Missouri Southern State University: 99.5% Acceptance Rate

99.5%Acceptance

$8,400Tuition

3,101Students

38%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$42,620Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Missouri Southern State University

Missouri Southern State University serves 3,101 students in Joplin, a small city near the Kansas border. This regional public university built its reputation on accessibility and personal attention since 1937. The school accepts 99.48% of applicants, making it an open-door institution for students seeking affordable higher education in southwest Missouri. Class sizes stay manageable with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio.

The financial picture tells a compelling story for budget-conscious families. Students pay an average net price of $11,653 after financial aid, with low-income families paying just $9,021. Graduates leave with a median debt of $19,174 and monthly loan payments of $203. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $42,620. While the 38.30% six-year graduation rate lags behind national averages, those who finish find steady employment with a 95.5% job placement rate.

The Lions compete in NCAA Division II with 380 student-athletes across 11 sports. Women make up 60.82% of the student body, and 77.89% come from Missouri. Campus housing accommodates 798 students, creating a close-knit community atmosphere. The school particularly appeals to first-generation college students, with 34.97% receiving Pell Grants.

Academics & Faculty

Missouri Southern emphasizes practical career preparation over theoretical research, with programs designed to get students into the workforce quickly. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know their students personally and can provide individualized attention. However, the 37% four-year graduation rate reflects challenges many students face balancing work and school in this affordable option. The university is particularly known for its nursing program, which has strong clinical partnerships with local hospitals. Business and education programs also draw students seeking direct pathways to employment. With 99.48% acceptance, Missouri Southern opens doors for students who might struggle elsewhere, though academic support becomes crucial for success.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Full-Time Faculty: 54.2%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 37.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 38.3%
Retention Rate: 69.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $42,620
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Small)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians.	Bachelor	$57,318
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$54,515
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.	Associate	$51,482
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$47,930
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other.	Bachelor	$43,426
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$42,123
Public Health.	Bachelor	$39,729
Business/Commerce, General.	Bachelor	$38,946
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$37,363
Education, General.	Bachelor	$34,298

View all 85 programs →

Campus Life

Joplin sits about two hours from Kansas City, giving students access to internships and job opportunities without big-city costs. The 60-acre campus houses just 798 students, meaning only about 26% live on campus in a community of 3,101 total students. Most students commute from the surrounding tri-state area of Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma.

Winters require a good coat as temperatures drop into the 20s, while summers reach the 90s with typical Midwest humidity. The Lions compete in 11 NCAA Division II sports with 380 total athletes, creating a strong athletic presence on the small campus. Students often head to nearby Crowder College for joint events or drive to Springfield for weekend entertainment. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, but it also means fewer campus activities than larger universities. Many students work part-time jobs in Joplin's retail and healthcare sectors. With 77.89% of students from Missouri, the campus maintains a regional feel where many students already know each other from high school.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 798 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1937

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Dating Violence	2	2
Rape	2	2
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 25°–44°F
July Avg: 69°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 45.6"
Annual Snowfall: 7.8"

Student Demographics

Missouri Southern draws primarily from southwest Missouri and surrounding states, with nearly 80% of students coming from in-state. The student body leans heavily female at 61%, reflecting the university's strength in education, nursing, and social work programs. About 35% receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves many first-generation and working-class families in the region. This regional public university has built its reputation on being accessible to local students who want quality education close to home. The demographics reflect Missouri Southern's mission as an affordable pathway to middle-class careers for area residents.

Men: 39.2%
Women: 60.8%
White: 69.3%
Black: 6.5%
Hispanic: 9.3%
Asian: 2.8%
In-State Students: 77.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 35.0%

Location

Missouri Southern State University sits in Joplin, a small city of about 50,000 people in the far southwest corner of Missouri. The campus is roughly 170 miles south of Kansas City and sits near the borders of Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Joplin rebuilt itself as a resilient community after a devastating 2011 tornado destroyed much of the city. The area centers around mining history and Route 66 heritage. With 3,101 students and housing for just 798 on campus, most students live off-campus in the surrounding neighborhoods. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio reflects the small-city atmosphere where professors know their students personally. Students considering colleges in Missouri may also compare Missouri Southern State University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Joplin, Missouri 64801-1595

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $42,620
Median Earnings (5 years): $49,630
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $31,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 48.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $203/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $19,174

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Missouri Southern State University?

Missouri Southern accepts 99.48% of applicants, making admission nearly guaranteed for students who meet basic requirements. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 960-1220 on the SAT with an average of 1090. This open-access approach aligns with the university's mission to serve the regional community in southwest Missouri.

How much does Missouri Southern State University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $11,653 annually after aid, with families earning under $30,000 paying just $9,021. In-state tuition starts at $8,400 while out-of-state students pay $16,800. Graduates typically leave with $19,174 in debt and monthly loan payments of $203.

What are class sizes like at Missouri Southern State University?

The student-faculty ratio is 16:1 across the university's 3,101 enrolled students. This regional public university emphasizes small class sizes as one of its key selling points. The focus on personalized attention helps students navigate their academic programs in the close-knit campus environment.

What do graduates earn after attending Missouri Southern State University?

Alumni earn a median salary of $42,620 ten years after graduation, with an employment rate of 95.5%. However, only 38.30% of students graduate within six years, which is below the national average. The university serves many first-generation college students in the Joplin area who often balance work and family responsibilities.

Where do students live at Missouri Southern State University?

The campus houses 798 students in residence halls, serving a fraction of the 3,101 total enrollment. Most students are from Missouri (77.89%) and many commute from the surrounding Joplin region. The student body is 60.82% female and predominantly white at 69.33%.

Does Missouri Southern State University have strong athletics?

The Lions compete in NCAA Division II with 11 varsity sports and 380 total athletes. The university awards $2,606,107 in athletic scholarships annually as part of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association. Athletics provide an important connection point for the regional community that the university serves.