Missouri Western State University
About Missouri Western State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Missouri Western State University is a public university in Saint Joseph, Missouri. It offers affordable programs in nursing, business, criminal justice, and engineering technology, with an applied learning focus and proximity to Kansas City.
Founded
1915
Location
Saint Joseph, Missouri
Students
2,444
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
Open
Admits all qualified applicants
Graduation Rate
38.5%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$10,306
Out-of-state: $20,866
Avg Net Price
$13,251
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not required
No test scores requested
Median Earnings
$42,647
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Every applicant who meets the basic requirements is admitted, so there is no acceptance rate
How to Apply
Test Policy
No test needed
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Aug 1
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
38.5% complete their degree within six years
Retention
53.8%
4-Year Grad
19%
6-Year Grad
37%
Teaching Quality
17:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
61.6%
$/Student
$6.3K
Class Size
Medium
The 19% graduation rate is below the national average of 44%. It's worth looking into what support systems the school offers to help you finish your degree.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$10,306
In-State
$20,866
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$12,311
Books & Supplies
$1,200
Total Cost of Attendance
$21,595
After Financial Aid
$13,251
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$11,243
Receive Grants
28.4%
Take Loans
27.9%
The full cost of attendance is about $21,595/yr for in-state students, including $12,311 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $13,251. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $20,866.
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 Western State University fund their education.
While in School
28.4%
Get Grants
Free money
27.9%
Take Loans
Must repay
$36,641
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$19,968
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$212/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 27.9% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $19,968. 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 Western State University.
Gender
59.4%
Female
41%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
2,219
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
225
Graduates
39.7%
First-Gen
22 yrs
Avg Age
9.3%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 59% of the student body. 39.7% 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
2,219
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
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Missouri Western State University fields 10 varsity teams with 458 student athletes, about 21% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division II with football
Conference
Mid-America
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
10
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
458
21% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
57% / 43%
262
Men
196
Women
5
Men's Teams
8
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Missouri Western State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$42,647
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$71K
91 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$42K
54 grads
1yr Earnings
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
$35K
44 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$34K
38 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$40K
38 grads
1yr Earnings
Marketing
$43K
36 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $37K 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 Western State University
How much does Missouri Western State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Missouri Western State University?▾
How much do Missouri Western 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.