Skip to content

Missouri Southern State University vs Missouri Western State University

Missouri Southern State University is a public university in Joplin, MO, and Missouri Western State University is a public university in Saint Joseph, MO. Missouri Southern State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 97% of applicants against 100% at Missouri Western State University. Missouri Southern State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,007 a year against $13,251 at Missouri Western State University. About 40% of students graduate at Missouri Southern State University, compared with 39% at Missouri Western State University. Ten years after enrolling, Missouri Western State University alumni earn a median of about $42,647, against $42,620 for Missouri Southern State University.

Missouri Southern State University

Joplin, MO · Public

Missouri Western State University

Saint Joseph, MO · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Joplin, MO
Saint Joseph, MO
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
3,019
2,219
Acceptance rate
97%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.23–3.73
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
1150–1420
970–1140
ACT (middle 50%)
17–24
16–23
Test policy
Required
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,007
$13,251
Full cost / yr
$19,568
$21,595
In-state tuition
$8,960
$10,306
Out-of-state tuition
$17,080
$20,866
Application fee
$35
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,759
$11,243
$30k - $48k
$10,132
$11,674
$48k - $75k
$11,233
$13,965
$75k - $110k
$14,578
$16,119
Over $110k
$15,083
$17,764
Outcomes
Graduation rate
40%
39%
Freshman retention
63%
54%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$37,866
$37,499
Median earnings (10 yr)
$42,620
$42,647
Median debt at graduation
$19,174
$19,968
Student body
Pell grant recipients
34%
28%
First-generation students
45%
40%
International students
5%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Missouri Southern State University or Missouri Western State University harder to get into?
Missouri Southern State University is harder to get into. It admits about 97% of applicants, compared with 100% at Missouri Western State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Missouri Southern State University or Missouri Western State University?
Missouri Southern State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,007 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $13,251 at Missouri Western State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Missouri Southern State University and Missouri Western State University?
Before aid, Missouri Southern State University costs about $19,568 a year and Missouri Western State University about $21,595. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Missouri Southern State University or Missouri Western State University?
Missouri Southern State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,759 there, against about $11,243 at Missouri Western State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Missouri Southern State University or Missouri Western State University?
Missouri Southern State University is the larger of the two, with about 3,019 undergraduates against 2,219 at Missouri Western State University.
Does Missouri Southern State University or Missouri Western State University have a better graduation rate?
Missouri Southern State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 40% against 39% at Missouri Western State University.
Do graduates of Missouri Southern State University or Missouri Western State University earn more?
Missouri Western State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $42,647 ten years after enrolling, against about $42,620 for Missouri Southern State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Missouri Southern State University and Missouri Western State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Missouri Southern State University requires SAT or ACT scores. Missouri Western State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Missouri Southern State University and Missouri Western State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1150–1420 at Missouri Southern State University and 970–1140 at Missouri Western State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school