Southeast Missouri State University
Southeast Missouri State University has an acceptance rate of 773.5%, annual tuition of $9,903, average net price of $15,882, and a national rank of #1077 (Grade B-), with a 57.9% graduation rate within 150% of normal time, about 6,373 undergraduates, and median earnings of $51,502 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Southeast Missouri State University is a public university in Cape Girardeau, MO. Students most often pursue Finance and Financial Management Services and Computer and Information Sciences.
Day to day, students benefit from a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, and 75.8% first-year retention. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 70.6%, roughly 20.7 points higher than typical outcomes. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Southeast 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
Southeast Missouri State University graduates 57.9% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 52.3% and keeps 75.8% 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 Southeast 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 | $9,903 |
| Books and Supplies | $696 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $12,198 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $5,816 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $25,177 |
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 30.4% of Southeast Missouri 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 $12,704 to $21,267 depending on family income. Use Southeast Missouri State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $17,395/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $21,267/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $51,502
- 10-Year Median Earnings $44,030
- Average Years to Graduate 4.6 years
- Average Student Debt $21,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 57.4%
- Employment Rate 91.1%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Southeast 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.
Southeast Missouri State University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Southeast Missouri State University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Southeast Missouri State University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: Southeast Missouri State University graduates earn $51,502 median four years after graduation, -15% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 15-20
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 6,373
- Full-Time Students 88.6%
- Part-Time Students 11.4%
- Retention Rate 75.8%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 57.9%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 52.3%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 20:1
How to Get Into Southeast Missouri State University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Southeast 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 773.5%, Southeast 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 73.5% acceptance rate, Southeast Missouri State University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Southeast Missouri State University undergraduates. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum, Business Administration, Management and Operations, and Biology, General draw the most students.
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 9.2%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 6.5%
- Biology, General 6.3%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 6.0%
- Communication and Media Studies 5.6%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 5.2%
See more majors
- Psychology, General 4.5%
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, Gener 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. Finance and Financial Management Services $92,092
- 2. Computer and Information Sciences, General $84,685
- 3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $76,051
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Engineering Technology, General $74,358
- 5. Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians $73,507
- 6. Accounting and Related Services $71,347
- 7. Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication $67,273
- 8. Agricultural Business and Management $64,541
- 9. Business Administration, Management and Operations $63,025
- 10. Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management $62,891
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $83,522
- 2. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degree) $70,647
- 3. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) $57,595
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $51,847
- 5. Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degree) $51,664
- 6. Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degree) $45,743
- 7. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree) $43,811
- 8. Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degree) $43,111
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Finance and Financial Management Services grads earn $92,092—46% more than Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management ($62,891). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $83,522 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Southeast 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
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 118 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 112 graduates)
- Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 105 graduates)
- Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degree, 64 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degree, 61 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 (45 programs)▼
- Biology, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Communication and Media Studies
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Social Work
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- Special Education and Teaching
- Marketing
- Engineering Technology, General
- International/Global Studies
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Plant Sciences
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- English Language and Literature, General
- Chemistry
- Social Sciences, General
- Mathematics
- International Business
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
- Political Science and Government
- History
- Engineering Physics
- Historic Preservation and Conservation
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Economics
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Philosophy
- Music
- Physics
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Homeland Security
- Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians
- English Language and Literature/Letters, Other
- Systems Engineering
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations
- Engineering-Related Fields
Online Master's Degrees (18 programs)▼
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Nutrition Sciences
- Biology, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- English Language and Literature/Letters, Other
- History
- Chemistry
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Mathematics
- English Language and Literature, General
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (4 programs)▼
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Special Education and Teaching
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (3 programs)▼
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 6,373
- Full-Time Students 88.6%
- Part-Time Students 11.4%
- Male Students 41.1%
- Female Students 58.9%
- Caucasian 69.8%
- Asian 0.8%
- Hispanic 3.2%
- Black 8.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients 30.4%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Southeast Missouri State University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Southeast 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 Southeast 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 Southeast Missouri State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Southeast 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 Southeast Missouri State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Southeast Missouri State University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #1077 nationally with a 70.6% ROI, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $15,882 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $51,502 median earnings. The 57.9% graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 75.8% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Southeast Missouri State University's Strengths
Ranked #1077 with a B- grade, Southeast Missouri State University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Southeast Missouri State University excel at providing affordable education ($15,882 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: Southeast Missouri State University's 75.8% retention and 57.9% graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($51,502 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Southeast Missouri State University's 70.6% ROI and $15,882 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 57.9% graduation rate sits 4.6 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 75.8% first-year retention is 1.0 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- 70.6% return on investment is 20.7 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $51,502 run about 15% lower than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $15,882 is roughly $4,197 lower than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 20:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 75.8% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 91.1% employment rate within three years sits 22.9 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 30.4% trails the national share by 4.0 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 Southeast Missouri State University—a public university in Cape Girardeau, MO—at B- overall. It appears at #1077 in EDsmart's national list 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: 75.8% retention, 57.9% graduation within 150% of normal time, and 52.3% earning an award within eight years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at 70.6%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
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 $15,882 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $25,177.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $9,295 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $21,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 30.4% 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
Median earnings come in near $51,502 four years after graduation. This is roughly 15% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment outcomes report about 91.1% of alumni working within three years.
EDsmart lists the ROI at 70.6%, 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
73.5% 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 Southeast 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
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southeast Missouri State University's acceptance rate?
Southeast Missouri State University's acceptance rate is 773.5%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Southeast Missouri State University cost?
At Southeast Missouri State University, listed tuition and fees are $9,903 per year, and the average net price after aid is $15,882. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Southeast Missouri State University's ranking?
Southeast Missouri State University ranks #1077 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B-, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Southeast Missouri State University's graduation rate?
At Southeast Missouri State University, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 57.9% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), College Scorecard 8-year award rate is 52.3%, and first-year retention is 75.8%.
What are Southeast Missouri State University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Southeast Missouri State University report median earnings of $51,502 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Southeast Missouri State University's student population?
Southeast Missouri State University enrolls about 6,373 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
- Website www.semo.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$105.3M