Best Colleges in Missouri for Associate, Bachelor’s & Master’s

Missouri College Guide – What You Need to Know

Get Matched With Missouri Programs

Missouri is one of our great Midwestern states. It's known for agriculture, but also fantastic cities such as St. Louis. As part of its greatness, Missouri has some of the best colleges and universities in the nation. From outstanding STEM studies, to some top arts conservatories, students can study and excel in whatever field they desire.

The economy is changing as a result of globalization, technology, and an exploding population. However, Missouri colleges and universities offer the top programs and majors to launch a brilliant career. You will have the perfect collection of knowledge and skills once you walk across the stage to receive your bachelor's degree.

What are the most popular bachelor's degrees offered in Missouri?

The nation's most popular bachelor's degrees are offered in Missouri. Since Missouri students are demanding most of the same majors as their peers nationwide, if you choose a bachelor's degree such as Business Administration and focus on management, you will have a degree that is in high demand. The same goes for a Health Sciences degree such as Nursing or Physical Therapy, which will put you at the top of the rapidly expanding healthcare industry. Healthcare Administration is also popular because those careers are growing at a much faster rate than other parts of the economy.

The most popular bachelor's degrees offered in Missouri are:

Education Level & National Average Median Compensation


NO FORMAL EDUCATION HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA ASSOCIATE DEGREE BACHELOR’S DEGREE MASTER’S DEGREE DOCTORAL DEGREE
$30,784* $38,792* $46,124* $64,896* $77,844* $96,772*

Compare Popular Online Missouri Programs

Best Associate Degrees in Missouri


Students looking for an affordable two-year degree program in Missouri have a plethora of great options to choose from. Whether you plan to apply for employment immediately after graduation or want to transfer credits earned to a four-year institution, earning an associate degree can put you on the right track. Gain the knowledge and skills you need from one of the top colleges in the state to jumpstart your academic and/or professional career!

State Technical College of Missouri
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
1,724
Graduation Rate
72%
Net Price
$7,218
Grads Salary
$40,400
Ranken Technical College
College Type
4-year, primarily associate's, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
1,799
Graduation Rate
66%
Net Price
$15,803
Grads Salary
$54,900
St. Charles Community College
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
No
Student Population
6,363
Graduation Rate
29%
Net Price
$3,649
Grads Salary
$39,800
North Central Missouri College
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
1,746
Graduation Rate
49%
Net Price
$9,076
Grads Salary
$32,300
Cottey College
College Type
4-year, primarily associate's, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
256
Graduation Rate
54%
Net Price
$17,630
Grads Salary
$33,500
Crowder College
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
4,401
Graduation Rate
35%
Net Price
$4,695
Grads Salary
$32,600
Jefferson College
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
4,196
Graduation Rate
32%
Net Price
$7,495
Grads Salary
$34,400
Moberly Area Community College
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
4,878
Graduation Rate
34%
Net Price
$6,743
Grads Salary
$31,900
State Fair Community College
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
3,928
Graduation Rate
33%
Net Price
$6,343
Grads Salary
$33,100
East Central College
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
No
Student Population
2,649
Graduation Rate
38%
Net Price
$7,601
Grads Salary
$34,300
Full Ranking Report

Find Online Missouri Schools

Best Bachelor's Degrees in Missouri


You can begin exploring your higher education options by considering a four-year degree available right there in Missouri. You can earn an invaluable bachelor’s degree in no time from one of the top colleges in the state. Regardless of your field of interest, these highly regarded undergraduate programs can help prepare you for a successful career after graduation. Those seeking more advanced degrees will also meet the academic requirements for future enrollment.

