Missouri’s Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship

Missouri’s Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

What are the best colleges and universities in Missouri if you reward schools for making the best use of their limited resources? Academic Stewardship asks how effectively schools manage their financial and human resources to gain the influence that makes them academically excellent. Schools that are exemplary in Academic Stewardship are doing everything in their power to help students and faculty achieve their full potential.

Colleges and universities in Missouri deserve to be recognized when they do more with less. It’s impressive when a large wealthy school can spend money lavishly on expensive buildings and programs. But it’s even more impressive when a small school with limited means is able to train and inspire students that the larger wealthier schools tend to ignore.

The American Association of Colleges and Universities reported in late 2021 that almost 75 percent of higher-education professionals at US colleges and universities felt financial constraints prevented their schools from effectively attracting students. Distracted by the size and amenities of larger schools, prospective students tended especially to be overawed by the big research universities.

Missouri’s smaller colleges, especially its liberal arts colleges, need effective ways of communicating their value to a world that celebrates “bigger is better” and “you need the best.” Unfortunately, most college ranking companies, such as U.S. News & World Report, define “best” in a way that devalues schools with smaller budgets and fewer students even when these schools do remarkable work in advancing their students’ education. By and large, college rankings penalize schools that serve underserved populations.

Inspired by Malcolm Gladwell, who for years now has criticized conventional college rankings for misrepresenting what’s good and valuable in education, we decided to construct a new ranking metric that highlights those schools that do more with less. That metric—called the Academic Stewardship metric—takes away both the size and the wealth advantage of schools, and focuses instead on how well schools use the resources available to them to advance the education of their students.

How We Measure the Academic Stewardship of Missouri’s Colleges and Universities

Missouri's Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship
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As a metric, Academic Stewardship is defined by a precise mathematical formula, which can be found in our Academic Stewardship white paper. Measuring the Academic Stewardship of Missouri’s colleges requires measuring two forms of stewardship: 1) Stewardship of financial resources (using the money they have responsibility without waste) and 2) Stewardship of human resources (doing their best to help students, faculty, and administration to flourish). Together, these two types of stewardship form what we call  Academic Stewardship. If you want to learn more about the factors involved in Academic Stewardship, click the more button below.

  1. Stewardship of financial resources: To determine a school’s stewardship of financial resources, we factored in its undergraduate size, budget, endowments and reserves, as well as tuition and fees. All these data are available from the National Center for Educational Statistics Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. In addition, we factored in a school’s financial responsibility as gauged by the Federal Student Aid Office at the US Department of Education through its financial responsibility composite scores.
  2. Stewardship of human resources: To determine a school’s stewardship of human resources, we used our InfluenceRanking engine to track the influence of the school’s faculty and alumni but also to control for size of the undergraduate student body. We’ve found that measuring a school’s influence based on the contributions of faculty and alumni make in their fields of study but then also controlling for size of the undergraduate population is the single best indicator of academic excellence. We call this Concentrated Influence. Schools that rank highly in Concentrated Influence are schools that, given their available human resources, invest heavily in their students and faculty, and the results are demonstrable.
    • We measure the influence of colleges and universities based on the publications and citations of the schools’ faculty and alumni who are teaching in and working in areas related to their degrees. To do this, we take publicly available databases, such as Semantic Scholar, Crossref, and Wikipedia and use these to measure the influence of academics in their disciplines. Having measured the influence of persons, we then identify the schools that they’re affiliated with, adding up the influence scores of the faculty and alumni to measure the influence of the schools and their disciplinary programs. Finally, we control these influence scores by size of undergraduate student body so that schools do not score high in influence simply because of a size advantage. We lay out these methodological considerations on our methodology page.
  3. Academic Stewardship: Having measured a school’s stewardship of financial and human resources in the two previous points, we now divide the second measure by the first to define the Academic Stewardship metric. This metric spotlights smaller schools, with fewer financial resources and people, that invest wisely and do proportionately better in building influence than large wealthy schools. Many of these smaller, less wealthy schools are incentivized to make better use of their resources but would never get recognized in conventional school rankings, which directly or indirectly put a premium on the wealth of schools.

Academic Stewardship as so defined is connected to keeping tuition and other costs down, but it should not be confused with affordability or frugality. The schools that this metric ranks as exemplary academic stewards tend to be all over the map when it comes to tuition and other costs. At issue is the influence of schools given the financial and human resources they have on hand. If a school is going to charge more for tuition, then that needs to be reflected in the school having proportionately greater influence.

