Missouri Colleges and Universities: Rankings and Program Overview

Missouri boasts a diverse landscape of higher education institutions, ranging from large public research universities to small private colleges. This article provides an overview of some notable Missouri colleges and universities, highlighting their rankings, programs, and unique features.

Understanding College Rankings

College rankings are often used as a factor in the college selection process. These rankings are typically based on an analysis of data related to a school’s selectivity, financial health, graduation rates, and student success. While rankings can offer insights, it's important to consider individual academic needs and preferences when choosing a school. For instance, College Raptor publishes an annual list of the Top 50 Best Colleges in the US, celebrating schools with rich histories, excellent academics, and vibrant student life.

Featured Missouri Colleges and Universities

University of Missouri (Mizzou)

Founded in 1839, the University of Missouri in Columbia holds the distinction of being the first public university west of the Mississippi River. As a flagship, land-grant institution and a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the Association of American Universities (AAU), Mizzou is committed to research and innovation. In the 2026 edition of Best Colleges, U.S. News & World Report ranked the University of Missouri #102 in National Universities and #49 in Top Public Schools. The University of Missouri accepts the Common Application and has a test-optional admissions policy.

With a total undergraduate enrollment of 24,449 (fall 2024) and a campus size of 1,262 acres, Mizzou offers a wide range of academic programs. The student-faculty ratio is 17:1, and the academic calendar is semester-based. For the 2024-2025 academic year, in-state tuition and fees are $15,548, while out-of-state tuition and fees are $37,820. Financial aid is available, with 44% of first-year students receiving need-based aid. The average net price for federal loan recipients is $19,979. The four-year graduation rate is 56%. Six years after graduation, the median salary for graduates is $52,756.

Mizzou's commitment to research is reflected in its Carnegie Research 1 designation, the top research designation in the country. This distinction is critical for Kansas City as it continues to elevate its brand in attracting world-class corporations, culture, and talent.

University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC)

The University of Missouri-Kansas City provides unparalleled opportunities for learning as an urban research university. Its mission is to promote learning through the discovery, preservation, and dissemination of knowledge of public value across a broad spectrum of disciplines and fields of study. UMKC offers more than 125 academic areas. Experiences beyond the classroom are an important part of education at UMKC. More than 95 percent of first-year students and 87 percent of transfer students receive financial aid. The university is gearing up to welcome the KC Streetcar to campus this fall. University of Missouri-Kansas City has a median total debt after graduation of $18,751.

Truman State University

Truman State University emphasizes the joy of learning. The university provides small classes and real opportunities. Truman State University has an average net price of $12,621, making it the least expensive institution in Missouri. The liberal studies program is central to all of Truman’s academic majors. The portfolio project at Truman is a way for students to keep track of their achievements in critical thinking, interdisciplinary thinking, historical analysis, scientific analysis, aesthetic analysis, and creative work and reflection.

Lindenwood University

Founded in the mid-1800s, Lindenwood is a four-year institution dedicated to excellence in higher education. Students can choose from over 100 degree programs, each offering unique opportunities for research and professional development. Through on-ground, hybrid, and online programs, Lindenwood’s rigorous curriculum and robust student life aim to develop the whole student.

Lindenwood offers study abroad programs and faculty-led trips, as well as an Intercultural Fluency Certificate. Students can add this certificate to their major by completing 15 credit hours over a range of topics, such as international marketing, international management, and international relations theory.

Rockhurst University

Located minutes from downtown Kansas City, Missouri, Rockhurst University provides a dynamic education to students in over 50 undergraduate disciplines that span the humanities, business, healthcare, STEM, and more. Its Jesuit tradition informs the way that students are developed as well-rounded leaders in service and scholarship.

Saint Louis University (SLU)

Saint Louis University is a Catholic, Jesuit University ranked among the top research institutions in the nation. Founded in 1818, it is the oldest university west of the Mississippi and the second oldest Jesuit university in the United States. The University fosters the intellectual and character development of more than 13,000 students. Themed houses feature French, German, and Spanish language floors with resident faculty members. Other themed housing includes floors for Micah Program participants and Learning Community options for students who prefer to live among peers who share the same major.

Southwest Baptist University (SBU)

Southwest Baptist University was founded in 1878 and is rooted in the Baptist faith, affiliated with the Missouri Baptist Convention. The University has four physical campuses and an online campus. Students can choose from more than 100 academic programs. Through coursework and co-curricular events, service learning opportunities are threaded throughout the student journey at SBU. Opportunities for service-learning begin during Welcome Week with the “B-Town Excursion,” through which students engage in a service project for a community organization or church. Spiritual growth is fostered both out of the classroom and in academics.

Stephens College

Founded in 1833 with the goal to educate and inspire young women, Stephens College has evolved into an innovative, independent, and spirited institution with a women’s education. The Marshall Lecture Series is a Stephens tradition that promotes interest and awareness in international affairs.

Evangel University

Offering more than 70 academic programs, Evangel University is on the cutting edge of today’s professional fields and vocational ministry training. Its commitment to the integration of faith, learning, and life attracts students from a wide variety of Christian backgrounds. When Evangel University opened its doors in 1955, it distinguished itself as the first Pentecostal liberal arts college chartered in America. Evangel provides opportunities for students to learn and grow by giving back to the community. One of the most exciting opportunities involves the university’s new partnership with Convoy of Hope. This collaboration is set to establish a new “Center for Compassion” in order to expand learning and service opportunities available to students.

University of Central Missouri (UCM)

The Wall Street Journal named UCM one of America's Best Colleges 2023. VIQTORY named UCM as a Military Friendly® Gold School for 2023-2024. Military Times named UCM a 2023 Best for Vets College. The Princeton Review named UCM a 2023 Best College in the Midwestern Region, a designation it has earned consecutively since 2004.

Culver-Stockton College

Culver-Stockton College has an acceptance rate of 98%, with an SAT range of 950-1110, making it the least exclusive college in Missouri.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The average undergraduate tuition & fees for colleges in Missouri is $8,846 for in-state students at public institutions, $16,504 for out-of-state students at public institutions, and $18,668 for students at private institutions.

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