Missouri University of Science and Technology
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
7,642
Graduation Rate
67%
Net Price
$13,476
Grads Salary
$80,900
Washington University in St. Louis
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
16,191
Graduation Rate
94%
Net Price
$27,233
Grads Salary
$79,000
Truman State University
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
4,655
Graduation Rate
75%
Net Price
$12,621
Grads Salary
$65,000
University of Missouri
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
31,089
Graduation Rate
73%
Net Price
$16,930
Grads Salary
$67,500
Rockhurst University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
2,990
Graduation Rate
73%
Net Price
$21,518
Grads Salary
$71,400
University of Missouri-St Louis
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
13,874
Graduation Rate
56%
Net Price
$10,039
Grads Salary
$65,000
Maryville University of Saint Louis
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
10,979
Graduation Rate
75%
Net Price
$28,087
Grads Salary
$72,700
William Jewell College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
739
Graduation Rate
67%
Net Price
$23,039
Grads Salary
$71,800
Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
No
Student Population
3,821
Graduation Rate
60%
Net Price
$12,435
Grads Salary
$64,000
Calvary University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
430
Graduation Rate
59%
Net Price
$11,177
Grads Salary
$62,000
Full Ranking Report

Best Master's Degrees in Missouri


Do you want to specialize in your current field or are you interested in transitioning to another career? Researching the best advanced degree programs in Missouri may provide the push you need to begin pursuing your ideal employment opportunities. There are several types of advanced degrees you can obtain, which are: a master's degree, doctorate degree or an MBA. Our list for the best master's and doctorate programs are below. You can learn more about a master of business administration and the best colleges in Missouri here. Whether you specialize in business, law, or medicine, a master’s or doctoral degree can help you develop and hone the analytical skills and critical thinking abilities necessary to be successful in the future.

Missouri University of Science and Technology
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
7,642
Graduation Rate
67%
Net Price
$13,476
Grads Salary
$80,900
Washington University in St. Louis
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
16,191
Graduation Rate
94%
Net Price
$27,233
Grads Salary
$79,000
Truman State University
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
4,655
Graduation Rate
75%
Net Price
$12,621
Grads Salary
$65,000
University of Missouri
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
31,089
Graduation Rate
73%
Net Price
$16,930
Grads Salary
$67,500
Rockhurst University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
2,990
Graduation Rate
73%
Net Price
$21,518
Grads Salary
$71,400
University of Missouri-St Louis
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
13,874
Graduation Rate
56%
Net Price
$10,039
Grads Salary
$65,000
William Jewell College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
739
Graduation Rate
67%
Net Price
$23,039
Grads Salary
$71,800
Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
No
Student Population
3,821
Graduation Rate
60%
Net Price
$12,435
Grads Salary
$64,000
Maryville University of Saint Louis
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
10,979
Graduation Rate
75%
Net Price
$28,087
Grads Salary
$72,700
Calvary University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
430
Graduation Rate
59%
Net Price
$11,177
Grads Salary
$62,000
Full Ranking Report

Cost of Missouri College Education & Salaries


Determining the costs and benefits of an education can be tricky. Education is not cheap, and tuition seem to rise all the time. However, it's nearly impossible to pursue a meaningful career without at least a bachelor's degree. Even if you feel you have the necessary skills for many jobs, employers need to see that you have completed a four-year degree program.

Thus, students need to figure out ways to pay for college while minimizing costs. The primary way to avoid exorbitant college costs is to attend a public, in-state university. When compared with out-of-state tuition, you can easily see the value of remaining in Missouri. Take a look at the range of academic opportunities in the state and the decision will be obvious.

Another way to cut costs is to complete your core courses at a community college. Many community colleges offer credits that will transfer easily to the University of Missouri school of your choice but be sure to confirm this in advance. In those first years, you can knock out courses such as English 101, foreign language requirements, and math/science core courses. Community colleges frequently have instructors that are the equal to those in top universities, and the class sizes are often smaller.

You can also apply for scholarships and grants. This is a great way to augment your costs. It doesn't take too long to put together a short essay and filling out the applications will get easier. While most awards hover in the low four-figures, the low dollar figure is padded by the status you'll have when you show that you were awarded scholarships. That means a lot to future employers.

