Best Public Colleges in Missouri 2025

Badge for BEST IN MISSOURI PUBLIC COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski
Published:
Updated:

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

  1. University of Missouri
  2. University of Missouri–Kansas City
    +1
  3. Southeast Missouri State University
    +6
  4. Missouri University of Science and Technology
    –2
  5. Truman State University
    –1
  6. Missouri State University
  7. University of Missouri–St. Louis
    +1
  8. University of Central Missouri
    –1
  9. Northwest Missouri State University
    –4
  10. 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. #1

    University of Missouri

    Columbia , MO
    #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
    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: $14,130
    Expenses: $18,142
    Starting Salary: $56,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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
  2. #2

    University of Missouri–Kansas City

    Kansas City , MO
    #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: $12,734
    Expenses: $17,578
    Starting Salary: $57,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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
  3. #3

    Southeast Missouri State University

    Cape Girardeau , MO
    #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
    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: $9,495
    Expenses: $17,786
    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
  6. #5

    Truman State University

    Kirksville , MO
    #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
    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: $9,470
    Expenses: $15,981
    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
  7. #6

    Missouri State University

    Springfield , MO
    #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
    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: $9,024
    Expenses: $16,024
    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
  8. #7

    University of Missouri–St. Louis

    Saint Louis , MO
    #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
    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: $14,400
    Expenses: $20,666
    Starting Salary: $49,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 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
  9. #8

    University of Central Missouri

    Warrensburg , MO
    #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
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    15K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Central Missouri

    Cost of Degree: $9,735
    Expenses: $14,064
    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
  10. #9

    Northwest Missouri State University

    Maryville , MO
    #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
    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: $10,181
    Expenses: $14,764
    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
  12. #10

    Lincoln University, Missouri

    Jefferson City , MO
    #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: $9,290
    Expenses: $16,106
    Starting Salary: $34,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
    Compare school
  13. #11

    Missouri Southern State University

    Joplin , MO
    #9 Best Small Colleges in Missouri 2025 #14 Best Online Colleges in Missouri 2024

    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: $8,400
    Expenses: $11,651
    Starting Salary: $38,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
    Compare school
  14. #12

    Missouri Western State University

    Saint Joseph , MO
    #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
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Missouri Western State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,970
    Expenses: $14,845
    Starting Salary: $38,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Missouri Western State University known for?

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

    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
    Compare school
  15. #13

    Harris–Stowe State University

    Saint Louis , MO

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    20%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Harris–Stowe State University

    Cost of Degree: $6,442
    Expenses: $18,798
    Starting Salary: $30,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Harris–Stowe State University known for?

    Harris–Stowe State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
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Missouri’s Best Public College 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
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.

  1. University of Missouri
  2. Missouri University of Science and Technology
  3. Southeast Missouri State University
  4. Truman State University
  5. University of Missouri–Kansas City
  6. Missouri State University
  7. University of Missouri–St. Louis
  8. Northwest Missouri State University
  9. University of Central Missouri

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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