Most
Affordable Colleges in Springfield in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Springfield, MO offers coursework in accounting, marketing, finance, management, economics, and business analytics. Students often build communication, leadership, and decision-making skills through projects, internships, and case studies. Graduates may pursue roles such as business analyst, marketing coordinator, human resources specialist, sales representative, or operations manager. Popular choices include Missouri State University, Drury University, and Evangel University, offering business study options and opportunities to connect with the region's employers and professional community.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Springfield, Missouri, typically combines coursework in developmental psychology, research methods, statistics, social psychology, cognitive processes, personality, and abnormal psychology. Students may also explore counseling, neuroscience, and cultural influences on behavior. Popular local options include Missouri State University, Drury University, and Evangel University. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as behavioral health technician, case manager, research assistant, human resources coordinator, or community support worker. Advanced counseling or clinical psychologist careers generally require graduate study.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Springfield, MO offers practical preparation in programming, algorithms, data structures, databases, cybersecurity, software engineering, and systems. Missouri State University and Drury University are popular local options, with Evangel University also offering related computing study. Students build problem-solving skills through projects and internships. Graduates commonly pursue careers as software developers, systems analysts, cybersecurity specialists, database administrators, web developers, or IT support professionals. Programs may include mathematics and teamwork alongside technical coursework.

Counseling

Studying counseling in Springfield, Missouri, typically combines psychology foundations, counseling theories, ethics, human development, assessment, multicultural practice, and supervised fieldwork. Missouri State University offers counselor education programs, while Evangel University provides graduate counseling study. Graduates may pursue licensure and work as mental health counselors, school counselors, substance-use counselors, or community agency case managers, depending on degree, specialization, and state requirements. Coursework often develops interviewing, treatment-planning, crisis-response, and group-facilitation skills through practice and internships with clients.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Springfield, Missouri, combines classroom learning, simulation, and clinical rotations in local health settings. Typical courses include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, and community health. Graduates may work as registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, patient-care coordinators, or nursing assistants, depending on degree and licensure. Popular options for aspiring nurses across Springfield include Missouri State University, Cox College, and Ozarks Technical Community College, offering associate, bachelor's, and practical-nursing pathways.

Best Colleges in Springfield, MO Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The total median cost of studying is 14,580.0, compared with 28,854.4 at schools in the top 10% - a difference of 14,274.4. The average percentage of students receiving financial aid is 100.0%, compared with 74.0% at top-10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 74.0%. Schools receive an average of 3,106 applicants, while top-10% schools average 8,026.4 applicants. The median number of male applicants is 524.0, compared with 670.0 female applicants.
• The average SAT score is 1,132.5 and the average ACT score is 25.0. Average enrollment is 5,375.62 students, including averages of 330.25 men and 410.8 women enrolled.
• The average graduation rate is 60.56%, compared with 92.0% at top-10% schools. Median graduation rates are 52.0% for men and 61.5% for women.
• Seven institutions offer associate's degrees, nine offer bachelor's degrees, six offer master's degrees, and two offer doctor's degrees. Seven schools are coeducational; zero are schools for men and zero are schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost and financial aid alongside graduation rates, admissions figures, and available degree levels. Consider the SAT and ACT averages as points of comparison, and look closely at enrollment and student composition to determine which institution best fits your academic goals and preferences.

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

The provided average total is $15,946.22 for studying in Springfield, MO. Treat it as a typical cost benchmark, not a guaranteed price for completing a degree; your full amount depends on the school, program, and time to graduation. Local options include Missouri State University, Drury University, and Ozarks Technical Community College. These area averages are not school-specific quotes.

• Tuition and fees average $16,253.11
• Room and board average $10,117.17
• Books and supplies average $1,157.83

These figures do not reconcile: tuition and fees alone exceed the stated total, while the listed components together are higher still. Treat them as separate benchmarks, not amounts to add, and request an up-to-date cost-of-attendance estimate from your chosen school. Springfield's mix of university and community-college options can make comparing campus life, programs, and budgets encouraging. Scholarships, grants, commuting, and transfer credits may reduce what you pay; extra semesters or specialized programs can raise it.

