2024 Best Colleges for Middle-Class Students in Missouri

• Saint Louis, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  1,558 reviews

Alum: I am thankful for my undergraduate experience at Washington University in St. Louis. The college has great connections for post-grad opportunities in multiple fields - business, medicine, research, engineering. I was easily able to switch between the Arts & Sciences program and the Business School at the end of my sophomore year. There is a huge focus on medicine, so even for other career paths there are healthcare adjacent offerings (e.g. Healthcare Management, Bio Medical Engineering, Global Health, Psychology/Neuroscience/Philosophy). The brand name and resources do carry for other non-health related professions too. The classwork can be tough so it's best you find out which paths are a good fit for you in terms of academic rigor, class size, and teaching style. Your counselors can help with this. Good size of the school - not too big to get lost, but not too small to know everyone and the campus is very very beautiful! I suggest visiting and talking to alum to learn more!... Read 1,558 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $28,298

• SAT range 1490-1570

• Columbia, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  3,356 reviews

Sophomore: Great university with lots of opportunities! Many possibilities of different mayors to choose from! Big campus with a large green area and many animals to see! Need basis scholarship for American and merit scholarships for international students like me College of engineering is very high tech with great professors and mentors available to help students on the way! Many possibilities to get involved in research projects. Also possible to work on ana off campus! Lots of students associations with regular meetings so students can get to know other cultures, get professional tips work on resumes or just hang out with friends. There is a catholic parish nearby were students can engage in volunteer work in the Columbia area and attend masses on weekends. Honors college with small size classes and many adventures during the semesters. Honors also offer scholarships, the possibility to work on research! They really make a effort to make students fell like home!... Read 3,356 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $18,249

• SAT range 1130-1350

• Point Lookout, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  406 reviews

Senior: College of the Ozarks is a working college, which means tuition is completely free. I gave this school a 4/5 because no college is perfect. It is difficult to juggle 15 hr work weeks, 15+ credits, attend mandatory convocations and chapels each semester, and also be involved with the community in your dorm, on campus, and the surrounding area; however, the benefits far outweigh the difficulties! Graduating debt-free is truly priceless, and the teachers and work supervisors I had there were exceptional. I can't recommend this private Christian college enough to those who cannot afford college but have dreams of using a degree to do great things.... Read 406 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 21%

• Net price $12,611

• SAT range 1010-1240

• Kansas City, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  1,406 reviews

Junior: My experience at UMKC has been excellent! I have met a lot of new people. I am also a part of a few organizations. For example, I am on the executive board of The Association of Latin American Students(ALAS). ALAS helps the student body find a place to be them self and express their ethnicity. I am also part of the Multicultural Student Affairs office(MSA). If I was not apart in any of this clubs and organizations I wouldn't have courage I have now to engage in my all academic activities.... Read 1,406 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $14,368

• SAT range 1050-1330

• Rolla, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  1,038 reviews

Sophomore: Missouri S&T is an excellent university, and is top-notch within the state. Campus is very pretty, interconnected, and easy to travel through. The meal variety has improved significantly in recent years, and campus continues to improve and expand with the 300 million dollar grant given to the school recently. All of my professors have been helpful and engaging, and the reputation of this school proceeds it. I am only a sophomore and I am already getting internship offers! The career fair here is huge and job recruiters highly value an S&T degree. Rolla itself leaves something to be desired though. I feel safe on campus and student life is not nearly as bad as people say. There's plenty of clubs and organizations to join. The town of Rolla is super walkable and has plenty of shops, parks, and restaurants to explore. If you are interested in a STEM degree or desire a highly academic environment, S&T is the school for you.... Read 1,038 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $13,589

• SAT range 1290-1460

• Saint Louis, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  1,033 reviews

Senior: As far as the cost, it is actually more affordable than most schools. There are tons of clubs and activities that anyone and everyone can join. Although there is Greek life on campus, it is very very different than it is like at other campuses. This is the same with sports as well. Classes are amazing, and their online system makes it easy to enroll in classes without necessarily having to visit your advisor every time. As far as professors, some are great and some are just awful. I have had a couple teachers go out of their way to help me with certain questions and assignments and I will also remember them. However, I also remember the couple of professors that honestly just did not care, and myself and many other students always had the worst scores in their classes compared to classes with other professors. As far as food and housing, things obviously changed a lot during the pandemic. Most of the school is made up of commute and foreign exchange students, which makes UMSL diverse!... Read 1,033 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 57%

• Net price $10,525

• SAT range 1020-1300

• Kirksville, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  1,090 reviews

Sophomore: I love Truman! It checks off every box in what I looked for in a college. It's academically challenging, has DII athletics, and is highly affordable. Known as the "Harvard of the Midwest," Truman is both reputable and worthwhile. Located in a cute, historical town, the Truman community is tight-knit and unique. The connections and friendships you will forge are seriously awesome; you can make a meaningful difference in both the school and local communities. Truman State builds your character so that you come out an even better person! I learn and grow every day here. If you're looking for an experience that will prepare you both for your future career and life, this is the place to go!... Read 1,090 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 61%

• Net price $11,470

• SAT range 1120-1290

• Warrensburg, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  1,263 reviews

Alum: I went the large D1 state college route right out of high school, and with the large lecture hall style classes, it was hard to find time to talk with professors. At UCM, professors are really dedicated to your success, going far beyond anything I had experienced at the state college level. With some of the more difficult classes that I had, I was able to meet with professors outside of class on a fairly regular basis and connect on more of a personal level, something I thought would be lost after high school graduation. This was incredibly essential to my success. The campus size was also a great benefit. While I was a little hesitant attending a college that had a campus smaller than the family hog lot, I grew to love this aspect. It made for smooth transitions into new semesters with new class locations, and allowed me to condense my daily scheduled time on campus to allow more time for studying and extra curriculars. I would highly recommend UCM. Go Mules!... Read 1,263 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $13,852

