25 Best Colleges in Missouri

Overview

Truman State University is the only highly selective public Liberal Arts and Sciences university in Missouri. It was founded in 1867 in Kirksville, Missouri by Joseph Baldwin as a teacher’s college. It has grown from there to be a regional university in 1996. It is located 180 miles north of Kansas City and 200 miles from St. Louis.

Features

Today, over 6,039 undergraduate and 340 graduate students study here on the 210-acre residential campus. Students can join one of 240 organizations. In the classroom, students enjoy an average class size of 24 people and a student-faculty ratio of 16 to 1. There are over 48 undergraduate and 8 graduate programs on this campus. Top programs include:

• Business
• Psychology
• Biology
• Kinesiology & Exercise Science

Notables

Truman State University is an NCAA Division II Mid America Intercollegiate Athletics Association participants. One of the most notable alumni is boxer Ken Norton. He is one of the few boxers who could beat Muhammad Ali. A few sites on campus that are a must-visit include the site of the former Gum Tree (students would put their chewed gum on the tree prior to going to class) and the Sunken Garden (its good luck for couples to kiss at midnight on one of the benches).

Overview

St. Louis College of Pharmacy began in 1864 to train Pharmacists and apothecaries. Before this, there were no formal schools in the Midwest – most learning occurred in a local pharmacy apprenticeship. Eugene Massot was one of these former apprentices originally lured to the western states by gold. Since he didn’t find any, he opened his own drugstore in St. Louis in 1852 – same year that founded the American Pharmaceutical Association. He noticed that there was a real interest in Pharmaceuticals and soon a school began in the back of drug stores to learn botany, chemistry and other items. Thus, he started the program that takes 3-years of undergraduate work and 4 years of graduate work to complete a Doctor of Pharmacy program and a Bachelor of Science degree.

Features

Today, St. Louis College of Pharmacy still has great connections with local medical schools to provide their students an innovative curriculum. The program focuses on an organ-based teaching model and prepares students for the ever-expanding pharmacist role on health care teams. On the urban campus, there are 436 studying this program. The classes are small with a student-faculty ratio of 9 to 1.

Notables

The Doctor of Pharmacy program also has a dual degree program agreement with the University of Missouri – St. Louis. Students who choose this dual degree program can finish a Masters of Business Administration or a business administration certificate. The school has found that this additional education further prepares students for their future career.

Overview

University of Missouri – St. Louis was created by 1957 to create an affordable junior college for students in northeastern Missouri. The university is located on the former Bellerive Country club and first classes started in 1963. While the official location of the university is in St. Louis, you will find that it stretches into the municipalities of Bellerive, Bel-Nor and Normandy.

Features

Today, the college has over 13,500 undergraduate students studying on 460 acres. It is primarily a commuter university that offers over 50 bachelor degree programs. Over 50% of the classes have less than 20 students and the student-faculty ratio is 17 to 1. For students who would like even more of an academic challenge, the University has the Pierre Laclede Honors College that provides honors programs. Top majors include:

• Business
• Health Professions
• Social Sciences
• Education

Notables

The university also offers 30 master’s programs. It is well known for the master-level criminology, business and education program. University of Missouri – St. Louis is one of 17 institutions that offer an optometry program in North America. The campus is also known for the Thomas Jefferson Library. It is the oldest library west of the Mississippi.

Overview

Avila University was founded by the sisters of Saint Joseph in Kansas City, Missouri. In 1866. This group of sisters came from France in the mid-1830s to start the school. In 1916, it became a 2-year college for women. In 1930, the nursing program began. In 1940, it could grant 4-year degrees. In 1969, the school started accepting men as well. The Sisters named the school after St. Teresa of Avila.

Features

Students today can stud y60 undergraduate and 6 graduate programs on 50 acres in south Kansas City. Over 40% of the students are involved in a student organization. 31% live on campus. While this is a Catholic University, only 20% profess to be Catholic. Top majors are:

• Nursing
• Psychology
• Communications
• Radiological Sciences
• Kinesiology

Notables

While the campus and the student body might be small, there is plenty of activities and traditions available to the student body. At the beginning of the academic year, students would gather at the Mass of the Holy spirit to call upon God for inspiration for the upcoming year. The week prior to finals is Stress Relief week created to help students relax prior to taking their finals. The week includes a late-night breakfast, massages, donuts and possibly therapy dogs.