At the end of the day, while the cost of a bachelor's degree is significant, always keep in mind that education is one item that nobody can ever take away from you. You can always add to it on your own, or when you enter graduate school. Even if you decide later that you need more undergraduate courses to help launch a career change, your existing educational background will always be valuable.

Search Programs Offering Missouri Majors

College Cost Analysis - Missouri vs National


Average Missouri Tuition & Fees at 4 Year Public Schools

In-State Tuition - $8,554

National Average – $9,580

Out-of-State Tuition – $19,914

National Average – $27,437

Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid

Missouri comes in roughly on par with national averages when it comes to federal grants and other financial aid. However, slightly more students received grant money than the national average. Remember that grant funds do not have to be repaid.

Financial Aid Missouri Nationally
Received Federal Grants 39% 37.7%
Average $ per Recipient $10,375 $10,927

* Institutional aid represents grant and scholarship funds directly awarded by a post-secondary institution.
* Financial aid data represents 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Best Scholarships for Missouri


Scholarships and Grants are great financial tools that will help you pay for college and reduce any debt load you may have after graduation. There are so many scholarships available that go unnoticed, and unclaimed, that it is a shame to not seek out some for yourself. Though it is rare to find a scholarship that will pay your entire academic bill, there are many that can help you pay for books, or even a class or two. Remember that even if a scholarship doesn't pay all of the bills, it is still an award that will more than pay off when you put it on your resume.

RJTSSA

Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. Scholarship Application

https://business.missouri.edu/programs-admissions/undergraduate/scholarships/general-trulaske-college-business-scholarships
Amount: $9,500
Deadline: February 1
This scholarship is for students of the Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business at University of Missouri – Columbia. The scholarship is open to all students, but first priority goes to students whose parents are employees of True Manufacturing Company, or their subsidiaries. You should have shown interest in business through your extra-curricular activities, jobs, or other interests. Financial need is imperative, as is graduating in the upper two-thirds of your high school class. However, you must also be below the top ten percent.

SMWSB

Sam M. Walton Scholarships in Business

https://business.missouri.edu/programs-admissions/undergraduate/scholarships/general-trulaske-college-business-scholarships
Amount: $7,500 (per year)
Deadline: February 1
This scholarship is for business students majoring in economics, finance, international business, management, or marketing. Accounting majors are not included in this scholarship, unfortunately. To qualify for this prestigious scholarship, you should demonstrate high academic achievement and financial need. This is a renewable scholarship and if you maintain it, your tuition bill will see a significant discount.

EMFS_logo

EMFS

Erickson Merkel Foundation Scholarships

http://www.ericksonmerkel.org/scholarships/
Amount: $500 - $1500
Deadline: March 31
This scholarship is open to all students residing in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, or Wisconsin. In fact, you can be attending any sort of post-secondary institution, including a Vocational school, graduate school, or a professional development college. To win an award, you should demonstrate creativity, hard work, and a commitment to community service. Once the application period begins, you can download the application form.

HAMS

Horatio Alger Missouri Scholarships

https://scholars.horatioalger.org/about-our-scholarship-programs/state-scholarships/
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: October 25
The Horatio Alger Scholarship funds are available to high school students who have overcome significant setbacks yet have persevered. To qualify, you must demonstrate critical financial need, community service activities, integrity and strong character, and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0, among other qualifications.

MLNS_logo

MLNS

Missouri League for Nursing Scholarship

https://www.mlnmonursing.org/students/scholarships/
Amount: $2,000 maximum
Deadline: Fall - annually
This scholarship is open to RN students at or above the freshman level of an associate’s degree program, RN students at or above the sophomore level of a baccalaureate degree program, and MSN students who have completed a minimum of 15 hours towards their graduate education. To qualify, you should have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Your application must also come from an accredited nursing program and submitted directly to the Missouri League for Nursing. Applications are not accepted from students.

Search All Programs