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Missouri Western State University

Saint Joseph, MO·Public·2,372 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for families looking for lower cost and students who prefer a mid-size campus. graduation rate is below 40%; freshman retention is below 65%. a public school with 2,372 students.

N/A
Accept
2,372
Students
$12,638
Net Price
40%
Grad Rate
$38,200
Earnings
10 yr
$11,920
Debt

About This School

Missouri Western State University is a public institution located in Saint Joseph, Missouri with approximately 2,372 undergraduate students enrolled. The average net price after financial aid is $12,638 per year. The graduation rate is 40%, and the typical graduate earns $38,200 within 10 years of enrollment.

Missouri Western State University is a public university in St. Joseph, Missouri. As of 2023, it enrolled 3,815 students.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: at roughly $12,600 per year after aid and a median debt of just $11,920 at graduation, the cost is genuinely manageable — but a 40% graduation rate and 59% freshman retention rate suggest many students don't finish, which is a real concern worth asking the school about directly. Median earnings of $38,200 a decade out are modest, so this works best for students with a clear, affordable path to a career-focused degree rather than those still figuring things out. Worth considering if you're cost-conscious and disciplined, but dig into support resources and your specific program's outcomes before committing.

Founded
1915
Setting
Small city

Popular Programs

Health Professions19%
Business & Marketing15%
Education8%
Biological Sciences6%
Visual & Performing Arts4%
Psychology4%
Computer Science3%
Communications2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$9,800
Out-of-State Tuition
$17,500
Avg Net Price
$12,638
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants28%
Median debt at graduation$11,920

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
40%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
59%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$38,200
after enrollment
Median Debt
$11,920
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$11,920
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$31,300
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$38,200
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.2x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White68%
Black14%
Hispanic/Latino2%
Asian2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,372 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Missouri Western State University

4525 Downs Dr

Saint Joseph, MO 64507

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Missouri

Browse all Missouri schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

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.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • 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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