2026 College Rankings

Best Colleges in Missouri

About

The Top 50 Best Colleges in the US is College Raptor’s most prestigious rankings list. Updated annually, these schools are celebrated for their rich histories, stunning campuses, excellent academics, and vibrant student life. The institutions on this list are known for both academic excellence and impressive extracurricular opportunities, making them “dream schools” for students around the world. Use these rankings as a jumping-off point for you to create your own personalized rankings using our college match tool.

Methodology

Each of these rankings is based on an analysis of data about the school’s selectivity, financial health, graduation rates, student success, and more. We’ve outlined our full methodology here.

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Rank	Institution	Undergraduates	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Washington University in St Louis	8220	12.06	1,480 – 1,560	22440	78073	#1 2026 Best Colleges in Missouri Washington University in St Louis Saint Louis, MO Washington University in St. Louis was named after George Washington and founded in 1853. A private research university, the school received 33,000 applications and accepted just 3,950. Commonly chosen majors are Business Statistics, Financial Mathematics, and Computer Science....Read more Undergraduates 8,220 Acceptance Rate 12.1% SAT Score 1,480 – 1,560 Avg. Net Price $22,440 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $78,073
2	Saint Louis University	10436	75.04	1,140 – 1,400	30911	60716	#2 2026 Best Colleges in Missouri Saint Louis University Saint Louis, MO The second oldest Jesuit university in the country, Saint Louis University is also the oldest university west of the Mississippi. The school boasts a 9 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and 88% first year retention rate. Many students choose to study Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. Undergraduates 10,436 Acceptance Rate 75.0% SAT Score 1,140 – 1,400 Avg. Net Price $30,911 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $60,716
3	University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis	275	75.15	1,160 – 1,330	33392	116360	#3 2026 Best Colleges in Missouri University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis Saint Louis, MO A majority of students attending the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis are graduates, only 280 are studying for their Bachelor’s. From 1864 to 2020, it was known as the “St. Louis College of Pharmacy.” The school has a 85% first year retention rate, and 100% of students receive grant aid. Undergraduates 275 Acceptance Rate 75.2% SAT Score 1,160 – 1,330 Avg. Net Price $33,392 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $116,360
4	Truman State University	3265	83.77	1,210 – 1,400	12798	43966	#4 2026 Best Colleges in Missouri Truman State University Kirksville, MO Originally known as the North Missouri Normal and Commercial School when founded in 1867, the school was renamed the Truman State University (TSU) in 1996 after U.S. President Harry Truman. Athletes, wearing purple and white, are known as the Bulldogs....Read more Undergraduates 3,265 Acceptance Rate 83.8% SAT Score 1,210 – 1,400 Avg. Net Price $12,798 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,966
5	University of Missouri-Columbia	24457	78.47	1,150 – 1,370	20006	52756	#5 2026 Best Colleges in Missouri University of Missouri-Columbia Columbia, MO The University of Missouri was established in 1839, making it the first public university west of the Mississippi River. It’s also home to the world’s first journalism school, which opened in 1909. Alumni include Chris Cooper, Sheryl Crow, Jon Hamm, and Brad Pitt....Read more Undergraduates 24,457 Acceptance Rate 78.5% SAT Score 1,150 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $20,006 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,756
6	Maryville University of Saint Louis	5692	95.08	970 – 1,210	26733	55047	#6 2026 Best Colleges in Missouri Maryville University of Saint Louis Saint Louis, MO Maryville University of Saint Louis is made up of six colleges and schools, including the School of Adult and Online Education focused on providing online, weekend, and evening courses....Read more Undergraduates 5,692 Acceptance Rate 95.1% SAT Score 970 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $26,733 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $55,047
7	Rockhurst University	2304	70.89	1,010 – 1,240	23785	61371	#7 2026 Best Colleges in Missouri Rockhurst University Kansas City, MO There is no application fee at Rockhurst University, where 100% of students who attend receive grant aid, $34,253 on average. Rockhurt’s motto is Sapientia Aedificavit Sibi Domum which is Latin for “Wisdom has built herself a home.” The most popular major among students is Registered Nursing. Undergraduates 2,304 Acceptance Rate 70.9% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $23,785 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $61,371
