Research.com
Southeast Missouri State University logo

Southeast Missouri State University

#562 in US ranking Cape Girardeau, MO
Type:
Public
Programs:
4 years or more

Represent this school?

Update this profile on Research.com

Southeast Missouri State University award

Cost

Cost / year
$27,192
Tuition & fees
$10,194
Avg. aid
$6,733
Receiving aid
96%

Admissions

Acceptance rate
74%
ACT range
15–20

Outcomes

Graduation rate
58%
Median salary
$41,037
1 yr after graduation

What does Southeast Missouri State University offer in terms of athletics?

Southeast Missouri State University's Redhawks compete in NCAA Division I varsity athletics, principally in the Ohio Valley Conference. Representative varsity sports include football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball, and track and field.

Varsity competition is only one way to take part in sports. Students who are not recruited athletes can look for club sports, intramural leagues, and recreation or fitness activities, subject to the programs offered in a given term. A broad list of activities associated with campus life should not be mistaken for a list of NCAA teams: sports such as rugby, ultimate Frisbee, or rock climbing may operate in a club or recreational setting rather than as varsity programs.

What student groups and Associations are available at Southeast Missouri State University?

Students at Southeast Missouri State University can participate in governance, service, cultural, academic, recreational, and faith-based organizations. Named examples include the Student Government Association, Student Activities Council, Campus Outreach, SEMO eSports, and fraternities and sororities.

Academic and professional clubs can offer a way to meet people in a major, while the Student Activities Council focuses on programming and Student Government Association provides a formal channel for student representation. Recognition and activity can change from year to year, so students looking for a particular group should check the current organization directory and meeting schedule rather than assume that an older listing is active.

Who studies at Southeast Missouri State University?

Southeast Missouri State University enrolls about 9,501 students. Its reported entering class included roughly 1,380 first-time degree-seeking students, and 432 transfer-in degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates were recorded separately.

Missouri residents made up about two-thirds of students in the reported geographic profile. Students from other U.S. states accounted for 15%, and students from other countries accounted for 19%. The international share is a useful reminder that a regional public university can also have a substantial population from abroad.

The age distribution includes traditional college-age students and older learners; students in their late twenties and beyond are present, though they make up a smaller share. These enrollment figures describe who attends, not whether any individual will find a particular class schedule, peer group, or support service that fits their needs.

How does student life look like at Southeast Missouri State University?

Everyday student life at Southeast Missouri State University spans residential activities, commuter routines, campus events, and services beyond the classroom. Because most students commute, the experience need not revolve around living in a residence hall.

Students can connect through arts performances, campus programming, recreation, and academic activities. The university also reports a health clinic, personal or psychological counseling, and a veterans affairs office. A student-run newspaper, radio station, theater group, marching band, and choral groups provide additional ways to participate or attend events.

For new students, the practical questions are often about timing: which activities happen between classes, what services require an appointment, and how late facilities remain open. Those details can matter especially to commuters, working students, and people balancing study with family responsibilities.

What libraries are available to students at Southeast Missouri State University?

Kent Library is Southeast Missouri State University's main library. It supports coursework and research through print and electronic collections, study space, and help finding and using academic sources.

Students can use library research assistance and online materials when a course requires scholarly articles rather than general web sources. Specialized collections and archives can also matter for projects involving local or institutional history. Availability of a particular database, equipment item, or interlibrary-loan service should be checked against the library's current offerings.

Students planning late-night study should verify opening hours before relying on the building: the reported library profile does not indicate a regularly available 24-hour study area. Online resource access may offer a different option when the physical building is closed.

Southeast Missouri State University Student Life for 2027

Total enrollment

9501

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

1344

Member of Athletic Associations

NCAA

Total staff

329 full time, 132 part time

Veterans affair office

Yes

Southeast Missouri State University Student Body

Undergraduate vs. graduate students

Undergraduate: 7,926
Graduate: 1,575

Full-time vs. part-time students

Full-time: 6,711
Part-time: 2,790

Full-time degree-seeking students by gender

Women: 787
Men: 557

Students by race/ethnicity

Hispanic or Latino: 207
Black or African American: 537
White: 4,449
American Indian or Alaska Native: 17
Asian: 50
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 4
Two or more races: 203
Unknown: 392

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

Southeast Missouri State University Sports & Athletics

  • Member of NCAA

Varsity teams compete against other colleges, intramural teams within the school. Each column says whether men, women or both take part, and whether the sport offers athletic scholarships (Aid).

Sport

Varsity Intramural Aid

Archery

–Men–

Baseball

MenMenMen

Basketball

BothBothBoth

Bowling

–Both–

Cheerleading

Both–Both

Cross-country running

BothBothBoth

Equestrian sports

–Both–

Fencing

–Men–

Field hockey

–Women–

Football

MenMenMen

Gymnastics

WomenWomenWomen

Lacrosse

–Men–

Riflery

–Both–

Rock climbing

–Both–

Rugby

–Both–

Soccer

WomenWomenWomen

Softball

WomenWomenWomen

Table tennis

–Both–

Tennis

WomenWomenWomen

Track and field

BothBothBoth

Ultimate Frisbee

–Both–

Volleyball

WomenWomenWomen

Weight lifting

–Both–

Data last updated on November 2, 2026

Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026

Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.

Recently Published Articles