Why Academic Stewardship Matters to Students and Their Families

The benefits of attending a school with strong academic stewardship include:

  • A clear reason for why students are at the school in the first place. Without the distraction of amenities and luxuries, these schools are at once unpretentious but also passionately committed to their educational mission. The schools in this ranking are financially efficient and academically rigorous. By avoiding frills, these schools take the most direct path to accomplishing their mission of educating students.
  • Valuing character over prestige and self-indulgence. A school that’s a good steward of its resources doesn’t instill shame in its students over what they are missing (such as elite cuisine) but rather pride in what they have and making the most of it. These schools exhibit a culture of good stewardship, which tends to build good character in the students that attend these schools.
  • Avoiding the spoiled-student syndrome. It’s easy to think that offering students endless options and opportunities will enrich their time at school in every way. But spoiling people—whether in business, sports, or academics—has the opposite effect, causing people to take their advantages for granted and in the end achieving less than they might otherwise, a point well-documented in Daniel Coyle’s The Talent Code. Schools exhibiting academic stewardship avoid this pitfall.
  • The best schools vs. the schools that help students to be their best. Students at schools demonstrating outstanding academic stewardship aren’t so much concerned about being at the “best” school, whatever that may mean, as about being at a school that helps them to be their best. These schools pay attention to their students, hoping that any glory goes to them rather than to the school. Small schools, and especially liberal arts colleges, help themselves by communicating this advantage to prospective students.
  • Emphasizing development over talent and achievement. Schools like Harvard and Stanford have their pick of academic talent, and their students have a long record of achievement even before they apply to such elite schools. But if a school doesn’t have the resources of a Harvard or Stanford, how does it build a great team of students? In that case, it must focus on student development. Colleges exemplifying academic stewardship emphasize student growth and development, ensuring that the schools are doing everything in their power to help students reach their full potential and thereby become their best selves.
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Missouri’s Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship

  1. #1

    William Jewell College

    Liberty , MO
    #7 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #2 Best Small Colleges in Missouri 2024 #4 Best Private Colleges in Missouri 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $20K

    Acceptance

    41%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1080/23

    Career Outlook for degree at William Jewell College

    Cost of Degree: $19,610
    Expenses: $14,798
    Starting Salary: $51,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is William Jewell College known for?

    William Jewell College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Rockhurst University

    Kansas City , MO
    #4 Best Christian Colleges in Missouri 2024 #5 Best Small Colleges in Missouri 2024 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri 2024 #8 Best Private Colleges in Missouri 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $42K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    77%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Rockhurst University

    Cost of Degree: $41,701
    Expenses: $17,743
    Starting Salary: $57,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Rockhurst University known for?

    Rockhurst University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Truman State University

    Kirksville , MO
    #1 Best Small Colleges in Missouri 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2024 #4 Best Public Colleges in Missouri 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    45%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1200/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Truman State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,014
    Expenses: $15,216
    Starting Salary: $50,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Truman State University known for?

    Truman State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Northwest Missouri State University

    Maryville , MO
    #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges in Missouri 2024 #8 Best Colleges in Missouri 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1048/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Northwest Missouri State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,502
    Expenses: $13,404
    Starting Salary: $43,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Northwest Missouri State University known for?

    Northwest Missouri State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Northwest Missouri State University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Communication
    Degree Concentrations
    • Public Relations
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in General Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Communication – Public Relations
    • Business Management
    • Business Technology
    • Marketing
    • Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Technology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  7. #6

    Webster University

    Saint Louis , MO
    #16 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Missouri 2024 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $30K

    Acceptance

    55%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1170/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Webster University

    Cost of Degree: $29,840
    Expenses: $22,662
    Starting Salary: $47,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Webster University known for?

    Webster University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Webster University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Advertising And Marketing Communications
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Sports And Entertainment Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Legal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Educational Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Education
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Psychological Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Psychology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Mental Health
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Psychology General
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  8. #7

    University of Central Missouri

    Warrensburg , MO
    #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri 2024 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2024 #7 Best Public Colleges in Missouri 2024 #10 Best Colleges in Missouri 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    15K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Central Missouri

    Cost of Degree: $9,410
    Expenses: $13,505
    Starting Salary: $42,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Central Missouri known for?

