Best Small Colleges in Missouri 2026
Small colleges in Missouri are a great option for students interested in a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Whether the focus is on the technical or on the liberal arts, small colleges give you the chance to pursue a well-rounded education while working closely with classmates and professors in a dynamic community atmosphere.
Key Takeaways
- The best small colleges in Missouri often feature low student-to-faculty ratios, allowing for individualized attention and close mentorship opportunities that foster academic and personal growth.
- The institutions in our ranking emphasize a tight-knit campus environment where students can build meaningful relationships with peers, faculty, and staff, enhancing their overall college experience.
- Many of the colleges in our ranking combine a liberal arts education with career-focused programs, offering students a well-rounded academic foundation and practical skills for future success.
10 Best Small Colleges in Missouri in 2026
The list below identifies the best small colleges and universities in Missouri for 2026, focusing on primarily four‑year undergraduate institutions with fewer than 5,000 students. To keep the selection practical for students seeking intimate class sizes and close faculty engagement, included schools are fully accredited and maintain undergraduate populations under 5,000. For a filterable view of institutions that meet these parameters, see this set of 23 small colleges in Missouri.
This guide emphasizes academic fit, program strengths, campus culture, and outcomes that matter to prospective students — not just prestige. Use the profiles below to compare degree offerings, experiential opportunities, and the learning environments that small colleges in Missouri are most likely to provide.
Best Small Colleges in Missouri
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri 2026 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2026 #5 Best Public 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
- #2 Best Christian Colleges in Missouri 2026 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri 2026 #4 Best Private Colleges in Missouri 2026 #9 Best Colleges in Missouri 2026
Tuition + fees
$38K
Acceptance
58%
Graduation
61%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1210/25
Career Outlook for degree at Drury University
Cost of Degree: $35,235Expenses: $15,386Starting Salary: $45,136Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Drury University known for?
Drury University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Sociology
- Philosophy
- Business
- Mathematics
- Psychology
- Biology
- Political Science
- Engineering
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
Drury University’s Online Degrees
BS in Sociology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Health Services Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Behavioral And Community Health
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Psychology- Resilience and Performance Optimization
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
- #14 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri 2026 #5 Best Private Colleges in Missouri 2026 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2026
Tuition + fees
$22K
Acceptance
38%
Graduation
63%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1175/21
Career Outlook for degree at William Jewell College
Cost of Degree: $19,890Expenses: $16,049Starting Salary: $63,955Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is William Jewell College known for?
William Jewell College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Physics
- Philosophy
- Literature
- History
- Engineering
- Business
- Political Science
- Communications
- Psychology
- Medical
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Best Christian Colleges in Missouri 2026 #6 Best Private Colleges in Missouri 2026 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri 2026 #8 Best Online MBA Programs in Missouri
Tuition + fees
$46K
Acceptance
70%
Graduation
72%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Rockhurst University
Cost of Degree: $43,420Expenses: $19,410Starting Salary: $73,697Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Rockhurst University known for?
Rockhurst University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Philosophy
- Religious Studies
- Nursing
- Engineering
- Medical
- Physics
- Political Science
- Chemistry
- History
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Christian Colleges in Missouri 2026 #7 Best Private Colleges in Missouri 2026 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri 2026 #3 Best Online Associate in English 2026
Tuition + fees
$29K
Acceptance
57%
Graduation
49%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1002/20
Career Outlook for degree at Central Methodist University
Cost of Degree: $27,140Expenses: $17,260Starting Salary: $53,620Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Central Methodist University known for?
Central Methodist University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Criminal Justice
- Chemistry
- Political Science
- Nursing
- Philosophy
- Literature
- History
- Biology
- Physics
Most Influential Alumni
Central Methodist University’s Online Degrees
BS/BA in Communication
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Accounting
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS/BA in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Child Development
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Education
Degree Concentrations
- Elementary Education
- Secondary Education
- Special Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS/BA in Business
Degree Concentrations
- Management
- Marketing and Advertising
- Business Administration
- Banking and Finance
- Entrepreneurship
- Agribusiness
- International Business
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in English
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS/BA in Computer Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Educational Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS/BA in Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS/BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS/BA in Mathematics
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS/BA in Sociology
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Sports Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
Tuition + fees
$29K
Acceptance
77%
Graduation
57%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1200/19
Career Outlook for degree at Stephens College
Cost of Degree: $27,000Expenses: $18,933Starting Salary: $46,625Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Stephens College known for?
