Missouri Southern State University
Originally founded as a junior college, Missouri Southern State University is now a 4-year public institution in southwest Missouri. MSSU is home to schools of Business, Education, Arts & Sciences, and Health Sciences as well as a Law Enforcement Academy. To support the fine and performing arts, the MSSU campus hosts the Spiva Art Gallery and Taylor Performing Arts Center. For athletically inclined students, MSSU fields 15 men’s and women’s sports teams known as the Lions.
Admissions
Key Admissions Stats
Institution Type
Public
- Not for Profit
- Coed
Need Aware
This school may consider an applicant’s financial situation when deciding admission
Level of Institution
4 Year
Campus Setting
Small city
Admissions Requirements
SAT
No
ACT
No
Transcript
Yes
Important Deadlines
Admitted Student Stats
79%
Submitting ACT
5%
Submitting SAT
Average ACT Composite: 21
Average SAT Composite: 1078
Academics
Key Academic Stats
Highest Degree Offered
Master's
Total Number of Students
4,144
Total Number of Undergrads
4,052
Classroom Sizes
0
100
25%
Graduate in 4 Years US National: 28%
0
100
40%
Graduate in 6 Years US National: 52%
Student:Faculty Ratio
16:1
US National: 21:1Tuition, Cost & Aid
Key Financial Stats
Tuition
| In-State Tuition In-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. In-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend school and may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution. | $8,400 |
| Out-of-State Tuition Out-of-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the state’s or institution’s residency requirements. Out-of-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students not residing in the locality in which they attend school. | $16,800 |
Additional Costs
Room and Board The weighted average for room and board and other expenses is generated as follows:
| $7,172 |
| Books and Supplies | $1020 |
Aid & Grants
0
100
41%
Need Met
Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid. Federal gift aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution. Students Receiving Grants Percent of undergraduate students awarded grant aid. Grant aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
38%
Average Aid Per Year
$8,016
38%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$4,058
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$4,702
Student Loans
Students Borrowing Loans Loans to students - Any monies that must be repaid to the lending institution for which the student is the designated borrower. Includes all Title IV subsidized and unsubsidized loans and all institutionally- and privately-sponsored loans. Does not include PLUS and other loans made directly to parents.
42%
Average Loan Amount Per Year
$5,500
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$11,000
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$181
Campus Life
Key Campus Stats
Student Gender
Student Organizations
60
Size of Town
Small city
LGBTQIA Student Resource Groups
Yes
On Campus Women's Center
No
Housing
0
100
16%
Undergrads Living on Campus
On-campus living required of freshman
No
Athletics
Divisional Sports Nickname
Lions
School Colors
green and gold
Varsity Athletics Association
NCAA
Varsity Athletics Conference Primary
Mid-America Intercollegiate Ath Assoc
Campus Safety
24-HR security patrol
Yes
Campus emergency phones
Yes
After Graduation
Post Grad Stats
Top 5 Cities
Joplin
Kansas City
Springfield
Fayetteville
Saint Louis
Employed
6 mos. after graduation
79%
Average Salary
6 years after graduation
$38,100
What Students Are Saying
A gorgeous place to learn, work, and grow with many opportunities to be involved. Missouri Southern is a place that will make you feel welcome and also make sure you can be successful after graduation.
Here, you can be involved on any level because they always have some sort of event going on whether it's athletics or a movie night or even stuffing a lion to take home with you for free one day, there's always something great going on at Missouri Southern.
Here, you can be involved on any level because they always have some sort of event going on whether it's athletics or a movie night or even stuffing a lion to take home with you for free one day, there's always something great going on at Missouri Southern.
Megan from Joplin, MO
I have had a fantastic experience with the faculty here in that they were willing to work with me outside of class to make sure I was successful in my academic goals. The study abroad opportunities are fantastic too, allowing for once in a lifetime experiences and lifelong memories. It is a smaller student body, but that allows for a greater sense of student community.
Brian from Joplin, MO
this college is great when it comes to benefits for students. every professor is always willing to help. on campus housing is one of the best in missouri.
Austin from Seneca, MO
MSSU is a wonderful university that has given me so many opportunities for my future. As a communications major, I have to frequently build connections with other and my classes have really taught me to socialize and network. I'm entering my last semester here and I know I am going to miss being on this campus and learning from such helpful and kind professors.
Olivia from Joplin, MO
Missouri Southern State University is an excellent school to attend. I am a communication student at Southern and I have been offered countless opportunities. From studying abroad, and extra curricular activities to working in the Relations and Marketing office, I have gained so much experience in such a short amount of time!
Daya from Joplin, MO
Missouri Southern is a quality education at a fair price. The faculty are personally invested in the students' education and success. If you're open to it, the people here will become like your family.
AshLeigh from Stella, MO
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