    University of Central Missouri’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Central Missouri’s Online Degrees

    BS in Crisis and Disaster Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Business Continuity
    • Emergency Management
    • Emergency Services Management
    • Environmental Hazards
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Environmental Safety and Risk Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120-121
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Relations and Strategic Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  9. #8

    University of Missouri–Kansas City

    Kansas City , MO
    #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in Missouri 2024 #5 Best Grad Schools in Missouri 2024 #5 Best Research Universities in Missouri 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    18K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1397/25

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Missouri–Kansas City

    Cost of Degree: $11,989
    Expenses: $17,298
    Starting Salary: $57,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Missouri–Kansas City known for?

    University of Missouri–Kansas City’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  10. #9

    Southeast Missouri State University

    Cape Girardeau , MO
    #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri 2024 #9 Best Public Colleges in Missouri 2024 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1075/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Southeast Missouri State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,015
    Expenses: $15,973
    Starting Salary: $41,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Southeast Missouri State University known for?

    Southeast Missouri State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Southeast Missouri State University’s Online Degrees

    BAS in Applied Technology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Child & Family Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Child Development (
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Information Systems
    Degree Concentrations
    • Cybersecurity
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • and Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    Degree Concentrations
    • Law Enforcement
    • Corrections
    • Criminology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Environmental Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Family Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Accounting
    • General Management
    • Health
    • Administration
    • and Sport Management.
    • Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Interdisciplinary Studies,
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Social Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Anthropology
    • Criminal Justice
    • Economics
    • History (any prefix)
    • Political Science
    • Psychology
    • or Sociology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  11. #10

    Park University

    Parkville , MO
    #20 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #1 Best Online Associate in Building and Construction Degree Programs #1 Best Online Associate in Psychology #3 Top 10 Best Online MBA in Economics Degree Programs Ranked in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Graduation

    23%

    Student body

    12K

    Career Outlook for degree at Park University

    Cost of Degree: $9,702
    Expenses: $13,335
    Starting Salary: $50,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Park University known for?

    Park University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Park University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 69
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Construction Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in English
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in Education Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Early Childhood Education: Teaching Young Children
    • Required Credits: 58
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Geography
    • Required Credits: 34-40
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA/BFA in Fine Arts
    Degree Concentrations
    • Photography
    • Painting
    • Drawing
    • Fiber or ceramics
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Accounting
    • Business Economics
    • Computer Information Management
    • Corporate Financial Management
    • Digital Marketing
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Health Care
    • Human Resource Management
    • International Business
    • International Business and Economic Development
    • Labor Economics
    • Logistics
    • Management
    • Marketing
    • Personal Financial Planning
    • Professional Sales
    • Project Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 42-44
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BFA in Interior Design
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BA in History
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BFA in Graphic Design
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in Chemistry
    • Required Credits: 71
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS/BA in Criminal Justice Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Law Enforcement
    • Corrections
    • Security
    • Required Credits: 45
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Logistics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management
    • Required Credits: 57
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information and Computer Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Computer Science Concentration
    • Cybersecurity Concentration
    • Data Management Concentration
    • Information Technology Concentration
    • Networking and Security Concentration
    • Software Development Concentration
    • and Web Development Concentration
    • Required Credits: 46-58
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Mathematics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of Science in Education in Military History
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Multimedia Journalism and Public Relations
    • Required Credits: 45-48
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BM in Music, Music Performance Piano or Orchestral Strings
    • Required Credits: 65
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of Science in Education in K-12 Education (Art or Spanish), (Mild/Moderate Cross-Categorical Disabilities)
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of Science in Education in Middle School Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Political Science
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Organizational Communication
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Economics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Public Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Business Relations
    • Criminal Justice
    • Fire Service Management
    • Homeland Security and Public Service
    • Required Credits: 45
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in Finance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sociology
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  13. #11

    Saint Louis University

    Saint Louis , MO
    #4 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #16 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Missouri 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Missouri 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $51K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    81%

    Student body

    17K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1305/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Saint Louis University

    Cost of Degree: $50,644
    Expenses: $20,032
    Starting Salary: $64,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Saint Louis University known for?

    Saint Louis University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Saint Louis University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Computer Information Systems
    Degree Concentrations
    • Cybersecurity
    • Data Analytics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Leadership and Organizational Behavior
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Emergency Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Organizational Leadership and Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Project Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  14. #12

    University of Missouri–St. Louis

    Saint Louis , MO
    #7 Best Grad Schools in Missouri 2024 #7 Best Research Universities in Missouri 2024 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2024 #8 Best Public Colleges in Missouri 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    51%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1125/23

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Missouri–St. Louis

    Cost of Degree: $12,528
    Expenses: $17,950
    Starting Salary: $49,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Missouri–St. Louis known for?

