Liberal arts colleges are a great option for students seeking a well-rounded education in an intimate campus setting. The best liberal arts colleges in Missouri offer a diverse selection of degree programs with opportunities for a highly individualized educational experience.
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.
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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.
Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges
A liberal arts college is a school that puts a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree. We’ve identified Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri 2022 Tuition + fees $29K Acceptance 53% Graduation 55% Student body 7K Median SAT/ACT 1130/24 Webster University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in: Tuition + fees $8K Acceptance 72% Graduation 75% Student body 5K Median SAT/ACT 1250/27 Truman State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in: Tuition + fees $9K Acceptance 80% Graduation 54% Student body 6K Median SAT/ACT 1119/22 Northwest Missouri State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in: Tuition + fees $8K Acceptance 64% Graduation 51% Student body 9K University of Central Missouri’s faculty and alumni have been influential in: Tuition + fees $19K Acceptance 36% Graduation 67% Student body <1K Median SAT/ACT 1190/24 William Jewell College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in: Tuition + fees $8K Acceptance 93% Graduation 51% Student body 9K Southeast Missouri State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in: Tuition + fees $26K Acceptance 95% Graduation 55% Student body 2K Evangel University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in: Tuition + fees $40K Acceptance 73% Graduation 73% Student body 3K Median SAT/ACT 1169/24 Rockhurst University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in: Tuition + fees $32K Acceptance 71% Graduation 60% Student body 2K Median SAT/ACT 1135/25 Drury University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in: Tuition + fees $25K Acceptance 64% Graduation 59% Student body <1K Median SAT/ACT 1120/22 Stephens College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in: Tuition + fees $12K Graduation 28% Student body 8K Park University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in: Tuition + fees $26K Acceptance 95% Graduation 44% Student body 1K Median SAT/ACT 1015/22 Central Methodist University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in: Tuition + fees $28K Acceptance 85% Graduation 66% Student body 1K Median SAT/ACT 1045/20 Fontbonne University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in: Tuition + fees $7K Graduation 36% Student body 4K Missouri Western State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in: Tuition + fees $7K Acceptance 98% Graduation 32% Student body 4K Median SAT/ACT 990/21 Missouri Southern State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in: Tuition + fees $26K Acceptance 73% Graduation 48% Student body 2K Median SAT/ACT 1027/22 Southwest Baptist University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in: Tuition + fees $8K Graduation 26% Student body 2K Lincoln University, Missouri’s faculty and alumni have been influential in: Tuition + fees $22K Acceptance 42% Graduation 51% Student body 1K Median SAT/ACT 1082/21 Avila University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in: Tuition + fees $32K Acceptance 97% Graduation 60% Student body <1K Median SAT/ACT 1110/22 Westminster College, Missouri’s faculty and alumni have been influential in: Tuition + fees $28K Acceptance 98% Graduation 46% Student body 1K Median SAT/ACT 995/20 Culver–Stockton College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in: Tuition + fees $22K Acceptance 62% Graduation 23% Student body 1K Median SAT/ACT 965/18 Missouri Valley College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in: Tuition + fees $24K Graduation 28% Student body 7K Columbia College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in: Tuition + fees $20K Acceptance 14% Graduation 60% Student body 2K Median SAT/ACT 1084/23 College of the Ozarks’s faculty and alumni have been influential in: Tuition + fees $31K Acceptance 65% Graduation 35% Student body 3K Median SAT/ACT 1010/21 Missouri Baptist University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in: Tuition + fees $5K Graduation 12% Student body 1K Harris–Stowe State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in: Tuition + fees $23K Acceptance 61% Graduation 54% Student body <1K Median SAT/ACT 1075/21 Cottey College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in: Tuition + fees $25K Acceptance 65% Graduation 43% Student body <1K Median SAT/ACT 1020/21 Hannibal–LaGrange University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in: Tuition + fees $16K Graduation 66% Student body 2K Ranken Technical College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in: #3 Best Private Colleges in Missouri 2022 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges in Each State 2021-2022 #6 Best Colleges in Missouri 2022 #6 Best Grad Schools in Missouri 2022 Other Rankings
What is Webster University known for?