Stephens College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #21 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #10 Best Public 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
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
79%
Graduation
55%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1120/21
Career Outlook for degree at Westminster College, Missouri
Cost of Degree: $34,188Expenses: $17,918Starting Salary: $57,881Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Westminster College, Missouri known for?
Westminster College, Missouri’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Chemistry
- Communications
- Political Science
- History
- Physics
- Philosophy
- Mathematics
- Economics
- Psychology
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$30K
Acceptance
72%
Graduation
60%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1150/24
Career Outlook for degree at Evangel University
Cost of Degree: $27,192Expenses: $13,728Starting Salary: $47,597Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Evangel University known for?
Evangel University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Social Work
- Medical
- Philosophy
- Computer Science
- Psychology
- Political Science
- Criminal Justice
- Literature
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
- #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 #14 Best Online MBA Programs in Missouri
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
$29K
Acceptance
95%
Student body
<1K
What is Fontbonne University known for?
Fontbonne University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Communications
- Business
- Literature
- Education
- Nursing
- Mathematics
- Law
- Social Work
- Computer Science
- Religious Studies
Most Influential Alumni
Fontbonne University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Accounting
- Finance
- Management
- Social Entrepreneurship.
- Required Credits: 108
- Format: Fully online
BS in Special Education: Paraprofessional Pathways to Teaching
- 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
- #9 Best Christian Colleges in Missouri 2026 #2 Best Online Associate in Health Science Degree Programs #8 Best Online Associate Degrees in Missouri 2026 #19 Best Online Colleges in Missouri 2026
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
68%
Graduation
43%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1010/21
Career Outlook for degree at Southwest Baptist University
Cost of Degree: $28,320Expenses: $12,452Starting Salary: $50,155Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Southwest Baptist University known for?
Southwest Baptist University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Medical
- Sociology
- Computer Science
- Religious Studies
- Social Work
- History
- Business
- Literature
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
Southwest Baptist University’s Online Degrees
BS in Health Sciences
- Required Credits: 128-142
- Format: Fully online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 128
- Format: Fully online
- #9 Best Online Colleges for Students Who Work Part-Time 2026 #10 Best Christian Colleges in Missouri 2026 #12 Best Online MBA Programs in Missouri #20 Best Online Colleges in Missouri 2026
Tuition + fees
$42K
Acceptance
88%
Graduation
44%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
880/18
Career Outlook for degree at Avila University
Cost of Degree: $38,762Expenses: $13,665Starting Salary: $59,717Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Avila University known for?
Avila University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Computer Science
- Religious Studies
- Literature
- Sociology
- History
- Medical
- Biology
Most Influential Alumni
Avila University’s Online Degrees
BA in Human Resources
- Format: Fully online
BA in Business Management
- Format: Fully online
BA in Strategic Communication
- Format: Fully online
- #12 Best Colleges and Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees 2026 #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees #24 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2026
Tuition + fees
$24K
Acceptance
12%
Graduation
63%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1135/22
Career Outlook for degree at College of the Ozarks
Cost of Degree: $21,290Expenses: $12,444Starting Salary: $47,246Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is College of the Ozarks known for?
College of the Ozarks’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- History
- Education
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Business
- Religious Studies
- Computer Science
- Biology
- Medical
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$30K
Acceptance
69%
Graduation
58%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Cottey College
Cost of Degree: $26,209Expenses: $13,446Starting Salary: $46,543Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Cottey College known for?
Cottey College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #10 Best Research Universities in Missouri 2026 #7 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Missouri #13 Best Online MBA Programs in Missouri #21 Best Online Colleges in Missouri 2026
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
47%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at William Woods University
Cost of Degree: $28,860Expenses: $21,617Starting Salary: $48,405Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is William Woods University known for?
