
One University Plaza, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, USA


Southeast Missouri State University supports a vibrant athletic program with a variety of sports teams competing primarily in the Ohio Valley Conference. The university fields men's teams in baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, tennis, and track and field. On the women's side, teams participate in basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field, and volleyball.
The university's athletic facilities include Houck Stadium for football, the Show Me Center for basketball and volleyball, as well as dedicated venues for baseball and softball. These facilities provide student-athletes with ample resources and support during their competitive seasons.
The athletics department emphasizes both competitive success and student development, encouraging a balance between academics and athletics. Southeast Missouri State offers opportunities for students to engage in sports at various levels, making it an appealing choice for prospective athletes seeking a comprehensive collegiate athletic experience.
Southeast Missouri State University offers a variety of student organizations catering to diverse interests. Among these are the Student Government Association, which allows students to participate in university governance, and the Student Activities Council, which coordinates campus events and activities. Greek Life is also available for students seeking fraternity and sorority experiences.
Additional opportunities for involvement include Campus Outreach programs and the SEMO eSports team, which provides a competitive environment for gaming enthusiasts.
Regarding student participation in social organizations, data indicates that 66 men and 14 women are members, within a total enrollment of 2,353 men and 3,423 women. This reflects the universities' commitment to fostering community engagement among its student body.
Southeast Missouri State University hosts a diverse student body with a total enrollment of approximately 1,690 new students annually, including around 1,287 freshmen and 403 transfer students. This reflects a moderately sized intake, positioning the university in the middle range compared to other institutions.
The undergraduate population spans a broad age spectrum. Most undergraduates are between 18 and 21 years old, with 2,298 students aged 18-19 and 2,474 aged 20-21. There is also a significant number of students in their early twenties and beyond, including 1,144 aged 22-24 and 352 aged 25-29. The graduate student body tends to be older, primarily falling between 22 and 49 years old.
Regarding the residency status of students, the majority (76%) are in-state residents, placing the university in the top 40% for in-state enrollment nationally. Out-of-state students represent a smaller portion at around 18%, which is comparatively lower and ranks in the bottom 35% nationally. The institution also draws international students from about five different countries, a figure that situates it in the middle range among similar universities.
The racial and ethnic composition of the university reveals a strong predominance of white students, numbering 4,449, which ranks it in the top 30% nationwide for this demographic. African American students constitute the second-largest group with 537 individuals, while Hispanic, Asian, and Native American students are present in smaller numbers, totaling 207, 50, and 17 respectively. The university also reports significant numbers of students identifying with two or more races and a high count of students with unknown racial identification, reflecting a notable degree of diversity and data complexity within the student population.
Student life at Southeast Missouri State University offers a variety of cultural and extracurricular opportunities that cater to diverse interests. The university supports a campus newspaper, drama productions, radio programming, a band, and a chorus, providing students with multiple ways to engage in creative and performing arts.
The institution fosters a supportive environment with available health services, including a health clinic and psychological counseling, ensuring students have access to necessary care. Additionally, there is a veterans affairs office to support students who have served in the military.
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 5, students benefit from very low classroom density, which can enhance personalized learning and interaction with professors. The university also hosts an international student population from 66 different countries, creating a culturally rich campus atmosphere.
Southeast Missouri State University offers library services primarily through its Kent Library, which serves as the main resource center for students. The university maintains a single library facility, reflecting a modest scale in its library infrastructure compared to other institutions.
The Kent Library houses approximately 380,000 volumes, placing it near the median in collection size relative to peer institutions. Students have access to a range of subscriptions totaling over 4,000 titles, alongside nearly 59,000 digital subscriptions, supporting diverse academic research needs.
While the library holds around 264,000 eBooks, this figure is somewhat lower than many comparable universities. Additionally, Southeast Missouri State University provides access to 159 databases, a level consistent with average offerings across similar schools.
Library services include both physical and digital access, and staffing is composed of trained professionals. However, the facility does not offer study rooms or all-day access, which may affect students seeking extended or private study environments. Kent Library operates with established service hours totaling 92 hours per week and benefits from access to shared collections, enhancing resource availability beyond its own holdings.
Total enrollment
9500Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
1344Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
329 full time, 132 part timeVeterans affair office
YesMain library name
Kent LibraryNumber of libraries on campus
1Reservable study rooms in library
No24h access
NoPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes