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51.1%Acceptance
$13,440Tuition
5,108Students
57%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$53,037Earnings
#11 in MissouriPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of Missouri-St Louis

The University of Missouri-St. Louis serves 5,108 students as a commuter-focused public research university in suburban St. Louis. This school built its reputation around strong business and education programs designed for working adults who need flexible scheduling. Notable graduates include former Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and legendary sportscaster Bob Costas. The 51% acceptance rate reflects UMSL's mission to provide accessible higher education to the metro area.

Students pay an average net price of $12,323, making this one of the more affordable options in Missouri. Graduates earn a median of $53,037 ten years after starting college, while typical student debt sits at $20,000. The monthly loan payment of $212 represents a manageable burden compared to earnings potential. Low-income families pay just $10,019 net price, demonstrating the university's commitment to affordability.

UMSL operates with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, giving students solid access to professors despite the commuter environment. The 96% employment rate shows strong job placement, though the 57% six-year graduation rate suggests many students take longer to finish while balancing work and family responsibilities. The Tritons compete in NCAA Division II with 300 student-athletes across 15 sports.

Academics & Faculty

Missouri-St Louis serves as a full public research university with particularly strong business and education programs designed for the metro area's working professionals. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to professors, though the 54% four-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students attend part-time while balancing work and family commitments. The university has built a reputation for practical, career-focused programs that align with regional employer needs. Business administration and education remain the most popular majors, with programs structured to accommodate evening and weekend schedules. Notable graduates include former Health Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and sportscaster Bob Costas, demonstrating the school's ability to launch successful careers across diverse fields.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
13:1
Full-Time Faculty
54.3%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
54.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
56.9%
Retention Rate
68.3%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$53,037
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral University (R2)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Optometry. Doctoral $95,376
Business/Commerce, General. Master $80,718
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Master $79,389
Psychology, General. Doctoral $78,343
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. Bachelor $72,714
Education, General. Doctoral $67,995
Public Administration. Master $63,005
Computer Science. Bachelor $61,814
Mechanical Engineering. Bachelor $60,523
Accounting and Related Services. Master $60,523

View all 151 programs →

Campus Life

The University of Missouri-St. Louis sits in suburban Normandy, just 10 miles from downtown St. Louis. With only 715 housing spots for 5,108 students, about 86% live off-campus and many commute to classes. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller class sizes than typical state universities.

St. Louis brings hot, humid summers where you'll need air conditioning and cold winters requiring heavy coats, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. The 83.69% in-state enrollment means most students already know the area. Weekends often involve exploring the Gateway Arch, Cardinals or Blues games, or the active Central West End. The Tritons compete in NCAA Division II with 300 athletes across 15 sports, though campus spirit centers more around academics than athletics. Many students work while studying, reflecting the university's reputation for serving working adults. The semester system and commuter-friendly schedule accommodate students balancing jobs with classes. Campus life feels more like a bustling urban college than a traditional residential experience.
Setting
Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity
715 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Motor Vehicle Theft 9 0 2 0
Burglary 4 3 0 0
Rape 3 2 0 0
Fondling 2 1 0 0
Dating Violence 1 1 0 0
Domestic Violence 1 1 0 0
Stalking 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
23°–40°F
July Avg
71°–89°F
Annual Precipitation
41.7"
Annual Snowfall
16.6"

Student Demographics

This public research university draws heavily from the St. Louis metro area, with 84% of students calling Missouri home. The student body reflects the region's diversity, particularly serving African American students who make up nearly one in five enrollees. Women outnumber men by about 9 percentage points, likely reflecting the school's strong education and nursing programs that traditionally attract more female students. As a commuter-focused institution, UMSL serves many working adults and first-generation college students seeking affordable, accessible higher education close to home.
Men
45.5%
Women
54.5%
White
60.9%
Black
18.5%
Hispanic
4.1%
Asian
5.0%
In-State Students
83.7%
Pell Grant Recipients
17.9%

Location

The University of Missouri-St. Louis sits in the suburbs of Missouri's second-largest city, home to 2.8 million people in the greater metro area. The campus is located just 10 miles northwest of downtown St. Louis, giving students easy access to major league sports, Fortune 500 companies, and one of the Midwest's largest urban economies. St. Louis anchors a region known for its central location, with Chicago 300 miles northeast and Kansas City 250 miles west. The area blends Midwestern values with urban opportunities, featuring everything from the iconic Gateway Arch to a thriving startup scene in the Cortex Innovation Community. Students considering colleges in Missouri may also compare University of Missouri-St. Louis with similar schools in the region.
Address
Saint Louis, Missouri 63121-4400
UMSL MSC
UMSL MSC
ChancellorGeorge
ChancellorGeorge
UMSL Provincial House
UMSL Provincial House

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$53,037
Median Earnings (5 years)
$57,438
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$38,700
Loan Repayment Rate
53.6%
Monthly Loan Payment
$212/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Missouri-St Louis?

UMSL accepts 51% of applicants with middle 50% SAT scores ranging from 1040-1210. The university serves primarily working adults and commuter students in the St. Louis area, making it more accessible than flagship research universities.

How much does University of Missouri-St Louis cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $12,323 annually, with lower-income families paying as little as $9,080. In-state tuition runs $13,440 while graduates leave with a median debt of $20,000, manageable given the practical career focus.

What academic programs is University of Missouri-St Louis known for?

The university maintains a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio while emphasizing strong business and education programs. UMSL built its reputation serving working professionals in the St. Louis metro area with practical, career-oriented degrees.

What are the graduation rates at University of Missouri-St Louis?

About 54% of students graduate within four years, while 57% finish within six years. Graduates earn a median salary of $53,037 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the university's focus on practical career preparation for regional employers.

Where do students live at University of Missouri-St Louis?

Campus housing accommodates only 715 students out of 5,108 total enrollment, reflecting UMSL's identity as a commuter school. Most students live off-campus and work while attending classes, fitting the university's mission to serve working adults.

Does University of Missouri-St Louis have notable alumni?

UMSL graduates include former Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and legendary sportscaster Bob Costas. The 96% employment rate demonstrates how the university successfully prepares students for careers in the St. Louis region and beyond.