Best Small Colleges in Missouri 2023
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.
10 Best Small Colleges in Missouri 2022
Colleges and Universities in Missouri
Tuition costs in Missouri fall below the national average, allowing students access to many affordable options. For example, at Missouri State University, the second largest public school, tuition fees are around $7,000. Students of actor John Goodman’s alma mater can major in fields like religious studies, history, and business, and even have the option of earning an associate degree in arts or a bachelor’s in business at the university’s sister school in China. Missouri also offers more than 40 private schools.
Find college admissions consultants in your state.
Tuition and student populations vary greatly among these schools, but students who attend these higher education institutes also have the option to attend classes at other campuses. For example, Saint Louis University, a college with Jesuit roots, has campuses in both St. Louis and Madrid, Spain. Additionally, Missouri offers special loan forgiveness programs for nurses and other health professionals, including dentists, psychiatrists, and primary care physicians, who work in designated, high-need areas.
When you aren’t exploring one of its 6,000 caves, chowing down on some barbecue, or taking in a live jazz performance, Missouri can serve as the perfect place to begin a road trip. The Show Me State is bordered by eight other U.S. states, making it ideal for students love travelling and planning weekend getaways. During the week days, students can continue on their road to success by pursuing their degree at one of Missouri’s 72 higher education institutes.
See where Missouri’s many roads can take you while earning your degree at one this state’s top learning institutions.
What are Missouri’s Colleges & Universities?
- 10 Research Universities
- 28 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 13 Graduate Schools
- 13 Public Colleges & Universities
- 25 Private Colleges & Universities
- 16 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 23 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 18 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 12 Community Colleges
- 30 Online Colleges
Missouri’s Best Overall
The following list of the best small colleges and universities in Missouri is composed mainly of four-year undergraduate schools (though a handful also offer graduate programs). We’ve identified 23 small colleges in Missouri. The list below of the best small colleges in Missouri. To be included schools must fully accredited, and must have student body populations below 5,000 students.
Best Small Colleges in Missouri 2022
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri 2023 #4 Best Public Colleges in Missouri 2023 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2023 #7 Best Colleges in Missouri 2023
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
61%
Graduation
72%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1205/27
What is Truman State University known for?
Truman State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Communications
- Physics
- Political Science
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Literature
- Chemistry
- History
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #4 Best Private Colleges in Missouri 2023 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri 2023 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2023
Tuition + fees
$19K
Acceptance
47%
Graduation
65%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1150/23
What is William Jewell College known for?
William Jewell College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Physics
- Philosophy
- History
- Engineering
- Business
- Psychology
- Political Science
- Medical
- Literature
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Best Christian Colleges in Missouri 2023 #6 Best Private Colleges in Missouri 2023 #9 Best Research Universities in Missouri 2023 #9 Best Grad Schools in Missouri 2023
Tuition + fees
$27K
Acceptance
68%
Graduation
55%
Student body
1K
What is William Woods University known for?
William Woods University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Psychology
- Criminal Justice
- Computer Science
- Social Work
- Medical
- Mathematics
- Communications
- History
- Education
- Chemistry
Most Influential Alumni
William Woods University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 122
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Management And Leadership
- Required Credits: 124
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Paralegal Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Cybersecurity
- Required Credits: 124
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Deaf Human Services
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Interpretation Studies Is Asl-English Degree
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #23 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2023 #3 Best Christian Colleges in Missouri 2023 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri 2023 #7 Best Private Colleges in Missouri 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$26K
Acceptance
64%
Graduation
63%
Student body
2K
What is Evangel University known for?
Evangel University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Philosophy
- Religious Studies
- Social Work
- Literature
- Computer Science
- History
- Psychology
- Education
- Nursing
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Christian Colleges in Missouri 2023 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri 2023 #8 Best Private Colleges in Missouri 2023
Tuition + fees
$40K
Acceptance
67%
Graduation
74%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1130/23
What is Rockhurst University known for?
Rockhurst University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Philosophy
- Literature
- Religious Studies
- Nursing
- Communications
- Medical
- Engineering
- Political Science
- Physics
- History
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Christian Colleges in Missouri 2023 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri 2023 #9 Best Private Colleges in Missouri 2023
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
65%
Graduation
60%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1140/25
What is Drury University known for?
