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University of Missouri-Columbia vs Saint Louis University

University of Missouri-Columbia is a public university in Columbia, MO. Saint Louis University is a private university in Saint Louis, MO. Saint Louis University admits about 75% of applicants and University of Missouri-Columbia about 78%, making Saint Louis University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $20,268 a year at University of Missouri-Columbia after aid, and about $24,398 at Saint Louis University. About 80% of students graduate at Saint Louis University, compared with 76% at University of Missouri-Columbia. Ten years after enrolling, Saint Louis University alumni earn a median of about $70,783, against $63,403 for University of Missouri-Columbia.

University of Missouri-Columbia

Columbia, MO · Public

Saint Louis University

Saint Louis, MO · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Columbia, MO
Saint Louis, MO
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
23,929
7,267
Acceptance rate
78%
75%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.44–3.94
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1150–1330
1200–1410
ACT (middle 50%)
23–30
25–31
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$20,268
$24,398
Full cost / yr
$31,713
$71,932
In-state tuition
$14,837
$55,760
Out-of-state tuition
$36,056
$55,760
Application fee
$55
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,841
$22,501
$30k - $48k
$13,378
$21,854
$48k - $75k
$13,722
$21,880
$75k - $110k
$19,762
$21,702
Over $110k
$26,304
$27,466
Outcomes
Graduation rate
76%
80%
Freshman retention
93%
88%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$52,756
$60,716
Median earnings (10 yr)
$63,403
$70,783
Median debt at graduation
$20,500
$25,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
20%
17%
First-generation students
20%
22%
International students
1%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Dec 1
Regular decision
Rolling
Jul 28

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 University of Missouri-Columbia or Saint Louis University harder to get into?
Saint Louis University is harder to get into. It admits about 75% of applicants, compared with 78% at University of Missouri-Columbia. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of Missouri-Columbia or Saint Louis University?
University of Missouri-Columbia is cheaper on average. Students pay about $20,268 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $24,398 at Saint Louis 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 University of Missouri-Columbia and Saint Louis University?
Before aid, University of Missouri-Columbia costs about $31,713 a year and Saint Louis University about $71,932. 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, University of Missouri-Columbia or Saint Louis University?
University of Missouri-Columbia. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,841 there, against about $22,501 at Saint Louis University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Missouri-Columbia or Saint Louis University?
University of Missouri-Columbia is the larger of the two, with about 23,929 undergraduates against 7,267 at Saint Louis University.
Does University of Missouri-Columbia or Saint Louis University have a better graduation rate?
Saint Louis University has the higher graduation rate, at about 80% against 76% at University of Missouri-Columbia.
Do graduates of University of Missouri-Columbia or Saint Louis University earn more?
Saint Louis University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $70,783 ten years after enrolling, against about $63,403 for University of Missouri-Columbia. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Missouri-Columbia and Saint Louis University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Missouri-Columbia considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Saint Louis University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of Missouri-Columbia and Saint Louis University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1150–1330 at University of Missouri-Columbia and 1200–1410 at Saint Louis University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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