2024 Best Colleges for Performing Arts in Missouri

• Saint Louis, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  1,561 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 1,561 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $28,298

• SAT range 1490-1570

• Saint Louis, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  1,052 reviews

Sophomore: I attend Webster University for Musical Theatre, and the Conservatory is an outstanding place to study! The professors, especially in the conservatory, really deeply care about your growth and success. I genuinely feel like I am being set up with the resources I need to have a successful career, and I've barely started my education here! I'd definitely recommend Webster to anyone who would like to pursue the arts, especially in the theatre!... Read 1,052 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 59%

• Net price $24,884

• SAT range 1020-1250

• Columbia, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  405 reviews

Junior: I absolutely LOVE the environment at Stephens. All of the students are extremely supportive and love coming together. My professors are wonderful and extremely helpful. Stephens is also a really pet friendly campus so having your best friend with you is great! One thing I would like to see is Stephens investing more into their other programs besides fashion and theatre. And another is a steady dining hall service with more variety. But overall, i love the campus. The community is amazing, professors are knowledgeable, and scenery is beautiful.... Read 405 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $22,487

• SAT range 1030-1170

• Kansas City, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  1,411 reviews

Freshman: UMKC has an amazing campus for students. They offer various academic , health and food resources for those who are in need of help. They prioritize working with students and are constantly asking for feedback. They want to hear what you think, in order to make improvements. I love the environment and community at UMKC. Everyone is welcoming and want to help. I highly recommend checking out UMKC and exploring what they have to offer!... Read 1,411 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $14,368

• SAT range 1050-1330

• 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

• Saint Charles, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  918 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 918 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 75%

• Net price $17,654

• SAT range 860-1210

• Springfield, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  655 reviews

Alum: I loved Drury. I thought the professors were some of the best teachers and mentors in my life and I feel lucky and grateful for the education. I have a lot of respect for Drury, particularly after getting my masters at Missouri State. It’s more expensive, but it was worth it looking back. The professors are actually specialists in their field and they take the time to care for each student’s experience. I feel proud to be an alumni! It changes your education to feel valued and heard. There’s a mutual respect between faculty and students and you can tell they want students to succeed, which you don’t realize that’s actually not always very common until you’ve been to other schools.... Read 655 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 65%

• Net price $19,119

• SAT range 1050-1270

• Warrensburg, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  1,266 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 1,266 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $13,852

• SAT range —

• Columbia, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  3,364 reviews

Sophomore: I love that I get to be a part of Marching Mizzou and that the campus atmosphere is super engaging and exciting. Going to football games is a fun highlight, especially getting to perform on Faurot Field with some of my friends and peers. I wish that there was more to be done about campus dining and offering more nutritious options on the go. I also wish that campus parking would be improved, but I understand that it's a busy college town with lots of people coming and going every day. Despite that, I enjoy my classes, and I have met a lot of amazing people and professors. While there are over 30,000 students, the professors are good about offering office hours and getting to know their students on a more personal level, assuming that the student wants that. On top of that, there are fun places to visit such as the Missouri Theatre, Ragtag Cinema, and lots of local restaurants and shops. Being off campus can seem disconnected, but it definitely isn't. It's a neat place to be. MIZ!... Read 3,364 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $18,249

• SAT range 1130-1350

• Springfield, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  2,174 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 2,174 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 94%

• Net price $16,501

• SAT range 1010-1200

• Maryville, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  1,140 reviews

Freshman: Northwest Missouri State University is the best college I've experienced. Before I was a freshman in college, I visited many colleges around the state of Missouri, and no college was like Northwest. The town of Maryville bleeds green & white. The community always shows up for all the sports games, homecoming, and the parades. Northwest is an amazing school!... Read 1,140 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $13,754

• SAT range 980-1160

• St. Louis, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  2,138 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 2,138 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $30,096

• SAT range 1220-1430

• Joplin, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  659 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 659 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 97%

