Harris-Stowe State University: $6,442 Tuition

$6,442Tuition

1,086Students

27%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$31,088Earnings

Public4-yearNAIAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24HBCU

About Harris-Stowe State University

Harris-Stowe State University has built its reputation as Missouri's top teacher preparation institution. This historically Black public university serves 1,086 students in the heart of Saint Louis, where education programs have been the cornerstone since its founding. The university operates with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in its signature education and liberal arts programs. Nearly 83% of students are Black, creating a supportive community focused on educational excellence and social mobility.

The financial picture tells a story of accessibility and challenge. Students pay an average net price of $13,459 after aid, with 73% receiving financial assistance. Graduates earn a median of $31,088 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $25,930. The monthly loan payment of $275 represents a significant portion of early-career earnings. The 4-year graduation rate stands at 23%, reflecting the working-student reality many face.

Women make up 70% of the student body, typical for education-focused institutions. The Hornets compete in nine NAIA sports with 175 total athletes. Campus housing accommodates 426 students, though many commute from the greater Saint Louis area. The 68% retention rate suggests students find value in staying, despite financial pressures that often extend time to degree completion.

Academics & Faculty

Harris-Stowe State University built its reputation as a teacher preparation powerhouse in Missouri, producing educators for urban school districts across the region. The historically Black public university maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, providing close mentorship in education and liberal arts programs. However, only 27% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the challenges many first-generation college students face. The university's education programs remain its academic cornerstone, training teachers who understand diverse urban communities. Students benefit from small class sizes and personalized attention, though academic support systems struggle to help all students reach graduation. The campus serves as a vital pipeline for educators in St. Louis area schools.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Full-Time Faculty: 32.1%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 23.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 27.4%
Retention Rate: 68.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $31,088
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Bachelor	$29,685
Education, General.	Bachelor	$29,374
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$25,967

View all 22 programs →

Campus Life

Harris-Stowe sits in the heart of Saint Louis, putting you right in Missouri's second-largest city with access to the Gateway Arch, Cardinals games, and the bustling downtown scene. You'll need both winter coats and summer gear since Saint Louis swings from snowy January lows around 25°F to humid July highs near 90°F. Only about 39% of the 1,086 students live in the residence halls, so campus empties out on weekends as many commuters head home.

The student body is 83% Black, reflecting the university's proud HBCU heritage and mission of serving underrepresented communities. Women make up 70% of students, and many are focused on education and business programs. The Hornets compete in nine NAIA sports with 175 total athletes, creating school spirit around basketball and other competitions. Saint Louis offers internships, cultural events, and job opportunities that many students tap into. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, which matters at a school where 73% of students receive Pell Grants and need that extra support to succeed.

Setting: City-Large
Housing Capacity: 426 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

15 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Domestic Violence	3	3
Burglary	2	1
Aggravated Assault	1	1
Fondling	1	1
Motor Vehicle Theft	2	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 24°–40°F
July Avg: 71°–89°F
Annual Precipitation: 43.9"
Annual Snowfall: 13.8"

Student Demographics

Harris-Stowe draws primarily Black students who comprise over 80% of the student body, reflecting its identity as a historically Black university serving Missouri's urban communities. Nearly three-quarters of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school's commitment to making higher education accessible to low-income families. Women outnumber men more than two to one, which aligns with the university's strength in teacher preparation programs where women traditionally dominate. Most students come from out-of-state, indicating Harris-Stowe attracts students from across the region seeking affordable education at an HBCU.

Men: 29.7%
Women: 70.3%
White: 2.6%
Black: 82.6%
Hispanic: 1.9%
Asian: 0.2%
In-State Students: 36.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 72.9%

Location

Harris-Stowe State University sits in Saint Louis, Missouri, the state's second-largest city with nearly 300,000 residents. The campus occupies the Midtown area, placing students in the heart of a major metropolitan region. Saint Louis offers the cultural amenities of a big city, including professional sports teams, museums, and a thriving music scene rooted in jazz and blues history. The university's urban setting provides internship and job opportunities across education, healthcare, and business sectors. With 36.13% of students coming from in-state, many choose Harris-Stowe for its proximity to home while accessing big-city resources. Students considering colleges in Missouri may also compare Harris-Stowe State University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Saint Louis, Missouri 63103-2136

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $31,088
Median Earnings (5 years): $44,741
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $23,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 22.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $275/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $25,930

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student body composition at Harris-Stowe State University?

Harris-Stowe enrolls 1,086 students, with women making up 70.26% of the student body. As a historically Black university, 82.60% of students are Black, making it one of Missouri's most diverse campuses where students find strong community and cultural identity.

How much does Harris-Stowe State University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $13,459 annually, with 72.88% receiving financial aid. The university keeps costs accessible with in-state tuition at just $6,442, reflecting its mission to serve working-class families and first-generation college students.

What academic programs is Harris-Stowe State University known for?

The university maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in small classes. Harris-Stowe has built its reputation primarily on teacher preparation and education programs, training educators who serve schools throughout Missouri and beyond.

What are the graduation rates at Harris-Stowe State University?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 27.40%, with a four-year rate of 23.24%. These figures reflect the challenges many students face as working adults and first-generation college attendees, though the university provides extensive support services to help students persist.

Where do students live at Harris-Stowe State University?

The campus houses 426 students in on-campus residence halls, creating a close-knit residential community. With only 36.13% of students coming from in-state, the urban Saint Louis setting attracts students from across the region seeking an HBCU experience.

Does Harris-Stowe State University offer athletic scholarships?

The Hornets compete in NAIA athletics across 9 varsity sports with 175 total athletes. The university awards $515,394 in athletic scholarships annually, providing opportunities for student-athletes to pursue both academic and athletic excellence at this historically Black institution.