8	College of the Ozarks	1454	11.99	1,050 – 1,220	12279	36507	#8 2026 Best Colleges in Missouri College of the Ozarks Point Lookout, MO Thanks to a student work program and donations, students don’t have to pay tuition to attend the College of the Ozarks. It has a 14 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and 90% first year retention rate. CofO is extremely selective and out of those accepted, 81% decided to attend. Undergraduates 1,454 Acceptance Rate 12.0% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $12,279 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,507
9	Cottey College	261	70.23	970 – 1,210	18430	32903	#9 2026 Best Colleges in Missouri Cottey College Nevada, MO Located in Nevada, Cottey College accepts 70% of applicants and requests $20 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 100% of students at Cottey College currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more Undergraduates 261 Acceptance Rate 70.2% SAT Score 970 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $18,430 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $32,903
10	William Jewell College	969	38.36	1,010 – 1,210	17408	54197	#10 2026 Best Colleges in Missouri William Jewell College Liberty, MO William Jewell College dates back to 1849 and was originally associated with the Missouri Baptist Convention. The school became independent in 2003. Out of the accepted students, 33% decide to attend. If taking the ACT, students should aim for between a 19 - 25. Undergraduates 969 Acceptance Rate 38.4% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $17,408 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,197
11	Kansas City Art Institute	813	54.76	890 – 1,230	30142	25529	#11 2026 Best Colleges in Missouri Kansas City Art Institute Kansas City, MO Based in Kansas City, Kansas City Art Institute’s acceptance rate is 55%. Undergraduates have to pay unknown to apply. About 100% of students attending Kansas City Art Institute currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more Undergraduates 813 Acceptance Rate 54.8% SAT Score 890 – 1,230 Avg. Net Price $30,142 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $25,529
12	Missouri University of Science and Technology	5552	72.55	1,210 – 1,410	14414	69295	#12 2026 Best Colleges in Missouri Missouri University of Science and Technology Rolla, MO Located in Rolla, Missouri University of Science and Technology accepted 73% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to send in unknown to apply. About 96% of students at Missouri University of Science and Technology currently receive grant aid from the school. 86% of students......Read more Undergraduates 5,552 Acceptance Rate 72.6% SAT Score 1,210 – 1,410 Avg. Net Price $14,414 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $69,295
13	Stephens College	354	91.85	1,100 – 1,270	23261	36778	#13 2026 Best Colleges in Missouri Stephens College Columbia, MO Located in Columbia, Stephens College accepts 92% of applicants. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications, but fee waivers may be requested. About 100% of students attending Stephens College will receive institutional grant aid. The first year retention rate is 89%....Read more Undergraduates 354 Acceptance Rate 91.9% SAT Score 1,100 – 1,270 Avg. Net Price $23,261 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,778
14	Drury University	1391	57.58	1,120 – 1,340	22194	37508	#14 2026 Best Colleges in Missouri Drury University Springfield, MO Based in Springfield, Drury University’s acceptance rate is 58%. They request unknown for undergraduate applications and $25 for graduate applications. Approximately 100% of students attending Drury University currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more Undergraduates 1,391 Acceptance Rate 57.6% SAT Score 1,120 – 1,340 Avg. Net Price $22,194 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,508
15	Southeast Missouri State University	7926	68.97	970 – 1,190	14843	38150	#15 2026 Best Colleges in Missouri Southeast Missouri State University Cape Girardeau, MO Southeast Missouri State University is fairly selective. A NCAA Division I-FCS school, athletes may receive athletic scholarships. On average, each athlete receives $11,447. The main campus is known as “River Campus,” as Southeast also has regional campuses throughout the area, shared with Three Rivers Community College. Undergraduates 7,926 Acceptance Rate 69.0% SAT Score 970 – 1,190 Avg. Net Price $14,843 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,150
16	Westminster College	593	77.58	1,080 – 1,240	26780	40992	#16 2026 Best Colleges in Missouri Westminster College Fulton, MO Located in Fulton, Westminster College accepted 78% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 97% of students attending Westminster College will receive institutional grant aid....Read more Undergraduates 593 Acceptance Rate 77.6% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $26,780 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,992