    University of Missouri–St. Louis’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Missouri–St. Louis’s Online Degrees

    BSBA in Entrepreneurship
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSBA in Finance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSBA in International Business
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BLS in Liberal Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Business Administration
    • Criminology And Criminal Justice
    • Education
    • Communication
    • Gender Studies
    • History
    • Philosophy
    • Political Science
    • Social Work
    • Sociology
    • Psychological Sciences
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSBA in Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSBA in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSBA in Supply Chain Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computing Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Systems And Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSBA in Information Systems And Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cybersecurity: Information Systems & Technology
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminology & Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Philosophy
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Political Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  15. #13

    University of Missouri

    Columbia , MO
    #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2024 #1 Best Public Colleges in Missouri 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools in Missouri 2024 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    34K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/26

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Missouri

    Cost of Degree: $11,981
    Expenses: $17,240
    Starting Salary: $56,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Missouri known for?

    University of Missouri’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Missouri’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Early Childhood Education In A Mobile Society
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BES in Educational Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sociology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in English
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BGS in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BHS in Radiography
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BHS in Respiratory Therapy
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BHS in Public Health
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BHS in Health Science
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Fitness Programming And Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  16. #14

    Washington University in St. Louis

    Saint Louis , MO
    #22 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024 #1 Best Grad Schools in Missouri 2024 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Best Research Universities in Missouri 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Washington University in St. Louis

    Cost of Degree: $60,590
    Expenses: $22,886
    Starting Salary: $87,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Washington University in St. Louis known for?

    Washington University in St. Louis’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Washington University in St. Louis’s Online Degrees

    BS in Integrated Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Humanities
    • Social Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  17. #15

    Missouri State University

    Springfield , MO
    #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2024 #6 Best Research Universities in Missouri 2024 #6 Best Public Colleges in Missouri 2024 #9 Best Colleges in Missouri 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    27K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1101/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Missouri State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,604
    Expenses: $15,418
    Starting Salary: $44,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Missouri State University known for?

    Missouri State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Missouri State University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Health Services
    Degree Concentrations
    • Health Services
    • Clinical services
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS/BS in Hospitality Leadership
    Degree Concentrations
    • Club management
    • Food and beverage
    • General operations
    • Lodging
    • Senior living management
    • Tourism
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS/BA in Communication Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS/BA in Religious Studies
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS/BA in Criminology and Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Analysis
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Technology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Application Development
    • IT Infrastructure or Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Professional Writing
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Finance
    Degree Concentrations
    • Corporate and Investments
    • Financial Planning
    • Required Credits: 120-121
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Sociology
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in General Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Business Relationships
    • Financial and Quantitative Analysis
    • International Business Environment
    • Markets and Economies
    • Project and Technology Management
    • Risk Management and Compliance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
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Missouri’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology
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Colleges and Universities in Missouri

Tuition costs in Missouri fall below the national average, allowing students access to many affordable options. For example, at Missouri State University, the second largest public school, tuition fees are around $7,000. Students of actor John Goodman’s alma mater can major in fields like religious studies, history, and business, and even have the option of earning an associate degree in arts or a bachelor’s in business at the university’s sister school in China. Missouri also offers more than 40 private schools.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

Tuition and student populations vary greatly among these schools, but students who attend these higher education institutes also have the option to attend classes at other campuses. For example, Saint Louis University, a college with Jesuit roots, has campuses in both St. Louis and Madrid, Spain. Additionally, Missouri offers special loan forgiveness programs for nurses and other health professionals, including dentists, psychiatrists, and primary care physicians, who work in designated, high-need areas.

When you aren’t exploring one of its 6,000 caves, chowing down on some barbecue, or taking in a live jazz performance, Missouri can serve as the perfect place to begin a road trip. The Show Me State is bordered by eight other U.S. states, making it ideal for students love travelling and planning weekend getaways. During the week days, students can continue on their road to success by pursuing their degree at one of Missouri’s 72 higher education institutes.

See where Missouri’s many roads can take you while earning your degree at one this state’s top learning institutions.


What are Missouri’s Colleges & Universities?

Missouri’s Best Overall

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