Overview
Enrollment
Located in Joplin, Missouri, Missouri Southern State University occupies a 373-acre campus in the southwestern corner of the state, approximately 150 miles south of Kansas City. The university, established in 1937 as Joplin Junior College, achieved university status in 2003 and now operates as a public institution serving both residential and commuter students. MSSU offers undergraduate programs across four academic schools, with notable strengths in health sciences, teacher education, and criminal justice, while maintaining a focused international mission that incorporates global perspectives into its curriculum. The campus features modern academic facilities, traditional residence halls, and athletic venues where the Lions compete in NCAA Division II athletics as members of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Missouri Southern is rated within the lower 32% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 4 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Missouri Southern State University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#921 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#370 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#18 in Best Colleges in Missouri
#9 in Best Public Colleges in Missouri
#47 in Best Value Colleges in Missouri
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1000/1170 |
| ACT | 18/24 |
| GPA | 3.5 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $35 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Missouri Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,020 |
| Other Fees | $0 |
| Room and Board | $7,172 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,459 |
| Total One Year Cost | $20,051 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,020 |
| Other Fees | $0 |
| Room and Board | $7,172 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,459 |
| Total One Year Cost | $28,451 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 19% |
| Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting | 16% |
| Health Professions | 15% |
| Education | 13% |
| Liberal Arts and Humanities | 8% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Missouri Southern are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=178341 IPEDS survey data for Missouri Southern State University.
Current students may use the Missouri Southern State University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025