Best Grad Schools in Missouri 2024

Badge for BEST IN MISSOURI GRADUATE SCHOOLS

Graduate school may be a critical step in your higher education, whether you are interested in expanding your knowledge, learning a specialization, or earning advanced credentials required by your profession. The best graduate schools in Missouri offer advanced degrees, such as master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.

10 Best Grad Schools in Missouri

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  1. Washington University in St. Louis
  2. University of Missouri
  3. Saint Louis University
  4. Missouri University of Science and Technology
  5. University of Missouri–Kansas City
  6. Webster University
  7. University of Missouri–St. Louis
  8. Lindenwood University
  9. William Woods University
  10. Evangel University
  1. Washington University in St. Louis
  2. University of Missouri
  3. Saint Louis University
  4. University of Missouri–Kansas City
  5. Missouri University of Science and Technology
  6. Webster University
  7. University of Missouri–St. Louis
  8. Lindenwood University
  9. Maryville University
  10. Evangel University
  1. Southwest Baptist University 100%
  2. Fontbonne University 94%
  3. Maryville University 88%
  4. Saint Louis University 85%
  5. Missouri University of Science and Technology 81%
  6. University of Missouri 79%
  7. Lindenwood University 74%
  8. Missouri Baptist University 71%
  9. University of Missouri–Kansas City 69%
  10. Evangel University 68%
  1. Missouri Baptist University 19 to 1
  2. University of Missouri 18 to 1
  3. Missouri University of Science and Technology 18 to 1
  4. University of Missouri–Kansas City 14 to 1
  5. University of Missouri–St. Louis 13 to 1
  6. Lindenwood University 13 to 1
  7. Maryville University 13 to 1
  8. Webster University 12 to 1
  9. Evangel University 11 to 1
  10. Southwest Baptist University 11 to 1
  1. Washington University in St. Louis $60,590
  2. Saint Louis University $50,644
  3. Missouri Baptist University $33,316
  4. Webster University $29,840
  5. Fontbonne University $28,696
  6. William Woods University $27,480
  7. Maryville University $27,166
  8. Southwest Baptist University $27,038
  9. Evangel University $26,400
  10. Lindenwood University $19,300
  1. Washington University in St. Louis $59,420
  2. Saint Louis University $22,500
  3. Maryville University $14,346
  4. William Woods University $13,992
  5. Fontbonne University $13,950
  6. University of Missouri–St. Louis $13,154
  7. Webster University $12,600
  8. Missouri Baptist University $11,102
  9. Missouri University of Science and Technology $10,992
  10. University of Missouri–Kansas City $10,660
  1. Missouri Baptist University
  2. Southwest Baptist University
  3. Maryville University
  4. Fontbonne University
  5. Evangel University
  6. William Woods University
  7. Lindenwood University
  8. University of Missouri–St. Louis
  9. Webster University
  10. University of Missouri–Kansas City
  1. Missouri Baptist University
  2. William Woods University
  3. Fontbonne University
  4. Southwest Baptist University
  5. Evangel University
  6. Maryville University
  7. Lindenwood University
  8. University of Missouri–St. Louis
  9. Webster University
  10. Missouri University of Science and Technology
  1. Washington University in St. Louis 12%
  2. University of Missouri–St. Louis 51%
  3. Webster University 55%
  4. William Woods University 61%
  5. Evangel University 68%
  6. University of Missouri–Kansas City 69%
  7. Missouri Baptist University 71%
  8. Lindenwood University 74%
  9. University of Missouri 79%
  10. Missouri University of Science and Technology 81%
  1. Washington University in St. Louis 7 to 1
  2. Saint Louis University 9 to 1
  3. Fontbonne University 9 to 1
  4. William Woods University 9 to 1
  5. Evangel University 11 to 1
  6. Southwest Baptist University 11 to 1
  7. Webster University 12 to 1
  8. University of Missouri–St. Louis 13 to 1
  9. Lindenwood University 13 to 1
  10. Maryville University 13 to 1
  1. University of Missouri–Kansas City $9,999
  2. Missouri University of Science and Technology $10,389
  3. University of Missouri $10,452
  4. University of Missouri–St. Louis $12,528
  5. Lindenwood University $19,300
  6. Evangel University $26,400
  7. Southwest Baptist University $27,038
  8. Maryville University $27,166
  9. William Woods University $27,480
  10. Fontbonne University $28,696
  1. Southwest Baptist University $5,136
  2. Evangel University $7,650
  3. Lindenwood University $8,475
  4. University of Missouri $10,447
  5. University of Missouri–Kansas City $10,660
  6. Missouri University of Science and Technology $10,992
  7. Missouri Baptist University $11,102
  8. Webster University $12,600
  9. University of Missouri–St. Louis $13,154
  10. Fontbonne University $13,950

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?

Missouri’s Best Overall


There are 14 doctorate-granting graduate schools in Missouri. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the Missouri is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.

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Best Grad Schools in Missouri 2023

  1. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Washington University in St. Louis

    Cost of Degree: $60,590
    Expenses: $22,886
    Starting Salary: $87,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. #2

    University of Missouri

    Columbia , MO
    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: $11,981
    Expenses: $17,240
    Starting Salary: $56,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. #3

    Saint Louis University

    Saint Louis , MO
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $51K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    81%

    Student body

    17K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1305/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Saint Louis University

    Cost of Degree: $50,644
    Expenses: $20,032
    Starting Salary: $64,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  4. 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: $11,989
    Expenses: $17,298
    Starting Salary: $57,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  5. #6

    Webster University

    Saint Louis , MO
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $30K

    Acceptance

    55%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1170/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Webster University

    Cost of Degree: $29,840
    Expenses: $22,662
    Starting Salary: $47,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  6. 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: $12,528
    Expenses: $17,950
    Starting Salary: $49,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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

  7. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $27K

    Acceptance

    61%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at William Woods University

    Cost of Degree: $27,480
    Expenses: $18,970
    Starting Salary: $40,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is William Woods University known for?

    William Woods University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  8. #10

    Evangel University

    Springfield , MO
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $26K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Evangel University

    Cost of Degree: $26,400
    Expenses: $13,632
    Starting Salary: $40,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Evangel University known for?

    Evangel University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  9. #11

    Fontbonne University

    Saint Louis , MO

    Tuition + fees

    $29K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Fontbonne University

    Cost of Degree: $28,696
    Expenses: $17,036
    Starting Salary: $46,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Fontbonne University known for?

    Fontbonne University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  10. #12

    Maryville University

    Saint Louis , MO
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $27K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    14K

    Career Outlook for degree at Maryville University

    Cost of Degree: $27,166
    Starting Salary: $51,100
    What is Maryville University known for?

    Maryville University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  11. Other Rankings

    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: $26,970
    Expenses: $11,790
    Starting Salary: $37,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Southwest Baptist University known for?

    Southwest Baptist University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  12. #14

    Missouri Baptist University

    Saint Louis , MO
    Other Rankings

    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: $31,784
    Expenses: $16,485
    Starting Salary: $39,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Missouri Baptist University known for?

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

If you are specifically interested in an MBA degree, one of the best online MBA programs in Missouri may be the perfect option for you.

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Missouri’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

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.

  1. Washington University in St. Louis
  2. University of Missouri
  3. Saint Louis University
  4. Missouri University of Science and Technology
  5. Webster University
  6. University of Missouri–St. Louis
  7. Evangel University
  8. William Woods University
  9. Maryville University
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