Best
Public Colleges in Missouri in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Missouri builds skills in management, finance, marketing, accounting, and organizational behavior. Typical coursework includes business law, economics, statistics, human resources, operations, and strategic planning. Graduates often pursue roles as business analysts, marketing coordinators, human resources specialists, operations managers, sales representatives, or entrepreneurs. Popular Missouri options include the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri State University in Springfield, the University of Missouri-St. Louis, and Saint Louis University. Graduates find diverse career paths.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Missouri offers pathways to understand behavior through coursework in research methods, statistics, developmental psychology, social psychology, cognition, and abnormal psychology. Students can explore programs at the University of Missouri, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis University, and Missouri State University. Graduates with a bachelor's degree commonly pursue roles in case management, human resources, community outreach, and behavioral health support, while advanced study can lead to licensed counseling or clinical psychology careers.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Missouri combines programming foundations with opportunities at established universities. Typical coursework includes algorithms, data structures, software engineering, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Popular choices include the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, Washington University in St. Louis, and the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Graduates commonly pursue careers as software developers, systems analysts, data scientists, cybersecurity specialists, or IT project managers across industries.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Missouri combines coursework in counseling theories, human development, ethics, group counseling, assessment, and multicultural practice, usually alongside supervised fieldwork. Students may specialize in school, clinical mental health, or rehabilitation counseling. Missouri options include the University of Missouri-St. Louis, University of Missouri, Missouri State University, and the University of Central Missouri. Graduates commonly pursue roles as school counselors, licensed professional counselors, mental health counselors, rehabilitation counselors, or substance use counselors statewide.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Missouri prepares students to provide evidence-based care in hospitals, clinics, and community settings. Typical coursework includes anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, nutrition, nursing fundamentals, health assessment, pediatrics, and medical-surgical nursing, alongside clinical practice. Graduates may work as registered nurses, care coordinators, public health nurses, or school nurses, depending on credentials and experience. Popular Missouri options include the University of Missouri, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Saint Louis University, and Truman State University in Kirksville.

Best Colleges in Missouri Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 17,160.0, compared with 33,398.5 at schools in the top 10%, while the average percentage of students receiving financial aid is 100.0% overall and 78.2% at top-10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 78.2%. Schools receive an average of 8,417.5 applicants, compared with 12,874.6 at top-10% schools; the median numbers of male and female applicants are 2,290.5 and 3,650.0, respectively.
• The average SAT score is 1,187.5, and the average ACT score is 25.12.
• The average number of enrolled students is 10,926.69. Average enrollment is 720.5 men and 919.3 women.
• The average graduation rate is 48.5%, compared with 66.5% at top-10% schools. Median graduation rates are 49.5% for men and 57.0% for women.
• There are 8 institutions offering associate's degrees, 15 offering bachelor's degrees, 12 offering master's degrees, and 5 offering doctor's degrees.
• There are 16 coeducational schools, 0 schools for men, and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, prospective students should weigh costs and financial aid alongside acceptance rates, applicant and enrollment figures, test scores, graduation outcomes, and the types of degrees offered. The figures show that top-10% schools have higher median costs and graduation rates, but lower average financial-aid coverage than the overall group.

How much does studying at a college in Missouri cost?

The average reported total cost of studying in Missouri is $18,083.62. This is a useful budgeting benchmark, not a guaranteed price for an entire degree; your final cost depends on your school, program, and time to graduation.

• Average tuition and fees: $10,708.19
• Average room and board: $11,294.88
• Average books and supplies: $971.62

These category averages do not sum to the reported total, so use them as separate estimates when mapping your expenses. Missouri students often compare the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri State University in Springfield, and the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Compare program costs and financial-aid offers, since tuition varies by school and major. Scholarships, living at home, or beginning at a community college may reduce expenses. Use the statewide figures as a starting point, then check each school's net price; finding a good fit can make your degree plan feel more manageable with confidence as you plan.

How long does it take to finish college in Missouri?

