USAFA vs. Missouri Southern

Comparable Facts

Compare United States Air Force Academy in USAF Academy, Colorado with Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Missouri Southern State University is larger than USAFA based on total student enrollment (4,147 students vs. 4,114 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• United States Air Force Academy is located in USAF Academy, Colorado (Large City setting); Missouri Southern State University is in Joplin, MO (Small City setting).
• United States Air Force Academy is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Missouri Southern State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: United States Air Force Academy 7:1; Missouri Southern State University 15:1.

USAFA vs. Missouri Southern Cost Comparison

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

• In-state tuition differs between Missouri Southern State University and USAFA ($8,960.00 vs. $0.00).
• Out-of-state tuition differs between Missouri Southern and United States Air Force Academy ($17,080.00 vs. $0.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Missouri Southern State University than at United States Air Force Academy (90% vs. 0%).

USAFA vs. Missouri Southern Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at United States Air Force Academy (1340) is 50 points higher than at Missouri Southern (1290).
• Incoming USAFA students have a 9 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 20 at Missouri Southern).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: United States Air Force Academy 1230/1440; Missouri Southern State University 1150/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: United States Air Force Academy 26/33; Missouri Southern State University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: USAFA - Required; Missouri Southern - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: USAFA Dec 31, 2026.
• Accepted freshman USAFA students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.81) than students at Missouri Southern (3.5).
• Missouri Southern has a higher acceptance rate (97%) than USAFA (14.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 78.5% at USAFA vs. 20.5% at Missouri Southern.

USAFA vs. Missouri Southern Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for USAFA and Missouri Southern? 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).

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.