• Net price $9,703

• SAT range 950-1170

• Saint Joseph, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  708 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 708 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $13,090

• SAT range —

• Point Lookout, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  407 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 407 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 21%

• Net price $12,611

• SAT range 1010-1240

• Marshall, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.19 out of 5  239 reviews

Senior: This is my senior year at Missouri Valley College. I’m a red shirt senior so I’ve spent 5 years here wrestling & being an academic. Valley is definitely a school where it shows who you are. If you are a boring / negative person at heart you’ll be bored here and hate it. If you are friendly & out going you’ll have a blast. The school work is fairly simple, the teachers will go above & beyond if you do so. The school lunches aren’t terrible they actually are good if you know how to create. It’s the saying if you have lemons make lemonade. The town is small & quite but have plenty of free and expensive things to do with nature or in a building. If you are willing to step out your comfort zone you will grow and appreciate life more & become universal especially if you come from a huge city to a small town like marshall. Missouri Valley College is like liquor & money it doesn’t change you are, it shows you who you are in order to grow.... Read 239 reviews

• grade C minus

• Acceptance rate 66%

• Net price $17,716

• SAT range 750-1100

• 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

• Saint Louis, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  261 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 261 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 62%

• Net price $23,356

• SAT range 870-1110

• Springfield, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  938 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 938 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $21,641

• SAT range 960-1200

• Fayette, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  312 reviews

Sophomore: I really enjoy Central! The professors are incredibly patient and take time to thoroughly explain the subject. Everyone is incredibly nice and friendly. Academics and athletics are very important here. The only complaint is accessibility issues since our campus is made of several historical buildings. Overall, I would recommend CMU if you want a small campus with a one-on-one connection with professors.... Read 312 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 99%

• Net price $25,083

• SAT range 930-1080

• Kansas City, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  433 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 433 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $18,581

• SAT range 980-1160

• Canton, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  260 reviews

Freshman: Culver-Stockton is a really great school! In my experience, everyone is very friendly, especially to out-of-state students like myself. Although the campus seems small, it is very beautiful and all of its facilities are very nice.... Read 260 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 93%

• Net price $20,567

• SAT range 970-1080

• Liberty, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  370 reviews

Freshman: My freshman experience as a civil engineering student at William Jewell College has been transformative, shaping my academic and professional aspirations. The challenging curriculum, supportive faculty, and hands-on learning opportunities have fueled my passion for engineering. While I appreciate the strengths of the program, I also believe that improvements in facilities, internship support, industry connections, and diversity and inclusion efforts would further enhance the educational experience for civil engineering students. As I embark on my journey as an engineer, I am grateful for the foundation I have built at William Jewell College and eagerly anticipate the growth and opportunities that lie ahead.... Read 370 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 47%

• Net price $20,876

• SAT range 1090-1270

• Fulton, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  255 reviews

Freshman: My experience at Westminster has been overall amazing. I came in to college very scared and nervous. I convinced myself that I was going to make no friends, but that was not the case. From the first day on campus I have felt so welcome. The Blue Jay are so helpful. There have been many time where in have needed my professor just to be there while I do my work and they will do that for you. They are very generous. The student body is so warm and welcoming. The best thing about campus is CAB and all of the fun events around campus. The free food trucks, the bounce houses, and the build-a-bear at every student event gets everyone involved.... Read 255 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 97%

• Net price $23,783

• SAT range 880-1160

• Fulton, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  433 reviews

Alum: William Woods is a great university. They’ve recently sworn in a new university president and I am confident he is going to bring about positive change moving forward! Their ASL and Equestrian programs are what they are known for, and having been a part of one of them, they are very solid programs. The Sciences and Arts are also very prevalent and many majors and minors are offered in those areas of study as well. I loved my time there and made connections with faculty and other students that I will cherish for life.... Read 433 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $23,220

• SAT range 1000-1220