Missouri Southern vs. MWSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, MO with Missouri Western State University in Saint Joseph, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Missouri Southern State University is larger than MWSU based on total student enrollment (4,147 students vs. 3,716 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Missouri Southern State University is located in Joplin, MO (Small City setting); Missouri Western State University is in Saint Joseph, MO (Small City setting).
• Missouri Southern State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Missouri Western State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Missouri Southern State University 15:1; Missouri Western State University 15:1.

Missouri Southern vs. MWSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Missouri Southern or MWSU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Missouri Southern State University than MWSU ($11,626 vs. $13,126).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Missouri Southern State University are 25.9% lower than at Missouri Western State University ($9,119 vs. $12,311).
• Missouri Western State University is 15% more expensive for in-state tuition than Missouri Southern (about $1,346 more per year; $10,306.00 vs. $8,960.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.2% higher at MWSU than at Missouri Southern State University (about $3,786 more per year; $20,866.00 vs. $17,080.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Missouri Western State University than at Missouri Southern State University (96% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Missouri Western State University students is 21.7% larger than aid received by Missouri Southern State University students ($9,245 vs. $7,597).

Missouri Southern vs. MWSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Missouri Southern or MWSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between MWSU and Missouri Southern.

• Missouri Western State University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Missouri Southern State University 1150/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Missouri Southern State University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Missouri Southern - Test optional; MWSU - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman Missouri Southern students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at MWSU (3.25).

Missouri Southern vs. MWSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Missouri Southern and MWSU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Missouri Southern State University's six-year graduation rate (33%) is higher than Missouri Western State University's (27%).
• Graduates from Missouri Southern State University earn a median of about $100 more per year than MWSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,600 vs. $36,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Missouri Southern State University graduates have a $987 lower median loan debt than MWSU graduates ($20,831 vs. $21,818).
• Among borrowers, Missouri Southern graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MWSU graduates ($215 vs. $225).
• More Missouri Southern graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MWSU students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 53%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.