About Missouri State University-Springfield
Missouri State University builds future public servants through full programs that emphasize civic engagement. The university enrolls 13,407 students in Springfield, a midsize Missouri city. Education, business, and public affairs programs anchor the curriculum with a clear focus on preparing graduates for community leadership roles. Notable alumni include actors John Goodman, Kathleen Turner, and Brad Pitt, who represent the university's reach beyond Missouri's borders.
Students pay an average net price of $17,502 after financial aid, making this education relatively affordable for a four-year degree. Graduates earn a median salary of $49,827 ten years after graduation, providing solid returns on their investment. Most students graduate with $21,992 in debt, requiring monthly loan payments of $233. The 96.5% employment rate demonstrates strong job market outcomes for Bears graduates.
The student body reflects Missouri's demographics, with 78.6% of students coming from in-state and women comprising 60.9% of enrollment. The Bears compete in NCAA Division I athletics across 15 sports with 401 student-athletes. Class sizes run larger with a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, typical for a public full university. The 79.3% retention rate suggests most students find what they're looking for in Springfield.
Students pay an average net price of $17,502 after financial aid, making this education relatively affordable for a four-year degree. Graduates earn a median salary of $49,827 ten years after graduation, providing solid returns on their investment. Most students graduate with $21,992 in debt, requiring monthly loan payments of $233. The 96.5% employment rate demonstrates strong job market outcomes for Bears graduates.
The student body reflects Missouri's demographics, with 78.6% of students coming from in-state and women comprising 60.9% of enrollment. The Bears compete in NCAA Division I athletics across 15 sports with 401 student-athletes. Class sizes run larger with a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, typical for a public full university. The 79.3% retention rate suggests most students find what they're looking for in Springfield.
Academics & Faculty
Missouri State focuses heavily on public service and preparing students for careers that serve their communities. The university built its reputation around education, business, and public affairs programs that emphasize civic engagement. With a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, classes tend to be larger and students need to advocate for themselves to get individual attention from professors. The 57% graduation rate reflects the reality that many students struggle to complete their degrees within six years. Missouri State's education programs have historically been among its strongest, feeding teachers into Missouri schools. The business college offers solid undergraduate preparation, while the public affairs programs align with the university's "Education for Citizenship" mission of developing engaged citizens.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 21:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 66.5%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 57.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 57.3%
- Retention Rate
- 79.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,827
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $175,202 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $144,240 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $95,169 |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Master | $76,460 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Doctoral | $73,635 |
| Security Policy and Strategy. | Master | $67,164 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $66,592 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $62,579 |
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $61,020 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $58,402 |
Campus Life
Springfield sits 220 miles from Kansas City and 160 miles from St. Louis, giving students access to internships and jobs in both metro areas. The campus houses 3,788 students in residence halls, meaning about 28% of the total enrollment lives on campus. Most upperclassmen move to nearby apartments or commute from home since 78.6% of students come from Missouri.
Winters require heavy coats as temperatures drop into the 20s, while summers bring humid 90-degree days perfect for the campus recreational facilities. The Bears compete in 15 NCAA Division I sports with 401 total athletes, creating strong school spirit during basketball and baseball seasons. Students often gather at JQH Arena for games or head to nearby Wilson's Park for outdoor activities. The university's motto "Education for Citizenship" reflects its strong public service culture, with many students involved in community volunteer work. Downtown Springfield offers restaurants, music venues, and entertainment within walking distance of campus. Weekends typically involve a mix of campus events, outdoor recreation, and trips to Branson's entertainment district just 45 minutes south.
Winters require heavy coats as temperatures drop into the 20s, while summers bring humid 90-degree days perfect for the campus recreational facilities. The Bears compete in 15 NCAA Division I sports with 401 total athletes, creating strong school spirit during basketball and baseball seasons. Students often gather at JQH Arena for games or head to nearby Wilson's Park for outdoor activities. The university's motto "Education for Citizenship" reflects its strong public service culture, with many students involved in community volunteer work. Downtown Springfield offers restaurants, music venues, and entertainment within walking distance of campus. Weekends typically involve a mix of campus events, outdoor recreation, and trips to Branson's entertainment district just 45 minutes south.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 3,788 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
43 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 17 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 4 | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 22°–43°F
- July Avg
- 68°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 46.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 13.7"
Student Demographics
Missouri State draws students who value practical education and public service, reflected in its motto "Education for Citizenship." The student body is 79% in-state, showing the university's strong reputation throughout Missouri. Women make up 61% of enrollment, drawn to the school's well-known education and public affairs programs. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, indicating the university serves working-class families seeking affordable pathways to careers in teaching, business, and government. The Bears attract students who want hands-on learning in a supportive environment that prepares them for meaningful work in their communities.
- Men
- 39.1%
- Women
- 60.9%
- White
- 79.0%
- Black
- 3.5%
- Hispanic
- 5.4%
- Asian
- 2.0%
- In-State Students
- 78.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 21.3%
Location
Springfield sits in southwestern Missouri, about 160 miles south of Kansas City and 200 miles southwest of St. Louis. The city of 170,000 serves as a regional center for the Ozark Mountains area. Springfield earned the nickname "Queen City of the Ozarks" for its role anchoring this rolling, forested region. The 13,407 students at Missouri State make up a significant portion of the city's population, giving Springfield a distinct college town atmosphere. Bass Pro Shops originated here and maintains its massive outdoor retail headquarters downtown. The Ozarks provide hiking, fishing, and outdoor recreation opportunities that attract many of the 78.60% of students who come from within Missouri. Students considering colleges in Missouri may also compare Missouri State University-Springfield with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Springfield, Missouri 65897
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,827
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $51,130
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $34,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 62.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $233/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,992
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Missouri State University-Springfield?
Missouri State University-Springfield accepts 92.56% of applicants, making it highly accessible to students. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 973-1230 on the SAT, reflecting the university's commitment to serving a broad range of academic backgrounds.
How much does Missouri State University-Springfield cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $17,502 annually, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $12,238 on average, while those from higher-income families pay closer to $19,887.
What academic programs is Missouri State University-Springfield known for?
The university built its reputation on strong education, business, and public affairs programs with an emphasis on public service. With a 21:1 student-faculty ratio across 13,407 students, the school maintains its focus on preparing graduates for careers in education and civic leadership.
What are the career outcomes for Missouri State University-Springfield graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $49,827 ten years after graduation, with a strong 96.5% employment rate. The typical graduate leaves with $21,992 in debt and monthly loan payments of $233, reflecting the university's affordable approach to higher education.
Where do students live at Missouri State University-Springfield?
The campus houses 3,788 students in residence halls, serving about 28% of the total enrollment of 13,407. With 78.60% of students coming from Missouri, the Springfield campus creates a tight-knit community feel in this mid-size city setting.
Does Missouri State University-Springfield have notable alumni?
The university counts Hollywood stars John Goodman, Kathleen Turner, and Brad Pitt among its famous graduates. These entertainment industry successes showcase the broader impact of Missouri State's liberal arts foundation beyond its traditional strengths in education and public service.
