Northwest Missouri State University: 85.6% Acceptance Rate

85.6%Acceptance

$10,181Tuition

4,550Students

58%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$47,885Earnings

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

About Northwest Missouri State University

Northwest Missouri State University pioneered the wireless campus revolution, becoming one of America's first fully connected colleges in the 1990s. This regional full university in rural Missouri serves 4,550 students and has built its reputation on teacher education programs that prepare educators across the Midwest. Notable graduates include sports journalist Jason Whitlock and former NFL quarterback Brad Smith. The 85.56% acceptance rate reflects the university's mission to serve a broad range of students in its small-town setting.

The financial picture tells a compelling story for middle-income families. Students pay an average net price of $14,824 after aid, while graduates earn a median salary of $47,885 within ten years. That creates a manageable debt load with typical monthly loan payments of $228. The 97.7% employment rate shows strong job placement, though the 57.5% six-year graduation rate indicates some students struggle to finish.

Women make up 61% of the student body, and the campus houses 2,339 students in residence halls. The Bearcats compete in NCAA Division II athletics with 403 student-athletes sharing $3.5 million in athletic scholarships. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to professors, while the 74.3% retention rate suggests most freshmen find their fit.

Academics & Faculty

Northwest Missouri State built its reputation as a teacher education powerhouse, training educators for over a century since its 1905 founding. The university operates with a 19:1 student-faculty ratio that provides reasonable access to professors across its full programs. Students graduate at a 57.5% rate within six years, reflecting the challenges many face at regional universities. Northwest Missouri earned national recognition as one of America's first fully wireless campuses, demonstrating its commitment to educational technology. The school's teacher preparation programs remain its academic cornerstone, though it has expanded into business, agriculture, and health sciences to serve its 4,550 students.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Full-Time Faculty: 79.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 55.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 57.5%
Retention Rate: 74.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $47,885
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$65,387
Management Information Systems and Services.	Bachelor	$58,673
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$51,197
Accounting and Related Services.	Bachelor	$50,439
Finance and Financial Management Services.	Bachelor	$48,198
Plant Sciences.	Bachelor	$47,260
Computer Software and Media Applications.	Bachelor	$45,715
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Master	$45,696
Health and Physical Education/Fitness.	Master	$45,128
Agriculture, General.	Bachelor	$43,798

View all 94 programs →

Campus Life

Northwest Missouri State sits in rural Maryville, about 100 miles north of Kansas City, where winters require heavy coats and summers bring humid heat. The 4,550-student campus feels tight-knit in a town of just 12,000 residents. With housing capacity for 2,339 students, about half the student body lives on campus, creating a residential college atmosphere.

The 61% female student body reflects the university's strength in education programs, which have produced teachers across the Midwest for over a century. Students gather at the Bell Tower for campus events and pack Rickenbrode Stadium for Bearcat football games. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, not just your student ID number. Weekends revolve around campus activities since the nearest mall is an hour away. The university's claim as one of America's first fully wireless campuses still matters today, with students studying anywhere from residence hall lounges to the quad's green spaces.

Setting: Town-Remote
Housing Capacity: 2,339 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1905

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Fondling	5	5
Rape	5	5
Stalking	4	2
Domestic Violence	2	2

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 14°–34°F
July Avg: 65°–86°F
Annual Precipitation: 37.3"
Annual Snowfall: 13.3"

Student Demographics

Northwest Missouri State draws students who want practical career preparation without breaking the bank. Two-thirds come from Missouri, reflecting the university's strong regional reputation for teacher education and professional programs. Women make up 61% of enrollment, largely because the school is known for education majors and other helping professions that traditionally attract more female students. The 27% Pell Grant rate shows Northwest serves middle-class families seeking affordable quality education. Most students are white and from smaller Missouri communities who value the personal attention and career-focused programs this regional university provides.

Men: 39.0%
Women: 61.0%
White: 81.5%
Black: 4.3%
Hispanic: 5.2%
Asian: 0.5%
In-State Students: 66.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 27.3%

Location

Northwest Missouri State sits in Maryville, a college town of about 12,000 people in Missouri's northwest corner. The campus lies roughly 100 miles north of Kansas City and 45 miles south of the Iowa border. This rolling farmland region embodies small-town Midwest culture, where agriculture dominates the surrounding countryside. Maryville revolves around the university, with local businesses catering to the student population of 4,550. The town offers that classic college atmosphere where everyone knows the Bearcats' game schedule and professors shop at the same grocery stores as students. The nearest significant city requires an hour-plus drive through rural highways lined with cornfields and cattle pastures. Students considering colleges in Missouri may also compare Northwest Missouri State with similar schools in the region.

Address: Maryville, Missouri 64468-6001

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $47,885
Median Earnings (5 years): $49,670
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $34,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 61.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $228/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $21,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Northwest Missouri State University?

Northwest Missouri State University accepts 85.56% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who meet basic requirements. The average ACT score is 21, which aligns with the university's mission as a regional comprehensive institution serving northwest Missouri.

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

The average net price is $14,824 annually, though students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $11,120 after aid. With graduates carrying a median debt of $21,500 and monthly loan payments of $228, the financial burden remains manageable for most students.

What is Northwest Missouri State University known for academically?

The university built its reputation on teacher education programs and pioneered technology integration as one of America's first fully wireless college campuses. With a 19:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs, students receive personalized attention in this regional comprehensive setting.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Northwest Missouri State University?

Graduates achieve a 97.7% employment rate with median earnings of $47,885 ten years after graduation. The 57.50% six-year graduation rate reflects the university's role serving first-generation college students and working adults in rural Missouri.

Where is Northwest Missouri State University located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Maryville, Missouri, a remote town setting that creates a tight-knit community among 4,550 students. With housing for 2,339 students and 403 athletes competing in 12 Division II sports as the Bearcats, campus life revolves around residence halls and athletic events.

Does Northwest Missouri State University have a diverse student body?

The student population is 61.03% female and 81.54% white, reflecting the demographics of rural northwest Missouri. About two-thirds of students come from in-state, with 27.32% receiving Pell Grants, indicating the university serves many students from lower-income backgrounds.