Missouri Southern vs. Union University

Comparable Facts

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

Missouri Southern State University is larger than Union University based on total student enrollment (4,147 students vs. 2,713 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Missouri Southern State University is located in Joplin, MO (Small City setting); Union University is in Jackson, TN (Small City setting).
• Missouri Southern State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Union University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Missouri Southern State University 15:1; Union University 9:1.

Missouri Southern vs. Union University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Missouri Southern or Union University? 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 Union University ($11,626 vs. $28,452).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Missouri Southern State University are 28.6% lower than at Union University ($9,119 vs. $12,780).
• Union University is 346.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Missouri Southern (about $31,065 more per year; $40,025.00 vs. $8,960.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 134.3% higher at Union University than at Missouri Southern State University (about $22,945 more per year; $40,025.00 vs. $17,080.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union University than at Missouri Southern State University (100% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union University students is 296.5% larger than aid received by Missouri Southern State University students ($30,120 vs. $7,597).

Missouri Southern vs. Union University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Missouri Southern or Union University? 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 Union University and Missouri Southern.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Missouri Southern State University (1290) is 10 points higher than at Union University (1280).
• Incoming Union University students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 20 at Missouri Southern).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Missouri Southern State University 1150/1420; Union University 1160/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Missouri Southern State University 17/24; Union University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Missouri Southern - Test optional; Union University - Required.
• Accepted freshman Union University students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Missouri Southern (3.5).
• Missouri Southern has a higher acceptance rate (97%) than Union University (60.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.5% at Missouri Southern vs. 30.1% at Union University.

Missouri Southern vs. Union University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Missouri Southern and Union University? 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).

• Union University's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Missouri Southern State University's (33%).
• Graduates from Union University earn a median of about $11,600 more per year than Missouri Southern graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,200 vs. $36,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Missouri Southern State University graduates have a $4,009 lower median loan debt than Union University graduates ($20,831 vs. $24,840).
• Among borrowers, Missouri Southern graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Union University graduates ($215 vs. $256).
• More Union University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Missouri Southern students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.