About Missouri Western State University
Students pay an average net price of $12,638 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable options in Missouri higher education. Graduates earn a median salary of $42,647 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $19,968. The monthly loan payment of $212 represents a manageable burden for most graduates. With 97.3% of graduates finding employment, the university delivers solid career outcomes that justify its practical approach.
The student body skews heavily female at 60.6%, reflecting strong programs in education and health sciences. The Griffons compete in 13 NCAA Division II sports with $3.1 million in athletic scholarships supporting 389 student-athletes. However, retention tells a challenging story, with only 59.3% of students returning for their second year. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio provides personal attention for those who stay and complete their degrees.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 56.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 40.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 39.8%
- Retention Rate
- 59.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $42,647
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $59,124 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,643 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $50,606 |
| Construction Engineering Technologies. | Bachelor | $50,439 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $43,128 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,821 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $39,741 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Master | $39,369 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $37,568 |
Campus Life
The Griffons compete in 13 NCAA Division II sports with 389 total athletes, creating visible school spirit on the compact campus. Students gather at football games in the fall and basketball games during winter months. Saint Joseph offers typical small-city amenities like restaurants, movie theaters, and outdoor recreation along the Missouri River. Weekend activities center around campus events, sporting events, and trips to Kansas City for concerts or professional games. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, creating a tight-knit academic community. Many students work part-time jobs in town or participate in campus organizations to stay connected to the university community.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 1,239 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1915
Campus Safety (2023)
24 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| Dating Violence | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 17°–37°F
- July Avg
- 67°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 34.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 21.1"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 39.4%
- Women
- 60.6%
- White
- 67.5%
- Black
- 14.0%
- Hispanic
- 1.7%
- Asian
- 1.8%
- In-State Students
- 78.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 28.2%
Location
- Address
- Saint Joseph, Missouri 64507
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $42,647
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $48,424
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $31,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 47.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $212/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $19,968
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Missouri Western State University?
Missouri Western State University maintains an open enrollment policy as a regional public institution serving northwest Missouri. The university focuses on accessibility with a 59.28% first-year retention rate. Students come primarily from Missouri, with 78.18% of the student body being in-state residents.
How much does Missouri Western State University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Missouri Western is $12,638 per year across all income levels. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $10,342 on average, while the university keeps costs manageable with median debt of $19,968. Monthly loan payments average $212 for graduates who borrow.
What are the academics like at Missouri Western State University?
Missouri Western offers professional programs with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio in a small-city setting. The university has built its reputation on career-focused education since 1915. Classes remain accessible with personalized attention in Saint Joseph's educational center.
What are the career outcomes for Missouri Western State University graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $42,647 ten years after graduation with a strong 97.3% employment rate. The university's focus on professional programs helps students enter the workforce quickly. However, the 39.80% six-year graduation rate reflects challenges some students face completing their degrees.
What is campus life like at Missouri Western State University?
The compact campus houses 1,239 students in residence halls, creating a close-knit community atmosphere. Women make up 60.62% of the 2,372 total students, and the campus serves a diverse population including 13.95% Black students. The Griffons compete in 13 NCAA Division II sports with 389 total athletes.
Does Missouri Western State University offer good value for regional students?
Missouri Western provides affordable regional education with in-state tuition of $9,800 and strong local connections. The university awards $3,112,476 in athletic scholarships across its programs. As a regional institution, it serves students primarily from Missouri and surrounding areas who want quality education close to home.
