What You Should Know About Graduating From College in Missouri
When choosing where to complete your undergraduate degree, it’s important to consider whether the state has job opportunities to fit your degree field. The most dominant industry in Missouri is trade, transportation, and utilities, which accounts for over 525,000 workers in the state. Other top industries in the state include education and health services, government, goods-producing services, and professional and business services.
Within these industries, there are over 100 careers that require bachelor’s degrees and are expected to grow over the next few years. The demand for information security analysts and software developers is projected to grow by about 40% by 2026. Similarly, the demand for biological technicians, computer hardware engineers, and actuaries is projected to increase by 25-30%.
Missouri has many large corporations and non-profit organizations, providing diverse career opportunities for college graduates. Toddzone.com and Viasystems Group, Inc. are the largest employers in the state, each with approximately 15,000 employees. Other top employers include Express Scripts Holding Company, Cox Medical Center South, and Hallmark Cards, Inc.
What’s Next?
Many Missouri students rely on financial aid to pay for their undergraduate degree. This resources list can help you identify the options available to you and research information on application deadlines, award amounts, and eligibility requirements.
- Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD). This organization provides informational resources and services to students, families, and professionals who are interested in helping students obtain college degrees. It administers several scholarships and grants for Missouri residents pursuing in-state education.
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA application helps the U.S. Department of Education assess a student’s eligibility for need-based financial aid, including scholarships, grants, and student loans. To determine whether you’re eligible to submit a FAFSA application, click here. To apply online, follow this link.
- CareerOneStop. CareerOneStop is backed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and helps Missourians find financial aid programs that are available to them. Through this website, visitors can get an overview of the grants, scholarships, and loans that are offered based on their location and degree level, as well as access important information regarding application deadlines and eligibility criteria.