Missouri Colleges Summary

Options for higher education at all levels can be found across the state. Certificate programs can be found at more than 100 career schools or technical colleges in Missouri. Students who wish to pursue associate degrees can consider one of the 12 community colleges governed by the Missouri Community College Association.

Prospective students who are interested in four-year or graduate-level degree programs can consider the 13 public universities in Missouri, one of the state's more than 20 nonprofit and independent colleges and universities, or one of several theological seminaries.

The University of Missouri is the largest university system in the state with four campuses an annual enrollment of more than 30,000 students. The Missouri State University system also has four campus locations. MSU had a total enrollment of just under 24,000 students in fall of 2017.

Missouri participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement, an entity which provides oversight for online education offered by schools based outside Missouri who provide distance education to state residents.

Higher Education Initiatives in Missouri

The state has several initiatives in place geared toward helping residents complete degrees at Missouri colleges. Missouri's Big Goal is for 60 percent of all residents to complete a certificate or degree program by year 2025. The 15 to Finish program, meanwhile, encourages students to enroll in 15 credits per semester so they can complete an associate degree in two years or a bachelor's in four with less student debt. For eligible veterans, the Missouri Returning Heroes Act addresses reduced college tuition for select combat veterans.

For more information about colleges and universities in Missouri, visit the Missouri Department of Higher Education.

Sources:

  • 15 to Finish Missouri, https://dhe.mo.gov/initiatives/fifteentofinish.php
  • Fact Book, Missouri State University, https://www.missouristate.edu/assets/oir/Factbook-FINAL-03052018.pdf
  • Facts & Pride Points, University of Missouri, https://missouri.edu/about/mufacts/
  • Independent Colleges and Universities of Missouri, https://www.independentcollegesanduniversitiesofmo.com/
  • Missouri's Big Goal, https://dhe.mo.gov/initiatives/MissourisBigGoal.php
  • Veterans Educational Programs, https://dhe.mo.gov/ppc/veteransed.php
Education Institutes in Missouri
Total Number of Educational Institutes
164
Total Enrollment in all institutes
378,700
Number of Public Educational Institutes
52
Number of Private For-Profit Institutes
58
Number of Private Non-Profit Institutes
54
Graduation Rate
18.39%
Total Graduates With Bachelors Degree
17,911
On Campus and Online Programs in Missouri
Number of Institutes Offering on-campus programs
5
Number of Institutes Offering on-line programs
8
Number of Institutes Offering both
151

Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/