2024 Best Colleges for Public Policy 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

• 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

• Springfield, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  933 reviews

Graduate Student: Evangel University provides an excellent atmosphere for community, proficiently enhancing academic and spiritual growth. In a day and age of increasing moral confusion, this campus offers a solid promotion and teaching of the Truth, both in the classroom and in chapel. It is truly a blessing getting to be at a college with professors who care about their students and are even willing to personally pray with them after class. Most importantly, students encounter the freeing, powerful, supernatural Presence of the Holy Spirit, especially at events such as Spiritual Emphasis Week. Lives are being changed here thanks to the love of God! :)... Read 933 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $21,641

• SAT range 960-1200

• 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

• Kansas City, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  432 reviews

Senior: My experience here is second to none. I have gone to quite a few colleges and this is the first one where I felt I was more than a number. There are plenty of resources on campus from mental health, physical health, and academic. There are more than just the professors having a hand in the students’ academic success. There was a time where one of my mind-term grades were low and I received a email from student success wanting to set up a meeting to discuss how we can get the grade up and the tools that I have available to me. Although it was due to a professor forgetting to put in a grade, it meant a lot to know that everyone cares. The reason it did not get 5 starts is because I wish there were updates to the campus overall, specifically the student fitness center.... Read 432 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $18,581

• SAT range 980-1160

• 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

• 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

• 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 —

• Hannibal, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.46 out of 5  167 reviews

Niche User: My experience with Hannibal-LaGrange University was very great as I loved the environment and basis that this University established when I stepped foot on campus. I came went to the campus on an visit and loved the culture provided even though it does not have as much people as a public university, it gave the activities and characteristics of a public Christian University. Also giving a very bright and exciting atmosphere around the campus providing many unique student sections to give a place to study, relax and talk with friends, as well as a great outdoor environment for activities such as volleyball games, corn hole, and all the requirements for s lovely Christian college. I love this private university so much and can’t wait to be on the campus this upcoming fall semester.... Read 167 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 65%

• Net price $22,155

• SAT range 1000-1280

• 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

• Kansas City, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  414 reviews

Sophomore: Rockhurst was amazing right off the bat! Being an incoming freshman, it was certainly a nerve racking feeling. However, the schools orientation threw all of those doubts out the window. We participated in a 3-4 day orientation that got us familiar with the school and all of its option. But the best part of orientation was the friendships that were made. At first it felt awkward but by the end I wanted to call them my family. I got exposed to my friend group on day one and couldn’t be happier. Student life is amazing too! With it being a smaller school, it is super easy to get connected with others and get involved. With the smaller class rations, you get to feel a connection with your teachers and classmates like nowhere else. The teachers want you to learn and are willing to help in areas you may be struggling. This was a much needed aspect during COVID this past year with all the chaos. RU did a great job of managing everything during the pandemic for things to run like butter... Read 414 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 67%

• Net price $22,050

• SAT range 1080-1270

• 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

• Cape Girardeau, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  1,097 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 1,097 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $13,291

• SAT range 1030-1240

• Springfield, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  2,162 reviews

Freshman: My experience with Missouri State University was terrific! The campus was beautiful and easy to navigate. The professors were knowledgeable and passionate about their subjects, making the classes engaging and interesting. The student body was friendly and diverse, creating a welcoming atmosphere. I particularly enjoyed extracurricular activities such as club sports and volunteer organizations. One thing I would like to see change is parking availability on campus. Finding a spot isn't easy, especially during peak hours. Overall, I highly recommend Missouri State University to anyone considering higher education.... Read 2,162 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 94%

• Net price $16,501

• SAT range 1010-1200

• 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

• Bolivar, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  403 reviews

Senior: If you're looking for a Christ-centered community, dedicated professors who truly care about your wellbeing, an education that will prepare you for your field, and friends for life--look no further. Southwest Baptist University was an answer to prayer for many, including me. There has been a bit of drama recently regarding the school board etc., but that did not stop me from learning and growing exponentially in my time there. It's bittersweet finishing up my last semester, as I realize I'm saying goodbye to the place where I've made so many memories, while diving head-first into the mission field it's prepared me for. Also, it's been said they "give out scholarships like candy" and I didn't have to take out a single student loan. Private universities don't have to cost you an arm and a leg! Go for it!... Read 403 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 96%

• Net price $18,433

• SAT range 1000-1210

• 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 —

• 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

• Parkville, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  1,297 reviews

Alum: Being a full-time working professional, it is often challenging to manage coursework and life responsibilities simultaneously. However, the university provides students with the flexibility to tailor their academic schedule to their individual circumstances. Additionally, the professors at Park University are some of the most caring and diverse educators I have ever had the privilege of learning from. They create a welcoming and inclusive environment for students from all backgrounds, fostering a sense of community and mutual respect. Park University offers unwavering support to its students throughout the entire process of transitioning into a career. The career center's assistance has been invaluable in my efforts to secure a job. The university provides an excellent platform for personal and professional development, thanks to its flexible learning solutions, caring professors, interesting courses, and supportive career center.... Read 1,297 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $15,999

• 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 —

• Joplin, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  655 reviews

Sophomore: I have so far loved the professors at my time here, and as a student-athlete, they were very understanding and always strived to support me with weighing academics and athletics, and this really helped me with stress. I took some online courses over the summer and for the online classes the only problem I had was sometimes communicating with my teachers could be complicated. Overall it was a good experience! The dorm life is amazing, and really great compared to other top universities, the food is ok, a lot of times it can be really different but they always have a salad and sandwich bar if theres nothing in the cafe. The lions den is delicious though! Fresh food made right after orders so you can eat something fresh and hot! I havent had any big issues with missouri southern and the staff have always been super helpful, i love the different events we have here too!... Read 655 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 97%

• Net price $9,703

• SAT range 950-1170

• Columbia, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  707 reviews

Senior: Overall the experience online is fine the call cente is response and there for students. The advisers and teachers for the most part are nice and somewhat easy to interact with. However, there are some points with their system can use more clarity. Sometimes their billing system can get confusing without constantly calling the call center or financial Aid center for help. Likewise, when looking up your degree plan, and what classes you need to take by yourself, be confusing without reaching out to your adviser. On the other hand for my experience the advisers usually respond to your inquiries promptly.... Read 707 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $24,559

• SAT range —

• Saint Louis, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  692 reviews

Sophomore: Overall the online academics program is phenomenal! The pace of information is a bit fast paced with semesters split into two terms but canvas and professors excel in ensuring students have a clear agenda and objectives. I have interacted with professors and department leads that I now see as role models or mentors. It is such a great feeling to be acknowledged as a human by your school and faculty and not just another source of income. The only flaws I can see is the amount of group projects I have endured in online courses. Many students go to school online because of hectic schedules from work to family, so having to find a time to work with others who are just as busy as you can be an added stressor. I hold a firm belief that my academic achievement should not be reliant on others work, although it is a dose of the real career world.... Read 692 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 92%

• Net price $24,733

• SAT range 1000-1230

• Saint Joseph, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  705 reviews

Sophomore: My experience at Missouri Western has been awesome. I love the campus and how it almost give you that small town vibe. From the first time I stepped foot onto this campus being with the campus tour and them moving into my dorm for the first time and starting classes, I have always felt welcome and never out of place. Everything is so close and within walking distance. The professors, advisors, financial advisors; ect have been so help throughout my experience so far. Can’t wait to continue my education here!... Read 705 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $13,090

• SAT range —