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Saint Joseph , MO
Missouri Western State University (MWSU) is a public university located in St. Joseph, Missouri. Founded in 1915, MWSU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including business, education, health sciences, liberal arts, and sciences. The university is committed to providing a high-quality education that prepares students for successful careers and encourages them to engage in lifelong learning, critical thinking, and societal initiatives.
MWSU prides itself on its student-centered approach to education. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, students have the opportunity to receive personalized attention from dedicated and experienced professors. The university's commitment to experiential learning is evident through its emphasis on internships, research opportunities, and community engagement initiatives. MWSU has strong partnerships with local businesses and organizations, enabling students to gain practical experience and develop the skills needed to thrive in their respective fields.
Beyond academics, Missouri Western State University offers a vibrant campus life. The university is home to numerous student organizations, clubs, and athletic teams, fostering a sense of community and providing students with opportunities to pursue their passions and interests outside the classroom. Athletics play a significant role at MWSU, with the Griffons competing in NCAA Division II sports. The university's strong athletic programs, including basketball, football, and soccer, attract both student-athletes and enthusiastic fans.
In conclusion, Missouri Western State University offers a well-rounded educational experience that combines academic excellence, experiential learning, and a thriving campus community. With its diverse program offerings, dedicated faculty, and emphasis on student success, MWSU provides students with the tools and support they need to achieve their goals and make a positive impact in their chosen fields.
Missouri Western State University is a public comprehensive higher education institution located in Saint Joseph, MO. This educational institution operates on a semester-based calendar. It has an acceptance rate of 99%. The freshman retention rate at Missouri Western State University is 54% and the six-year graduation rate is 39%.
To find out more about what Missouri Western State University has to offer to its students, read on for the latest data reported by this school.
Quick Facts
3,494
Total Number of Undergraduate Students
16:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
39%
Graduation Rate
Admissions
If you know as much as possible about the school's criteria for admission, you can make a better judgment about your eligibility and boost your chances of getting accepted. Here are the most important data you need to know about admission policy and requirements at Missouri Western State University.
According to the most recent information reported, this school uses standardized test scores for admission and it admitted 2,470 in 2025. Missouri Western State University has an official test-optional admission policy but considers standardized test scores if the applicant chooses 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 relatively noncompetitive.
Test Scores
The percent of first-year students who submitted ACT Composite scores in the range between 30-36 was 1, 20.1 between 24-29, 39.9 in the range between 18-23, 37 between 12-17, and 1.9 between 6-11.
The latest reported average GPA of the enrolled students was 3.13. Accordingly, you'll probably need an above-average GPA in order to be granted acceptance.
Retention Rate
The freshman retention rate is defined as the percentage of first-year students who return for their sophomore year at a college or university. Why is that information important? Because it tells you if the majority of freshmen enjoyed their first year at a school enough to come back.
As reported in 2025, the freshman retention rate for Missouri Western State University was 54%.
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 39%.
Student Body
It is always challenging to figure out which school is best 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 Western State University in 2025 was 3,728.
The school reported an out-of-state student body portion of 18.79% for that year. There was a total of 3,494 those pursuing undergraduate studies, including 25 international students. The school admitted a total of 180 transfer students.
Student Population Gender Ratio
With a coeducational student body, the school had 852 male and 1,247 female full-time students in 2025. This school had 22 full-time graduate male and 37 full-time graduate female students at this school.
Student Population Diversity
Higher Education is dedicated to increasing student diversity and enhancing students' feelings of inclusion and belonging. 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 Western State University.
In 2025, out of the total number of students enrolled at the institution, the number of students of Asian origin was 34, and the number of African American students was 310. 29 undergrads at this school identified as Hispanic/Latino and 205 as multirace. The school also had 4 students who identified as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, and 28 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 127 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 Western State University.
Tuition and Fees
Wondering about tuition at Missouri Western State University? Here is what you need to know.
