2024 Best Colleges for Public Policy in the St. Louis Area

• 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

• 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

• Saint Louis, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  242 reviews

Junior: I work Full time as a Para and take all my classes online, so my schooling helps give me tools to use on my job and is flexible so I can do both. All the classes have been geared towards becoming a Special Education teacher and have involved applying what I learn while I work. The instructors are available anytime I need them and really stay connected to make sure I am understanding what I learn. It has been an amazing experience so far.... Read 242 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 78%

• Net price $19,481

• SAT range 990-1100

• St. Louis, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  2,132 reviews

Alum: A great international experience with a lot of access to different courses that enrichened my holistic learning. Not only was I able to get involve in different activities but the environment at SLU was perfect for me to concentrate on my studies but be able to have fun at the same time. Professors are always available to help and students are incredibly open to meeting others and welcoming international students. I had the pleasure to be able to work at the international office and get to meet all students and organize activities. Not only did this help me build relationships for trained me for my current job position. I would say that every event and experience at SLU will prepare you for a successful future. Overall, amazing experience!... Read 2,132 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $30,096

• SAT range 1220-1430

• Saint Charles, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  915 reviews

Freshman: Being an international student, I was worried that I was going to be a misfit and feel so miserable in college! But the Lindenwood campus is diverse, friendly and very welcoming. From the students to the staff, you are always surrounded by love and kindness. Another thing I lobe is that the school spirit is always fostered and promoted by the various activities hosted on campus as well as the different sporting activities. There is a wide range of sporting clubs to join and you can easily find where you belong. One thing I would lobe to see changing about Lindenwood University is the food. There are only two dining halls on campus which limits the variety of food. With time, you get tired of eating the same food! Also international students do not have a lot of funds allocated to them, I hope we as a school can attract more donors so that international students can get good scholarship packages.... Read 915 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 75%

• Net price $17,654

• SAT range 860-1210

• Saint Louis, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  259 reviews

Sophomore: Personally, I loved the campus at Missouri Baptist University. With it being more of an enclosed campus, it makes me feel safer. The people at Missouri Baptist are always full of love and much joy. I think being on a Christian-based campus not only helps the mind, but it also helps the soul by having that constant feeling of love and connection with God. I wish that I went to Chapel more than I did this past semester because I felt that I drew away from God more than I should have. But being around people who talk about God daily and who praise him every second makes life on campus better. When it is time for me to graduate college and go to graduate school, I could not imagine going to a different university or college other than a Christian-based university or college. Missouri Baptist University has set a foundation for students and staff, along with visitors, that I think will remain. I think Missouri Baptist is perfect just the way it was made and that nothing needs to be changed.... Read 259 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 62%

• Net price $23,356

• SAT range 870-1110

• Edwardsville, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  1,699 reviews

Senior: When it comes to partying, few schools can match the electrifying atmosphere and thriving social scene of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. With an unbeatable reputation for hosting epic parties, this institution knows how to let loose and have a good time. The campus buzzes with excitement as students come together to celebrate life, forging unforgettable memories. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville boasts a wide array of student organizations dedicated to throwing sensational events, ensuring that there's always something happening for every taste and interest. From themed costume parties to live music, the nightlife options are boundless, catering to the diverse preferences of the student body. The local community also adds to the party culture. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has it all. With a commitment to fostering a vibrant social atmosphere, this school knows how to strike the perfect balance between academics and unforgettable party experiences.... Read 1,699 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 98%

• Net price $15,519

• SAT range 920-1160

• Bridgeton, MO•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  341 reviews

Junior: What I like about Saint Louis Community College is that there are very good teachers and and understanding staff. Saint Louis Community College is also affordable for the most part compared to other universities or schools ! The people and students are nice and helpful and they have a lot of resources to help the students succeed . Like study places and the library and a new cafeteria . Something I would like to see changed is the eligibility requirements for financial aid. I feel like sometimes they are very strict and life is very difficult out here and sometimes it’s hard to revive financial aid even when you need it . Also, they say there are a lot of scholarships out there but it seems like no matter how many applications I fill out I never get chosen.... Read 341 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,866

• 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 —

• Belleville, IL•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  430 reviews

Alum: SWIC Community College is a great place to go for higher education while being able to save money. Plus, many of the teachers have, or do, taught/teach at Universities, so you're basically getting the same level of education elsewhere but cheaper! Plus, there are a variety of classes, trainings sessions , sports, and degrees to choose from. This college is also situated across the street from a variety of businesses such as Walmart, YMCA, and various fast food restaurants (which is an essential college amenity). This college felt like the perfect transition from high school into the realm of higher education. It definitely squashed the mental burden that Universities tend to impose on new incoming students and adults. I was sad when I graduated, but happy to have gained such important and useful information from my professors and classes that will carry on with me forever.... Read 430 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,124

• SAT range —

• Saint Louis, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  693 reviews

Sophomore: I transferred to Maryville from Saint louis University. At Saint Louis University I felt that my educational needed weren’t being met. The professors didn’t teach that well and were not there when I needed help. At maryville, the professors are very understanding and helpful. They help you with more than the course they are teaching and if they can’t help you they always make sure to find someone who can. The professors at Maryville really want to see you succeed unlike the ones at Saint Louis University. Everyone is welcoming and there are so many events at Maryville that helps you fit in with the right group for you. Maryville also have life coaches which are a huge help! They help you with almost everything whether it be academic help, scheduling, finding jobs, etc. The life coaches always check in on you making sure you are doing okay and if you’re not they always try to make it better. I’m really enjoying my time here at Maryville!... Read 693 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 92%

• Net price $24,733

• SAT range 1000-1230

• Saint Louis, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  271 reviews

Senior: I have to admit, as a St. Louis native who always dreamed of attending college in another state, Harris-Stowe State University wasn't even on my list of schools to consider. I spent my first year at Tuskegee University in Alabama. However, things did not work out there. Once I returned to St. Louis, I had no idea what the future entailed. By fate, I was introduced to Harris-Stowe by the president at the time, Dujuan Warmack. After stepping foot on campus and touring the school, I quickly caught on to family-like feel with it being a very small institution. That was something that stood out to me. I could tell that if I attended that I wouldn't be just another number in the classroom. After applying and getting in the routine of attending classes, that family-oriented feel continued to be upheld. If I ever needed, it was easily accessible. The faculty and staff at Harris-Stowe truly do have your best interest at heart and they care whether or not you succeed.... Read 271 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $11,978

• SAT range —