Best Colleges in Missouri
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of November 2019 Missouri boasted a 3.1% unemployment rate, a figure slightly lower than the national average. As a result, employers offer competitive salaries and benefits to attract the best candidates.
To take advantage of Missouri’s booming job market, consider joining one of the state’s largest employment sectors, such as healthcare, education, or business and financial occupations. However, these lucrative and fulfilling jobs usually require a college degree. This guide highlights the top 25 colleges and universities in Missouri to help you select the school that best meets your personal and professional goals.
The following ranking outlines essential information on school elements such as academic majors, honors colleges, online learning opportunities, and application requirements. We also provide links to each school’s homepage, where you can learn more information and locate contact information if you have more questions.
Additionally, reviewing these excellent colleges and universities can teach you what to look for in a school.
Best Accredited Colleges in Missouri
Truman State University
Kirksville, MO- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,132
- Out-of-state$17,532
- In-State$9,960
- Out-of-state$9,960
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled3,636
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
Washington University in St Louis
- Saint Louis, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$59,420
- Out-of-state$59,420
- In-State$59,420
- Out-of-state$59,420
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate11%
- Students Enrolled16,365
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment12%
- AccreditationYes
Missouri University of Science and Technology
- Rolla, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,266
- Out-of-state$30,400
- In-State$10,992
- Out-of-state$30,480
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate73%
- Students Enrolled7,156
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment28%
- AccreditationYes
University of Missouri-Columbia
- Columbia, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$13,000
- Out-of-state$33,200
- In-State$10,447
- Out-of-state$28,605
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled31,041
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment54%
- AccreditationYes
Saint Louis University
- Saint Louis, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$49,800
- Out-of-state$49,800
- In-State$22,500
- Out-of-state$22,500
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled14,079
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment19%
- AccreditationYes
Lindenwood University
- Saint Charles, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$19,100
- Out-of-state$19,100
- In-State$8,475
- Out-of-state$8,475
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate66%
- Students Enrolled7,288
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment76%
- AccreditationYes
Webster University
- Saint Louis, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$29,640
- Out-of-state$29,640
- In-State$12,600
- Out-of-state$12,600
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate59%
- Students Enrolled4,324
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment69%
- AccreditationYes
Missouri State University-Springfield
- Springfield, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,370
- Out-of-state$17,910
- In-State$5,994
- Out-of-state$11,970
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate91%
- Students Enrolled23,418
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment53%
- AccreditationYes
University of Missouri-Kansas City
- Kansas City, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,190
- Out-of-state$29,190
- In-State$10,660
- Out-of-state$27,521
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate75%
- Students Enrolled15,327
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment31%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.
We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This ranking is from 2020. To learn more, check out our full ranking methodologies.
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