Best
Value Colleges in Saint Louis in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Saint Louis, Missouri, combines foundational business management, finance, marketing, accounting, economics, and business communication courses with projects and internships. Students may explore entrepreneurship, organizational behavior, analytics, and strategy while building leadership and decision-making skills. Popular local options include Saint Louis University, Washington University in St. Louis, and Harris-Stowe State University. Graduates pursue roles such as marketing coordinator, financial analyst, human resources specialist, operations manager, or business consultant in diverse local industries.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Saint Louis, MO, covers behavior, cognition, and mental health. Typical courses include psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, abnormal psychology, research methods, statistics, and cognitive psychology. Popular options include Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis University, University of Missouri-St. Louis, and Webster University. Graduates with a bachelor's degree may pursue roles such as research assistant, case manager, human resources specialist, or behavioral health technician; clinical practice usually requires graduate training and licensure.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Saint Louis, MO offers access to programs at Washington University in St. Louis and Saint Louis University. Typical coursework includes programming, data structures, algorithms, databases, operating systems, software engineering, and cybersecurity. Students develop problem-solving skills through projects and internships with regional employers. Graduates commonly pursue careers as software developers, systems analysts, data scientists, or cybersecurity analysts, while others continue into graduate study or specialized technical roles in the broader technology industry.

Counseling

Studying counseling in Saint Louis, Missouri, can prepare you to support people through mental health and life challenges. Typical coursework includes counseling theories, ethics, human development, assessment, group counseling, multicultural practice, and supervised practicum. Popular local options include Saint Louis University, University of Missouri-St. Louis, and Webster University. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as mental-health counselor, school counselor, substance-use counselor, career counselor, or community agency case manager, depending on degree level, licensure, and state requirements.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Saint Louis, Missouri, combines learning, simulation, and clinical placements in hospitals and community settings. Typical courses include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, medical-surgical nursing, mental health, pediatrics, and maternal health. Programs are offered at Saint Louis University, Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College, and the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Graduates commonly work as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, schools, long-term care facilities, public health agencies, or home health services.

Best Colleges in Saint Louis, MO Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The total median cost of studying is 28,108.0, compared with 53,046.0 at schools in the top 10%, a difference of 24,938.0. The average percentage of students receiving financial aid is 100.0% overall and 76.67% at top-10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 76.67%. Schools receive an average of 7,403 applicants, while those in the top 10% average 18,977.2 applicants. The median number of applicants is 1,591.0 men and 2,497.0 women.
• The average SAT score is 1,205.29 and the average ACT score is 26.29. Average enrollment is 5,474.69 students, including an average of 325.25 men and 378.78 women enrolled.
• The average graduation rate is 60.55%, compared with 94.0% at top-10% schools. The median graduation rate is 55.5% for men and 61.0% for women.
• Five institutions offer associate's degrees, 12 offer bachelor's degrees, 13 offer master's degrees, and 9 offer doctor's degrees. There are 12 coeducational schools, 0 schools for men, and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare its cost and financial aid availability with your budget, and weigh selectivity and applicant volume against your academic profile. Also consider graduation outcomes, enrollment figures, degree offerings, and whether the school's student composition and coeducational setting fit your preferences.

How much does studying at a college in Saint Louis, MO cost?

The average total cost of getting a degree in Saint Louis, MO, is about $30,119.83. This figure gives you a useful local benchmark, though your actual bill will depend on the college, program, residency, and how long you study.

• Tuition and fees average $30,524.33.
• Room and board average $17,744.62, while books and supplies average $1,224.83.

Saint Louis offers choices locally. At Washington University in St. Louis and Saint Louis University you can compare private-university programs with the public options at University of Missouri-St. Louis. A local community college may also provide a lower-cost starting point before transferring, depending on your degree path and schedule.

For a plan check each school's tuition, required fees, housing choices, and program length; the citywide averages are a starting point, not a quote. Scholarships, grants, living at home, and transfer credits can make a Saint Louis degree feel more manageable and bring your cost down.

How long does it take to finish college in Saint Louis, MO?