17	Missouri State University-Springfield	20584	90.53	1,020 – 1,250	17104	40553	#17 2026 Best Colleges in Missouri Missouri State University-Springfield Springfield, MO Found in Springfield, Missouri State University-Springfield’s acceptance rate is 91%. They request unknown for undergraduate applications and $60 for graduate applications. Approximately 80% of students attending Missouri State University-Springfield currently receive grant aid from the school. The first year retention rate is......Read more Undergraduates 20,584 Acceptance Rate 90.5% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $17,104 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,553
18	Webster University	2091	95.94	990 – 1,220	27695	39656	#18 2026 Best Colleges in Missouri Webster University Saint Louis, MO Based in Saint Louis, Webster University accepts 96% of applicants and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and $50 for graduate applications. Approximately 98% of students at Webster University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The college’s first year retention......Read more Undergraduates 2,091 Acceptance Rate 95.9% SAT Score 990 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $27,695 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,656
19	University of Missouri-Kansas City	10206	72.18	1,060 – 1,330	14201	50298	#19 2026 Best Colleges in Missouri University of Missouri-Kansas City Kansas City, MO Found in Kansas City, the University of Missouri-Kansas City accepts 72% of applicants and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 85% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid....Read more Undergraduates 10,206 Acceptance Rate 72.2% SAT Score 1,060 – 1,330 Avg. Net Price $14,201 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,298
20	University of Missouri-St Louis	12151	57.16	1,040 – 1,270	11577	47564	#20 2026 Best Colleges in Missouri University of Missouri-St Louis Saint Louis, MO Based in Saint Louis, the University of Missouri-St Louis’s acceptance rate is 57%. Undergraduates have to send in $35 to apply. About 99% of students attending the University of Missouri-St Louis will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Undergraduates 12,151 Acceptance Rate 57.2% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,270 Avg. Net Price $11,577 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,564
21	Ozark Christian College	614	98.19	1,040 – 1,280	17968	32528	#21 2026 Best Colleges in Missouri Ozark Christian College Joplin, MO Located in Joplin, Ozark Christian College’s acceptance rate is 98%. They require $30 for undergraduate applications. About 100% of students attending Ozark Christian College will receive grant aid from the school. The college’s first year retention rate is 81% and around 26% of students will graduate within four years. Three......Read more Undergraduates 614 Acceptance Rate 98.2% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $17,968 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $32,528
22	Lindenwood University	4663	56.84	1,070 – 1,270	18698	45711	#22 2026 Best Colleges in Missouri Lindenwood University Saint Charles, MO Lindenwood University has a 14 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio, and many students enroll in the Business/Commerce, General program. The school’s campus overlooks the Missouri River and downtown. 678 Lions compete in the NCAA Division I-FCS Ohio Valley Conference. Popular sports include Football, Ice Hockey, and Basketball. Undergraduates 4,663 Acceptance Rate 56.8% SAT Score 1,070 – 1,270 Avg. Net Price $18,698 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,711
23	University of Central Missouri	7584	63.8	930 – 1,180	15728	41593	#23 2026 Best Colleges in Missouri University of Central Missouri Warrensburg, MO Based in Warrensburg, the University of Central Missouri’s acceptance rate is 64%. They request unknown for undergraduate applications. About 92% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid. At the University of Central Missouri, there is a 73% first year retention rate and 34% of students will graduate in four......Read more Undergraduates 7,584 Acceptance Rate 63.8% SAT Score 930 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $15,728 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,593
24	William Woods University	1097	74.49	1,040 – 1,240	22925	39265	#24 2026 Best Colleges in Missouri William Woods University Fulton, MO Found in Fulton, William Woods University accepts 74% of applicants. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 98% of students at William Woods University will receive institutional grant aid. 72% of students continued studying at William Woods University after completing their first year....Read more Undergraduates 1,097 Acceptance Rate 74.5% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $22,925 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,265
25	Southwest Baptist University	1622	99.72	970 – 1,210	19781	38855	#25 2026 Best Colleges in Missouri Southwest Baptist University Bolivar, MO Located in Bolivar, Southwest Baptist University accepts 100% of applicants and requires $30 for undergraduate applications and $25 for graduate applications. About 76% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 1,622 Acceptance Rate 99.7% SAT Score 970 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $19,781 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,855
26	Northwest Missouri State University	5241	86.13	970 – 1,180	15497	41695	#26 2026 Best Colleges in Missouri Northwest Missouri State University Maryville, MO Found in Maryville, Northwest Missouri State University accepted 86% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and $50 for graduate applications. Approximately 93% of students at Northwest Missouri State University currently receive institutional grant......Read more Undergraduates 5,241 Acceptance Rate 86.1% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $15,497 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,695
27	Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences	1041	56.86	940 – 1,140	25050	43860	#27 2026 Best Colleges in Missouri Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Fayette, MO Located in Fayette, Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences accepts 57% of applicants and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 100% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid....Read more Undergraduates 1,041 Acceptance Rate 56.9% SAT Score 940 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $25,050 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,860
28	Columbia College	876	88.78	930 – 1,120	22655	40747	#28 2026 Best Colleges in Missouri Columbia College Columbia, MO Based in Columbia, Columbia College’s acceptance rate is 89%. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 61% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Undergraduates 876 Acceptance Rate 88.8% SAT Score 930 – 1,120 Avg. Net Price $22,655 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,747
29	Avila University	1335	87.8	890 – 1,080	17482	48975	#29 2026 Best Colleges in Missouri Avila University Kansas City, MO Found in Kansas City, Avila University accepts 88% of applicants. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 100% of students attending Avila University will receive institutional grant aid....Read more Undergraduates 1,335 Acceptance Rate 87.8% SAT Score 890 – 1,080 Avg. Net Price $17,482 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,975
30	Central Christian College of the Bible	155	70.91	930 – 1,080	13695	30223	#30 2026 Best Colleges in Missouri Central Christian College of the Bible Moberly, MO Based in Moberly, Central Christian College of the Bible accepted 71% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request $100 for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 100% of students at Central Christian College of the Bible will receive institutional grant aid. 57% of students decide to......Read more Undergraduates 155 Acceptance Rate 70.9% SAT Score 930 – 1,080 Avg. Net Price $13,695 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $30,223
31	Missouri Baptist University	4958	68.6	710 – 970	26117	38997	#31 2026 Best Colleges in Missouri Missouri Baptist University Saint Louis, MO Based in Saint Louis, Missouri Baptist University’s acceptance rate is 69%. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications. About 97% of students attending Missouri Baptist University will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The first year retention rate is 65%....Read more Undergraduates 4,958 Acceptance Rate 68.6% SAT Score 710 – 970 Avg. Net Price $26,117 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,997
32	Missouri Southern State University	3881	97.06	950 – 1,200	11264	37866	#32 2026 Best Colleges in Missouri Missouri Southern State University Joplin, MO Found in Joplin, Missouri Southern State University accepted 97% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges $30 for undergraduate applications. About 72% of students attending Missouri Southern State University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more......Read more Undergraduates 3,881 Acceptance Rate 97.1% SAT Score 950 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $11,264 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,866