Overview

Southwest Baptist University (SBU) was founded by Abner S. Ingman and James R. Mauphin as a comprehensive evangelical Christian school in 1878. The main campus is located on 152 acres in rural Bolivar, Missouri, about 25 miles north of Springfield, Missouri. Additional campuses can be found in Mountain View, Salem and Springfield. The Springfield connects the Mercy College of Nursing with the Southwest Baptist University Health Sciences programs.

Features

Between all campuses and the dual enrollment from area high schools, Southwest Baptist University has just under 3,000 undergraduate students and nearly 700 graduate students. In total, there are 80 areas to study from the associate degree level all the way to the doctoral programs. The average classroom size is 24 students and the student-faculty ratio is 15 to 1. Top majors include:

• Biology
• Exercise Science
• Psychology
• Management
• Computer Science

Notables

Southwest Baptist University’s main campus is in Bolivar, Missouri. It is a small town of just over 10,000 residents. The town provides many of the small-town ideals: safe, people know who you are, and gives students time to work on one of the 30 global service projects. But its proximity to Springfield, Missouri, connects the students to museums, cultural centers and additional athletics.

Overview

Culver-Stockton College is located on the Mississippi River in the town of Canton, Missouri. It was originally founded in 1853 by D. Pat Henderson and Disciples of Christ Leaders who wanted to educate the next generation in their city. When it opened for classes in 1855, it was the first coeducational college west of the Mississippi. It was named after its staunch supporters and benefactors Mary Culver and Robert Stockton.

Features

The College has over 60 majors and minors that are pursued by over 1,000 students. Inside the classroom, the average classroom size is 20 and the student-teacher ratio is 15 to 1. (0% of the students complete their degree in four years and most complete an internship of some sort prior to graduation. In some majors like Arts Management or Accountancy – job placement is 100% after graduation. Top majors include:

• Business
• Psychology
• Sport and Fitness Management
• Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement
• Nursing

Notables

On this 140-acre campus, the Culver-Stockton College pursues a different type of course semester. They call it a 12/3 calendar. They took the typical 15-week semester and divided it into a 12-week and a 3-week semester. In the 12-week part of the term, students take 4 courses. During the 3-week term, most students take only one course and participate in an internship, clinical training or courses that require domestic or international travel.

Overview

Missouri Baptist University was started in 1957 after Hannibal-Lagrange College opens an extension site at the Tower Grove Baptist Church. Originally, it was created to educate pastors and laymen. The response peaked peoples’ curiosity so much that by 1967, Missouri Baptist university was breaking was breaking ground for a main campus. By 1973, the school was granting its first Bachelor of Arts degrees. In 2002, the school named itself Missouri Baptist University with the main campus in West County, St. Louis Missouri.

Features

Today the main campus is in a suburban setting on 65 acres with an undergraduate enrollment of 1,226 and a graduate enrollment of 1,101 students. However, its regional learning centers continue to expand with 10 centers through St. Louis, Southern Illinois and online. They offer 71 total different programs that have an average class size of 25 and a student-faculty ration of 18:1. Top majors include:

• Business
• Education
• Behavioral Sciences
• Kinesiology and Exercise Science
• Accounting

Notables

Missouri Baptist University continues to press forward while maintaining its Baptist roots. All denominations are welcome to learn at one of their centers. Students continue to engage with the local community through volunteering, student organizations and living in the area.

Overview

Lindenwood University was founded as a school for women by Mary Easton and George Sibley in the heart of St. Charles, Missouri. By 1918, it became a 4-year college. In 1969, Lindenwood welcomes the first men to campus and becomes co-educational. In 1997, the name changes to Lindenwood University. Today it is known as the oldest college west of the Mississippi River.

