Public Institution

Southeast Missouri State University — Cape Girardeau, Missouri

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Annual Tuition $9,496

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 78.5%

Open Admission

Enrollment 6,588

Active Students

Avg. Salary $44,030

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Institution type Public

Accreditation Higher Learning Commission

Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Southeast Missouri State University stands as a pillar of higher education in Cape Girardeau, providing a robust academic foundation for 6,588 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 Southeast Missouri State University offer?

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

Education

12.6%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing

12.3%

Enrollment Share

Health Professions

10.8%

Enrollment Share

Humanities

8.5%

Enrollment Share

Psychology

6.3%

Enrollment Share

Communications

6.3%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Education College

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

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Humanities College

Empowering students with critical thinking and cultural literacy...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Communications College

The Communications program at Southeast Missouri State University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Southeast Missouri State University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 78.5%

Difficulty Low

Southeast Missouri State University maintains an acceptance rate of 78.5%, 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 considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 40.7%

Women Enrollment 59.4%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT

ACT

SAT Reading 470 - 550

SAT Mathematics 380 - 480

ACT English 14 - 20

ACT Mathematics 15 - 18

Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Southeast Missouri State University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $9,496

Out-of-State Tuition $9,496

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 29.4%

Median Student Debt $21,500

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $9,496, graduates see a median starting salary of $44,030, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Missouri.

What salary can Southeast Missouri State University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $44,030

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 55.7%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $14,532

Median Salary (6yr) $38,150

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau?

6,588 Students

Gender Comparison

40.7% Men

59.4% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

75.9%

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

0.2%

Pacific Islander

Asian

0.9%

Black

8.5%

White

75%

Unknown

4.1%

Hispanic

3.2%

Two or More Races

3.4%

International

4.8%

Campus Demographics

🎂

Avg. Age at Entry 21

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First-Generation 36.9%

💰

Receive Pell Grant 62.9%

🎖️

Veterans 0.5%

💍

Married Students 6.7%

🔄

Retention (Part-time) 32.1%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$51,305
Average Family Income	$57,122
Median Family Income	$42,518

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

48.4%

51.6%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Cape Girardeau Campus Environment

Located at One University Plaza, MS2025, Southeast Missouri 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

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How does Southeast Missouri State University compare?

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Common Questions about Southeast Missouri State University

Is Southeast Missouri State University a good college in Cape Girardeau, Missouri?

Southeast Missouri State University is a recognized institution in Cape Girardeau with an enrollment of 6,588 students. This profile shows published tuition, admissions, and earnings data so you can compare it with other schools in Missouri.

Is Southeast Missouri State University worth attending in 2026?

That depends on your budget, program fit, and career goals. Use the average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $44,030 on this page as a starting point for comparison.

How much does Southeast Missouri State University cost for Missouri residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Southeast Missouri State University is approximately $9,496. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $9,496. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of Southeast Missouri State University after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending Southeast Missouri State University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 62.9% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is Southeast Missouri State University good for Education and Business & Marketing programs?

Southeast Missouri State University reports program activity in Education and Business & Marketing. Review the school profile and official academic pages to confirm current majors, concentrations, and outcomes for the track you want.

What career can I get after attending Southeast Missouri State University?

Graduates of Southeast Missouri State University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Education. With a median salary of $44,030, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for Southeast Missouri State University?

Admission requirements can vary by program and application cycle. Use the acceptance-rate and test-policy data on this page as a starting point, then confirm current requirements on Southeast Missouri State University's official admissions website.

Does Southeast Missouri State University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

Standardized-test requirements can change by year and by program. Check the test-policy details on this page, then confirm the latest SAT or ACT guidance on Southeast Missouri State University's official admissions portal before applying.

What salary can Southeast Missouri State University graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of Southeast Missouri State University earn a median salary of $44,030 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is Southeast Missouri State University a good investment compared to other MO colleges?

Compare Southeast Missouri State University's average net price of $0, tuition levels, and median earnings against other colleges in Missouri to judge value for your goals.

Where is Southeast Missouri State University located and what is the campus like?

Southeast Missouri State University is located at One University Plaza, MS2025 in Cape Girardeau, MO. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 6,588 learners.

Who typically attends Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, MO?

The student body at Southeast Missouri State University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 36.9% 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 Southeast Missouri State University with other leading institutions in Missouri across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

Nursing

Business Administration