Missouri Western State University
Missouri Western State University is a public university in Saint Joseph, MO ranked #1539 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C+, and enrolling about 2,372 undergraduates. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Computer and Information Sciences.
Academically, students benefit from a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, 59.3% first-year retention, and 39.8% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $12,638, about $4,360 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -25.8%, roughly 111.1 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $37,499. That's about $6,189 below national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Missouri Western State University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Missouri Western State University graduates 39.8% of students within six years and keeps 59.3% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Missouri Western State University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $9,800 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $10,975 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,870 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $20,282 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 28.2% of Missouri Western State University students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $10,342 to $17,619 depending on family income. Use Missouri Western State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $16,231/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $17,619/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $37,499
- 10-Year Median Earnings $37,499
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $11,920
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 47.2%
- Employment Rate 90.7%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Missouri Western State University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Missouri Western State University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Missouri Western State University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Missouri Western State University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Missouri Western State University graduates earn $37,499 median, the -25.8% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 2,372
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 59.3%
- Graduation Rate 39.8%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 14:1
How to Get Into Missouri Western State University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Missouri Western State University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of Not reported, Missouri Western State University is selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Missouri Western State University undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods, and Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 13.7%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 9.7%
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other 6.9%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 6.6%
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness 6.2%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 6.1%
See more majors
- Biology, General 4.8%
- Accounting and Related Services 3.7%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $72,447
- 2. Computer and Information Sciences, General $65,401
- 3. Accounting and Related Services $60,816
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Health and Medical Administrative Services $60,207
- 5. Business Administration, Management and Operations $50,170
- 6. Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other $49,458
- 7. Biology, General $48,681
- 8. Finance and Financial Management Services $47,265
- 9. Construction Engineering Technologies $47,141
- 10. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $46,279
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $57,213
- 2. Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (Master's Degree) $53,087
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $72,447—57% more than Health and Physical Education/Fitness ($46,279). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $57,213 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Missouri Western State University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 70 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 48 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 45 graduates)
- Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degree, 44 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 35 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (43 programs)â–¼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Biology, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- Psychology, General
- Marketing
- Social Work
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Construction Engineering Technologies
- Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
- Communication and Media Studies
- Political Science and Government
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Chemistry
- Sociology
- Public Health
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
- Graphic Communications
- Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- History
- English Language and Literature, General
- Design and Applied Arts
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Philosophy
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Mathematics
- Music
- Economics
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- International/Global Studies
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Special Education and Teaching
- Computer Science
Online Master's Degrees (10 programs)â–¼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Security Science and Technology
- Engineering-Related Fields
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Chemistry
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (5 programs)â–¼
- Security Science and Technology
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Special Education and Teaching
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Business/Commerce, General
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (2 programs)â–¼
- Legal Support Services
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,372
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 39.4%
- Female Students 60.6%
- Caucasian 67.5%
- Asian 1.8%
- Hispanic 1.7%
- Black 14.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients 28.2%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Missouri Western State University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Missouri Western State University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Missouri Western State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Missouri Western State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Women make up 60.6% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Missouri Western State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Missouri Western State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Missouri Western State University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #1539 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $12,638 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $37,499 median earnings. The 39.8% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 59.3% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Missouri Western State University's Strengths
Ranked #1539 with a C+ grade, Missouri Western State University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Missouri Western State University excel at providing affordable education ($12,638 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Missouri Western State University's 59.3% retention and 39.8% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($37,499 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Missouri Western State University and $12,638 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 39.8% six-year graduation rate sits 22.7 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 59.3% first-year retention is 17.5 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -25.8% return on investment is 111.1 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $37,499 run about 14% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $12,638 is roughly $7,272 lower than the national median of $19,910.
Helpfulness for Students
- 14:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 59.3% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 90.7% employment rate within three years sits 22.5 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 28.2% trails the national share by 5.3 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Saint Joseph, MO, Missouri Western State University operates as a public university and receives a C+ from EDsmart. It holds a #1539 national ranking Grades by category break down as Completion C, Support C+, Career Outcomes B-, and Affordability B.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
59.3% of learners come back after year one while 39.8% complete the degree within six years. Return on investment currently measures -25.8% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $12,638 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $20,282.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $7,644 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $11,920 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 28.2% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $37,499 six years after entry. Compared with the national median, that's 14% lower.
Employment outcomes report about 90.7% of alumni working within three years.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -25.8%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
This institution has not reported a current acceptance rate.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Missouri Western State University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Saint Joseph, MO 64507
- Website www.missouriwestern.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$34.8M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate30.7%