• SAT range —

• Linn, MO•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  57 reviews

Sophomore: My experience at State Tech has been very professional. The professors care about you succeeding and are always willing to help. They took the time to help me transfer programs and gave me all the necessary paperwork in a timely manner. They are always quick to answer questions through email and always keep you up to date with events. The facilities are always clean and the food is very good! Personally, I like how the college is smaller in numbers compared to a big university because it is easier to build a relationship with classmates and professors. Overall, I think State Tech is a great place to continue your education.... Read 57 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,361

• SAT range —

• Neosho, MO•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  442 reviews

Alum: The people, administrations, educators, and coaches have a special place in my heart. Not only did I receive a quality education, I was developed into a capable and strong human being. The school and environment are incredible!... Read 442 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $4,597

• SAT range —

• Maryville, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  1,137 reviews

Sophomore: I am going to be Sophomore here at Northwest Missouri State next year. I love this place, it gives great opportunities to a variety of students. There are great people here that will continue to be in your life even after college. The support system is great, athletics are great, the professors are interested in you and what you have going on. I love it here!... Read 1,137 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $13,754

• SAT range 980-1160

• Union, MO•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  213 reviews

Sophomore: I have loved my experience at East Central! All of my professors were incredibly kind, understanding and very willing to help when I was struggling with something. My advisors worked hard to help me take the best classes for my degree. I took a lot of my classes online because of working full time and many of my professors were very understanding when I would have to turn an assignment in late because of that.... Read 213 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,057

• SAT range —

• Moberly, MO•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  343 reviews

Sophomore: I have really enjoyed going to school here! The teachers are friendly and very helpful. The teachers are all very easy to follow and will readily work with you if needed. There is also a multitude of available tutors. This school is also great for those who work full-time, I have taken several of their later classes which makes it much easier for me to get my hours in at work. I attend the Columbia campus, which is part of a building complex with a few other schools or businesses in it. There isn't any housing and the area isn't always the safest, but there are many stores and restaurants around which makes it easy to get other errands done around my classes. Overall, this school is lovely, especially for those of us with a busy life outside of school.... Read 343 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,955

• SAT range —

• Springfield, MO•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  758 reviews

Junior: This college is awesome! I honestly saved more money financially and didn’t take any loans out. The teacher are amazing and very understanding when it comes to you and your work problems. I personally would recommend this college, many will say it’s basic to go to a community college but when you graduate ask them if it was basic after they have taken all those loans after you have taken none out! Your experience here in OTC will be fun! More hands on in whatever field you choose and also remember it’s more faster then a bachelors. OTC is a fun way to get your associates the fastest and easiest way. Being debt-free and also have a more hands-on experience when it comes to the classroom you’re taking, not just in the field you’re doing. You can explore other different types of fields and different types of classes to discover what is best for yourself and for your future. My experience how do you say has been far amazing and I love it, Thank you OTC for choosing me as a student. Thanks... Read 758 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,669

• SAT range —

• Cape Girardeau, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  1,098 reviews

Sophomore: So far, I have really enjoyed the college experience. Semo offers a wide range of opportunities for students. From guest speakers to the plethora of clubs to go and see about. The environment is welcoming! I did have a hard time adjusting at first to the independent aspect. Somehow even moving away from home by myself, I didn’t feel alone. My professors were easy to talk to, and I never felt like I was running out of resources. Overall it’s just been great. However I know that going into the next school year I’ll have to do a couple things differently. First, meal swipes are to be treated with care! Secondly, labs are for my benefit and I should take advantage of them.... Read 1,098 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $13,291

• SAT range 1030-1240

• Trenton, MO•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  95 reviews

Freshman: I love this school! All of the professors I have had have all been east to get a hold of, respond quickly, and are generally always available to answer my questions. They accept A+ which is a major advantage when going to college. I would totally recommend!... Read 95 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,066

• SAT range —

• Cottleville, MO•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  496 reviews

Sophomore: The Chemistry department is amazing. The professors are always willing to help with assignments. They are there to help you succeed and welcome you to office hours when you need help. The advisors aren't always the most helpful when trying to figure out your class schedule. I think it'd be beneficial there to be advisors for different degree areas. For example, I think it'd be much easier to have an advisor for all science students, one for business students, one for nursing students, and so on and so forth. That would probably require more advisors than necessary but I think dividing the degrees by category would help. Sometimes it's best to talk with the department chair of the degree you're pursing rather than advisors.... Read 496 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $2,364

• SAT range —

• Sedalia, MO•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  352 reviews

Freshman: My overall experience and the connection's that I made at State Fair Community College was amazing. I really like how the each teacher got to know there students and we weren't just numbers in a class room, and they made the learning material interesting and fun. I also like how the school was constantly having things for students to do in between classes or on our days off. Overall I really enjoyed my experience at State Fair Community College!... Read 352 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,244

• SAT range —

• Cape Girardeau, MO•

• 2 Year

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $13,454

• SAT range —

• Kansas City, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  48 reviews

Junior: Calvary University has amazing faculty. Some of the best professors I have ever met. They are kind and genuinely care for each and every student.... Read 48 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 59%

• Net price $14,117

• SAT range 870-1370

• Saint Louis, MO•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  64 reviews

Freshman: Ranken is a private, non-profit technical college in St. Louis, Missouri that offers programs in fields such as automotive technology, construction management, and electrical technology. Some students may appreciate the hands-on, technical training that the college offers, as well as the small class sizes and personalized instruction. Good Place... Read 64 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $13,227

• SAT range —