Best Public Colleges in Missouri 2025
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 2025
- University of Missouri
- University of Missouri–Kansas City +1
- Southeast Missouri State University +6
- Missouri University of Science and Technology –2
- Truman State University –1
- Missouri State University
- University of Missouri–St. Louis +1
- University of Central Missouri –1
- Northwest Missouri State University –4
- Lincoln University +2
2025 Ranking Update
Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.
In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best public colleges in Missouri saw a considerable amount of shuffling. Southeast Missouri State University gained the most ranking positions as the university improved their technology and health science programs, including updated labs and learning resources to prepare students for high-demand careers.
Additionally, the university has revamped its campus facilities, including the student union and dormitories, to create more collaborative, comfortable spaces for studying and socializing. Furthermore, they’ve enhanced mental health and wellness services, with new on-campus counseling initiatives and wellness programs designed to support students holistically throughout their academic journey.
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.
Best Public Colleges in Missouri
- #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools in Missouri 2025 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #2 Best Research Universities in Missouri 2025
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: $14,130Expenses: $18,142Starting Salary: $56,600Cost Recoup Time: 11 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: 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
- #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2024 #4 Best Grad Schools in Missouri 2025 #4 Best Research Universities in Missouri 2025 #5 Best Colleges in Missouri 2024
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: $12,734Expenses: $17,578Starting Salary: $57,200Cost Recoup Time: 11 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 2025 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2024 #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Missouri 2024
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: $9,495Expenses: $17,786Starting Salary: $41,400Cost Recoup Time: 12 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: 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
- #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2024 #4 Best Colleges in Missouri 2024 #5 Best Grad Schools in Missouri 2025 #5 Best Research Universities in Missouri 2025
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
81%
Graduation
62%
Student body
8K
Median SAT/ACT
1271/28
Career Outlook for degree at Missouri University of Science and Technology
Cost of Degree: $14,278Expenses: $15,282Starting Salary: $72,400Cost Recoup Time: 9 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 2025 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2024 #7 Best Colleges in Missouri 2024
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: $9,470Expenses: $15,981Starting Salary: $50,500Cost Recoup Time: 10 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 2024 #6 Best Research Universities in Missouri 2025 #9 Best Colleges in Missouri 2024 #14 Best Colleges and Universities for Economics Degrees 2025
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: $9,024Expenses: $16,024Starting Salary: $44,500Cost Recoup Time: 11 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
- 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
- #7 Best Grad Schools in Missouri 2025 #7 Best Research Universities in Missouri 2025 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2024 #5 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Missouri
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: $14,400Expenses: $20,666Starting Salary: $49,200Cost Recoup Time: 13 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: 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
- #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2024 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri 2025 #10 Best Colleges in Missouri 2024 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Construction Management Degree Programs
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
53%
Student body
15K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Central Missouri
Cost of Degree: $9,735Expenses: $14,064Starting Salary: $42,600Cost Recoup Time: 11 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
- 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
- #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2024 #8 Best Colleges in Missouri 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri 2025 #2 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Missouri
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: $10,181Expenses: $14,764Starting Salary: $43,700Cost Recoup Time: 11 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
- 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
- #21 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #7 Best Small Colleges in Missouri 2025 #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Missouri #7 HBCU MBA Programs Online
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
29%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Lincoln University, Missouri
Cost of Degree: $9,290Expenses: $16,106Starting Salary: $34,600Cost Recoup Time: 13 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
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
36%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1090/21
Career Outlook for degree at Missouri Southern State University
Cost of Degree: $8,400Expenses: $11,651Starting Salary: $38,100Cost Recoup Time: 11 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
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Environmental Health and Safety
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Health Science
Degree Concentrations
- Dental Hygiene
- Respiratory Therapy
- Radiologic Technology
- Paramedic / EMS
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- General Business
- Accounting
- International Business
- Management
- Human Resources Management
- Marketing
- Finance
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in General Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #6 Best Online Associate Degrees in Missouri 2024 #8 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs 2025 #12 Best Online Associate in Paralegal Studies #14 Best Online MBA Programs in Missouri
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
41%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Missouri Western State University
Cost of Degree: $8,970Expenses: $14,845Starting Salary: $38,200Cost Recoup Time: 12 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
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Health Information Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in General Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
20%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Harris–Stowe State University
Cost of Degree: $6,442Expenses: $18,798Starting Salary: $30,900Cost Recoup Time: 14 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
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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