Best Public Colleges in Missouri 2026
Public colleges and universities account for almost 75 percent of all undergraduate students in the U.S. The best public colleges in Missouri provide broad access to reputable degree programs, affordable tuition, and sprawling educational communities.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri’s top public colleges offer a broad range of academic disciplines, from STEM fields to the humanities, providing flexibility for students to pursue varied interests and career paths.
- With competitive in-state tuition rates and robust financial aid options, the best public colleges in Missouri make higher education more accessible to Missouri residents and out-of-state students alike.
- The institutions in our ranking support students with extensive career services, internships, and alumni connections, helping them build professional networks and enhance employability post-graduation.
10 Best Public Colleges in Missouri in 2026
- University of Missouri
- University of Missouri–Kansas City
- Southeast Missouri State University
- Missouri University of Science and Technology
- Truman State University
- Missouri State University
- University of Missouri–St. Louis
- University of Central Missouri
- Northwest Missouri State University
- Lincoln University
This list is composed entirely of public colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 13 public universities in Missouri. To be included in our list of the best public colleges in Missouri, schools must receive direct funding from the state, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor’s degrees.
Use the rankings below to compare institutions on the qualities that matter most: academic breadth and program strength, affordability and in-state tuition, campus size and setting, research activity versus teaching focus, and the variety of student services and experiential learning opportunities. If you’re choosing a campus, weigh program fit and post-graduate outcomes over headline rank—regional reputation, internships, and departmental strengths often determine your day-to-day experience and career trajectory more than overall position on a list.
Best Public Colleges in Missouri
- #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2026 #2 Best Grad Schools in Missouri 2026 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026 #2 Best Research Universities in Missouri 2026
Tuition + fees
$16K
Acceptance
78%
Graduation
77%
Student body
33K
Median SAT/ACT
1240/26
Career Outlook for degree at University of Missouri
Cost of Degree: $14,130Expenses: $18,142Starting Salary: $69,958Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Missouri known for?
University of Missouri’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Earth Sciences
- Communications
- Education
- History
- Psychology
- Business
- Biology
- Literature
- Political Science
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
University of Missouri’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Information Technology
- Required Credits: 126
- Format: Fully online
BS in Early Childhood Education In A Mobile Society
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: `
- Format: Fully online
BES in Educational Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Sociology
- Required Credits: 60
- Format: Fully online
BA in Communication
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in English
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BGS in General Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
- Required Credits: 30
- Format: Fully online
BHS in Radiography
- Required Credits: 30
- Format: Fully online
BHS in Respiratory Therapy
- Required Credits: 30
- Format: Fully online
BHS in Public Health
- Required Credits: 60
- Format: Fully online
BHS in Health Science
- Required Credits: 64
- Format: Fully online
BS in Fitness Programming And Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
- #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2026 #4 Best Grad Schools in Missouri 2026 #4 Best Research Universities in Missouri 2026 #4 Best Colleges in Missouri 2026
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
72%
Graduation
56%
Student body
17K
Median SAT/ACT
1420/24
Career Outlook for degree at University of Missouri–Kansas City
Cost of Degree: $12,734Expenses: $17,578Starting Salary: $63,110Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Missouri–Kansas City known for?
University of Missouri–Kansas City’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri 2026 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2026 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026 #5 Best Colleges in Missouri 2026
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
74%
Graduation
61%
Student body
11K
Career Outlook for degree at Southeast Missouri State University
Cost of Degree: $9,495Expenses: $17,786Starting Salary: $48,748Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Southeast Missouri State University known for?
Southeast Missouri State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Political Science
- Chemistry
- Social Work
- Literature
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Communications
- Education
- History
- Nursing
Most Influential Alumni
Southeast Missouri State University’s Online Degrees
BAS in Applied Technology
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion Time: 2 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Child & Family Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Child Development (
- Required Credits: 121
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Computer Information Systems
Degree Concentrations
- Cybersecurity
- Artificial Intelligence
- and Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Criminal Justice
Degree Concentrations
- Law Enforcement
- Corrections
- Criminology
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Human Environmental Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Family Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Accounting
- General Management
- Health
- Administration
- and Sport Management.
