About Southeast Missouri State University
Southeast Missouri State University builds teachers and serves its region with practical programs that connect students to local employers. The university enrolls 6,588 students in Cape Girardeau, a small Missouri city along the Mississippi River. Notable graduates include radio host Rush Limbaugh and musician Sheryl Crow. With an 86% acceptance rate, SEMO welcomes most applicants who apply.
The financial picture works for middle-class families. Students pay an average net price of $14,532 after aid, which includes the same $9,496 tuition for both in-state and out-of-state residents. Graduates earn a median of $44,030 ten years after leaving, while carrying typical debt of $21,500. The monthly loan payment of $228 represents a manageable burden for most career paths. Only 29% of students receive federal Pell Grants, indicating the school serves primarily middle-income families.
The Redhawks compete in Division I athletics across 11 sports in the Ohio Valley Conference. Women make up 59% of the student body, and three-quarters are white students. The 56% four-year graduation rate reflects the university's regional mission of serving working students who often attend part-time. About 77% of students come from Missouri, strengthening the school's ties to local communities and employers.
The financial picture works for middle-class families. Students pay an average net price of $14,532 after aid, which includes the same $9,496 tuition for both in-state and out-of-state residents. Graduates earn a median of $44,030 ten years after leaving, while carrying typical debt of $21,500. The monthly loan payment of $228 represents a manageable burden for most career paths. Only 29% of students receive federal Pell Grants, indicating the school serves primarily middle-income families.
The Redhawks compete in Division I athletics across 11 sports in the Ohio Valley Conference. Women make up 59% of the student body, and three-quarters are white students. The 56% four-year graduation rate reflects the university's regional mission of serving working students who often attend part-time. About 77% of students come from Missouri, strengthening the school's ties to local communities and employers.
Academics & Faculty
Southeast Missouri State built its reputation on teacher education and remains a top choice for future educators across the region. The university's education programs connect students directly with school districts throughout Missouri and southern Illinois. With a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know their students personally and provide hands-on guidance. The 56% four-year graduation rate reflects the school's focus on getting working-class students through college affordably. Beyond education, SEMO offers strong business and health science programs that feed into regional employers. Students benefit from small class sizes and faculty who prioritize teaching over research, creating a supportive environment for first-generation college students.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 20:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 66.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 56.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 55.7%
- Retention Rate
- 75.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,030
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $93,342 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $70,456 |
| Engineering Technology, General. | Bachelor | $53,775 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $53,358 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $53,358 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $49,527 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $47,260 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $41,789 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $41,441 |
Campus Life
Cape Girardeau sits along the Mississippi River about two hours south of St. Louis, giving students access to a mid-sized city while maintaining a college town feel. With housing capacity for 2,330 students and total enrollment of 6,588, roughly 35% of students live on campus, creating a residential community especially strong among underclassmen. Missouri's four-season climate means packing both winter coats for January lows in the 20s and shorts for August highs in the 80s.
The Redhawks compete in NCAA Division I with 359 total athletes across 11 sports, making games a central part of campus social life. Students often head to the Show Me Center for basketball or gather at tailgates during football season. With 76.91% of students from Missouri, many go home on weekends, but those who stay explore the historic downtown riverfront or catch concerts at the university's River Campus arts facilities. The strong teacher education programs create a collaborative academic culture, while the 20:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students by name.
The Redhawks compete in NCAA Division I with 359 total athletes across 11 sports, making games a central part of campus social life. Students often head to the Show Me Center for basketball or gather at tailgates during football season. With 76.91% of students from Missouri, many go home on weekends, but those who stay explore the historic downtown riverfront or catch concerts at the university's River Campus arts facilities. The strong teacher education programs create a collaborative academic culture, while the 20:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students by name.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 2,330 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1873
Campus Safety (2023)
7 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 26°–43°F
- July Avg
- 69°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 47.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 7.5"
Student Demographics
Southeast Missouri State draws heavily from its home region, with 77% of students coming from Missouri. The student body skews female at nearly 60%, reflecting the university's strong reputation in education and helping professions. About 30% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves many first-generation and working-class families from rural Missouri and southern Illinois. This regional public university has built its identity around preparing teachers, healthcare workers, and business professionals for careers in the heartland. Students typically come from small towns and farming communities within a few hours' drive of Cape Girardeau.
- Men
- 40.7%
- Women
- 59.4%
- White
- 75.0%
- Black
- 8.5%
- Hispanic
- 3.2%
- Asian
- 0.9%
- In-State Students
- 76.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 29.4%
Location
Cape Girardeau sits along the Mississippi River in southeast Missouri, about 115 miles south of St. Louis. The city of 40,000 residents doubles as a regional center for healthcare and commerce in the Missouri Bootheel area. With 6,588 students, Southeast Missouri State creates a notable college presence in this river town surrounded by farmland and rolling hills. The campus lies within walking distance of downtown's historic district and the riverfront. Cape Girardeau blends small-town charm with university energy, offering students internships and jobs at regional hospitals, businesses, and schools. Students considering colleges in Missouri may also compare Southeast Missouri State University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,030
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $49,147
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $31,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 57.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $228/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Southeast Missouri State University?
Southeast Missouri State University accepts 86.31% of applicants with an average ACT score of 21. The school maintains an open-access philosophy that welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds across Missouri and southern Illinois.
How much does Southeast Missouri State University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $14,532 annually, with families earning under $30,000 paying just $11,453. The university offers the same $9,496 tuition rate to both in-state and out-of-state students, making it unusually affordable for non-residents.
What is Southeast Missouri State University known for academically?
The university built its reputation on teacher education programs and maintains strong ties to regional employers. With a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, Southeast Missouri focuses on practical career preparation rather than research intensity.
What are the graduation outcomes at Southeast Missouri State University?
About 56% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median salary of $44,030 after ten years. The school maintains a 96.6% employment rate, reflecting its strong connections to Missouri and southern Illinois job markets.
Where do students live at Southeast Missouri State University?
The campus houses 2,330 students in Cape Girardeau, a small city along the Mississippi River. With 6,588 total enrollment and 77% Missouri residents, the university creates a close-knit regional community atmosphere.
Does Southeast Missouri State University compete in Division I athletics?
The Redhawks compete in NCAA Division I as part of the Ohio Valley Conference with 11 varsity sports and 359 total athletes. The university awards $4.1 million in athletic scholarships, demonstrating significant investment in competitive sports for a regional institution.
