Missouri Southern State University
Missouri Southern
Joplin, Missouri 64801-1595
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for health sciences — excellent value
Missouri Southern State University is a public institution in Joplin with particular strength in health sciences and business. With an average SAT of 1090, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 3.1K undergraduates with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
38% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $42,620 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $11,653.
More About This School
History & Fun Facts
- •History Missouri Southern State University was founded in 1937 as Joplin Junior College.
- •In 1964, residents of Jasper County, Missouri approved a $2.
- •The new campus opened in the fall of 1967 with 2,399 students and 95 faculty members.
- •In 1977, the school was renamed Missouri Southern State College and officially became a state-assisted four-year college and part of the state of Missouri's higher education system.
- •In 2003, the Missouri General Assembly authorized the renaming of the college to Missouri Southern State University - Joplin; in 2005 the university dropped Joplin from its name.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1090
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
65.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
6.8%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$11,650
Programs (85)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
70%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
23
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from MO state average + city premium