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Harris-Stowe State University

Saint Louis, MO·Public·960 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for families who need the lowest possible cost and students who want small classes and close faculty access. graduation rate is below 40%; earnings barely cover the debt load. 74% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.

N/A
Accept
960
Students
$9,922
Net Price
28%
Grad Rate
$30,900
Earnings
10 yr
$25,930
Debt

About This School

Harris-Stowe State University is a public institution located in Saint Louis, Missouri with approximately 960 undergraduate students enrolled. The average net price after financial aid is $9,922 per year. The graduation rate is 28%, and the typical graduate earns $30,900 within 10 years of enrollment.

Harris–Stowe State University (HSSU) is a public historically black university in St. Louis, Missouri. The university offers 50 majors, minors, and certificate programs in education, business, and arts & sciences. It is a member-school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. It is located immediately east of the Saint Louis University campus. The school had a fall headcount enrollment of 1,098 students in 2023.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: the net price of ~$13,500/year is genuinely affordable, and the modest median debt at graduation reflects that, but a 27% graduation rate is a serious red flag that means most students who start here don't finish. Worth considering if you're drawn to HSSU's HBCU community, its St. Louis location, and its focus on education and business — but come in with a clear plan and strong support system, because the odds of completing a degree here require real intentionality.

Founded
1857
Setting
Large city
Avg Faculty Salary
$5,463

Popular Programs

Biological Sciences23%
Business & Marketing23%
Psychology8%
Education7%
Social Sciences5%
Communications5%
Computer Science4%
Health Professions1%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Cori Bush

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$7,008
Out-of-State Tuition
$11,640
Avg Net Price
$9,922
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$9,827
$30–48k$10,963
$48–75k$9,814
$75–110k$8,563
$110k+$6,238

Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants74%
Median debt at graduation$25,930

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
28%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
68%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$30,900
after enrollment
Median Debt
$25,930
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$25,000
Female graduates$23,000

Gap: 8% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$25,930
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$23,800
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$30,900
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 1.2x

Worth scrutinizing. Median earnings relative to debt are tight.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White3%
Black82%
Hispanic/Latino3%
Two or more races3%
International6%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (960 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Harris-Stowe State University

3026 Laclede Ave

Saint Louis, MO 63103-2136

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Missouri

Browse all Missouri schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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