Missouri Southern State University

5/10 Overall Rating
4 Year
Joplin, MO
0 reviews

#7 Best Public Universities in Missouri

Overview Admission Cost Majors Diversity Outcomes Salaries Location Compare Reviews Admission Calculator

Overview

Total enrollment

4,147

Location Joplin, Missouri
Website mssu.edu
Type Public 4 Year
Setting Small City

Size Mid-size
Status Non-profit
Housing Yes
Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate

Located in Joplin, Missouri, Missouri Southern State University occupies a 373-acre campus in the southwestern corner of the state, approximately 150 miles south of Kansas City. The university, established in 1937 as Joplin Junior College, achieved university status in 2003 and now operates as a public institution serving both residential and commuter students. MSSU offers undergraduate programs across four academic schools, with notable strengths in health sciences, teacher education, and criminal justice, while maintaining a focused international mission that incorporates global perspectives into its curriculum. The campus features modern academic facilities, traditional residence halls, and athletic venues where the Lions compete in NCAA Division II athletics as members of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association.

See my Chances for Admission

Ratings

Missouri Southern is rated within the lower 42% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 5 out of 10.

Overall Rating

5 out of 10
Academics

8 out of 10
Resources

5 out of 10
Outcomes

4 out of 10
Value

5 out of 10

Learn how ratings are calculated

Rankings

Rankings for Missouri Southern State University within the 2027 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

Learn how rankings are calculated

Admissions

Admission Standards

Average

SAT (enrolled mid-50) 1150/1420
ACT (enrolled mid-50) 17/24
GPA 3.5

Acceptance Rate

97%

Applications Due -
Enrollment Rate 20.5%
Application Fee $35

Applicant Competition Very Low

Very Low

Low

Average

High

Very High

Extreme

View Admission Requirements

Annual Cost to Attend

Missouri Resident Tuition

$8,960

Out of State Resident Tuition

$17,080

Breakdown

Tuition $8,960
Books and Supplies $1,221
Other Fees $840
Room and Board $9,119
Budget for Other Expenses $3,672
Total One Year Cost $23,812

View Tuition & Financial Aid Details

Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$36,600 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

33% within 6 years

View Post Graduation Outcomes

Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at Missouri Southern State University are Business, Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting, and Health Professions. 19% of students major in Business, 16% in Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting, and 15% in Health Professions.