Best Colleges in Missouri

Lorraine Mumby
By
Updated on October 7, 2024
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The higher education experts at BestColleges have reviewed top 4-year colleges in Missouri. Start planning your future at BestColleges.

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

#1 Best Colleges in Missouri

Truman State University

  • Location-markerKirksville, MO
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$9,132
  • Out-of-state$17,532
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$9,960
  • Out-of-state$9,960
  • Retention Rate84%
  • Acceptance Rate80%
  • Students Enrolled3,636
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment50%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Best Colleges in Missouri

Washington University in St Louis

  • Location-markerSaint Louis, MO
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$59,420
  • Out-of-state$59,420
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$59,420
  • Out-of-state$59,420
  • Retention Rate96%
  • Acceptance Rate11%
  • Students Enrolled16,365
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment12%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Best Colleges in Missouri

Missouri University of Science and Technology

  • Location-markerRolla, MO
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$9,266
  • Out-of-state$30,400
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$10,992
  • Out-of-state$30,480
  • Retention Rate88%
  • Acceptance Rate73%
  • Students Enrolled7,156
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment28%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Best Colleges in Missouri

University of Missouri-Columbia

  • Location-markerColumbia, MO
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$13,000
  • Out-of-state$33,200
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$10,447
  • Out-of-state$28,605
  • Retention Rate91%
  • Acceptance Rate77%
  • Students Enrolled31,041
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment54%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Best Colleges in Missouri

Saint Louis University

  • Location-markerSaint Louis, MO
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$49,800
  • Out-of-state$49,800
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$22,500
  • Out-of-state$22,500
  • Retention Rate89%
  • Acceptance Rate81%
  • Students Enrolled14,079
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment19%
  • AccreditationYes
#6 Best Colleges in Missouri

Lindenwood University

  • Location-markerSaint Charles, MO
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$19,100
  • Out-of-state$19,100
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$8,475
  • Out-of-state$8,475
  • Retention Rate73%
  • Acceptance Rate66%
  • Students Enrolled7,288
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment76%
  • AccreditationYes
#7 Best Colleges in Missouri

Webster University

  • Location-markerSaint Louis, MO
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$29,640
  • Out-of-state$29,640
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$12,600
  • Out-of-state$12,600
  • Retention Rate76%
  • Acceptance Rate59%
  • Students Enrolled4,324
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment69%
  • AccreditationYes
#8 Best Colleges in Missouri

Missouri State University-Springfield

  • Location-markerSpringfield, MO
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$8,370
  • Out-of-state$17,910
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$5,994
  • Out-of-state$11,970
  • Retention Rate79%
  • Acceptance Rate91%
  • Students Enrolled23,418
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment53%
  • AccreditationYes
#9 Best Colleges in Missouri

University of Missouri-Kansas City

  • Location-markerKansas City, MO
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$11,190
  • Out-of-state$29,190
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$10,660
  • Out-of-state$27,521
  • Retention Rate77%
  • Acceptance Rate75%
  • Students Enrolled15,327
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment31%
  • AccreditationYes

badge-checkHow 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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