments is to start saving money well before college. Every dollar you save for your child will reduce the amount they will have to borrow and pay back with interest.

Additional Information

Institution Type: Public
Enrollment Size: 1,000 to 4,999
Acceptance Rate: Not Selective (79%)
Yield: High (45%)
Graduation Rate: High (63%)
Retention Rate: Very High (83%)
Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Academic Calendar: Semester-based
Campus Size: 292 acres
Test-Optional Admissions Policy: Yes
G.I. Bill Certified: Yes
Yellow Ribbon Program Participant: Yes

Missouri University of Science and Technology accepts the Common Application and has a test-optional admissions policy.

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