Missouri Southern State University
About Missouri Southern State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Missouri Southern State University is a public university in Joplin, Missouri. It offers affordable programs in business, biology, nursing, and education, with an international mission that includes study-abroad opportunities for all students.
Founded
1937
Location
Joplin, Missouri
Students
3,285
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
97%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
41.6%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$8,960
Out-of-state: $17,080
Avg Net Price
$12,007
After financial aid
SAT Average
1065
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$42,620
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$35
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Missouri Southern State University accepts the majority of applicants at 97%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1065/ 1600
ACT Scores
21/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
41.6% complete their degree within six years
Retention
62.8%
4-Year Grad
22%
6-Year Grad
36%
Teaching Quality
17:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
53.1%
$/Student
$9.8K
Class Size
Medium
The 22% graduation rate is below average, but 62.8% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$8,960
In-State
$17,080
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$9,119
Books & Supplies
$1,221
Total Cost of Attendance
$19,568
After Financial Aid
$12,007
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$9,759
Receive Grants
34%
Take Loans
33.3%
The full cost of attendance is about $19,568/yr for in-state students, including $9,119 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $12,007. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $17,080.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Missouri Southern State University fund their education.
While in School
34%
Get Grants
Free money
33.3%
Take Loans
Must repay
$33,600
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$19,174
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$203/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 33.3% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $19,174. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Missouri Southern State University.
Gender
60.5%
Female
40%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
3,019
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
266
Graduates
45.2%
First-Gen
23 yrs
Avg Age
19.1%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 61% of the student body. 45.2% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Small
Campus Quick Facts
3,019
Students
public
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Missouri Southern State University fields 8 varsity teams with 531 student athletes, about 18% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division II with football
Conference
Mid-America
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
8
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
531
18% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
59% / 41%
314
Men
217
Women
5
Men's Teams
6
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Missouri Southern State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$42,620
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business/Commerce, General
$44K
189 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$36K
88 grads
1yr Earnings
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$37K
80 grads
1yr Earnings
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
—
52 grads
Biology, General
$31K
46 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$33K
33 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $38K six years out, growing to $43K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Missouri Southern State University
What is the acceptance rate at Missouri Southern State University?▾
How much does Missouri Southern State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Missouri Southern State University?▾
How much do Missouri Southern State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.