In Saint Louis, MO, a bachelor's degree typically takes about four years of full-time study; an associate degree usually takes two, while a master's often adds one or two years. At Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis University, or the University of Missouri-St. Louis, your timeline depends on major requirements, course availability, and whether you attend full time. Local community-college credits may also provide an affordable start before transferring.

Finish sooner by using AP/IB or dual-enrollment credit, transferring coursework, taking summer classes, or choosing an accelerated program. Confirm credits with an adviser, especially while balancing work or family. The average graduation rate is 60.55%; it is 94% at the top 10% of schools, 56.6% for men, and 60.55% for women. Compare local campus outcomes. Ask about tutoring, advising, and transfer pathways at St. Louis Community College, which can make your plan more manageable and help you stay on track.

Salary

A useful benchmark for college graduates in Saint Louis, MO, is a median alumni salary of about $52,621 per year, or roughly $4,385 per month before taxes. Graduates of schools in the top 10% have a median alumni salary of about $71,847 per year, roughly $5,987 per month before taxes.

Your earnings can vary by field, experience, and employer. Students at Saint Louis University, Washington University in St. Louis, and the University of Missouri-St. Louis can pursue paths in areas such as health care, business, technology, and education, each with different salary prospects. These figures are useful benchmarks, but they are not guaranteed starting salaries; pay often grows as you gain experience.

People also ask

How many universities are there in Saint Louis?

Using the City of St. Louis boundaries and counting institutions officially designated as universities, there are three: Saint Louis University, Harris-Stowe State University, and the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis. The number changes if you mean the wider metro area, which includes nearby cities and suburbs.

What is the largest university in Saint Louis?

Within the city itself, Saint Louis University is generally the largest by student enrollment. It offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs, along with a lively campus near the city's cultural and employment centers. If you mean the wider St. Louis area, Washington University is larger by total enrollment.

How many universities are there in Saint Louis?

For a student comparing options, it helps to distinguish St. Louis city from the metro area: there isn't one universally used count for the broader region. Universities in nearby places such as University City, Clayton, and Webster Groves may be described as "in St. Louis" even though they are outside city limits.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Value Colleges Ranking in Saint Louis, MO Ranking in 2026-2027

Washington University in St. Louis enrolls 15,934 students and offers a highly selective, research-focused education in the St. Louis area. Its 12% acceptance rate and 94% graduation rate suggest a competitive campus with strong completion outcomes. The reported total study cost is $64,500, while median alumni salary is $57,449. Located in the region's academic and cultural hub, students can access internships, healthcare institutions, and city amenities. For a Saint Louis, MO resident, compare aid offers and commuting or housing costs.

The University of Missouri-St. Louis is a public university serving the metropolitan region, with 15,122 enrolled students. Its 63% acceptance rate offers a more accessible entry point than some local alternatives, while its 57% graduation rate is worth considering alongside academic support and program fit. The reported total cost is $37,620, and median alumni salary is $48,880. Based in St. Louis, it can suit students seeking public-university options close to home, with access to regional employers and familiar city life.

Saint Louis University, a private Jesuit institution in the city, enrolls 14,519 students. Its 75% acceptance rate may appeal to applicants seeking a less selective admissions process, and its 80% graduation rate indicates solid completion outcomes. The reported total cost of study is $54,760; median alumni salary is $57,653. Students can experience campus life in central St. Louis while drawing on the area's hospitals, cultural venues, and employers. Local applicants should compare financial aid and transportation or housing expenses carefully.

Harris-Stowe State University is a public historically Black university in St. Louis, enrolling 1,002 students. Its reported graduation rate is 28%, and no acceptance-rate figure is available, so prospective students should contact admissions for current details. The listed total cost is $10,440, the lowest among these five schools, while median alumni salary is $42,366. Its urban setting offers a close-to-home option for Saint Louis residents seeking a smaller campus, public education, and connections to the city's community and career opportunities.

Maryville University of Saint Louis is a private university in the St. Louis suburb of Town and Country, with 8,811 enrolled students. Its 95% acceptance rate indicates broad admissions access, and its 66% graduation rate provides another outcome to weigh. The reported total cost is $24,766, with median alumni salary of $54,271. For students living in Saint Louis, MO, Maryville offers a nearby campus and a suburban setting; compare commute, housing, and financial-aid options when estimating your actual cost carefully.