Missouri University of Science and Technology

This is an R1 research university where STEM reigns supreme—engineering, computer science, and applied sciences dominate the curriculum. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, 40.4% of classes have fewer than 20 students. The catalog includes 31 bachelor’s programs, from aerospace engineering to technical communication, plus niche offerings like explosives engineering. Missouri S&T is classified as 'STEM-dominant' with 'very high research spending,' particularly in energy and materials science. Students praise the modern facilities (including recent construction projects) but note the workload is intense—this isn’t a school for academic coasting.

Rolla isn’t a college town—it’s a college campus. With 86% of students living on-site, the community is tight-knit and self-contained. Greek life plays a major role (19% of men join fraternities, 24% of women join sororities), but the vibe skews more toward hackathons than ragers. Traditions include St. Pat’s celebrations (the school’s unofficial mascot is a leprechaun) and a notorious ‘Rolla calculus’ culture where students bond over shared academic struggles. The university actively promotes involvement through 200+ clubs, including a competitive robotics team and mining engineering competitions.

Missouri S&T delivers on the ROI promise. The six-year graduation rate is 64%, and median earnings for recent grads hit $93,514—well above the national average. Petroleum engineering alumni reportedly earn $120K–200K+, while computer engineering grads pull in $90K–175K+. The Wall Street Journal ranks the school top 10 nationally for graduate salaries. About 23% of students take on debt (median $23,250), but the payoff is swift—the aerospace engineering program, for example, boasts near-100% job placement within six months.

The net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. after aid averages $14,023, with 51.3% of students receiving financial assistance. Need-based scholarships average $15,659, and the university offers a robust merit aid?Merit aidScholarship money awarded for achievements like grades, talents, or test scores — not based on your family's financial need. program—automatic scholarships range up to $10,000/year for high-achieving applicants. Out-of-state students pay roughly double the in-state tuition ($14,098 vs. $30,120), but the school’s 'Scholarship Calculator' tool helps estimate package sizes upfront. Notably, 45% of students graduate with no debt at all.

Missouri S&T is the anti-Ivy: no pretensions, just pragmatic excellence. Where else can you major in explosives engineering, join a concrete canoe team, and land a six-figure job before graduation? The school’s singular focus on applied STEM—backed by serious research firepower—means every lab and lecture connects directly to industry needs. It’s a place where ‘geek’ isn’t an insult but a badge of honor, and where the ROI is so strong that even Wall Street Journal analysts take notice.