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

Most students in Springfield, MO need about four years of study to earn a bachelor's degree; an associate degree at Ozarks Technical Community College takes about two years. At Missouri State University or Drury University, completion time depends on your major, course availability, and whether you attend full time. Part-time study, changing majors, or needing prerequisite courses can extend completion, so planning terms with an adviser helps keep you on track. Springfield students may finish sooner by bringing in AP or dual-enrollment credits, transferring eligible coursework, taking summer classes, or choosing an accelerated schedule when offered. Confirm that credits apply to your degree before enrolling, since requirements vary. The reported average graduation rate is 60.56%, compared with 92% among the top 10% of schools. The averages are 53.75% for men and 64.38% for women. These figures show many students complete their studies, while also underscoring that persistence and a good academic fit matter.

Salary

College graduates in Springfield, MO, earn a median annual salary of about $39,737. For graduates of schools in the top 10% by alumni earnings, the median is about $51,686. These figures offer a useful benchmark as you compare local options such as Missouri State University, Drury University, Evangel University, and Ozarks Technical Community College.

Your own earnings can vary considerably depending on your field, degree level, work experience, and the employer you choose. A degree can be a positive step toward higher-paying opportunities, and Springfield's range of colleges gives you several paths to explore while studying close to home.

People also ask

How much does it cost to go to college in Springfield?

There isn't one price for college in Springfield, Missouri: costs depend on the school, your residency, course load, and whether you live on campus. Ozarks Technical Community College is generally a lower-cost starting point, while four-year public and private colleges can cost more. Compare current tuition, fees, housing, and books for your situation.

What college in Springfield has the lowest tuition?

Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC) is often the lowest-tuition choice among Springfield's local public colleges, particularly for students who qualify for its in-district rate. Your final cost can change with residency, program, and fees, so check OTC's current tuition schedule and compare it with other schools before deciding. Financial aid may also affect what you pay.

Top 5 Colleges in the Most Affordable Colleges Ranking in Springfield, MO Ranking in 2026-2027

Ozarks Technical Community College offers a Springfield, Missouri, option for students seeking an accessible community-college starting point, with 12,096 enrolled students. Its graduation rate is 33%, while acceptance-rate data is unavailable. The reported total study cost is $5,928, and median alumni salary is $37,907. For a local student, its community-college setting may suit exploring fields or building credentials near home; compare program availability, transfer pathways, and personal expenses before deciding whether its low listed cost fits your degree plans today.

Evangel University-College of Online Learning provides an online-learning option connected with a Springfield institution, potentially useful for students balancing coursework with local commitments. The dataset lists a 50% graduation rate and 49% acceptance rate; enrollment is unavailable. Total study cost is $7,680, and median alumni salary is $38,023. A Springfield-based applicant should confirm which programs are fully online, how support and assessments work, and whether the published cost covers their intended degree, then compare the flexible format with campus-based alternatives.

Missouri State University-Springfield is a large university choice in Springfield, Missouri, enrolling 24,606 students. Its graduation rate is 58%, acceptance rate 91%, total study cost $17,388, and median alumni salary $41,451. For someone already based in the city, studying locally can make campus access and staying near established routines practical considerations. The university setting may offer varied academic paths; investigate the specific major, required fees, financial aid, and graduation timelines to judge whether the higher listed cost supports your goals.

Drury University-College of Continuing Professional Studies gives Springfield-area learners a continuing and professional-studies option. Enrollment is 661, graduation rate is 43%, and acceptance-rate information is unavailable. The listed total study cost is $7,800, while median alumni salary is $43,800. Its focused college identity may appeal to adults or students seeking career-oriented study, though applicants should verify the available credentials and schedules. Compare tuition details, aid, and program outcomes to determine how this Springfield choice aligns with your career plans locally.

Cox College is a small Springfield-based college with 736 enrolled students and a reported 100% graduation rate. Its acceptance rate is also 100%. Total study cost is $11,772, and median alumni salary is $70,087, the highest salary figure among these five entries. For a local student, its college setting may be worth exploring for focused degree study, but confirm which programs are offered and what the figures include. Review accreditation, clinical or practical requirements, aid, and outcomes before applying carefully.