Best Small Colleges in Missouri 2025
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 2025
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 small colleges in Missouri saw a considerable amount of movement. Westminster College gained the most ranking positions as the college is enhancing its appeal with significant academic and campus developments. The expansion of online degree programs and the introduction of the accelerated “Degree in Three” program provide greater flexibility for students to achieve their educational goals efficiently.
On the facilities side, the newly unveiled Kent and Judith Mueller Stadium offers upgraded amenities to enhance the athletic and spectator experience. Additionally, plans for renovating America’s National Churchill Museum will preserve its historical significance while modernizing the campus environment, reflecting Westminster’s commitment to innovation and community engagement.
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
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges in Missouri 2025 #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
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri 2025 #4 Best Private Colleges in Missouri 2025 #5 Best Christian Colleges in Missouri 2024 #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Missouri 2024
Tuition + fees
$34K
Acceptance
63%
Graduation
64%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1255/25
Career Outlook for degree at Drury University
Cost of Degree: $35,235Expenses: $15,386Starting Salary: $36,200Cost Recoup Time: 19 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: 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
- #14 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri 2025 #5 Best Private Colleges in Missouri 2025 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2024
Tuition + fees
$20K
Acceptance
41%
Graduation
62%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1080/23
Career Outlook for degree at William Jewell College
Cost of Degree: $19,890Expenses: $16,049Starting Salary: $51,300Cost Recoup Time: 13 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
- #4 Best Christian Colleges in Missouri 2024 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri 2025 #6 Best Private Colleges in Missouri 2025 #8 Best Online MBA Programs in Missouri
Tuition + fees
$42K
Acceptance
66%
Graduation
77%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Rockhurst University
Cost of Degree: $43,420Expenses: $19,410Starting Salary: $57,300Cost Recoup Time: 17 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
- #6 Best Christian Colleges in Missouri 2024 #8 Best Private Colleges in Missouri 2025 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri 2025 #3 Best Online Associate in English 2025
Tuition + fees
$27K
Acceptance
98%
Graduation
52%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1010/20
Career Outlook for degree at Central Methodist University
Cost of Degree: $27,140Expenses: $17,260Starting Salary: $39,500Cost Recoup Time: 17 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
- 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
$33K
Acceptance
75%
Graduation
64%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1010/21
Career Outlook for degree at Westminster College, Missouri
Cost of Degree: $34,188Expenses: $17,918Starting Salary: $49,800Cost Recoup Time: 17 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
- Criminal Justice
- Mathematics
- Economics
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
- #21 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #10 Best Public 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
$26K
Acceptance
64%
Graduation
46%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1145/21
Career Outlook for degree at Stephens College
Cost of Degree: $27,000Expenses: $18,933Starting Salary: $41,000Cost Recoup Time: 17 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
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
- #8 Best Christian Colleges in Missouri 2024 #10 Best Grad Schools in Missouri 2025 #2 Best Online Associate in Health Science Degree Programs #7 Best Online Associate Degrees in Missouri 2024
Tuition + fees
$27K
Acceptance
100%
Graduation
43%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1038/22
Career Outlook for degree at Southwest Baptist University
Cost of Degree: $28,320Expenses: $12,452Starting Salary: $37,400Cost Recoup Time: 17 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
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 128
- 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
$26K
Acceptance
68%
Graduation
72%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Evangel University
Cost of Degree: $27,192Expenses: $13,728Starting Salary: $40,900Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
- Nursing
Most Influential Alumni
- #9 Best Online Colleges for Students Who Work Part-Time 2025 #9 Best Christian Colleges in Missouri 2024 #12 Best Online MBA Programs in Missouri #24 Best Online Master's in Healthcare Administration 2025
Tuition + fees
$22K
Acceptance
68%
Graduation
51%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Avila University
Cost of Degree: $38,762Expenses: $13,665Starting Salary: $49,700Cost Recoup Time: 17 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
- Philosophy
- Computer Science
- Religious Studies
- Literature
- Sociology
- History
- 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
- #12 Best Colleges and Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees 2025 #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025
Tuition + fees
$20K
Acceptance
21%
Graduation
63%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1149/22
Career Outlook for degree at College of the Ozarks
Cost of Degree: $21,290Expenses: $12,444Starting Salary: $35,300Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
- Religious Studies
- Computer Science
- Biology
- Medical
- Communications
- Criminal Justice
Most Influential Alumni
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
Tuition + fees
$29K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
58%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Fontbonne University
Cost of Degree: $28,976Expenses: $17,826Starting Salary: $46,300Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- 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
$25K
Acceptance
73%
Graduation
56%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Cottey College
Cost of Degree: $26,209Expenses: $13,446Starting Salary: $34,700Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Cottey College known for?
Cottey College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #2 Best Christian Colleges in Missouri 2024 #10 Best Research Universities in Missouri 2025 #7 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Missouri #10 Best Online Colleges in Missouri 2024
Tuition + fees
$27K
Acceptance
61%
Graduation
51%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at William Woods University
Cost of Degree: $28,860Expenses: $21,617Starting Salary: $40,300Cost Recoup Time: 18 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: 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
Tuition + fees
$29K
Acceptance
97%
Graduation
48%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Culver–Stockton College
Cost of Degree: $29,915Expenses: $14,553Starting Salary: $40,100Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- #8 Best Online Associate Degrees in Missouri 2024 #9 Best Online Associate in Small Business Management #9 Best Online Associate in Business Management #24 Best Online Colleges in Missouri 2024
Tuition + fees
$22K
Acceptance
61%
Graduation
23%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1015/18
Career Outlook for degree at Missouri Valley College
Cost of Degree: $23,000Expenses: $14,900Starting Salary: $38,100Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Missouri Valley College known for?
Missouri Valley College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Sociology
- History
- Social Work
- Literature
- Communications
- Political Science
- Computer Science
- Business
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
- #10 Best Online MBA Programs in Missouri #10 Best Online Associate Degrees in Missouri 2024 #11 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Missouri #21 Best Online Colleges in Missouri 2024
Tuition + fees
$33K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
41%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1130/23
Career Outlook for degree at Missouri Baptist University
Cost of Degree: $33,122Expenses: $18,898Starting Salary: $39,200Cost Recoup Time: 19 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!
- 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
$26K
Acceptance
67%
Graduation
39%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1191/21
Career Outlook for degree at Hannibal–LaGrange University
Cost of Degree: $26,880Expenses: $14,200Starting Salary: $38,200Cost Recoup Time: 17 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: 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
$17K
Graduation
52%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Ranken Technical College
Cost of Degree: $17,490Expenses: $17,488Starting Salary: $50,900Cost Recoup Time: 13 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
