Overview
Northwest Missouri State University is a accessible public four-year institution in Maryville, Missouri. The school accepts 85.6% of applicants and enrolls 4,550 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 85.6%
- Average SAT
- 1,048
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 938–1,158
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 21
- Total Enrollment
- 4,550
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Northwest Missouri State University accepts most applicants through a straightforward admissions process. You can apply using the university's online application or the Common Application, with a priority deadline of March 1 for fall admission and December 1 for spring admission. The school requires your high school transcript, but test scores are optional for most programs.
Your housing application opens in October for the following fall semester, and you should submit it early since residence halls fill on a first-come basis. All first-year students under 21 must live on campus unless they live with family within 50 miles of Maryville. The university offers apartment-style and traditional residence halls, with newer facilities like the Residential College completing recent campus expansions.
Some programs maintain higher admission standards than the university overall. The nursing program requires separate application materials and has limited spots. Teacher education programs need you to meet specific requirements before you can officially enter the program, typically after completing prerequisite courses.
Northwest Missouri State operates on a semester system and offers a summer orientation program called Bearcat Beginnings. You'll register for classes during orientation, so come prepared with ideas about your course preferences. The campus sits in Maryville, a small college town about 90 minutes north of Kansas City. Most students need cars for off-campus activities and jobs, though the town center is walkable from campus.
The university has strong career services and internship connections, particularly for business and agriculture programs. Many students take advantage of the school's location near the Missouri-Iowa border for internships and job opportunities in both states.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $14,824/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $10,181
- Tuition (out-of-state)
- $16,623
- Students Receiving Aid
- 27%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 57.5%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $47,885/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 74.3%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Northwest Missouri State University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Northwest Missouri State University has adopted a test-optional policy for most applicants. Students can choose whether to submit standardized test scores as part of their application.
What is the application deadline for Northwest Missouri State University?
Northwest Missouri State University uses rolling admissions, meaning applications are reviewed as they are received. Students should apply early for the best consideration for housing and financial aid.
How many transfer credits does Northwest Missouri State University accept?
Northwest Missouri State University accepts up to 64 credit hours from community colleges and has articulation agreements with many Missouri institutions. Transfer students need a minimum 2.0 GPA from previous colleges.
Does Northwest Missouri State University offer early decision or early action?
Northwest Missouri State University does not offer early decision or early action programs. The school uses rolling admissions where applications are processed throughout the year.