- Healthcare Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Interdisciplinary Studies,
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in General Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Social Science
Degree Concentrations
- Anthropology
- Criminal Justice
- Economics
- History (any prefix)
- Political Science
- Psychology
- or Sociology
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Technology Management
Degree Concentrations
- Technology Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
- #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2026 #5 Best Research Universities in Missouri 2026 #6 Best Grad Schools in Missouri 2026 #7 Best Colleges in Missouri 2026
Tuition + fees
$16K
Acceptance
73%
Graduation
67%
Student body
8K
Median SAT/ACT
1305/28
Career Outlook for degree at Missouri University of Science and Technology
Cost of Degree: $14,278Expenses: $15,282Starting Salary: $85,917Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Missouri University of Science and Technology known for?
Missouri University of Science and Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Engineering
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Business
- Earth Sciences
- Biology
- Philosophy
Most Influential Alumni
- #1 Best Small Colleges in Missouri 2026 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri 2026 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2026 #8 Best Colleges in Missouri 2026
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
74%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1270/28
Career Outlook for degree at Truman State University
Cost of Degree: $9,470Expenses: $15,981Starting Salary: $57,751Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Truman State University known for?
Truman State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Literature
- Communications
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Political Science
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Economics
- Nursing
Most Influential Alumni
- #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2026 #6 Best Research Universities in Missouri 2026 #10 Best Colleges in Missouri 2026 #14 Best Colleges and Universities for Economics Degrees 2026
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
59%
Student body
27K
Median SAT/ACT
1145/22
Career Outlook for degree at Missouri State University
Cost of Degree: $9,024Expenses: $16,024Starting Salary: $52,782Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Missouri State University known for?
Missouri State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Anthropology
- Religious Studies
- Business
- Education
- Political Science
- Earth Sciences
- Psychology
- History
- Communications
- Economics
Most Influential Alumni
Missouri State University’s Online Degrees
BS in Health Services
Degree Concentrations
- Health Services
- Clinical services
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BAS/BS in Hospitality Leadership
Degree Concentrations
- Club management
- Food and beverage
- General operations
- Lodging
- Senior living management
- Tourism
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS/BA in Communication Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS/BA in Religious Studies
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Psychology
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS/BA in Criminology and Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Nursing
- Completion Time: 1-2 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Business Analysis
- Format: Fully online
BS in Information Technology
Degree Concentrations
- Application Development
- IT Infrastructure or Cybersecurity
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Professional Writing
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Finance
Degree Concentrations
- Corporate and Investments
- Financial Planning
- Required Credits: 120-121
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Sociology
- Format: Fully 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: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Marketing
Degree Concentrations
- Marketing Management
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
- #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2026 #7 Best Grad Schools in Missouri 2026 #7 Best Research Universities in Missouri 2026 #5 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Missouri
Tuition + fees
$15K
Acceptance
63%
Graduation
62%
Student body
17K
Median SAT/ACT
1175/23
Career Outlook for degree at University of Missouri–St. Louis
Cost of Degree: $14,400Expenses: $20,666Starting Salary: $59,899Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Missouri–St. Louis known for?
