About Mineral Area College
Students pay an average net price of $11,123 annually, making this one of the more affordable pathways to career training. Graduates earn a median of $35,352 ten years after enrollment, while typical student debt sits at just $10,500. The return on investment works well for technical program graduates who enter high-demand local industries. Monthly loan payments average only $111, making debt manageable on entry-level wages.
The Cardinals compete in 12 NAIA sports with $1.15 million in athletic scholarships supporting 239 student-athletes. Women make up 62% of the student body, reflecting strong enrollment in the college's popular nursing and health sciences programs. With a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, students get personal attention despite the community college setting. The 93% employment rate shows strong local job placement for graduates.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 20:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 45.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 42.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $35,352
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $48,667 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $35,060 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $28,236 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $19,957 |
Campus Life
The Cardinals compete in 12 NAIA sports with 239 total athletes receiving $1,153,078 in scholarships. Weekends often revolve around athletic events and outdoor activities in the nearby St. Francois Mountains. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio creates a close-knit community feel typical of Missouri's smaller colleges. With women comprising 61.76% of enrollment, the campus skews female but maintains an active social scene. Students often head to St. Louis for big-city entertainment, while local hangouts include downtown Park Hills and the area's historic mining sites. The semester system allows for winter and summer breaks that align with seasonal work opportunities in the region's mining and manufacturing industries.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 255 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
Campus Safety (2023)
2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 22°–42°F
- July Avg
- 66°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 45.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 8.7"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 38.2%
- Women
- 61.8%
- White
- 84.7%
- Black
- 2.8%
- Hispanic
- 3.1%
- Asian
- 0.5%
- In-State Students
- 95.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 30.8%
Location
- Address
- Park Hills, Missouri 63601-1000
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $35,352
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $40,708
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $25,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 33.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $111/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $10,500
Frequently Asked Questions
How competitive is admission at Mineral Area College?
Mineral Area College maintains an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of their academic background. The school serves 1,530 students with 95.77% coming from Missouri. This accessibility makes it a popular starting point for students seeking affordable higher education or career training.
What does it cost to attend Mineral Area College after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $11,123 annually after financial aid is applied. In-state tuition runs $5,180 while out-of-state students pay $8,090. About 30.80% of students receive financial aid, helping keep costs manageable for working-class families.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Mineral Area College?
The student-faculty ratio stands at 20:1, which is typical for community colleges but higher than many four-year institutions. The college operates on a semester calendar system. Students can choose from various associate degree programs and certificate options designed for quick entry into the workforce.
How well do Mineral Area College graduates perform in the job market?
Graduates earn a median salary of $35,352 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the college's focus on practical career training. The employment rate reaches 93.0%, showing strong job placement success. However, the 42.30% six-year graduation rate indicates that many students take longer to complete their programs or transfer elsewhere.
What is campus housing like at Mineral Area College?
The college offers on-campus housing for up to 255 students at $6,000 per year for room and board. Most students commute from the surrounding region rather than live on campus. The student body is 61.76% female and 84.71% white, typical for rural Missouri communities.
Does Mineral Area College have strong athletics programs?
The Cardinals compete in NAIA athletics with 12 varsity sports and 239 total athletes. The college awards $1,153,078 in athletic scholarships, demonstrating a significant commitment to sports programs. This investment in athletics helps attract students and build community connections in the Park Hills area.
