Missouri Southern State University

School Overview

Missouri Southern State University is located in Joplin, MO, 64801, set within a city environment that shapes the daily student experience. The university is ranked #138 among National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. It offers programs at the bachelor’s degree level, serving students with a range of academic interests and career aspirations.

Missouri Southern State University has an acceptance rate of 97%, providing broad access to higher education and welcoming students from diverse academic backgrounds. Successful applicants typically present SAT scores of 1150-1420 and ACT scores of 17-24. The average high school GPA among enrolled freshmen is 3.5.

Missouri Southern State University enrolls 3,881 undergraduate students, creating a mid-sized community where students can explore diverse academic interests while still being recognized by their professors. The student-to-faculty ratio is 15:01, meaning professors are accessible for office hours, research mentorship, and one-on-one guidance. Approximately 53% of classes have fewer than 20 students, fostering the kind of seminar-style discussion and hands-on collaboration that deepens real understanding. The institution achieves a four-year graduation rate of 25%, a strong indicator that students receive the support they need to finish on time and move into their careers or further study.

The most popular fields of study at Missouri Southern State University include Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services (23% of students, median early-career salary: $57,377), Education (13% of students, median early-career salary: $39,648), and Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (13% of students, median early-career salary: $40,509). These enrollment patterns reflect the institution's strengths and the career interests of its student body, giving prospective students a clear sense of the academic culture and post-graduation opportunities available here.

Room and board adds approximately $8,733. However, the average net price after financial aid is $10,097, which is the amount most aided students actually pay — often considerably less than the sticker price. Need-based aid averages $11,478 per recipient, demonstrating the institution's commitment to making education financially accessible. For families evaluating the return on a college investment, these figures — combined with Missouri Southern State University's academic reputation and graduate outcomes — provide a concrete basis for comparison.

Choosing a college is one of the most significant decisions a student and family will make. Missouri Southern State University combines nationally recognized academic quality, a favorable student-to-faculty ratio, a diverse range of popular programs to create an environment where students can grow intellectually, build professional skills, and form lasting connections. We encourage prospective students to explore the detailed data on this page to determine whether Missouri Southern State University is the right fit for their academic and personal goals.