Features

Today, over 5,000 students pursue over 100 undergraduate, 54 graduate and 5 doctoral degree programs. Outside of the classroom, students can join on of 78 student organizations or 5 Greek life chapters. Inside the classroom, the average class size is about 20 students. The student- faculty ratio is 16 to 1. Top majors include:

• Business Administration
• Criminal Justice
• Exercise Science
• Psychology
• Elementary Education

Notables

The Lindenwood main campus has 500 acres in the heart of St. Charles, Missouri. The property serves as residence life, sports teams, science labs and wellness centers. However, there are over 50 offsite locations including a branch campus in Belleville, Illinois and online courses. Based on the last few years of data, nearly 93% of undergraduate students are employed or in graduate school six months after graduation.

Overview

William Woods University was founded in 1870 as a Civil War orphan school for girls. in Camden Poin, Missouri. After some time, it moved to Fulton and expanded to teach other young women. It is named after Dr. William Stone Woods a leading benefactor in 1900. In 1914, the orphans had moved on and the school made an adjustment to become a college to train teachers. The college continued to expand until 1992, it became a university.

Features

There are over 3,500 students and faculty on these 225 acres. Over 75% of the classes have less than 20 students and the student-faculty ratio is 11 to 1. About a third live off campus. Top majors include:

• Business Administration
• Sign Language Interpretation
• Education
• Sport & Fitness Administration

Notables

Today, students still study in Fulton, Missouri. They offer unique undergraduate programs including 4-year programs in Equestrian Studies, American Sign Language and Criminal Justice Degree with Homeland Security. William Woods was the first school in North America to offer the 4-year degree in equestrian science. It is also is one of a small number of schools that offer a bachelors in American Sign Language interpretation for the d/Deaf and hard of hearing community.

Overview

Central Methodist University is in Fayette, Missouri. It was founded by Nathan Scarritt and David Rice McAnally with the backing of the Methodist Episcopal Church South denomination. In 1989, Central Methodist began issuing bachelor degrees. In 2004, the name changed to Central Methodist University so that it could continue its growth into the graduate and extended studies programs.

Features

Today students from all over the world come to study one of 40 programs at the 90-acre main campus or online. At the rural main campus, there are over1,000 undergraduate students. However, with the vast opportunities for dual enrollment, associate, bachelor, online, and master degrees, there are over 5,800 students that are enrolled with Central Methodist University. Top majors include

• Health Professions
• Education
• Business
• Biological and Biomedical Sciences
• Homeland Security Protective Services

Notables

Central Methodist University goal is to bring a solid Christian education to the community at a affordable price. Students are involved in volunteering, athletics, student groups and looking to make something great of their lives post-graduation. The university also has expanded to with several regional sites for easy access for adult education and graduation courses. They have also connected with community colleges in Missouri, Iowa and Illinois to provide a student-beneficial path for degree completion.

Overview

Webster University was founded in 1915 by the Sisters of Loretto in Webster Groves, Missouri. It is one of the first women’s colleges west of the Mississippi on 47 acres. In 1962, it became co-ed. In 1972, Webster started their first extension campus in Kansas City, Missouri. While the main campus sounds quite small, Webster has become a Tier 1 private nonprofit university with over 67 distinct campus locations around the world. Over 17,000 students study worldwide at campuses in the United States, Austria, China, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Thailand.

Features

On the main campus, 3,000 students enjoy the various student, athletic, and other activities. There are over 80 student groups for students to get involved in. In the classroom, the average class size is10 with a student-faculty ratio of 9 to 1. Students can be found at their performing arts center which is also known as the St. Louis Repertory Theatre and Opera Theatre of St. Louis or attending their NCAA Division III athletic events. Top majors include:

• Business
• Cinematography & Film/Video Production
• Education
• Psychology
• Nursing

Notables

Webster University is ranked #2 in Study abroad programs by the US News and World Reports “America’s Best Colleges 2013.” Students are encouraged to engage in some sort of international experience. The Webster campuses abroad create a safe environment for students to travel, make new friends and enjoy different cultures.

Overview

Founded in 1905 as a state assisted 4-year regional school for teachers in Maryville, Missouri. The campus was designed based on the forested areas of the 1904 St. Louis World Fair. In 1972, Northwest became Northwest Missouri State University so that it could offer a wider arrange of master degrees. The main campus has 370 acres of beautiful rural area with plenty of interesting outdoor activities for everyone.

