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Suburban Colleges in Missouri

22 schools in Missouri. See our methodology.

Washington University in St. Louis stands apart with a 94.4% graduation rate and median earnings of $86,182, making it the clear academic leader among Missouri's suburban colleges. The state's 22 suburban institutions show remarkable variety, from St. Charles Community College's affordable $5,981 net price to specialized programs like Chamberlain University's nursing focus, where graduates earn $92,405 annually. Missouri's healthcare sector, anchored by BJC HealthCare and other major systems, creates strong demand for medical professionals trained at these suburban campuses. The state's A+ Scholarship program helps students start affordably at community colleges before transferring to four-year institutions. Acceptance rates span from Washington University's selective 11.8% to open-access community colleges, while graduation rates vary dramatically from 17.7% to 94.4%. Many students benefit from proximity to major employers like Cerner and the state's growing defense industry. Small colleges like William Jewell in Liberty maintain strong outcomes with a 61.6% graduation rate despite enrolling just 868 students, while larger institutions like Saint Louis Community College serve over 11,000 students across the metro area.
22
Schools
$18,679
Avg. Net Price
$52,851
Avg. Earnings
54.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Suburban Colleges in Missouri

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 Suburb-Large 7,897 $22,117 94.4%
2 Suburb-Large 868 $16,602 61.6%
3 Suburb-Large 5,108 $12,323 56.9%
4 Suburb-Large 328 $34,947 33.3%
5 Suburb-Large 5,988 $26,047 71.5%
6 Suburb-Large 2,180 $26,196 61.1%
7 Suburb-Large 5,250 $15,529 30.0%
8 Suburb-Large 5,008 $5,981 23.0%
9 Suburb-Large 98 $21,887 63.0%
10 Suburb-Large 140 $18,022 63.8%
11 Suburb-Large 11,174 $6,458 17.7%
12 Suburb-Large 1,452 $25,807 48.2%
13 Suburb-Large 632 $18,251 56.8%
14 Suburb-Large 151 $17,111 65.2%
15 Suburb-Large 258 $18,094
16 Suburb-Large 512 $13,496 55.0%
17 Suburb-Large 401 74.2%
18 Suburb-Large
19 Suburb-Large
20 Suburb-Large
21 Suburb-Large
22 Suburb-Large

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Washington University in St. Louis different from other Missouri suburban colleges?

Washington University combines elite selectivity with outstanding outcomes, accepting only 11.8% of applicants while maintaining a 94.4% graduation rate. Graduates earn a median of $86,182 annually, significantly higher than most peers. The university enrolls 7,897 students at a net price of $22,117, positioning it as Missouri's premier suburban research institution.

How do community colleges compare to four-year schools in Missouri's suburbs?

Community colleges offer dramatic cost savings, with Saint Louis Community College at $6,458 and St. Charles Community College at $5,981 net price. However, graduation rates reflect their open-access mission, ranging from 17.7% to 23%. The state's A+ Scholarship program makes community college free for qualifying Missouri residents.

What healthcare career opportunities exist at Missouri's suburban colleges?

Chamberlain University specializes in nursing education, with graduates earning $92,405 annually despite a 33.3% graduation rate. Logan University in Chesterfield focuses on health sciences, while larger universities offer pre-health programs. Missouri's healthcare sector, including BJC HealthCare, provides strong employment prospects for medical professionals.

Is small college education effective in Missouri's suburban areas?

Small colleges often deliver strong results, with William Jewell College achieving a 61.6% graduation rate among just 868 students. Graduates earn $59,268 annually at a net cost of $16,602. Evangel University maintains a 63% graduation rate with only 98 students, demonstrating the benefits of personalized attention.

How do acceptance rates vary among Missouri's suburban colleges?

Acceptance rates range from Washington University's highly selective 11.8% to 100% open admission at community colleges. Most private colleges accept 70-96% of applicants, including Maryville University at 87.8% and Fontbonne University at 94.4%. This variety ensures options for students with different academic backgrounds.

Where do Missouri suburban college graduates find employment?

Graduates often work for major regional employers like Cerner, BJC HealthCare, and defense contractors. Median earnings range from $30,414 to $92,405 depending on field and institution. Missouri's agriculture, healthcare, and technology sectors provide career paths, with many graduates remaining in the St. Louis metropolitan area.

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.