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Missouri Southern State University
Joplin, MO
Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) is a public university located in Joplin, Missouri. Established in 1937, it is the youngest of Missouri's four state universities. MSSU offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs through its five schools: the School of Arts & Sciences, School of Business, School of Education, School of Health Sciences, and the School of Technology. The university's mission is to provide a high-quality, affordable education that prepares students for successful careers and lifelong learning.
MSSU is known for its commitment to academic excellence and personalized attention. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1, students benefit from small class sizes and close interaction with dedicated professors. The university offers more than 140 academic programs to cater to diverse interests, ranging from business and nursing to arts and sciences. Students also have opportunities for hands-on learning, internships, and research experiences, allowing them to apply their knowledge in real-world settings and gain valuable practical skills.
Apart from academics, MSSU offers a vibrant campus life with numerous student organizations, clubs, and activities. Students can participate in over 80 clubs and organizations, including academic groups, cultural clubs, and special interest clubs. The campus also features state-of-the-art facilities, including a modern library, a health center, athletic facilities, and several dining and residential options. The university is proud of its rich tradition of community engagement and service, encouraging students to participate in volunteer programs and make a positive impact in the local community.
In conclusion, Missouri Southern State University provides a well-rounded educational experience that combines academic excellence with personal attention. With its diverse program offerings, small class sizes, and vibrant campus life, MSSU offers a supportive environment for students to grow academically, professionally, and personally. Through its commitment to quality education, experiential learning, and community engagement, MSSU prepares students to become successful leaders in their chosen fields and make a meaningful difference in the world.
Located in Joplin, MO, Missouri Southern State University is a public comprehensive higher education institution. This academic institution uses a semester-based calendar. It has an acceptance rate of 97%. The freshman retention rate at Missouri Southern State University is 70% and the six-year graduation rate is 35%.
To find out more about what Missouri Southern State University has to offer to its students, read on for the latest data reported by this school.
Quick Facts
3,930
Total Number of Undergraduate Students
97%
Acceptance Rate
16:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
35%
Graduation Rate
Admissions
In order to increase your chances of getting admitted, you need to know as much as possible about the institution's criteria for admission. Here are the most important data you have to know about admission at Missouri Southern State University.
According to the most recent data, this institution uses standardized test scores for admission and it admitted 2,243 in 2024. Missouri Southern State University has an official test-optional admission policy but considers standardized test scores if the applicant decides to submit them. Looking at entrance difficulty level for all or most incoming freshmen, based on data self-reported by the institution this school is moderately difficult to get into.
Test Scores
3% of first-time, first-year degree-seeking students submitted their SAT scores for admission, and 69% submitted ACT scores, out of the overall number of those who submitted test scores. 13.33% of the new students submitted SAT composite scores between 1,400 and 1,600, 13.33% between 1,200 and 1,399, 46.67% between 1,000 and 1,199, 20% between 800 and 999, and 6.67% of the students between 600 and 799. The percent of freshman students who submitted ACT Composite scores in the range between 30-36 was 5.53, 22.36 between 24-29, 52.01 in the range between 18-23, 20.1 between 12-17, and 0.42 between 6-11.
The average ACT score for all the enrolled students in 2024 was 21 and the average GPA was 3.37. That means you'll most likely need an above-average GPA to get accepted as well as an above-average ACT score.
Retention Rate
The percentage of first-year students at a college or university who stay on for their second year is known as the freshman retention rate. When you make your list of possible schools to attend, make sure to consider the freshmen retention rate.
The freshman retention rate for Missouri Southern State University was 70% in 2024.
Another important metric to consider is the graduation rate. This rate indicates how many students finish their degrees within a certain timeframe. The six-year graduation rate at this school is 35%.
Student Body
It is never easy to figure out which school is the best match for you. You can better understand the culture and life of the school by learning more about the student body.
Main Student Body
The overall number of students enrolled at Missouri Southern State University in 2024 was 4,090.
That year, the school had 27% of out-of-state students. There was a total of 3,930 undergraduate students, including 101 international students. 378 students were accepted as transfer students.
Student Population Gender Ratio
The student body is coeducational, with 1,009 male and 1,616 female full-time students in 2024, which is indicative of the value gender equality has at this school. 7 full-time graduate men and 15 full-time graduate women attended this school.
Student Population Diversity
When it comes to improving a sense of inclusion and belonging among students, there is no denying the importance of student diversity. Diversity promotes critical thinking, challenges preconceived notions, and encourages intellectual growth, so it helps students develop empathy and a broader understanding of the world. Find out more about different ethnic groups you can meet at Missouri Southern State University.
In 2024, out of the total number of students enrolled at the institution, the number of students of Asian origin was 87, while the number of African American students was 202. 289 students at this school identified as Hispanic/Latino and 46 as multirace. The school also had 18 students who declared as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, as well as 138 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 70 students whose ethnicity is unknown.
Cost
The financial aspect is one of the most important things to think about before applying to any college or university. Here are some details you should know about the cost of attendance for Missouri Southern State University.
Tuition and Fees
If you were wondering how much the tuition cost for Missouri Southern State University is, here are some recent data that will come in handy.