Features

Today, over 5,600 undergraduate students pursue 127 undergraduate programs. The university also offers 40 graduate programs. It is one of the only schools that still operate on a trimester-based. Textbooks are $6 per credit hour and the textbooks and a student laptop is included in the student fees. Inside the classroom, almost 60% of the classes have over 20 students per class. the student-faculty ratio is 20 to 1. Top majors include:

• Business
• Education
• Psychology
• Parks, Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies

Notables

The college has a tremendous history of traditions going all the way back to 1905. The Kissing bridge is on the south side of the Colden Hall. The Hickory Stick was a 1930s “trophy” that Northwest presented to Northeast Missouri State with the intent that the winning team keeps the stick. Another tradition is the Stroller: the first appearance was in 1918 but it has continually observed and commented on life in the college and in Maryville.

Overview

Southeast Missouri State University was founded in 1873 to train teachers. Today, it has six campuses. The main campus and River campus are in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. And four regional sites in Sikeston, Malden, Kennett, and Perryville. The main campus has 328 acres. The college has almost ¼ of its student population with multicultural or international experience. There are almost 1,000 international students representing 52 different countries. Another interesting fact is that almost 805 of the student population is from outside of Missouri.

Features

Between all the sites, there are over 10,600 undergraduate students and almost 1,300 graduate students. The average class size is 22 and the student-faculty ratio is 21 to 1. Southeast offers 200 areas of study with over 250 online courses. About a third of the student population lives on campus and about 13% of students engage with a Greek life chapter. They are also part of the NCAA Division I sports. Top majors include:

• Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Nursing
• Education
• Business Administration in Health fields

Notables

Cape Girardeau was founded by French fur traders in 1733. Since then the area has a rich heritage that includes Mark Twain, the Trail of Tears, the Civil War and the Lewis and Clark Expeditions. Today, it is the site of a large mall, plenty of restaurants and annual festivals to keep life interesting in the area.

Overview

Missouri State University – Springfield was founded in 1905 to train teachers. However, as the school expanded it began to grant other degrees. In 1972, the name and purpose changed to university. IN 2005, the name changed again to the name it is known as today. It is in Springfield, Missouri, the 3rd largest city in Missouri.

Features

Today there are 26,000 students studying one of 150 different programs, making it the 2nd largest university in Missouri. Over 24,000 of those students are enrolled at the main campus in Springfield. Students can join over 300 different student organizations and 25 Greek life chapters. Inside the classroom, most classes have over 20 students and the student-teacher ratio is 19:1. Top majors include:

• Business
• Psychology
• Education
• Marketing
• Criminology

Notables

Fifty percent of the entire United States population lives within a 500-mile radius of Missouri State University – Springfield. Just a few of the nearby towns include Branson (45 minutes), Kansas City (2.5 hours), St. Louis 3.5 hours and Tulsa Oklahoma (3 hours). They are known for their NCAA Division I teams with over 55 NCAA championship appearances. Actor John Goodman graduated from this school – he was in Roseanne, O Brother, Where Art Thou? And Raising Arizona.

Overview

Fontbonne University is in Clayton, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis. Fontbonne was founded in 1923 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. In 1927, 8 women received the first bachelor degrees. In 1970s, Fontbonne became co-ed. In 2002, Fontbonne becomes a university. They have a wide span of programs from Deaf Education to communication disorders to business.

Features

Today, 1526 students study one of 59 degree programs on the small 16 acres. Students enjoy the student organizations and volunteer opportunities that are on campus. However, there is no Greek life at this institution. Inside the classroom, over 82% of its classes have less than 20 students. The student-faculty ratio is 10:1. 65% of freshmen live on campus. Top majors include:

• Business Administration
• Social Work & Youth Services
• Special Education
• Speech-language Pathology
• Apparel & Textile Science

Notables

Inside St. Louis there is so much to do. Forest Park is 1371 acres and larger than New York’s Central Park. There is the Loop, almost reminds you of a small town with boutiques, shops, cuisines and live music. Fontbonne does have its own intercollegiate sports. But nothing is like seeing a Major-League sports team play. This is all within reach at Fontbonne.