Missouri remains one of the country’s most prosperous states with a thriving economy, but according to the census, 39.9 percent of the Missouri workforce has attained a two- to a four-year degree. The state aims for a 60 percent boost in higher education attainment by the year 2025. As part of the efforts to increase their attainment rate in Missouri, schools have expanded their programs and added an online platform to them. This is to encourage working adults or even young adults to pursue higher education. Online degree programs make it obtainable for busy adults who want to “go to college” without literally going to the campus.
Going to college means higher earning potential, greater job satisfaction, and better job security for your future. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there are 126 colleges and universities in Missouri’s higher educational system. This means students have a broad range of programs to choose from, but working adults may prefer to study from home. Online programs are developed to fit the needs of working adults, as they offer convenience and flexibility. Employers are also impressed with employees who pursue a college degree.
METHODOLOGY
Missouri’s higher education system provides this learning opportunity; however, trying to find the right school can be quite daunting. To help you in your search for the best online schools in the state, our researchers at OnlineSchoolsCenter.com presents to you the 5 Top Online Schools in Missouri. These top-flight online colleges and universities are leaders in delivering quality online degree programs in the state. They made it to our list based on these factors:
- Rigorous coursework for in-depth learning and training to produce highly skilled graduates,
- A virtual learning platform that provides easy access to the students’ online coursework,
- Highly competent faculty to ensure strategic and high-quality teaching,
- Accreditation from top agencies that enforce top-quality academic standards.
Want to know more about our ranking process? Visit our Methodology Page.
University of Missouri-Columbia
Known as Mizzou or MU, University of Missouri-Columbia has been around for 180 years. It serves as a public, land-grant research university. As the flagship campus of the University of Missouri System and the state’s largest university, Mizzou admits about 30,000 students. It was the first public institution of the state. Over the years, the school accumulated exemplary centers and research farms across the state. In the present, Mizzou has had $205 million in research expenditures and is recognized as a Doctoral / Research Extensive university. Mizzou is also one of the 62 prestigious members of the Association of American Universities. Its 300-degree programs are delivered by world-class faculty who hold doctorates or the highest degree in their field. Students can explore areas like Business and Commerce, Engineering and Applied Science, Education, Environmental and Life Sciences, and Social and Behavioral Science.
Online programs at Mizzou are provided through “Mizzou Online.” There are 125 online majors and certificate programs with more than 1000 courses available at Mizzou Online. Online students can expect either a semester-based or self-paced method to complete their chosen program. They are expected to join group discussions at a specified time for a semester-based course and instructors are on stand-by for any queries. Students are advised to take 6 hours at a time for self-paced programs. However, 12 hours is the limit for every self-paced course. There is a wide variety of courses and programs offered 100% online for bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate levels and even for professional development.
Location: Columbia, Missouri
Admission Requirements:
- Application fee of $55
- High school transcript
*Some programs like journalism, engineering, business, and others have a selective admission process.
Transfer
- At least 24 college-level credits
- Minimum of GPA 2.5 in transferable coursework
- Minimum of GPA 2.0 from a regionally accredited community college
- An associate degree or a Missouri Core 2 designation from an accredited institution
Graduate
- Application fee of $65
- Bachelor’s degree (or an equivalent)
- At least 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours of baccalaureate coursework
- Unofficial copies of all transcripts
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Northwest Missouri State University
Originally named as the Maryville Fifth District Normal School, Northwest Missouri State University was founded in 1905 to train elementary school teachers. It began granting baccalaureate degrees in 1919 and had continually expanded programs and classes that serve students who want to pursue a Navy commission. Northwest Missouri is the only public university in the state that had won multiple awards from Missouri Quality Awards. Now, the university has grown to be one of the institutions that offer quality academic excellence through its career-oriented programs. Among its 167 degree programs, Northwest has identified the largest number of graduates each year belonging to the business, education, geography and agriculture departments. Full-time students at Northwest are provided with laptops for the whole school year. Textbook rental fees are reduced to $6 per credit hour to accommodate all student’s needs and to help them save.