Most Influential Alumni
Webster University’s Online Degrees
BA in Legal Studies
BSN in Nursing (RN-to-BSN)
BA in Psychology
Degree Concentrations
BA in Criminology
BA in Educational Studies
BA in General Studies
BA in Media Studies
BA in Criminology
BS in Data Analytics
BA in Educational Studies
BA in General Studies
BA in Management
BA in Media Studies
BSN in Nursing (RN-to-BSN)
#1 Best Small Colleges in Missouri 2022 #3 Missouri's Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #4 Best Public Colleges in Missouri 2022 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2022 Other Rankings
What is Truman State University known for?
Most Influential Alumni
#4 Missouri's Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #5 Best Public Colleges in Missouri 2022 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2022 #8 Best Colleges in Missouri 2022 What is Northwest Missouri State University known for?
Most Influential Alumni
Northwest Missouri State University’s Online Degrees
BS in Nursing (RN-to-BSN)
BS in Psychology
BS in Accounting
Degree Concentrations
BS in Criminology
BS in Marketing
BS in General Studies
Degree Concentrations
BS in Business Management
BS in Communication
Degree Concentrations
BS in Management Information Systems
Degree Concentrations
BS in Business Technology
Degree Concentrations
BS in Accounting
Degree Concentrations
BAS in Applied Science
BS in Business Management
BS in Business Technology
Degree Concentrations
BS in Communication
Degree Concentrations
BS in Criminology
BS in Finance
Degree Concentrations
BS in General Studies
Degree Concentrations
BS in Management Information Systems
Degree Concentrations
BS in Marketing
BSN in Nursing (RN-to-BSN)
#7 Best Public Colleges in Missouri 2022 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2022 #7 Missouri's Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #10 Best Colleges in Missouri 2022 What is University of Central Missouri known for?
Most Influential Alumni
University of Central Missouri’s Online Degrees
BSBA in Big Data & Business Analytics
BS in Criminal Justice and Criminology
BS in Crisis and Disaster Management
Degree Concentrations
BS in Educational Studies and Training
BS in Environmental Safety and Risk Management
BA/BS in General Studies
BSBA in Marketing
BSN in Nursing: RN-to-BSN
BSN in Nursing: Generic option
#7 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #1 Missouri's Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #2 Best Small Colleges in Missouri 2022 #4 Best Private Colleges in Missouri 2022 Other Rankings
What is William Jewell College known for?
Most Influential Alumni
#4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges in Each State 2021-2022 #9 Best Public Colleges in Missouri 2022 #9 Missouri's Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2022 What is Southeast Missouri State University known for?
Most Influential Alumni
Southeast Missouri State University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
BS in Nursing (RN-to-BSN)
BS in General Studies
BA in Psychology
BS in Accounting
BS in Criminal Justice
Degree Concentrations
BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
BA in Social Science
Degree Concentrations
BS in Applied Technology
BS in Child Development
BS in Computer Information Systems
Degree Concentrations
BS in Family Studies
BS in Healthcare Administration
BS in Healthcare Management
BS in Technology Management
BSBA in Accounting
BAS in Applied Technology
BS in Business Administration
BS in Child Development
BS in Computer Information Systems
Degree Concentrations
BS in Criminal Justice
BA in Family Studies
BA in General Studies
BSBA in Healthcare Administration
BS in Healthcare Management
BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
Degree Concentrations
BS in Nursing (RN-to-BSN)
BA in Psychology
BA in Social Science
#23 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2022 #3 Best Christian Colleges in Missouri 2022 #4 Best Small Colleges in Missouri 2022 #7 Best Private Colleges in Missouri 2022 Other Rankings
What is Evangel University known for?
Most Influential Alumni
#2 Missouri's Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #4 Best Christian Colleges in Missouri 2022 #5 Best Small Colleges in Missouri 2022 #8 Best Private Colleges in Missouri 2022 What is Rockhurst University known for?
Most Influential Alumni
#5 Best Christian Colleges in Missouri 2022 #6 Best Small Colleges in Missouri 2022 #9 Best Private Colleges in Missouri 2022 What is Drury University known for?
Most Influential Alumni
Drury University’s Online Degrees
BS in Behavioral and Community Health
BBA in Business Administration
BS in Communication
BS in Criminal Justice
BS in Emergency Management
BS in English and Writing
Degree Concentrations
BS in Health Services Management
BS in History
Degree Concentrations
BS in Human Services
BS in Organizational Leadership Studies
Degree Concentrations
BS in Psychology
Degree Concentrations
What is Stephens College known for?
Most Influential Alumni
What is Park University known for?