University of Missouri–St. Louis’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Biology
- Sociology
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Anthropology
- Earth Sciences
- Economics
- Chemistry
- Political Science
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
University of Missouri–St. Louis’s Online Degrees
BSBA in Entrepreneurship
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BSBA in Finance
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BSBA in International Business
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully 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: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BSBA in Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BSBA in Marketing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Organizational Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BSBA in Supply Chain Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BSBA in Business Administration
- Format: Fully online
BS in Computer Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 3 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Computing Technology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Information Systems And Technology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BSBA in Information Systems And Technology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Cybersecurity: Information Systems & Technology
- Required Credits: 123
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Criminology & Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Cybersecurity
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Communication
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in History
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Philosophy
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Political Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri 2026 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2026 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Construction Management Degree Programs #5 Top 10 Best Online PhD of Information Technology Programs (Doctorates)
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
64%
Graduation
52%
Student body
18K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Central Missouri
Cost of Degree: $9,735Expenses: $14,064Starting Salary: $52,739Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- Format: Fully online
BS in Environmental Safety and Risk Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 2 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Marketing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 120-121
- Format: Fully online
BS in Public Relations and Strategic Communication
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Technology Management
Degree Concentrations
- General Technology
- Virtual Media
- Quality Systems
- Manufacturing Engineering Technology
- Networking
- Construction
- Management
- Format: Fully online
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri 2026 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2026 #2 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Missouri #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Missouri
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
52%
Student body
12K
Median SAT/ACT
1084/21
Career Outlook for degree at Northwest Missouri State University
Cost of Degree: $10,181Expenses: $14,764Starting Salary: $52,028Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Northwest Missouri State University known for?
Northwest Missouri State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Mathematics
- History
- Communications
- Biology
- Education
- Economics
- Computer Science
- Business
- Sociology
- Literature
Most Influential Alumni
Northwest Missouri State University’s Online Degrees
BS in Communication
Degree Concentrations
- Public Relations
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in General Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Communication – Public Relations
- Business Management
- Business Technology
- Marketing
- Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion Time: 12 months
- Format: Fully online
BS in Business Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Business Technology
Degree Concentrations
- Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Marketing
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
- #21 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #7 Best Small Colleges in Missouri 2026 #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Missouri #7 HBCU MBA Programs Online
Tuition + fees
$10K
Graduation
24%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Lincoln University, Missouri
Cost of Degree: $9,290Expenses: $16,106Starting Salary: $41,642Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Lincoln University, Missouri known for?
Lincoln University, Missouri’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Lincoln University, Missouri’s Online Degrees
BS in Nursing
- #10 Best Small Colleges in Missouri 2026 #7 Best Online Associate Degrees in Missouri 2026 #8 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs 2026 #12 Best Online Associate in Paralegal Studies
Tuition + fees
$11K
Graduation
35%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Missouri Western State University
Cost of Degree: $8,970Expenses: $14,845Starting Salary: $47,624Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Missouri Western State University known for?
Missouri Western State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Economics
- History
- Communications
- Business
- Biology
- Social Work
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
Missouri Western State University’s Online Degrees
BS in Criminal Justice
Degree Concentrations
- Corrections
- Juvenile Justice
- Law Enforcement
- Legal Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Health Information Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in General Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
Tuition + fees
$7K
Graduation
33%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Harris–Stowe State University
Cost of Degree: $6,442Expenses: $18,798Starting Salary: $39,919Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Harris–Stowe State University known for?
Harris–Stowe State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Communications
- Education
- History
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Medical
- Criminal Justice
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
97%
Graduation
39%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1285/20
Career Outlook for degree at Missouri Southern State University
Cost of Degree: $8,400Expenses: $11,651Starting Salary: $48,193Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Missouri Southern State University known for?
Missouri Southern State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Missouri Southern State University’s Online Degrees
BA in Applied Science
- Required Credits: 124
- Format: Fully online
BS in Environmental Health and Safety
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Health Science
Degree Concentrations
- Dental Hygiene
- Respiratory Therapy
- Radiologic Technology
- Paramedic / EMS
- Format: Fully online
BS in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- General Business
- Accounting
- International Business
- Management
- Human Resources Management
- Marketing
- Finance
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in General Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Criminal Justice Administration
- Required Credits: 120-124
- Format: Fully online
Missouri’s Best Public College in Your Area of Interest
2021 Ranking Archive
Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized 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.
Check out our directory of public colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top public colleges in every state.
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