Missouri State University-Springfield
Missouri State University-Springfield is a public university in Springfield, MO ranked #1187 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B-, enrolling about 13,407 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 91.0%. Students most often pursue Computer Science and Construction Management.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, 79.3% first-year retention, and 57.3% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $17,502, about $504 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -42.1%, roughly 127.4 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $40,553. That's about $3,135 below national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Missouri State University-Springfield Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Missouri State University-Springfield graduates 57.3% of students within six years and keeps 79.3% 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 State University-Springfield'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 | $9,024 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $10,230 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,594 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $24,022 |
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 21.3% of Missouri State University-Springfield students receive Pell Grants — 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 $12,238 to $19,887 depending on family income. Use Missouri State University-Springfield's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $18,590/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $19,887/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $40,553
- 10-Year Median Earnings $40,553
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $16,200
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 62.9%
- Employment Rate 91.0%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Missouri State University-Springfield 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 State University-Springfield vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Missouri State University-Springfield's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Missouri State University-Springfield's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Missouri State University-Springfield graduates earn $40,553 median, the -42.1% 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 490-620
- SAT Math 500-600
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 19-25
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 13,407
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 79.3%
- Graduation Rate 57.3%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 21:1
How to Get Into Missouri State University-Springfield
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Missouri State University-Springfield 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 91.0%, Missouri State University-Springfield is relatively open. 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.
EDsmart Insight: With a 91.0% acceptance rate, Missouri State University-Springfield is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 990 and 1220 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Missouri State University-Springfield undergraduates. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods, Psychology, General, and Business Administration, Management and Operations draw the most students.
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 9.9%
- Psychology, General 6.5%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 6.1%
- Marketing 6.1%
- Communication and Media Studies 4.5%
- Finance and Financial Management Services 4.1%
See more majors
- Accounting and Related Services 3.5%
- Biology, General 3.3%
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. Computer Science $91,878
- 2. Construction Management $89,605
- 3. Economics $83,960
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Management Information Systems and Services $80,791
- 5. Insurance $76,992
- 6. Finance and Financial Management Services $75,211
- 7. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $74,405
- 8. Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management $69,321
- 9. Mathematics $69,005
- 10. Political Science and Government $67,212
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $219,023
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degree) $198,411
- 3. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree) $120,951
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Security Policy and Strategy (Master's Degree) $102,639
- 5. Engineering-Related Fields (Master's Degree) $101,178
- 6. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $92,543
- 7. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $86,091
- 8. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degree) $84,892
- 9. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $81,868
- 10. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degree) $79,126
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Science grads earn $91,878—37% more than Political Science and Government ($67,212). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $219,023 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Missouri State University-Springfield. 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
- Marketing (Bachelor's Degree, 228 graduates)
- Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degree, 129 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 123 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 111 graduates)
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degree, 90 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 (52 programs)â–¼
- Marketing
- Accounting and Related Services
- Biology, General
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Computer Science
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- English Language and Literature, General
- Construction Management
- Social Work
- Animal Sciences
- Apparel and Textiles
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Housing and Human Environments
- Economics
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Design and Applied Arts
- Sociology
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Political Science and Government
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
- Plant Sciences
- Chemistry
- Anthropology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Insurance
- Geography and Cartography
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Mathematics
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- International/Global Studies
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Music
- Journalism
- Gerontology
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Philosophy
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Physics
- Computer Systems Analysis
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs
- Agricultural Production Operations
Online Master's Degrees (26 programs)â–¼
- Accounting and Related Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Social Work
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Biology, General
- Music
- English Language and Literature, General
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Natural Sciences
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Plant Sciences
- Computer Science
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Mathematics
- International/Global Studies
- Materials Sciences
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Chemistry
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Religion/Religious Studies
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (21 programs)â–¼
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Security Science and Technology
- Public Health
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Accounting and Related Services
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Sustainability Studies
- Public Policy Analysis
- Music
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Insurance
- Economics
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Computer Science
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Accounting and Computer Science
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (25 programs)â–¼
- Computer Science
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Museology/Museum Studies
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Geography and Cartography
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Animal Sciences
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies
- Agricultural Production Operations
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Soil Sciences
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Public Health
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Homeland Security
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Computational Science
- Civil Engineering
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians
- Agricultural Business and Management
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)â–¼
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 13,407
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 39.1%
- Female Students 60.9%
- Caucasian 79.0%
- Asian 1.9%
- Hispanic 5.3%
- Black 3.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients 21.3%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Missouri State University-Springfield's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Missouri State University-Springfield's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Missouri State University-Springfield 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 State University-Springfield, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 79.0% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average. Women make up 60.9% of undergraduates. About 21.3% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Missouri State University-Springfield 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 State University-Springfield, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Missouri State University-Springfield serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #1187 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $17,502 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $40,553 median earnings. The 57.3% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 79.3% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Missouri State University-Springfield's Strengths
Ranked #1187 with a B- grade, Missouri State University-Springfield prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Missouri State University-Springfield excel at providing affordable education ($17,502 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 State University-Springfield's 79.3% retention and 57.3% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($40,553 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Missouri State University-Springfield and $17,502 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 57.3% six-year graduation rate sits 5.2 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 79.3% first-year retention is 2.5 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -42.1% return on investment is 127.4 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $40,553 run about 7% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $17,502 is roughly $2,408 lower than the national median of $19,910.
Helpfulness for Students
- 21:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 79.3% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 91.0% employment rate within three years sits 22.8 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 21.3% trails the national share by 12.1 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
Missouri State University-Springfield, a public university in Springfield, MO, secures a B- grade in our latest review. It holds a #1187 national ranking Completion earns B, 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.
Student momentum is strong: 79.3% retention and 57.3% six-year graduation. Return on investment currently measures -42.1% 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 $17,502 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $24,022.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $6,520 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $16,200 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 21.3% 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 $40,553 six years after entry. That sits about 7% below the national median.
Employment outcomes report about 91.0% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near -42.1%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
91.0% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
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 State University-Springfield 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
Similar Schools
Institutions with similar academic profiles, selectivity, and outcomes
Nearby Schools
Other campuses you might consider
Other Missouri campuses you might consider
Contact Information
- Address Springfield, MO 65897
- Website www.missouristate.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)