Northwest Missouri State University
Northwest Missouri State University is a public university in Maryville, MO ranked #1005 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 4,550 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 85.9%. Students most often pursue Computer and Information Sciences and Computer Software and Media Applications.
Day to day, students benefit from a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, 74.3% first-year retention, and 57.5% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $14,824, about $2,174 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -29.7%, roughly 115.0 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $41,695. That's about $1,993 below national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Northwest Missouri 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
Northwest Missouri State University graduates 57.5% of students within six years and keeps 74.3% 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 Northwest Missouri 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 | $10,181 |
| Books and Supplies | $400 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $11,788 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,576 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $22,906 |
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 27.3% of Northwest Missouri State University 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 $11,120 to $19,742 depending on family income. Use Northwest Missouri State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $16,939/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $19,742/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $41,695
- 10-Year Median Earnings $41,695
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $14,927
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 61.7%
- Employment Rate 93.3%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Northwest Missouri 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.
Northwest Missouri State University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Northwest Missouri State University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Northwest Missouri State University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Northwest Missouri State University graduates earn $41,695 median, the -29.7% 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 480-600
- SAT Math 490-600
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 18-23
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 4,550
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 74.3%
- Graduation Rate 57.5%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 19:1
How to Get Into Northwest Missouri State University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Northwest Missouri 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 85.9%, Northwest Missouri State University 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 85.9% acceptance rate, Northwest Missouri State University 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 970 and 1200 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Northwest Missouri State University undergraduates. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods, Business Administration, Management and Operations, and Marketing draw the most students.
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 12.3%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 8.9%
- Marketing 5.5%
- Psychology, General 5.2%
- Agricultural Business and Management 5.0%
- Communication and Media Studies 4.9%
See more majors
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 4.9%
- Research and Experimental Psychology 4.2%
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 and Information Sciences, General $87,195
- 2. Computer Software and Media Applications $76,903
- 3. Finance and Financial Management Services $67,786
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Accounting and Related Services $65,615
- 5. Business Administration, Management and Operations $63,958
- 6. Homeland Security $63,715
- 7. Marketing $63,487
- 8. Agricultural Business and Management $61,777
- 9. Agriculture, General $61,046
- 10. Plant Sciences $59,315
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $72,214
- 2. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $54,822
- 3. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degree) $48,502
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Curriculum and Instruction (Master's Degree) $46,058
- 5. Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degree) $44,602
- 6. Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Master's Degree) $43,713
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer and Information Sciences, General grads earn $87,195—47% more than Plant Sciences ($59,315). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $72,214 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Northwest Missouri 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
- Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree, 180 graduates)
- Computer Science (Master's Degree, 160 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 157 graduates)
- Agricultural Business and Management (Bachelor's Degree, 64 graduates)
- Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 63 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 (54 programs)â–¼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Communication and Media Studies
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Biology, General
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Chemistry
- Agriculture, General
- Special Education and Teaching
- Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
- Plant Sciences
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Animal Sciences
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Political Science and Government
- Homeland Security
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
- Design and Applied Arts
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Mathematics
- Business Operations Support and Assistant Services
- Management Information Systems and Services
- International Business
- History
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Geography and Cartography
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Physics
- Music
- Economics
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- English Language and Literature, General
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Public Administration
- Philosophy
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Journalism
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Apparel and Textiles
Online Master's Degrees (15 programs)â–¼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Computer Science
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Agriculture, General
- English Language and Literature, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Mathematics
- Biology, General
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- History
- Computer Systems Analysis
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (4 programs)â–¼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Education, Other
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (5 programs)â–¼
- Geography and Cartography
- Business Operations Support and Assistant Services
- Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, and Related Sciences, Other
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 4,550
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 39.0%
- Female Students 61.0%
- Caucasian 81.5%
- Asian 0.5%
- Hispanic 5.2%
- Black 4.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients 27.3%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Northwest Missouri State University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Northwest Missouri State University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Northwest Missouri 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 Northwest Missouri State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 81.5% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average. Women make up 61.0% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Northwest Missouri 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 Northwest Missouri State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Northwest Missouri State University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #1005 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $14,824 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $41,695 median earnings. The 57.5% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 74.3% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Northwest Missouri State University's Strengths
Ranked #1005 with a B grade, Northwest Missouri State University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Northwest Missouri State University excel at providing affordable education ($14,824 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: Northwest Missouri State University's 74.3% retention and 57.5% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($41,695 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Northwest Missouri State University and $14,824 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 57.5% six-year graduation rate sits 5.0 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 74.3% first-year retention is 2.5 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -29.7% return on investment is 115.0 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $41,695 run about 5% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $14,824 is roughly $5,086 lower than the national median of $19,910.
Helpfulness for Students
- 19:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 74.3% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 93.3% employment rate within three years sits 25.1 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 27.3% trails the national share by 6.1 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
EDsmart rates Northwest Missouri State University—a public university in Maryville, MO—at B overall. It is currently ranked #1005 nationally Grades by category break down as Completion 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.
74.3% of learners come back after year one while 57.5% complete the degree within six years. The reported ROI is -29.7%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
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 $14,824 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $22,906.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $8,082 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $14,927 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 27.3% 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 $41,695 six years after entry. That sits about 5% below the national median.
Roughly 93.3% of graduates are employed three years out.
Plan around an ROI of about -29.7% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
85.9% 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 Northwest Missouri 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
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 Maryville, MO 64468-6001
- Website www.nwmissouri.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$42.3M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate285.9%