33	Culver-Stockton College	861	65.18	--	22103	40673	#33 2026 Best Colleges in Missouri Culver-Stockton College Canton, MO Located in Canton, Culver-Stockton College’s acceptance rate is 65% and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 100% of students at Culver-Stockton College will receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 861 Acceptance Rate 65.2% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $22,103 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,673
34	Lincoln University	1707	0	800 – 1,040	12673	32185	#34 2026 Best Colleges in Missouri Lincoln University Jefferson City, MO Undergraduates 1,707 Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score 800 – 1,040 Avg. Net Price $12,673 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $32,185
35	Missouri Western State University	3494	99.96	890 – 1,140	12764	37499	#35 2026 Best Colleges in Missouri Missouri Western State University Saint Joseph, MO Found in Saint Joseph, Missouri Western State University’s acceptance rate is 100%. Undergraduates have to send in unknown to apply. About 80% of students at Missouri Western State University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The college’s first year retention rate is 54% and......Read more Undergraduates 3,494 Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score 890 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $12,764 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,499
36	Harris-Stowe State University	1098	51.4	850 – 1,010	9302	26634	#36 2026 Best Colleges in Missouri Harris-Stowe State University Saint Louis, MO Based in Saint Louis, Harris-Stowe State University accepted 51% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request $20 for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 72% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school. The institution’s first year retention rate is 64% and its......Read more Undergraduates 1,098 Acceptance Rate 51.4% SAT Score 850 – 1,010 Avg. Net Price $9,302 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $26,634
37	Chamberlain University-Missouri	328	83.33	--	34947	84533	#37 2026 Best Colleges in Missouri Chamberlain University-Missouri St. Louis, MO Undergraduates 328 Acceptance Rate 83.3% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $34,947 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $84,533
38	Evangel University	1843	71.61	1,070 – 1,300	18748	39332	#38 2026 Best Colleges in Missouri Evangel University Springfield, MO Undergraduates 1,843 Acceptance Rate 71.6% SAT Score 1,070 – 1,300 Avg. Net Price $18,748 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,332
39	Mission University	342	59.54	1,010 – 1,140	21138	30600	#39 2026 Best Colleges in Missouri Mission University Springfield, MO Found in Springfield, Mission University accepted 60% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 96% of students at Mission University currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more Undergraduates 342 Acceptance Rate 59.5% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $21,138 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $30,600
40	Missouri Valley College	1558	52.69	900 – 1,070	18396	36902	#40 2026 Best Colleges in Missouri Missouri Valley College Marshall, MO Located in Marshall, Missouri Valley College accepts 53% of applicants. Undergraduates have to send in unknown to apply. About 100% of students at Missouri Valley College currently receive institutional grant aid. 41% of students decide to stay at Missouri Valley College after completing their first year....Read more Undergraduates 1,558 Acceptance Rate 52.7% SAT Score 900 – 1,070 Avg. Net Price $18,396 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,902
41	Hannibal-LaGrange University	402	58.74	1,020 – 1,230	20640	41185	#41 2026 Best Colleges in Missouri Hannibal-LaGrange University Hannibal, MO Undergraduates 402 Acceptance Rate 58.7% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,230 Avg. Net Price $20,640 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,185
42	Calvary University	198	70.91	870 – 1,170	12860	33144	#42 2026 Best Colleges in Missouri Calvary University Kansas City, MO Undergraduates 198 Acceptance Rate 70.9% SAT Score 870 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $12,860 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $33,144
43	Park University	6238	69.04	930 – 1,140	15637	50550	#43 2026 Best Colleges in Missouri Park University Parkville, MO Located in Parkville, Park University accepts 69% of applicants. They require $25 for undergraduate applications. About 72% of students attending Park University will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Undergraduates 6,238 Acceptance Rate 69.0% SAT Score 930 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $15,637 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,550
44	Ranken Technical College	1696	0	--	16136	51342	#44 2026 Best Colleges in Missouri Ranken Technical College Saint Louis, MO Undergraduates 1,696 Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $16,136 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,342