Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for business — excellent value
Southeast Missouri State University is a public institution in Cape Girardeau with particular strength in business and health sciences. With an average SAT of 1018, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 6.6K undergraduates with a 20:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
56% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $44,030 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $14,532.
More About This School
History & Fun Facts
- •Originally known as Southeast Missouri State Normal School, the first classes were taught at the nearby Lorimier School until April 1875, when the first university building was completed.
- •" It burned down on April 8, 1902, and was replaced in 1906 by Academic Hall, the school's domed landmark building.
- •Louis Exposition and Music Hall, and it includes light fixtures from the 1904 World's Fair.
- •1906 In the 1950s, Southeast Missouri State College had an enrollment of approximately 1,600 students.
- •The college moved away from its focus on training teachers and began to offer courses of study in business, nursing, and the liberal arts.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1018
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
66.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
-2.6%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$14,750
Programs (109)
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
76%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
50
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