William Woods University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Medical
- History
- Mathematics
- Education
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
- Communications
- Criminal Justice
Most Influential Alumni
William Woods University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 122
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Management And Leadership
- Required Credits: 124
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Paralegal Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Cybersecurity
- Required Credits: 124
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Deaf Human Services
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Interpretation Studies Is Asl-English Degree
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BSN in Nursing
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion Time: 2 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
- #9 Best Online Associate in Business Management #9 Best Online Associate in Small Business Management #9 Best Online Associate Degrees in Missouri 2026 #22 Best Online Colleges in Missouri 2026
Tuition + fees
$24K
Acceptance
69%
Graduation
25%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1005/18
Career Outlook for degree at Missouri Valley College
Cost of Degree: $23,000Expenses: $14,900Starting Salary: $50,364Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Missouri Valley College known for?
Missouri Valley College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Missouri Valley College’s Online Degrees
BA/BS in Psychology
- Required Credits: 50
- Format: Fully online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 106
- Completion Time: 2 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Business Management
Degree Concentrations
- Administration
- Entrepreneurship
- Required Credits: 60
- Format: Fully online
- #10 Best Online MBA Programs in Missouri #11 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Missouri #11 Best Online Associate Degrees in Missouri 2026 #24 Best Online Associate in Marketing
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
69%
Graduation
50%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for degree at Missouri Baptist University
Cost of Degree: $33,122Expenses: $18,898Starting Salary: $49,360Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Missouri Baptist University known for?
Missouri Baptist University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Missouri Baptist University’s Online Degrees
BA in Applied Management!
- Completion Time: 24 months
- Format: Fully online
Bachelor of Professional Studies in Healthcare Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 24 months
- Format: Fully online
BS in Business Administration
- Completion Time: 24 months
- Format: Fully online
Bachelor of Professional Studies in General Studies
- Completion Time: 24 months
- Format: Fully online
BA in Criminal Justice
- Completion Time: 24 months
- Format: Fully online
BA in Psychology
- Completion Time: 24 months
- Format: Fully online
BA in Management
- Completion Time: 24 months
- Format: Fully online
BS in Nursing
- Completion Time: 12- 22 months
- Format: Fully online
BS in Ministry and Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 24 months
- Format: Fully online
Bachelor of Professional Studies in Organizational Leadership
- Completion Time: 24 months
- Format: Fully online
BS in Information Technology
Degree Concentrations
- Cybersecurity
- Application Development
- Completion Time: 24 months
- Format: Fully online
BA in Liberal Arts
- Completion Time: 24 months
- Format: Fully online
BA in Sport Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 24 months
- Format: Fully online
BS in Marketing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 24 months
- Format: Fully online
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
45%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Culver–Stockton College
Cost of Degree: $29,915Expenses: $14,553Starting Salary: $52,791Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Culver–Stockton College known for?
Culver–Stockton College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Law
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Criminal Justice
- Nursing
- Chemistry
- Business
- Computer Science
- Communications
- Literature
Most Influential Alumni
Culver–Stockton College’s Online Degrees
BAS in Criminal Justice Administration
- Required Credits: 31
- Format: Fully online
Tuition + fees
$27K
Acceptance
73%
Graduation
56%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Hannibal–LaGrange University
Cost of Degree: $26,880Expenses: $14,200Starting Salary: $48,798Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Hannibal–LaGrange University known for?
Hannibal–LaGrange University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Hannibal–LaGrange University’s Online Degrees
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 125
- Completion Time: 12 months
- Format: Fully online
Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Management
- Required Credits: 124
- Format: Fully online
Tuition + fees
$19K
Graduation
47%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Ranken Technical College
Cost of Degree: $17,490Expenses: $17,488Starting Salary: $60,835Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Ranken Technical College known for?
Ranken Technical College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Missouri’s Best Small 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.
- Westminster College, Missouri
- Stephens College
- William Woods University
- Drury University
- William Jewell College
- Evangel University
- Rockhurst University
- Fontbonne University
- Central Methodist University
- Southwest Baptist University
- College of the Ozarks
- Avila University
- Cottey College
- Hannibal–LaGrange University
- Culver–Stockton College
- Ranken Technical College
