Southeast Missouri State University
About Southeast Missouri State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Southeast Missouri State University is a public university in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. It offers programs in business, education, health sciences, and the arts and serves the southeastern Missouri region.
Founded
1873
Location
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Students
7,948
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
73.5%
Moderately selective
Graduation Rate
57.9%
Below national average
Tuition
$9,903
Per year
Avg Net Price
$15,882
After financial aid
SAT Average
950
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$44,030
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Selective
73.5 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Southeast Missouri State University accepts 73.5% of applicants and doesn't require standardized tests. Focus on your grades and personal statement, and you have a solid chance.
SAT Scores
950/ 1600
ACT Scores
19/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
57.9% complete their degree within six years
Retention
75.8%
4-Year Grad
35%
6-Year Grad
54%
Teaching Quality
20:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
68.2%
$/Student
$6.2K
Class Size
Large
The 35% graduation rate is below average, but 75.8% 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
$9,903
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$12,198
Books & Supplies
$696
Total Cost of Attendance
$25,177
After Financial Aid
$15,882
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$12,704
Receive Grants
30.4%
Take Loans
33%
The total cost of attendance runs about $25,177/yr, including $12,198 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $15,882.
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 Southeast Missouri State University fund their education.
While in School
30.4%
Get Grants
Free money
33%
Take Loans
Must repay
$42,518
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$21,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$228/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 33% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $21,500. 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 Southeast Missouri State University.
Gender
58.9%
Female
41%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
6,373
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
1,575
Graduates
36.9%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
10.3%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 59% of the student body. 36.9% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience. 8.1% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Small
Campus Quick Facts
6,373
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Southeast Missouri State University fields 9 varsity teams with 448 student athletes, about 7% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FCS
Conference
Ohio Valley
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
9
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
448
7% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
57% / 43%
257
Men
191
Women
4
Men's Teams
7
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Southeast Missouri State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$44,030
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$35K
139 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$34K
113 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$30K
112 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$42K
109 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$31K
100 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
$34K
73 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $38K six years out, growing to $44K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Southeast Missouri State University
What is the acceptance rate at Southeast Missouri State University?▾
How much does Southeast Missouri State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Southeast Missouri State University?▾
How much do Southeast Missouri 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.