Most students pursuing a bachelor's degree in Missouri should plan on about four years of full-time study; an associate's degree commonly takes two. At the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri State University, or another state institution, actual timing depends on course load, major requirements, and whether credits transfer. Part-time study, work, family responsibilities, or changing majors can extend that schedule, so a flexible plan can make college feel manageable.

Finishing sooner may be possible through Advanced Placement or dual-enrollment credits, summer classes, heavier course loads, or approved transfer credits; check with an adviser that credits satisfy your program before enrolling. Some colleges also offer accelerated pathways. Graduation data offer encouragement and perspective: the average graduation rate is 48.5%, while the average for the top 10% of schools is 66.5%. The reported averages are 44.25% for men and 51.69% for women. These figures show that completing a degree is achievable, while planning and support matter.

Salary

Graduates of colleges and universities in Missouri have a median alumni salary of $43,032. At schools in the top 10% nationally, the median rises to $51,165 - a difference of $8,133.

Those figures offer a useful benchmark as you compare Missouri options, such as the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri State University in Springfield, or Washington University in St. Louis. They are statewide alumni figures, not salary guarantees for a particular school or major; your eventual earnings can vary by field, experience, and employer.

• Median alumni salary: $43,032
• Median alumni salary for graduates of top 10% schools: $51,165

People also ask

What is the most prestigious college in Missouri?

Washington University in St. Louis is often considered Missouri's most prestigious university, thanks to its strong national reputation, selective admissions, and respected programs in fields such as medicine, business, and engineering. "Most prestigious" depends on what you value, though; students should also compare academic strengths, campus culture, cost, and fit.

Which city in Missouri has the best public schools?

Clayton is a strong contender: its public schools are part of the highly regarded Clayton School District, which frequently earns top marks in state and national comparisons. Rankings change and use different measures, so it's worth checking the specific schools, programs, and enrollment boundaries that match your family's needs before deciding.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Public Colleges Ranking in Missouri Ranking in 2026-2027

University of Missouri-Columbia offers Missouri students a large public university experience in Columbia, with 32,105 enrolled students. Its 75% graduation rate is the highest among these five schools, and its 78% acceptance rate suggests broad access. Annual total study cost is $34,877. Median alumni salary reaches $51,985. Columbia combines a college town setting with research, diverse academic options and campus life, giving Missouri-based students a substantial in-state choice for undergraduate and graduate study, while evaluating cost, fit and career goals.

Missouri University of Science and Technology provides a STEM-focused public university experience in Rolla, Missouri. It enrolls 7,173 students, with a 64% graduation rate and 73% acceptance rate. Total study cost is $31,920, while median alumni salary is $75,236, highest in this group. Its engineering and applied science emphasis may suit students seeking technical careers. For Missouri residents, Rolla's smaller setting offers a focused campus community and access to hands-on learning, making it a strong option to compare for value.

University of Missouri-Kansas City enrolls 14,886 students in an urban Missouri setting, offering learners access to the resources and cultural life of Kansas City. Its graduation rate is 55%, and its acceptance rate is 72%. Students pay a total study cost of $30,650, the lowest among these five schools, while median alumni salary is $49,935. This campus can appeal to Missouri-based students who value city internships, professional connections and a broad range of academic pathways alongside an accessible urban lifestyle.

The University of Missouri-St Louis offers a public university education in the St. Louis area, where Missouri students can study near a metropolitan center. It enrolls 15,122 students, with a 57% graduation rate and a 63% acceptance rate. Total study cost is $37,620, the highest in this group, and median alumni salary is $48,880. Its urban location can support connections to employers, cultural institutions and communities. Compare the price with campus offerings and career plans when considering this Missouri option.

Truman State University in Kirksville is a public liberal arts university offering Missouri students a smaller campus experience. Its enrollment is 3,855, and its 69% graduation rate is second highest among these five institutions. The acceptance rate is 84%. Total study cost is $18,228, lowest of the group, while median alumni salary is $43,032. Students seeking close-knit undergraduate learning find Truman appealing. For an in-state student, its affordability offers a reason to compare academic programs, location and career priorities.