Missouri State University-Springfield
The Vibe Check
Missouri State has a vibrant, community-focused atmosphere where students often describe the campus as welcoming and down-to-earth. You'll feel a strong sense of school spirit, especially during BearFest and basketball games at JQH Arena. It strikes a balance between a large university experience and a supportive, Midwestern friendliness.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
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⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
The university is a powerhouse in practical, career-ready fields like Business, Education, and Health Professions, supported by a robust advising system. Class sizes are manageable, allowing for genuine interaction with professors rather than just lecture-hall anonymity. While research opportunities exist, particularly in biology and biomedical sciences, the academic focus leans heavily toward applied learning and professional preparation.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Springfield
Springfield offers a lively downtown scene with breweries, coffee shops, and music venues, as well as easy access to outdoor adventures at nearby Lake Springfield or Fantastic Caverns. Students often hang out at Park Central Square or explore the city's numerous caves and trails. The city has a youthful energy driven by several colleges, ensuring there's always something to do.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($49,827):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The campus and surrounding area are generally considered safe, with the university providing extensive resources like the BearLine shuttle and campus safety escorts. Springfield is a typical mid-sized city, so students should practice standard urban awareness, especially at night.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ High accessibility with a 91% acceptance rate makes it a realistic option for many students.
- ✓ Strong regional reputation in high-demand fields like Business, Education, and Health Professions.
- ✓ Affordable tuition, especially for in-state students, leading to lower debt upon graduation.
- ✓ Vibrant campus life with major sporting events and student organizations.
Cons
- ✗ The 57.8% graduation rate is below the national average, suggesting students must be self-motivated to succeed.
- ✗ The urban setting can feel spread out, requiring reliance on a car or shuttle for full access.
- ✗ It may not have the same national prestige or research intensity as flagship universities in larger states.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Missouri State is widely recognized for its strengths in public affairs, education, and business. It holds a unique mandate from the state legislature to focus on the public affairs mission, which emphasizes ethical leadership, cultural competence, and community engagement. Additionally, the university is a leader in telehealth and communication disorders programs.
No, it is not considered a hard school to get into. With an acceptance rate of 91.05%, the university is quite accessible. The middle 50% of admitted students typically have an SAT score between 1030 and 1200, or an ACT score of 21-27. While admissions are selective to an extent, they are welcoming to a broad range of applicants.
Campus life is energetic and community-oriented, with a strong emphasis on student involvement. There are over 300 student organizations, a lively Greek life scene, and major campus traditions like BearFest. The campus is located within walking distance of downtown Springfield, giving students easy access to city amenities while maintaining a traditional college atmosphere.
For in-state students, yes, it offers excellent value. The combination of low tuition and solid mid-career earnings ($49,827) creates a strong return on investment. For out-of-state students, the value depends heavily on financial aid, but the cost is still competitive compared to many private institutions.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Public
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 21,092
- In-State Tuition $9,024
- Out-of-State $17,928
- Zip Code 65897
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
At roughly $17,500 for the average net price, this degree offers solid value, particularly for in-state students paying just over $9,000 in tuition. With median earnings of nearly $50,000 ten years after graduation, the return on investment is favorable compared to the national average. For out-of-state students, the value is still competitive, but financial aid and scholarships are crucial to making it a smart financial decision.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.