Ethnic & Cultural Studies at University of Missouri-Columbia

Columbia, MO · Public · Certificate · Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies

University of Missouri-Columbia has a 77% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving a student body of 23,118 in Columbia, MO.

Program Analysis

University of Missouri-Columbia Ethnic & Cultural Studies graduates command $37,389/yr out of the gate, well above the $28,384 national median. That 32% premium suggests the program's industry reputation carries real labor-market weight.

The 27.7x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 69% task exposure — and the 0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Ethnic & Cultural Studies graduates.

The $20,500 debt-to-$37,389 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

With only 5 programs offering Ethnic & Cultural Studies nationally, this is a niche field. University of Missouri-Columbia ranks #2 among them.

41 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
36
Low End
41
Score
45
High End
Earnings $37,389/yr (32% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (31% shielded)
Job Market Small (8,000 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$391K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
27.7x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
2 of 2
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$14,130
Out-of-state: $34,338
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
6.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Ethnic & Cultural Studies graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers, postsecondary $84,290 +2.4% 50%
Interpreters and translators $59,440 +1.7% 12%
Area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers, postsecondary
$84,290
+2.4% growth 50% AI-proof
Interpreters and translators
$59,440
+1.7% growth 12% AI-proof

Ethnic & Cultural Studies Career Guide

See the full career breakdown for Ethnic & Cultural Studies — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from University of Missouri-Columbia and 4 other schools.

Read the full Ethnic & Cultural Studies career guide →

Compare & Explore

Ethnic & Cultural Studies Overview

Ethnic & Cultural Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Missouri-Columbia

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Missouri-Columbia's Ethnic & Cultural Studies program score?
A score of 41/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Ethnic & Cultural Studies. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI affect Ethnic & Cultural Studies careers?
AI won't eliminate Ethnic & Cultural Studies careers, but it may reshape them. At University of Missouri-Columbia, a score of 41/100 already accounts for the 69% task exposure — the ROI calculation factors in reduced employment probability.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →