Choosing a college in Missouri doesn't have to mean breaking the bank. While many colleges in Missouri are known for their high tuition costs, there are also plenty of affordable options available. This guide highlights the most budget-friendly colleges in Missouri , focusing on tuition and fees for the 2024-2025 academic year, so you can plan for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year with confidence.
In 2025, the average tuition and fees at 11 four-year Missouri Public Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees is $23,556, reflecting a 4.97% increase compared to the previous year.
Southeast Missouri State University ranks as the least expensive public Missouri colleges. With tuition and fees at just $9,903, Southeast Missouri State University offers an affordable education without compromising on quality. It is an excellent choice for students seeking value in their college experience.
Close behind are Northwest Missouri State University at$17,324 and Missouri Southern State University at$18,300 both consistently recognized among the Missouri Public Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees, providing quality education at a fraction of the cost of many other colleges.
At these Affordable Missouri Public Colleges, the average acceptance rate is 79.77%, and the average SAT score is 1,272, making them not only cost-effective but also accessible options for a wide range of students.
| School Name | Undergraduate Tuition & Fees | Graduate Tuition & Fees | Acceptance Rate | Total Population | SAT Score | Graduation Rate | Students to Faculty Ratio | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 - | Southeast Missouri State University Cape Girardeau, MOPublic, 4-year | $9,903 ($9,903) $408 | $7,702 ($7,702) $331 | 73.52% | 9,501 | - | 58.00% | 20 to 1 |
| 2 - | Northwest Missouri State University Maryville, MOPublic, 4-year | $17,324 ($10,611) $701 | $8,096 ($8,096) $150 | 86.09% | 9,152 | 1,095 | 54.00% | 16 to 1 |
| 3 - | Missouri Southern State University Joplin, MOPublic, 4-year | $18,300 ($9,600) $1,500 | $12,330 ($6,750) $90 | 97.03% | 4,147 | 1,340 | 42.00% | 15 to 1 |
| 4 - | Missouri Western State University Saint Joseph, MOPublic, 4-year | $18,455 ($9,545) $965 | $14,563 ($9,043) $1,045 | - | 3,716 | - | 39.00% | 15 to 1 |
| 5 - | Truman State University Kirksville, MOPublic, 4-year | $18,566 ($9,838) $696 | $12,168 ($12,168) $456 | 83.77% | 3,664 | 1,320 | 69.00% | 12 to 1 |
| 6 1 | University of Central Missouri Warrensburg, MOPublic, 4-year | $18,600 ($10,050) $540 | $19,092 ($10,296) $594 | 63.80% | 12,857 | - | 54.00% | 18 to 1 |
| 7 1 | Missouri State University-Springfield Springfield, MOPublic, 4-year | $18,770 ($9,502) $842 | $14,990 ($8,204) $1,286 | 90.53% | 24,360 | 1,150 | 58.00% | 21 to 1 |
| 8 - | University of Missouri-Kansas City Kansas City, MOPublic, 4-year | $32,271 ($13,371) $1,537 | $32,298 ($13,726) $1,538 | 72.18% | 14,732 | 1,470 | 55.00% | 13 to 1 |
| 9 - | Missouri University of Science and Technology Rolla, MOPublic, 4-year | $33,248 ($14,984) $1,570 | $26,056 ($14,944) $778 | 72.55% | 7,154 | 1,300 | 64.00% | 17 to 1 |
| 10 - | University of Missouri-Columbia Columbia, MOPublic, 4-year | $36,056 ($14,837) $1,718 | $32,581 ($13,681) $1,552 | 78.47% | 31,543 | 1,230 | 75.00% | 17 to 1 |
| Average | $22,149 ($11,224) | $17,988 ($10,461) | 79.77% | 12,083 | 1,272 | 56.80% | 16 to 1 |