Northwest’s commitment to providing academic excellence extends beyond the classroom. The university boasts a 20-year record for delivering online education. Online undergraduate programs offered are B.S. in Business Management, B.S. in Marketing and RN to BSN program while online graduate programs include fields in Business, Geographic Information Science, Education, and Health Science and Wellness. Northwest aspires to give adequate assistance to students whether they are admitted online or in-seat. Services provided are comprised of Textbook Services, Library, Online Advising, Career Advisement, and Student Accessibility Services.
Location: Maryville, Missouri
Admission Requirements:
Freshmen
- No fee for online application
- $25 fee for paper applications
- ACT/SAT scores
- High school transcript
Transfer
- No fee for online application
- $25 fee for paper applications
- ACT/SAT scores
- Official transcript
- At least 24 hours of college-level work
- Official rank, GPA, ACT/SAT scores
Graduate
- Official transcripts of all previous degrees and credits
- GRE/GMAT scores
- Other information for program-specific requirements
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Missouri University of Science and Technology
A member of the University of Missouri System, the Missouri University of Science and Technology is a public, land, and space-grant university serving more than 8,000 students. It was built in 1870 and was known as the first technological learning institution west of Mississippi. Its first programs were focused mainly on mining and metallurgy since Rolla produces most of the nation’s zinc supply. Missouri S&T continued to expand its programs from agriculture and mechanic arts to engineering, chemistry, physics and more. In the present, the university has achieved its “highly selective” level in the undergraduate admissions and is famous for its engineering programs. There are 99 degree programs structured under two colleges— the College of Arts, Sciences, and Business, and the College of Engineering and Computing.
Online learning at Missouri S&T may be limited to graduate programs and certificates, but they ensure the perfect fit for your busy schedules. Missouri S&T distance education includes 18 master’s degree programs. You can choose from Aerospace Engineering, Explosives Engineering, Industrial – Organizational Psychology to Technical Communications. Online doctorate programs are available on a case-to-case basis, and prospective students are required to contact the department for admissions. Students have three years to complete a graduate certificate and six years for a master’s degree program. They also provide asynchronous training and coursework that’s delivered through short video segments accessible 24/7.
Location: Rolla, Missouri
Admission Requirements:
- Completed online application
- Unofficial transcripts
- GRE/GMAT scores
- Letters of Recommendation
- Uploaded resume
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Southeast Missouri State University
Another university on our list that started as a regular school is the Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO). The school was built in 1873 with a campus close to the Mississippi river banks. In the 1970s, the school began to open more programs in addition to its teacher training curriculum. Eventually, business, liberal arts, and nursing degree programs were introduced. Today, the SEMO has over 11,000 students registered in its more than 200 areas of study. You can be a part of any of its five colleges— Education, Health and Human Studies, Arts & Media, Business & Computing, Humanities & Social Sciences, and Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics.
Students who want to pursue online education can go through several programs at Southeast Online. Learners who wish to get an online bachelor’s degree may choose from 14 programs like Nursing, Psychology, Criminal Justice and Business Administration and may push forth master’s degrees with fields in Teacher Leadership, Elementary Education, STEM, General Management and more. Certificates and specialist degrees in Educational Administration and Teacher Leadership are also available. Once students are admitted, plan advisors are ready to help map out their schedules, learning experience, costing, and program management.
Location: Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Admission Requirements:
Freshmen
- A non-refundable application fee of $30
- High school transcript
- Official ACT or SAT (optional)
Transfer
- A non-refundable application fee of $30
- Official transcripts
- Cumulative 2.0 college GPA
- 24 or more academic, transferable college hours
Graduate
- A non-refundable application fee of $30
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
- Official test scores (if applicable)
- Proof of citizenship, permanent residency, or lawful presence in the U.S.
- Other program-specific requirements
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Missouri State University-Springfield
Once known as the Southwest Missouri State University, Missouri State University is the second-largest university with a student body of more than 23,000. Its story started with 543 students who were learning to become public school teachers. Over the years, the school has gained its university status and went through different name changes. In addition to its teaching education, MSU’s degree programs are organized in the colleges of agriculture, arts and letters, business, health, and human services, humanities, and natural sciences. Besides Springfield, there are three other campuses MSU holds. These are in Mountain Grove and West Plains, Missouri and Dalian, China.
