The University of Missouri-Kansas City was featured in a recent story from the The Wall Street Journal. The story discusses the colleges where students are most likely to see a positive return on the investment of a bachelor's degree.
The journal found that "young professionals graduating from public universities charging in-state tuition often receive a degree that is worth the money—with one caveat. New graduates need to earn at least $50,000 a year, on average, in their first decade off campus for the degree to pay off."
UMKC alumnus James Maiden spoke with The Wall Street Journal about his salary and job experiences before and after receiving his bachelor's degree.
From The Wall Street Journal:
"James Maiden, 32 years old, dropped out of the University of Missouri-Kansas City about a decade ago because he needed to make money. He held various jobs, including at a shoe store, before landing one as a marketing manager for a nonprofit theater in Kansas City, Mo., where he earned less than $50,000. It was tough to envision a career path.
'I was working in circles without a degree,' he said. 'I needed to go back.'
After earning his bachelor’s in liberal arts in 2019, Maiden got a job as a communication specialist for a construction company. He now makes almost double what he earned at the theater."
UMKC has numerous scholarships and programs to make college affordable for all. Learn more about them.