Good Colleges in Missouri: Rankings and Reviews

Missouri, known as the Ozark State, offers a diverse array of higher education institutions. From large research universities to small liberal arts colleges, the state caters to a wide range of academic interests and career aspirations. This article explores some of the best colleges in Missouri, considering factors like academic quality, graduation rates, early career earnings, and student experience.

Overview of Missouri's Higher Education Landscape

The state boasts a mix of public and private universities, many with affiliations to Christian religious denominations. St. Louis, a major port city, is home to several top-ranked colleges, including Washington University in St. Louis. Kansas City, the state's largest city, also hosts a variety of institutions. The University of Missouri, the flagship school, holds the distinction of being the first public university established west of the Mississippi River.

Ranking Methodologies

Rankings from sources like College Factual consider factors like graduation rate, post-graduate earnings, and expenditure per student to determine overall quality. Niche.com assigns grades based on academics, diversity, campus life, and other criteria. EduRank analyzes research output, alumni influence, and non-academic prominence. These methodologies offer different perspectives on what constitutes a "good" college.

Top Colleges in Missouri: A Closer Look

Here's a look at some of the top-ranked colleges and universities in Missouri, offering insights into their strengths and distinguishing features:

1. Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL)

Rankings: Consistently ranked as the best school in Missouri. Ranked 20th nationally by Niche.
Key Features: Private university, high graduation rate (88%), strong early career earnings for graduates ($86,182 average), excellent academics (A+ grade from Niche), and diverse student body (A+ grade from Niche). Approximately 80% of undergraduate students pursue multiple majors and/or minors.
Niche Rankings: No. 1 in best colleges for design and No. 6 in best colleges for accounting and finance.
Tuition: $59,420 (In-State and Out-of-State)
Quote: “We are a community where you can be an individual and achieve exceptional things.”

2. Ranken Technical College

Rankings: Ranked #2 in Missouri by College Factual.
Key Features: Focus on technical education, graduates earn an average salary of $55,955 early in their careers.

3. University of Missouri - Columbia (Mizzou)

Rankings: Ranked #3 in Missouri by College Factual.
Key Features: Flagship public university, high freshman retention rate (89%), graduates earn an average salary of $63,403 early in their careers.
Programs: Offers more than 300 degree programs across 12 schools and colleges, hands-on learning opportunities, study abroad, and alumni mentorships.
Outcomes: Over 93% of graduates have a successful career outcome six months after spring graduation.
Tuition: $13,000 Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State, $33,200 Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State

4. Saint Louis University (SLU)

Rankings: Ranked #4 in Missouri by College Factual.
Key Features: Student-to-faculty rate of 9:1, graduates earn an average salary of $70,783 early in their careers.
Tuition: $49,800 Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State, $49,800 Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State

5. Missouri University of Science and Technology

Rankings: Ranked #5 in Missouri by College Factual.
Key Features: Strong in science and technology programs, high freshman retention rate (86%), graduates earn an average salary of $82,957 early in their careers.

6. Webster University

Rankings: Ranked #6 in Missouri by College Factual.
Key Features: Offers an inclusive, accessible education across 50 residential, metro, military, and international locations.
Programs: Offers in-person, online, and hybrid programs with semester and 8- or 9-week course options.
Tuition: $29,640 Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State, $29,640 Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State

7. Maryville University of Saint Louis

Rankings: Ranked #7 in Missouri by College Factual.
Key Features: Graduates earn an average salary of $62,105 early in their careers.

8. State Technical College of Missouri (STC)

Rankings: Ranked #8 in Missouri by College Factual.
Key Features: High freshman retention rate (88%), graduates earn an average salary of $55,901 early in their careers.

9. Rockhurst University

Rankings: Ranked #9 in Missouri by College Factual.
Key Features: Graduates earn an average salary of $67,102 early in their careers.

10. Missouri State University - Springfield

Rankings: Ranked #10 in Missouri by College Factual.
Key Features: Graduates earn an average salary of $49,827 early in their careers.
Tuition: $8,370 Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State, $17,910 Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State

Other Notable Institutions:

University of Missouri - St Louis (UMSL): Ranked #11, graduates earn an average salary of $53,037 early in their careers.
Columbia College: Ranked #12, graduates earn an average salary of $45,378 early in their careers.
Lindenwood University: Ranked #13, graduates earn an average salary of $53,278 early in their careers.
University of Missouri - Kansas City (UMKC): Ranked #14, graduates earn an average salary of $59,637 early in their careers.
Metropolitan Community College - Kansas City: Ranked #15, graduates earn an average salary of $40,796 early in their careers.
Park University: Ranked #16, low student loan default rate (1.0%), graduates earn an average salary of $56,309 early in their careers. Acceptance Rate 100%, Net Price $15,637, Receiving Aid 91%, Average Aid $7,979
St Charles Community College: Ranked #17, graduates earn an average salary of $42,422 early in their careers.
Truman State University (TSU): Ranked #18, graduates earn an average salary of $56,280 early in their careers. Exemplary liberal arts and sciences distinguish TSU as a university. The school embraces a holistic approach to education, evidenced by its strong learning outcomes.
William Jewell College: Ranked #19, graduates earn an average salary of $59,268 early in their careers. Jewell’s philosophy is based on three pillars: Critical Thinking, Community, and Meaningful Lives. The college seeks to help students grapple with diverse ideas and find their purpose through their education.
Northwest Missouri State University: Ranked #20, graduates earn an average salary of $47,885 early in their careers.
University of Central Missouri (UCM): Ranked #21, graduates earn an average salary of $49,560 early in their careers.
Saint Louis Community College: Ranked #22, graduates earn an average salary of $35,325 early in their careers.
Southeast Missouri State University: Ranked #23, graduates earn an average salary of $44,030 early in their careers.
State Fair Community College: Ranked #24, graduates earn an average salary of $35,562 early in their careers.
William Woods University: Ranked #25, student-to-faculty rate of 9 to 1.
St. Louis College of Pharmacy (STLCOP): Founded in 1864 as University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis, dedicated to educating future pharmacists. STLCOP is the third-oldest and 10th-largest college of pharmacy in the nation.
College of the Ozarks: Founded in 1906, embraces a unique approach to education, offering the opportunity for full-time students to work at one of 100+ campus jobs or industries to help pay for their tuition, while the remaining portion of expenses is covered by scholarships.
Drury University: One of the first universities in Missouri to offer continuing education and evening courses, offering a “4+1” program in communication, arts administration, and education that allows students to earn their bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees in five years.
Cottey College: Acceptance Rate 66%, Average ACT 19, Net Price $18,430, Receiving Aid 100%
Cox College: Acceptance Rate 71%, Net Price $17,490, Receiving Aid 100%, Average Aid $9,824

Factors to Consider When Choosing a College

Academic Programs: Does the college offer the major(s) you are interested in?
Location: Do you prefer a large city, a small town, or a rural setting?
Cost: What is the tuition, fees, and cost of living? Are scholarships and financial aid available?
Student Life: What extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations are offered?
Size: Do you prefer a large university or a small college?
Retention and Graduation Rates: What percentage of students return for their second year, and what percentage graduate within four or six years?
Career Services: What resources are available to help students find internships and jobs after graduation?
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: A lower ratio may indicate more personalized attention from professors.
Campus Culture: Does the college have a diverse and inclusive environment?

The Value of a College Education in Missouri

A college education can lead to higher earning potential and expanded career opportunities. Graduates from Missouri colleges enter a variety of fields and contribute to the state's economy. The return on investment (ROI) of a college education should be carefully considered, taking into account tuition costs and potential future earnings.

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