About Truman State University
The financial picture tells a compelling story for families seeking quality education at reasonable cost. Students pay an average net price of $12,030 after financial aid, while graduates earn a median salary of $56,280 ten years after graduation. Most students graduate with manageable debt of $21,000, leading to monthly loan payments of just $223. This combination of affordable tuition and strong earning potential makes Truman an strong value among liberal arts institutions.
The student body draws heavily from Missouri, with 83% coming from in-state. Women outnumber men at nearly 60% of enrollment. Campus life centers around the Bulldogs' 14 NCAA Division II sports teams, though with just 363 total athletes, most students focus on academics rather than athletics. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students personally throughout their four years.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 85.5%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 69.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 68.4%
- Retention Rate
- 83.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $56,280
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $73,530 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $56,505 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $56,028 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $47,260 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $46,478 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $43,426 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $42,235 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| Chemistry. | Bachelor | $37,208 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $36,668 |
Campus Life
The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates a tight-knit academic environment where professors know your name. Students gather at the Student Union Building or head to Adair County Public Library when the campus gets quiet. Greek life provides social structure, though many students find their crowds through Truman's 200+ student organizations. Basketball games against Great Lakes Valley Conference rivals draw decent crowds to Pershing Arena. Weekends often center around campus events since entertainment options in Kirksville remain limited. The school's reputation as Missouri's designated public liberal arts university attracts academically focused students who embrace small-town college life rather than fight against it.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 1,403 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1867
Campus Safety (2023)
20 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 17°–35°F
- July Avg
- 64°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 80.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 15.7"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 40.6%
- Women
- 59.4%
- White
- 78.8%
- Black
- 2.0%
- Hispanic
- 3.5%
- Asian
- 2.1%
- In-State Students
- 82.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 15.3%
Location
- Address
- Kirksville, Missouri 63501-4221
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $56,280
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $53,082
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $36,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 77.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $223/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Truman State University?
Truman State accepts 45.05% of applicants, making it moderately selective among Missouri public universities. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1070-1330 on the SAT, reflecting the school's reputation as Missouri's designated public liberal arts university with higher academic standards than typical state schools.
How much does Truman State University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $12,030 annually across all income levels. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $7,322 after aid, while in-state tuition starts at $9,470 before any financial assistance.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Truman State University?
Classes maintain a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with total enrollment of 2,666 students. This small liberal arts environment emphasizes close mentorship and discussion-based learning rather than large lecture halls common at bigger state universities.
What do Truman State University graduates earn after college?
Alumni earn a median of $56,280 ten years after graduation with typical student debt of $21,000. The school boasts a 97.5% employment rate, reflecting strong career preparation despite its rural Missouri location in Kirksville.
Where is Truman State University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Kirksville, a remote town in northern Missouri where 82.53% of the 2,666 students come from in-state. Housing capacity serves 1,403 students, creating a tight-knit community where the Bulldogs compete in 14 NCAA Division II sports.
Is Truman State University known for any famous graduates?
Notable alumni include Ken Levine, the video game designer behind BioShock, and Jim McKelvey, co-founder of Square payment systems. The school's liberal arts focus and 69.67% four-year graduation rate have produced leaders across creative and technology industries despite its small size and rural setting.