According to the reports from public county and municipal institutions, tuition fees were $8,700 for area residents. Tuition fees were $17,400 for students coming from out of state. For international students, tuition fees at this school amounted to $17,400, as well. Full-time students in 2024 were obliged to pay additional fees in the amount of $900.
| Tuition | Fees | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-State | $17,400 | $900 | $18,300 |
| In-State | $8,700 | $900 | $9,600 |
Books and Supplies
When you try to estimate the cost of attendance for a college or university, you need to consider the cost of books and supplies you're going to need. The estimated price of books and supplies for full-time students of this school is $1,221.
Boarding
Besides tuition, another cost to consider is the price of housing in the dorms and eating at the school cafeteria. What do colleges and universities typically charge for accommodation and meals?
At Missouri Southern State University, the 2024 annual cost of room and board (on campus) was $8,444. Room-only (on campus) cost per academic year at this school totaled $3,604, according to the data from 2024.
| Tuition | $ 8,700 |
| Room and Board | $ 8,444 |
| Book and Supplies | $ 1,221 |
| Total Expense | $ 18,365 |
Financial Aid
Getting some financial help in forms of grants, loans, scholarships or work-study programs can be crucial for finishing your studies. Check out some recent data to get the information about need-based and non-need-based monetary aid you might get at Missouri Southern State University.
The most recent records show that 381 freshmen received some sort of financial help. The average amount of financial aid given to students was $10,868.
Need-based
Financial aid that a student can receive if they are determined to have financial need and meet other eligibility requirements is known as need-based aid.
There were 1,352 students who acquired need-based financial aid of any kind. The overall number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need amounted to 1,861. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution summed up to $7,155,832, and state $1,916,550.
$4,312
Average Amount of Aid Received
Non-Need Based
Non-need-based financial aid is any type of financial aid provided to a student who does not meet the criteria for need-based aid. Most students get non-need-based financial aid as Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and the TEACH Grant.
Institutional non-need-based scholarships or grants were given to 1,144 students overall (including freshmen) at Missouri Southern State University in 2024. Institutional help in the form of non-need-based scholarships or grants was given to 266 full-time freshmen. The total amount of non-need-based institutional scholarships/grants was $5,383,817. This includes endowment, alumni, other institutional awards, and also external funds awarded by the institution, but doesn't include athletic aid and tuition waivers. The amount the students of this school received from external sources (e.g. Kiwanis, National Merit) was $766,410 USD.
Majors
Faculty
16:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
Knowing more about a school's faculty can help you gauge the caliber of the education it can provide to you.
According to the most recent data, the student-faculty ratio at Missouri Southern State University was 16:1: that means 16 students per one teacher. According to the most recent information, there are 269 teachers at this school. Out of that number, there were 115 men and 154 women. The fact that female faculty members outnumber the male ones at this school speaks volumes for gender equality at Missouri Southern State University.
Student Population Diversity Graph
Campus Life
Not everything at Missouri Southern State University is about learning and grades: campus life is an essential part of your educational experience. Find out some details about social life at Missouri Southern State University.
Its campus spans 374 acres.
Student Organizations
A student organization is run by students at a university or a college institution, whose membership typically consists only of current students and/or alumni.
There are 60 student organizations and groups with open membership at this school. This number includes sororities and fraternities. At this school, 3% of male students are members of social organizations, while that percentage is 1 for female students. The student organization with the highest level of popularity is Black Student Alliance, followed by Women in Science and International Club. Other popular student organizations at this school are Greek Council and Campus Activities Board.
If you are interested in music, you can join the Missouri Southern State University band or chorus. There is a drama club you can join if acting is something that interests you. You have a talent for media and communication? Missouri Southern State University publishes its own newspaper and has its own radio station.
Student Services
At Missouri Southern State University, there are many amenities required for a comfortable and safe life on campus.
There are phone and alarm devices that can be accessed 24/7 for emergency situations. There are electronically operated dormitory entrances. There is a 24-hour security patrol. The late-night transport/escort service is available.
There is a medical clinic with personal/psychological counseling. In addition, other services like Veteran's Affairs are available to the students of Missouri Southern State University.
All in all, campus life at Missouri Southern State University is rich and vibrant and provides all you need for a comfortable stay.
Career Services
Having career services at a college or university can mean a great deal for your career planning, so find out what you can expect at Missouri Southern State University.
Career Counselling
At Missouri Southern State University, there is both group career counseling for all students and individual career counseling for all students. There are a library, a job bank, and job fairs. Job interviews are also available to students through the career center. The career center offers resume preparation and resume referral to employers. The school has campus employer recruitment for all the students. This school offers alumni networking opportunities, which could be excellent for your future career. Individual job placement is available to all students at this school.
Job Placement
Knowing what salary you can expect once you have completed your studies can help you decide if a certain school matches your career goals.
The starting salary for graduates employed within six months of graduating at this school averages 36,820 USD.
$36,820
Average Starting Salary After 6 Months of Graduation
FAQ
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Missouri Southern State University is located in Joplin, MO.
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This school uses standardized test scores for admission.
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According to the latest information, the acceptance rate for Missouri Southern State University is 97%.
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The most recent data indicate that the freshman retention rate for Missouri Southern State University is 70%.
Contact Information
Missouri Southern State University,
3950 East Newman Road
Joplin, MO
64801-1595
417 625-9300
Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved. Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
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Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved.
Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.