Missouri Valley College: 61.2% Acceptance Rate

61.2%Acceptance

$23,000Tuition

1,274Students

25%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$43,221Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNAIAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Presbyterian Church (USA)

About Missouri Valley College

Missouri Valley College thrives as an athletics powerhouse in rural Marshall, where 555 student-athletes compete across 31 varsity sports. The school awards over $14 million in athletic scholarships annually, making it a destination for students seeking competitive NAIA sports opportunities. With 1,274 students on campus, the Vikings have built their identity around full athletic programs that dominate campus culture. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in this close-knit community where nearly half of all students participate in varsity athletics.

Students pay an average net price of $17,945 after financial aid, with lower-income families paying as little as $15,550. Graduates earn a median of $43,221 ten years after graduation, though the 24.5% six-year graduation rate means many students don't complete their degrees. Those who do finish carry a median debt of $25,950, resulting in monthly loan payments of $275. The numbers suggest students should carefully consider their academic commitment before enrolling.

The student body skews heavily male at 63.6%, reflecting the school's athletic focus. Nearly two-thirds of students come from out-of-state, drawn by the extensive sports programs and small-town atmosphere. The 53% retention rate indicates that this intense, sports-centered environment isn't the right fit for every student who enrolls.

Academics & Faculty

Missouri Valley College operates as a liberal arts institution where students explore broad academic foundations before specializing. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller class sizes typical of liberal arts environments. However, the 24.50% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees. The college has built a reputation around its strong athletics programs, which influences campus culture . With 555 total athletes across 31 varsity sports, nearly half the student body competes at the NAIA level. The school's Presbyterian heritage shapes its approach to education through values-based learning. Academic support exists through the low student-faculty ratio, but retention challenges persist with only 53.05% of students returning after their first year.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Full-Time Faculty: 65.5%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 23.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 24.5%
Retention Rate: 53.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $43,221
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

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Health and Physical Education/Fitness.	Bachelor	$33,993
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Campus Life

Marshall sits 70 miles east of Kansas City, giving students access to internships and jobs in the metro area. The town of 13,000 revolves around the college, creating a tight-knit community where students know local business owners by name. With 1,136 housing spaces for 1,274 students, nearly everyone lives on campus their first few years. Missouri's continental climate means packing both winter coats for January lows in the 20s and shorts for August highs near 90.

The Vikings compete in 31 NAIA sports with 555 student-athletes, making athletics central to campus life. Nearly half the student body participates in varsity sports, creating a culture where games draw big crowds. Men outnumber women 64% to 36%, reflecting the school's strong athletic programs. Students often gather at the campus coffee shop or head to nearby Sedalia for shopping and dining. Weekend activities center around sporting events, outdoor recreation at nearby state parks, and campus organizations. The small size means students form close relationships with professors in their 16:1 ratio classes.

Setting: Town-Remote
Housing Capacity: 1,136 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1889

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Domestic Violence	3	3
Aggravated Assault	2	2
Dating Violence	2	2
Burglary	2	0
Stalking	1	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 18°–37°F
July Avg: 67°–87°F
Annual Precipitation: 42.3"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Missouri Valley College draws students from across the country, with 62% coming from outside Missouri. The student body is 64% male, reflecting the school's strong athletics program that fields 31 varsity sports and awards over $14 million in athletic scholarships annually. About 30% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves many first-generation and working-class families. The diverse mix includes 36% white students alongside significant Black and Hispanic populations. This Presbyterian-affiliated liberal arts college has built a national recruiting network centered on providing opportunities for student-athletes and students seeking affordable private education.

Men: 63.6%
Women: 36.4%
White: 36.0%
Black: 14.8%
Hispanic: 10.8%
Asian: 0.6%
In-State Students: 38.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 29.9%

Location

Missouri Valley College sits in Marshall, Missouri, a town of about 13,000 people located roughly 75 miles east of Kansas City. The campus occupies 140 acres in this rural Missouri community where agriculture and small-town businesses define the local economy. Marshall serves as the seat of Saline County in west-central Missouri, surrounded by farmland and rolling hills typical of the region. The town offers a classic small-college atmosphere where the 1,274-student campus represents a significant portion of the local population. Students experience a tight-knit community feel with limited urban distractions, though Kansas City's amenities remain accessible for weekend trips. Students considering colleges in Missouri may also compare Missouri Valley College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Marshall, Missouri 65340

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $43,221
Median Earnings (5 years): $41,909
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $29,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 42.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $275/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $25,950

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Missouri Valley College?

Missouri Valley College accepts 61% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1015. The school actively recruits student-athletes across 31 varsity sports, which helps explain the relatively high acceptance rate for a private liberal arts college.

How much does Missouri Valley College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $17,945 after aid, despite a sticker price of $35,500. About 43% of students receive institutional grants averaging $17,514, making this Presbyterian college more affordable than its published tuition suggests.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Missouri Valley College?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 16:1 among the 1,274 enrolled students. This small liberal arts college in rural Missouri emphasizes close faculty mentorship and personalized attention in its academic programs.

What are the graduation rates at Missouri Valley College?

Only 24% of students graduate within six years, with a 54% retention rate from freshman to sophomore year. These outcomes reflect the challenges many students face at this small college that serves a diverse population including many first-generation college students.

Where is Missouri Valley College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Marshall, Missouri, a remote town setting with housing for 1,136 students. Men make up 64% of the student body, largely due to the school's strong athletic programs that award over $14 million in athletic scholarships annually.

How prominent are athletics at Missouri Valley College?

Athletics dominate campus life with 555 student-athletes competing across 31 NAIA sports programs. The Vikings distribute $14.3 million in athletic scholarships, making this one of the most sports-focused colleges in Missouri with nearly half the student body participating in varsity athletics.