About Drury University
Drury University builds architects and business leaders in a tight-knit academic community of 1,367 students in Springfield, Missouri. The school's architecture program has earned national recognition, while its business school produces graduates who land solid corporate positions across the Midwest. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students by name and mentor them through rigorous coursework. The 63% acceptance rate makes Drury selective but accessible for students with SAT scores around 1255.
The financial picture tells a compelling story for middle-class families. Students pay an average net price of $21,523 after aid, nearly $14,000 less than the sticker price of $35,235. Graduates earn a median of $40,694 ten years after college with typical debt loads of $20,979. That translates to monthly loan payments of $222, which most graduates can manage given the school's 94% employment rate. Nearly a quarter of students receive institutional grants averaging $24,535.
The Panthers compete in 17 NCAA Division II sports with 408 student-athletes receiving over $4.5 million in athletic scholarships. About 70% of students come from Missouri, creating a close regional network. The 77% retention rate reflects student satisfaction, though the 64% four-year graduation rate suggests some students need extra time to finish their degrees.
The financial picture tells a compelling story for middle-class families. Students pay an average net price of $21,523 after aid, nearly $14,000 less than the sticker price of $35,235. Graduates earn a median of $40,694 ten years after college with typical debt loads of $20,979. That translates to monthly loan payments of $222, which most graduates can manage given the school's 94% employment rate. Nearly a quarter of students receive institutional grants averaging $24,535.
The Panthers compete in 17 NCAA Division II sports with 408 student-athletes receiving over $4.5 million in athletic scholarships. About 70% of students come from Missouri, creating a close regional network. The 77% retention rate reflects student satisfaction, though the 64% four-year graduation rate suggests some students need extra time to finish their degrees.
Academics & Faculty
Drury University operates as a private liberal arts college with particularly strong architecture and business programs that draw students from across the region. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know students personally and provide individualized attention. This close mentorship shows in the 64.75% four-year graduation rate, reflecting solid academic support systems. The architecture program has earned national recognition for its design studios and real-world project experience. Business students benefit from small class sizes and internship connections throughout Springfield's growing economy. With 1,367 total students, every academic program emphasizes personal relationships between faculty and students rather than lecture hall anonymity.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 93.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 64.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 66.0%
- Retention Rate
- 77.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,694
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $56,563 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $54,053 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $52,607 |
| Architecture. | Bachelor | $47,650 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $47,260 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $42,363 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $39,969 |
| Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education. | Master | $38,289 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $37,424 |
| Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management. | Master | $36,141 |
Campus Life
Springfield gives Drury students access to a mid-sized city of 170,000 people without the chaos of a major metropolitan area. The campus houses 77% of its 1,367 students in residence halls, creating a tight-knit community where the 13:1 student-faculty ratio translates into professors who actually know your name. Missouri's four-season climate means packing both winter coats for January snow and shorts for August heat.
The Panthers compete in 17 NCAA Division II sports, with 408 student-athletes representing nearly 30% of the student body. Weekend life centers around the compact campus where Greek life and residence hall programming keep students engaged. With 70% of students coming from Missouri, many head home on some weekends, but those who stay find plenty to do in Springfield's downtown district just minutes away. The strong architecture and business programs mean students often collaborate on real-world projects that extend beyond typical classroom boundaries. Campus traditions revolve around the close community feel that comes with everyone knowing everyone else.
The Panthers compete in 17 NCAA Division II sports, with 408 student-athletes representing nearly 30% of the student body. Weekend life centers around the compact campus where Greek life and residence hall programming keep students engaged. With 70% of students coming from Missouri, many head home on some weekends, but those who stay find plenty to do in Springfield's downtown district just minutes away. The strong architecture and business programs mean students often collaborate on real-world projects that extend beyond typical classroom boundaries. Campus traditions revolve around the close community feel that comes with everyone knowing everyone else.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 1,059 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1873
Campus Safety (2023)
24 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 8 | 6 | 4 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Fondling | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 22°–42°F
- July Avg
- 67°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 45.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- -1,538.4"
Student Demographics
Drury draws primarily from Missouri, with 70% of students staying close to home for this respected regional institution. The student body leans slightly female at 52%, reflecting strong interest in the university's education and health science programs alongside its well-known architecture school. With 27% receiving Pell Grants, Drury serves a mix of middle-class families seeking quality liberal arts education. The demographic makeup shows a predominantly white student population typical of Missouri's regional colleges. Students choose Drury for its small-town feel combined with serious academic programs that build strong alumni networks throughout the Midwest.
- Men
- 47.6%
- Women
- 52.5%
- White
- 73.7%
- Black
- 3.2%
- Hispanic
- 3.0%
- Asian
- 2.1%
- In-State Students
- 70.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 27.2%
Location
Drury University sits in Springfield, Missouri, about 160 miles southwest of St. Louis and 170 miles southeast of Kansas City. The university calls Missouri's third-largest city home, with Springfield's metro area housing around 475,000 residents. This corner of the Ozarks region blends college town energy with regional economic activity. Springfield serves as a healthcare and logistics center for southwest Missouri, creating internship and job opportunities beyond the typical college town offerings. The city's location near the Arkansas border puts students within driving distance of Branson's entertainment district and the Buffalo National River. Students considering colleges in Missouri may also compare Drury University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Springfield, Missouri 65802-3791
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,694
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $43,424
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $30,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 48.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $222/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,979
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Drury University?
Drury admits 63.43% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a private liberal arts college. Students typically need SAT scores between 1150-1360, with the average sitting at 1255.
How much does Drury University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $21,523, lower than the sticker price of $46,921. Students graduate with a median debt of $20,979, which translates to monthly loan payments of $222.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Drury University?
Drury maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,367 total students. This small liberal arts environment allows for close mentoring relationships, particularly in the school's well-regarded architecture and business programs.
What do Drury University graduates earn after college?
Graduates earn a median of $40,694 ten years after graduation, with a strong 94.0% employment rate. The 66.00% six-year graduation rate reflects the supportive environment at this Christian-affiliated institution.
Where is Drury University located and what is campus life like?
The Springfield, Missouri campus houses 1,059 students in a mid-sized city setting. With 17 varsity sports and 408 total athletes competing in NCAA Division II, the Panthers create a tight-knit community feel.
Does Drury University offer good financial aid to students?
Drury provides institutional grants to 23.41% of students, averaging $24,535 per recipient. The school serves a diverse economic base, with 27.20% of students receiving Pell Grants and net prices ranging from $17,073 for low-income families to $25,628 for high earners.
