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Missouri Southern State University vs Park University

Missouri Southern State University is a public university in Joplin, MO, and Park University is a private university in Parkville, MO. Park University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 40% of applicants against 97% at Missouri Southern State University. Missouri Southern State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,007 a year against $21,032 at Park University. About 40% of students graduate at Missouri Southern State University, compared with 34% at Park University. Ten years after enrolling, Park University alumni earn a median of about $56,309, against $42,620 for Missouri Southern State University.

Missouri Southern State University

Joplin, MO · Public

Park University

Parkville, MO · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Joplin, MO
Parkville, MO
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
3,019
4,555
Acceptance rate
97%
40%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.23–3.73
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1150–1420
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
17–24
20–24
Test policy
Required
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,007
$21,032
Full cost / yr
$19,568
$29,427
In-state tuition
$8,960
$17,500
Out-of-state tuition
$17,080
$17,500
Application fee
$35
$35
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,759
$18,687
$30k - $48k
$10,132
$20,412
$48k - $75k
$11,233
$22,620
$75k - $110k
$14,578
$23,208
Over $110k
$15,083
$24,064
Outcomes
Graduation rate
40%
34%
Freshman retention
63%
58%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$37,866
$50,550
Median earnings (10 yr)
$42,620
$56,309
Median debt at graduation
$19,174
$21,685
Student body
Pell grant recipients
34%
41%
First-generation students
45%
48%
International students
5%
4%
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 Park University harder to get into?
Park University is harder to get into. It admits about 40% of applicants, compared with 97% at Missouri Southern 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 Park University?
Missouri Southern State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,007 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $21,032 at Park 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 Park University?
Before aid, Missouri Southern State University costs about $19,568 a year and Park University about $29,427. 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 Park University?
Missouri Southern State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,759 there, against about $18,687 at Park 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 Park University?
Park University is the larger of the two, with about 4,555 undergraduates against 3,019 at Missouri Southern State University.
Does Missouri Southern State University or Park University have a better graduation rate?
Missouri Southern State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 40% against 34% at Park University.
Do graduates of Missouri Southern State University or Park University earn more?
Park University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $56,309 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 Park University require SAT or ACT scores?
Missouri Southern State University requires SAT or ACT scores. Park University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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