Drury University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Engineering
- Philosophy
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Psychology
- Economics
- Communications
- Computer Science
- Religious Studies
Most Influential Alumni
Drury University’s Online Degrees
BS in Sociology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Health Services Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Behavioral And Community Health
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$25K
Acceptance
64%
Graduation
53%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1035/22
What is Stephens College known for?
Stephens College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$26K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
47%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1010/20
What is Central Methodist University known for?
Central Methodist University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Philosophy
- Religious Studies
- Political Science
- Chemistry
- Literature
- Nursing
- History
- Criminal Justice
- Biology
- Physics
Most Influential Alumni
Central Methodist University’s Online Degrees
BS/BA in Communication
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Accounting
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS/BA in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Child Development
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Education
Degree Concentrations
- Elementary Education
- Secondary Education
- Special Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS/BA in Business
Degree Concentrations
- Management
- Marketing and Advertising
- Business Administration
- Banking and Finance
- Entrepreneurship
- Agribusiness
- International Business
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in English
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS/BA in Computer Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Educational Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS/BA in Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS/BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS/BA in Mathematics
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS/BA in Sociology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$28K
Acceptance
78%
Graduation
61%
Student body
1K
What is Fontbonne University known for?
Fontbonne University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Education
- Nursing
- Business
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Social Work
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Medical
- History
Most Influential Alumni
Fontbonne University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Accounting
- Finance
- Management
- Social Entrepreneurship.
- Required Credits: 108
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Special Education: Paraprofessional Pathways to Teaching
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
36%
Student body
3K
What is Missouri Western State University known for?
Missouri Western State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Philosophy
- Economics
- Communications
- Business
- History
- Social Work
- Biology
- Mathematics
- 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
$8K
Acceptance
97%
Graduation
37%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
975/21
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
Tuition + fees
$26K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
52%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1051/22
What is Southwest Baptist University known for?
Southwest Baptist University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Medical
- Sociology
- Computer Science
- Social Work
- Religious Studies
- Business
- History
- Literature
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
Southwest Baptist University’s Online Degrees
BS in Health Sciences
- Required Credits: 128-142
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
26%
Student body
2K
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
Tuition + fees
$22K
Acceptance
68%
Graduation
39%
Student body
1K
What is Avila University known for?
Avila University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Computer Science
- Religious Studies
- Philosophy
- History
- Biology
- Business
- Medical
Most Influential Alumni
Avila University’s Online Degrees
BA in Human Resources
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Business Management
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Strategic Communication
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
97%
Graduation
52%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1145/22
What is Westminster College, Missouri known for?
Westminster College, Missouri’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Medical
- Chemistry
- History
- Political Science
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Psychology
- Literature
- Economics
- Criminal Justice
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$28K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
49%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1020/20
What is Culver–Stockton College known for?
Culver–Stockton College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Culver–Stockton College’s Online Degrees
BAS in Criminal Justice Administration
- Required Credits: 31
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$22K
Acceptance
66%
Graduation
25%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
947/17
What 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
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 106
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Business Management
Degree Concentrations
- Administration
- Entrepreneurship
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degree #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees
Tuition + fees
$20K
Acceptance
21%
Graduation
63%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1165/23
What is College of the Ozarks known for?
College of the Ozarks’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- History
- Education
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Religious Studies
- Sociology
- Social Work
- Communications
- Chemistry
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$31K
Acceptance
62%
Graduation
41%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
945/20
What is Missouri Baptist University known for?
Missouri Baptist University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Religious Studies
- Psychology
- Criminal Justice
- History
- Philosophy
- Sociology
- Computer Science
- Medical
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
Missouri Baptist University’s Online Degrees
BA in Applied Management!
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Bachelor of Professional Studies in Healthcare Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Business Administration
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Bachelor of Professional Studies in General Studies
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Psychology
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Management
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Ministry and Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Bachelor of Professional Studies in Organizational Leadership
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Information Technology
Degree Concentrations
- Cybersecurity
- Application Development
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Liberal Arts
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Sport Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
19%
Student body
1K
What is Harris–Stowe State University known for?
Harris–Stowe State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$23K
Acceptance
61%
Graduation
67%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1100/21
What is Cottey College known for?
Cottey College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$25K
Acceptance
65%
Graduation
39%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1195/21
What 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: None Reported
- Format: Online
Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Management
- Required Credits: 124
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$16K
Graduation
65%
Student body
2K
What is Ranken Technical College known for?
Ranken Technical College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Missouri’s Best Small College in Your Area of Interest
2021 Ranking Archive
Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 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