Most Influential Alumni
Park University’s Online Degrees
BS in Accounting
BS in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
BS in Chemistry
BS in Construction Management
BS/BA in Criminal Justice Administration
Degree Concentrations
BS in Education Studies
Degree Concentrations
BA in English and Professional Writing
BS in Geography
BS in Information and Computer Science
Degree Concentrations
BS in Information Systems
BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
BS in Logistics
BS in Management
BS in Marketing
BS in Military History
BA in Organizational Communication
BA in Political Science
BA in Psychology
BS in Social Psychology
What is Central Methodist University known for?
Most Influential Alumni
Central Methodist University’s Online Degrees
BACC in Accounting
BS in Applied Behavior Analysis
BS/BA in Business
Degree Concentrations
BS in Child Development
BS/BA in Communication
BS/BA in Computer Science
BS/BA in Criminal Justice
BS in Cybersecurtiy
BS in Educational Studies
BA in English
BS in Health Science
BS/BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
BAS in Management
BS/BA in Mathematics
BS in Nursing
BA in Professional Writing and Publication
BS/BA in Psychology
BS/BA in Sociology
What is Fontbonne University known for?
Most Influential Alumni
Fontbonne University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
BS in Special Education
Degree Concentrations
What is Missouri Western State University known for?
Most Influential Alumni
Missouri Western State University’s Online Degrees
BS in Criminal Justice
Degree Concentrations
BA in General Studies
BS in Health Information Management
BS in Nursing
What is Missouri Southern State University known for?
Most Influential Alumni
Missouri Southern State University’s Online Degrees
BAS in Applied Science
Degree Concentrations
BSBA in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
BS in Criminal Justice Administration
BAS/BS in Environmental Health and Safety
Degree Concentrations
BGS in General Studies
Degree Concentrations
What is Southwest Baptist University known for?
Most Influential Alumni
Southwest Baptist University’s Online Degrees
BS in General Business
BSN in Nursing (RN-to-BSN)
Degree Concentrations
What is Lincoln University, Missouri known for?
Most Influential Alumni
What is Avila University known for?
Most Influential Alumni
Avila University’s Online Degrees
BA in Business Management
BS in Elementary Education
BA in Healthcare Management
BA in Human Resources
BA in Liberal Arts
What is Westminster College, Missouri known for?
Most Influential Alumni
What is Culver–Stockton College known for?
Most Influential Alumni
Culver–Stockton College’s Online Degrees
BS in Accountancy
BS in Business Administration
BS/BAAS in Criminal Justice
BS in Digital Marketing
BS in Esports and Gaming Administration
BS in Human Resource Management
BS in Marketing
BS in Professional Sales
BS in Sport Management
What is Missouri Valley College known for?
Most Influential Alumni
Missouri Valley College’s Online Degrees
Bachelor’s in Management
Degree Concentrations
BSN in Nursing (LPN-to-BSN)
BA/BS in Psychology
What is Columbia College known for?
Most Influential Alumni
Columbia College ’s Online Degrees
BA/BS in Accounting
BA in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
BA/BS in Criminal Justice Administration
BS in Cybersecurity
BA/BS in Finance
BA in English
BGS in General Studies
BA/BS in Healthcare Management
BA in History
BA/BS in Human Resource Management
BA/BS in Human Services
BA/BS in Innovation and Entrepreneurship
BA/BS in International Business
BA in Management
BS in Management Information Systems
BA/BS in Marketing
BSN in Nursing (RN-to-BSN)
BA/BS in Organizational Leadership
BA in Political Science
BA in Psychology
BA/BS in Public Administration
BA in Sociology
#12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degree #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees What is College of the Ozarks known for?
Most Influential Alumni
What is Missouri Baptist University known for?
Most Influential Alumni
Missouri Baptist University’s Online Degrees
BA in Applied Management
BS in Business Administration
BA in Criminal Justice
BPS in General Studies
BPS in Healthcare Management
BS in Information Technology
Degree Concentrations
BA in Liberal Arts
BA in Management
BS in Marketing
BS in Ministry and Leadership
BS in Nursing
BPS in Organizational Leadership
BA in Psychology
What is Harris–Stowe State University known for?
Most Influential Alumni
What is Cottey College known for?
Most Influential Alumni
What is Hannibal–LaGrange University known for?
Most Influential Alumni
Hannibal–LaGrange University’s Online Degrees
BS/BAS in Business Management
BSN in Nursing (RN-to-BSN)
What is Ranken Technical College known for?
Most Influential Alumni
Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 we utiulized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.