Students can earn their certificate, undergraduate and graduate degrees at Missouri Online. There are about 45 programs available entirely online, structured with a comprehensive curriculum. Some of the majors to choose from are Communication Studies, Finance, General Business, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Education, History, Project Management, and more. Its doctorate programs Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (CRNA to DNAP) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (Post-Masters to DNP) are also open fully online. Courses are guaranteed to be delivered just the same as the on-campus education. Missouri Online provides student services like virtual research assistance, writing assistance, and one-on-one tutoring.
Location: Springfield, Missouri
Admission Requirements:
Freshmen
- Application fee of $35
- ACT/SAT scores
- Official transcripts
Transfer
- Application fee of $35
- Transcript(s) from all colleges and universities attended
- Must have earned 24 or more hours of transferable credit
Graduate
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school
- Cumulative GP of 2.75
- Written recommendation
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Missouri’s economy consists of activities and institutions related to and production of agriculture, manufacturing, mining, and services. The state has one of the lowest costs of living and is home to some of the cheapest colleges and institutions. With these factors, Missouri makes a remarkable choice for college.
When looking for an online college, students don’t only take comfort in the quality of education the school provides, but also look for universities that will help them manage their funds wisely. If you plan to attend college in Missouri, you have made the right decision. But the question is, which of these colleges are worth it? Choosing to pursue a degree in an online distance learning program helps you reduce transportation costs, and most course materials are available online.
METHODOLOGY
We have ranked online schools that will surely fit your budget while effectively managing your time. Our list of the 5 Best Value Online Schools in Missouri showcases high-quality online academic institutions that take it to the next step with affordable tuition. These online colleges and universities offer degree programs that give students the best ROI with inexpensive rates and high-quality education. They also provide financial aid opportunities to eligible distance learners.
Missouri State University-West Plains
Missouri State University-West Plains is one of Missouri State University’s campuses. It is a public, two-year, open-admission university built-in 1963. The university is known to provide education to those who want to take two-year programs and set forth their career or prepares students who wish to transfer to a four-year college. Its academic offering is such that caters to non-traditional students. Online, evening, and completion programs are at hand. The university allows for a diverse set of student population and has enrolled over 1,900 students. MSU-WP learners can choose from associate degree programs, such as Enology, Viticulture, and General Studies. Annual tuition cost for in-state students is $4,500 based on 30-credit hours ($130 per credit hour) whereas non-residents pay $8,520 per year. Along with its affordable programs, Missouri State University-West Plains is also a participant of the A+ Scholarship Program that offers scholarships to eligible students.
Location: West Plains, Missouri
Admission Requirements:
Freshmen
- High school transcripts or High School Equivalency scores
- ACT scores are not required
Transfer
- Official college or university transcript
- 24 transferable hours or submit High School Equivalency scores
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Jefferson College (Missouri)
Jefferson College was founded in 1963 after the bill for formation and financing of public junior colleges in Missouri was signed. It was the second approved junior college in the district in Missouri that offered vocational-technical courses. It soon changed its curriculum and added a more extensive range of programs for the Arts and Science divisions. At present, the school enrolls more than 4,000 full- and part-time students. The school serves the student who wants to gain full learning advantage through training, retraining, or pursuing another field of interest.
The university prepares students for a four-year degree institution or careers in the most in-demand occupations. Its certificate and associate programs cover 50 areas of study like Accounting, Biology, Engineering, Business Management, Culinary Arts, Geography, Physics, and Veterinary Technology. Online programs include General Studies, Teaching, Health Information Technology, and Business Management. Generally, tuition for Missouri residents ranges from $106 to $159 per credit hour while Out-of-state tuition is at $212 per credit hour. Jefferson College utilizes the Blackboard Management System to give access to online students with assignments and discussion boards. Students are also given access to online writing labs.
Location: Hillsboro, Missouri
Admission Requirements:
Freshmen
- No online application fee
- Official high school transcript
- High school diploma
- Official ACT results or take placement exams
Transfer
- No online application fee (processing fee required)
- Official transcripts from each institution
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Missouri Southern State University
Missouri Southern State University was founded in 1937 as Joplin Junior College. After legislation was passed, the school became a four-year institution and began accepting thousands of enrollees. Today, MSSU stands as one of the best colleges in the state with academic programs that bring practical knowledge to learners. Learners have the option to study state-supported programs that lead to associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. There are 120 programs arranged into five schools – Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, Health Sciences, and Law Enforcement Academy. MoSo takes pride in its small-sized classes, flexible work-school life balance, and low-cost tuition and fees. MoSo’s distance learning is convenient, affordable, and is delivered by qualified instructors.
