About Missouri Southern State University
Missouri Southern State University is a four-year, public institution of higher education that is located in Joplin, Missouri. MSSU was established in 1937 as Joplin Junior College to provide educational opportunities to Southwest Missouri residents.
Missouri Southern State University awards certificates, associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s degrees in more than 140 academic programs. Schools of study include:
- School of Arts & Sciences
- School of Education
- Robert W. Plaster School of Business Administration
- School of Health Sciences
MSSU Online offers degree options including degree completion programs, minors, and bachelor’s degrees with several areas of emphasis. MSSU Online believes that students shouldn’t be limited by time or location. Their goal is to offer unique programs and services designed for online students, providing flexible access to a high-quality education.
Accreditation & Licensing
Missouri Southern State University is accredited by:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Type:
4-year, PublicHighest Level Offered:
Master's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 4,757 ; Graduate: 210Percent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 20% ; Graduate: 57%Graduation Rate:
42%Transfer Rate:
26%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$42,620Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$19,174Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
62%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$7,609Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesOnline Programs offered by Missouri Southern State University
All Programs
Business
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
Healthcare
Filters
Missouri Southern State University offers a practical way to finish a degree when plans change. Students can start in person and then move online to complete their program. That path helps many students keep moving toward graduation without changing schools.
The school also puts cost front and center. One published tuition figure is $17,080 per year. Other school pricing notes describe very low full-time tuition and housing costs in some years. For students focused on cost, credits, and time to finish, MSSU presents a budget-friendly path.
At Missouri Southern State University, students can count on direct help from professors. Instructors are known for making time outside class and explaining tough topics one on one. That support can make a real difference when classes get hard or life gets busy.
Class sizes are often small, so students can get help faster and keep communication personal. Faculty also tend to be understanding when personal issues affect schoolwork. At the same time, they keep clear expectations and steady academic standards.
Missouri Southern State University offers a clear online path. Students can start in person and move online later. That flexibility helps when work, family, or life plans change.
Online classes use discussion boards, books, group projects, and simulations. The work is active and social, not just solo reading. It is a good fit for students who like to join in and learn with others.
Classes at Missouri Southern are small, so students talk with professors often. That setup makes class discussion easier and more personal.
Professors are approachable and flexible when life issues affect school work. Many students also get help outside class to stay on track.
The classroom experience feels direct and engaged, not distant or passive. Students get clear guidance while still being pushed to think deeper.
MSSU’s core strength is the classroom. Professors are accessible and responsive. Small classes make that possible. Students get one-on-one explanation and help outside class.
That setup helps people keep pace. The value case is strong. One account reports very low total cost in some years. Another lists annual tuition at $17,080.
MSSU is also described as a lowest-cost option. Completion flexibility is practical too. A documented path starts on campus, then finishes online. Online classes use discussion boards, books, projects, and simulations.
The format is active and collaborative. Overall, MSSU fits students who want lower cost and direct professor access.
MSSU’s core strength is the classroom. Professors are accessible and responsive. Small classes make that possible. Students get one-on-one explanation and help outside class.
That setup helps people keep pace. The value case is strong. One account reports very low total cost in some years. Another lists annual tuition at $17,080.
MSSU is also described as a lowest-cost option. Completion flexibility is practical too. A documented path starts on campus, then finishes online. Online classes use discussion boards, books, projects, and simulations.
The format is active and collaborative. Overall, MSSU fits students who want lower cost and direct professor access.
Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri Southern State University
Is Missouri Southern State University accredited?
Yes. Missouri Southern State University is institutionally accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
How many online programs does Missouri Southern State University offer?
Missouri Southern State University offers 19 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Missouri Southern State University offer?
Missouri Southern State University offers bachelor's-level programs.
How should students contact admissions at Missouri Southern State University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Missouri Southern State University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Missouri Southern State University falls into GetEducated’s $$ tuition tier, which points to a mid tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Missouri Southern State University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Missouri Southern State University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most Missouri Southern State University programs require?
Most listed programs require a minimum GPA of 2.0.
Is Missouri Southern State University military friendly?
Missouri Southern State University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Missouri Southern State University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Missouri Southern State University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official High School Transcript/GED Score, Official College Transcript(s), and Occupational License. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Missouri Southern State University accept life experience credit?
Missouri Southern State University does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are Missouri Southern State University programs fully online or mixed?
Missouri Southern State University programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Missouri Southern State University offer?
Missouri Southern State University has online program options in areas such as Business, Healthcare, Art & Liberal Arts, and Criminal Justice, Safety & Law; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any Missouri Southern State University programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include Commission on Dental Accreditation, American Dental Association (CODA); National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC); Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Are any admission tests required for Missouri Southern State University programs?
One recurring admissions-test item is Placement Test. Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Missouri Southern State University?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any Missouri Southern State University programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Missouri Southern State University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Missouri Southern State University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Missouri Southern State University programs?
Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.
Featured Ranking Reports
Missouri Southern State University is featured in 6 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Missouri Southern State University is located in Missouri
Missouri at a Glance:

Top Majors in Missouri:
Top Incentives in Missouri:
- Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program: Up to $2,850 annually
Top Career Pathways in Missouri:
- Entry Level: Clinic Manager ($58,000)
- Mid Level: Healthcare Administrator ($88,000)
- Senior Level: Hospital Director ($135,000+)
- Required Education: BS Healthcare Administration
- Certifications: ACHE, RHIA