Tuition fees for area resident were $8,940, as reported by public county or municipal institutions. For students who don't live in the state in which the university is located, the tuition was $18,810 in 2025. For international students, tuition fees at this school came to $18,810, as well. Fees per academic year required of full-time students totaled $1,500 in 2025.
| Category | Tuition | Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-State | $18,810 | $1,500 | $20,310 |
| In-State | $8,940 | $1,500 | $10,440 |
Books and Supplies
Another important expense to take into consideration is the approximate cost of books and supplies for a college or university. Most students have to pay about $1,200 for books and supplies during their time at Missouri Western State University.
Boarding
Before you apply to a college or university, you should, among other things, think about the price of a dorm room and cafeteria meals. What is the typical amount colleges and universities charge for room and board?
In 2025, room and board cost at Missouri Western State University amounted to $11,780 a year. If you only needed a room on the campus, it cost $6,112 for the 2025 academic year.
| Expense Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $ 8,940 |
| Room and Board | $ 11,780 |
| Book and Supplies | $ 1,200 |
| Total Expense | $ 21,920 |
Financial Aid
There are different types of financial support: grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study programs. If you want to find out more about need-based and non-need-based aid at Missouri Western State University, here are some recent data you should consider.
The most recent records show that 456 freshmen received some sort of financial help. The average financial aid package awarded to students totaled $12,874.
Need-based
If you need help with paying for your studies and you meet some eligibility requirements, you may be eligible for need-based aid.
1,402 students were designated some form of need-based financial aid. Need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid at Missouri Western State University is available to international students. The total number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need came to be 1,447. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution stood at $5,665,966, and state $1,894,483. The students of Missouri Western State University received the -institutional need-based aid in the amount of $2,868,043, and external in the amount of $652,241.
$3,603
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.
219 students, including freshmen, obtained institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid at this school in 2025. Institutional grants or scholarships that are not based on financial need were given to 55 full-time freshman. The total dollar amount of federal non-need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the studens at this school was $5,665,966 while the state aid is $316,433. The total amount of non-need-based institutional scholarships/grants was $2,143,589. This includes endowment, alumni, other institutional awards, and also external funds awarded by the institution, but doesn't include athletic aid and tuition waivers. $489,165 was the amount that the students at this institution got from external sources (like Kiwanis and National Merit).
Majors
Faculty
16:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
The student-to-faculty or student-to-professor ratio represents the number of students compared to the number of professors at a school.
According to the most recent data, the student-faculty ratio at Missouri Western State University was 16:1: that means 16 students per one teacher. The faculty of this school consists of 224 members, according to the most recent data reported. Out of that number, there were 107 men and 116 women. The fact that female faculty members outnumber the male ones at this school is telling of the importance gender equality has at Missouri Western State University.
Student Population Diversity Graph
Campus Life
Knowing what to expect out of campus life at a college or university can set you up for success. Check out some info about social life at Missouri Western State University.
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.
According to recently gathered data, there are 66 open-membership organizations at Missouri Western State University. Sororities and fraternities are included in that number. Students interested in music can join the Missouri Western State University band or chorus. For students interested in media and communication, Missouri Western State University publishes its own newspaper.
Student Services
At Missouri Western State University, there are many amenities that make life on campus pleasant and safe.
There are 24-hour emergency phone and alarm devices. There are electronically operated dormitory entrances. There is a security patrol available 24/7. The late-night transport/escort service is available.
This school has a health clinic with personal/psychological counseling. In addition, other services like Women's Center are available to the students of Missouri Western State University.
All in all, campus life at Missouri Western 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 Western State University.
Career Counselling
At Missouri Western 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 school has campus employer recruitment for all the students. This school offers alumni networking opportunities, which could be excellent for your future career.
FAQ
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Missouri Western State University is located in Saint Joseph, MO.
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Missouri Western State University offers need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid to international students.
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This school has an official test-optional admission policy but makes use of SAT, SAT Subject Tests, ACT, or other standardized test scores in admission decisions for the candidates who choose to submit them.
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According to the latest information, the acceptance rate for Missouri Western State University is 99%.
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The most recent reported freshman retention rate for Missouri Western State University is 54%.
Contact Information
Missouri Western State University
4525 Downs Drive
Saint Joseph , MO
64507
816 271-4200
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.