Undergraduate programs may cover fields of interests in Applied Science, Health Science, Criminal Justice Administration, and Business Administration. Missouri Southern State University partners with highly-regarded Show-Me state schools (Missouri State University and University of Missouri-Kansas City) to provide graduate programs entirely online with the exceptional student and faculty resources. Find the best master’s program for you; may it be in Management, Accountancy, Education, and Criminal Justice Administration. Tuition is cheap as it only runs at $295.88 per credit hour for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students. Graduate students have program-specific costs.
Location: Joplin, Missouri
Admission Requirements:
Freshmen
- $25 non-refundable application fee
- High school transcript
- GPA of at least 2.25
Transfer
- GPA of 2.0 or higher
- Transcript from any other universities
- Other MSSU-specific courses requirements
Graduate
- $35 non-refundable application fee
- Official undergraduate transcript(s)
- Non-refundable transcript evaluation charge of $25
- At least a 2.75 or higher finishing GPA in your undergraduate work
- An undergraduate major/minor related to the post-graduate program to which you are applying
- A completed Bachelor’s degree
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Missouri Western State University
Formerly known as St. Joseph Junior College, Missouri Western State University was conceived in 1843 to operate as a two-year institution. MWSU was granted its university status in 1969, with standards aimed high in providing higher education opportunity for all students. Today, about 5,500 Griffons are moving towards bachelor’s and master’s degree. This state-supported institution delivers more than 80 undergraduate minors and programs and 23 graduate programs.
Students may choose from 5 bachelor’s programs, namely General Studies, Technology, Criminal Justice, Health Information Management, RN-to-BSN Completion, while master’s degree includes Business Administration, Special Education, Technical Communication, and TESOL. All of Missouri Western’s online courses are provided through the media platform called Canvas. Its high-quality education is always at a reasonable price. Tuition cost for undergraduate Missouri residents is at $289 per credit hour while non-residents pay $394 per credit hour. Graduate online classes cost $394 per credit hour for in-state students and $436/credit hour for out-of-state students. Academic support and Library Resources are accessible from a distance.
Location: Saint Joseph, Missouri
Admission Requirements:
Freshmen
- At least 21 ACT or 3.5 GPA
- High school transcript
Transfer
- At least one semester of coursework from any accredited college
- High school transcript or GED results
- ACT/SAT scores
- Official transcripts from all the colleges attended
Graduate
- A bachelor’s degree in any related field from an accredited college
- At least 2.75 GPA
- Official transcripts from previous college/s
- GMAT (for MBA applicants only)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Southeast Missouri State University
Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) was established in 1873. It hosts 145 degree programs on-campus and is continually expanding its 14 online programs. SEMO does not only have the proud tradition of being the top-rated online school in the state but also emphasizes affordable quality education. Southeast Online helps students prepare for successful careers with clear value. Whatever degree program you choose, there is no difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition cost. Undergraduate cost is at $300 per credit hour while graduate students pay $365 per credit hour. SEMO guarantees each program is leading among other schools. Online classes have start and end dates with either 16-week or 8-week sessions. All courses are delivered in an asynchronous format, so there is no need to be online all the time. SEMO uses Moodle to establish connection, display class content, and to give access to assignments and forums. Academic, endowed, and sponsored scholarships are also available to help reduce tuition cost and other fees. At Southeast Online, each student is assigned with an Online Program Specialist who will assist you with the chosen pathway and help you plan every step of your online degree journey.
Location: Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Admission Requirements:
Freshmen
- A non-refundable application fee of $30
- Official transcript
- Official ACT or SAT (optional)
Transfer
- A non-refundable application fee of $30
- Official transcripts
- Cumulative 2.0 college GPA
- 24 or more academic, transferable college hours
Graduate
- A non-refundable application fee of $30
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
- Official test scores (if applicable)
- Proof of citizenship, permanent residency, or lawful presence in the U.S.
- Other program-specific requirements
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
