Missouri Southern State University
A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families looking for lower cost. freshman retention is below 65%. a public school with 3,019 students.
About This School
Missouri Southern State University is a public institution located in Joplin, Missouri with approximately 3,019 undergraduate students enrolled. Missouri Southern State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 97%. The average net price after financial aid is $12,007 per year. The graduation rate is 42%, and the typical graduate earns $38,100 within 10 years of enrollment.
Missouri Southern State University is a public university in Joplin, Missouri. It was established in 1937 as Joplin Junior College. The university enrolled 4,087 students in Fall 2023.
The numbers tell a mixed story here: at $11,653/year average net price and only $11,650 in median debt at graduation, this school is genuinely affordable — but a 38% graduation rate means fewer than 4 in 10 students who start actually finish, which is a serious red flag worth questioning before enrolling. Median earnings of $38,100 a decade out are modest, so students should be clear-eyed about career outcomes and choose a program with strong regional demand. Worth considering if you need a low-cost option in the Joplin area and have a concrete plan to stay on track — but the retention and graduation data suggest this school works best for students who come in with real support and commitment.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender
Gap: 18% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.
Will This School Pay Off?
Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.
Student Body
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (3,019 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Address
Missouri Southern State University
3950 E. Newman Road
Joplin, MO 64801-1595
Official Links
Other Schools in Missouri
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, MO · Public
Missouri State University-Springfield
Springfield, MO · Public
Saint Louis Community College
Bridgeton, MO · Public
Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City
Kansas City, MO · Public
Ozarks Technical Community College
Springfield, MO · Public
Washington University in St Louis
St. Louis, MO · Private nonprofit
Sources & Methodology
Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
- Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
- Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
- Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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