Public Institution

Missouri Western State University — Saint Joseph, Missouri

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Annual Tuition $9,800

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 100%

Open Admission

Enrollment 2,372

Active Students

Avg. Salary $42,647

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Saint Joseph, Missouri
Institution type Public
Accreditation Higher Learning Commission
Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Missouri Western State University stands as a pillar of higher education in Saint Joseph, providing a robust academic foundation for 2,372 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus
Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Missouri Western State University offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Missouri Western State University. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Health Professions
18.5%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing
14.8%

Enrollment Share

Education
8.2%

Enrollment Share

Parks & Recreation
7.1%

Enrollment Share

Multi/Interdisciplinary
6.7%

Enrollment Share

Security & Law Enforcement
5.8%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

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Institutional Choice

Best Education College

We develop educators who are passionate about transforming classrooms...

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Institutional Choice

Best Parks & Recreation College

The Parks & Recreation program at Missouri Western State University provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Multi/Interdisciplinary College

The Multi/Interdisciplinary program at Missouri Western State University provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Security & Law Enforcement College

The Security & Law Enforcement program provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Missouri Western State University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 100%
Difficulty Low

Missouri Western State University maintains an acceptance rate of 100%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are not reported.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 39.4%
Women Enrollment 60.6%

Open Pathway Confirmed

Missouri Western State University follows an open admission policy. Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are typically not part of the mandatory evaluation process, ensuring broader access to academic programs.

Start Your Journey Today

Unlock access to Missouri Western State University's high-demand programs without the stress of standardized testing benchmarks.

Official Admission Portal

How much does Missouri Western State University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $9,800
Out-of-State Tuition $17,500

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 28.2%
Median Student Debt $19,968

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $9,800, graduates see a median starting salary of $42,647, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Missouri.

What salary can Missouri Western State University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $42,647

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 39.8%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $12,638
Median Salary (6yr) $37,499
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Missouri Western State University in Saint Joseph?

2,372 Students

Gender Comparison

39.4% Men
60.6% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

59.3%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
1.2%
Pacific Islander
0.2%
Asian
1.8%
Black
14%
White
67.5%
Unknown
4.4%
Hispanic
1.7%
Two or More Races
8.1%
International
1.3%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 22
🎓
First-Generation 39.7%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 69.7%
🎖️
Veterans 0.8%
💍
Married Students 7.5%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 17.7%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $51,145
Average Family Income $49,586
Median Family Income $36,641

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

48.8%
51.2%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Saint Joseph Campus Environment

Located at 4525 Downs Dr, Missouri Western State University offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Missouri. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan
Access High Connectivity
Get Directions Open in Google Maps

Common Questions about Missouri Western State University

Is Missouri Western State University a good college in Saint Joseph, Missouri?
Missouri Western State University is a recognized institution in Saint Joseph with an enrollment of 2,372 students. It is accredited by Higher Learning Commission and offers a robust ROI for students in Missouri based on Department of Education data.
Is Missouri Western State University worth attending in 2026?
Yes, Missouri Western State University offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $42,647. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.
How much does Missouri Western State University cost for Missouri residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Missouri Western State University is approximately $9,800. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $17,500. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of Missouri Western State University after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending Missouri Western State University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 69.7% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is Missouri Western State University good for Health Professions and Business & Marketing programs?
Missouri Western State University is highly regarded for its Health Professions and Business & Marketing programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.
What career can I get after attending Missouri Western State University?
Graduates of Missouri Western State University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Health Professions. With a median salary of $42,647, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for Missouri Western State University?
Missouri Western State University operates with a Open Admission policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.
Does Missouri Western State University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
No, Missouri Western State University follows a open admission policy for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.
What salary can Missouri Western State University graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of Missouri Western State University earn a median salary of $42,647 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is Missouri Western State University a good investment compared to other MO colleges?
Missouri Western State University stands out as a high-value investment in Missouri. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.
Where is Missouri Western State University located and what is the campus like?
Missouri Western State University is located at 4525 Downs Dr in Saint Joseph, MO. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 2,372 learners.
Who typically attends Missouri Western State University in Saint Joseph, MO?
The student body at Missouri Western State University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 39.7% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
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2026 Rankings: Missouri

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Missouri Western State University with other leading institutions in Missouri across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

N
Nursing
B
Business Administration
C
Computer Science
M
Medical
P
Psychology
E
Engineering
C
Criminal Justice
S
Social Work
A
Accounting
M
Marketing
C
Cybersecurity
F
Finance
B
Biotechnology
M
Mechanical Engineering
P
Public Administration
F
Fire Protection
I
International Business
I
Information Science
C
Civil Engineering
J
Journalism
G
Graphic Communications
C
Computer Engineering
D
Data Science
L
Law
A
Architecture
E
Education
L
Liberal Arts
🧭

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