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Missouri is the 18thmost populated states in the nation and is home to over 200 accredited colleges and universities. The 3 primary metro areas on the state consist of Springfield, Kansas City, and Saint Louis. The accredited private colleges in the state of Missouri include over three dozen schools to research. Colleges span from Saint Louis and Saint Charles to Kansas City to Springfield in the state. Top ranked private colleges in Missouri include Saint Louis University, Washington University, Webster University, Southwest Baptist University, and St Louis College of Pharmacy. The balance of the private colleges found in and around the state of Missouri can quickly be found by searching on this portal or by utilizing our search technologyhere. Establish your priorities, stay focused, and strive to become the very best you can be.
2025 Best Private Colleges in Missouri
Washington University in St Louis provides a variety of educational opportunities for students to assist them in their growth and development. The school is located in Saint Louis, Missouri and operated as a private institution. Washington University has a yearly student enrollment of around 14,000. A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Legal Professions And Studies
- Public Administration And Social Services
- Psychology
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Social Sciences
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division III)
- Football (NCAA Division III)
Enrollment
15,852
Student to Faculty Ratio
7:1
Saint Louis University provides a variety of program options for students to aid them in their growth and development. The school is located in Saint Louis, MO and operated as a private institution. The Roman Catholic affiliation of this school is an important part of the history, education and mission that defines the school. Approximately eighteen thousand students are enrolled yearly at SLU.
A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Legal Professions And Studies
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
Students applying for admission are usually asked to submit an application, transcripts, test scores and any requested personal statements, which will then be reviewed by admissions staff. The majority of students accepted to Saint Louis University achieve an SAT score between 1078 to 1330, or an ACT composite score within the range of 25 to 30. This school has an acceptance rate of about 62 percent of which only 21 percent decided to attend. More information regarding admissions can be found at slu.edu.
Tuition is approximately $37,000 per year, though it may change based on any number of circumstances. Students may visit the school's tuition calculator to see the personalize cost of attendance. Housing is available for students, which costs about $5,900 per year. Students enrolled at SLU may qualify for aid which is generally loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.
Saint Louis University has a variety of athletic programs overseen by the NCAA. Athletic programs that are available include:
- Baseball (NCAA Division I-AAA)
- Basketball (NCAA Division I-AAA)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division I-AAA)
Students may visit the Saint Louis University website to get a complete list of areas of study, student services, and more.
Enrollment
14,438
Student to Faculty Ratio
9:1
Rockhurst University, a nonprofit private institution, offers a large number of degree programs, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Kansas City, Missouri, the school resides in an urban setting for students to study in. The Roman Catholic affiliation of this school is an important part of the history, education and vision that defines the school. Enrollment at Rockhurst exceeds two thousand yearly.
Areas of study available at Rockhurst University include but are not limited to:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Education
- Psychology
Students applying for admission are required to submit an application, transcripts, standardized test scores and any requested application essays, which will then be reviewed by admissions officials. Most students admitted to Rockhurst earn an SAT score in a range of 930 to 1200, or an ACT score between 22 to 27. Rockhurst has an admissions rate of around 76% of which only 20% chose to enroll. More information on admissions can be found at rockhurst.edu.
Tuition is approximately $31,000 for the year, though it may vary based on any number of circumstances. Students should visit the school's net price calculator to get a more personalized estimate of costs. Housing may be available for those who wish to live on-campus for a cost of $5,300 annually. Financial aid may be provided to students that meet the required requirements.
The mascot for Rockhurst University is the "Hawks", and they participate in intercollegiate athletics through oversight by the NCAA. Athletic programs that are available include:
- Baseball (NCAA Division II)
- Basketball (NCAA Division II)
- Golf (NCAA Division II)
- Soccer (NCAA Division II)
Contact information, admission forms, areas of study offered, and more may be viewed on school's website at http://www.rockhurst.edu.
Enrollment
3,145
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
Maryville University of Saint Louis provides a variety of program options for students to assist them in their growth and development. The school is located in Saint Louis, Missouri and operated as a private institution. Enrollment at Maryville University of Saint Louis exceeds 3,700 annually. Areas of study available at Maryville University of Saint Louis include but are not limited to:
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Education
- Visual And Performing Arts
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
- Baseball (NCAA Division II)
- Basketball (NCAA Division II)
- Golf (NCAA Division II)
- Soccer (NCAA Division II)
- Softball (NCAA Division II)
Enrollment
9,139
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
College of the Ozarks, a nonprofit private institution, offers a large number of program options, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Point Lookout, MO, the school resides in a rural setting for students to study in. The school maintains a Presbyterian Church affiliation, which is evident in the role it plays in program curriculums and daily life at the school. Approximately a thousand students are enrolled annually at College of the Ozarks.
Students can select from several areas of study, including:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Education
- Security And Protective Services
The admissions process will include the submission of an application, transcripts, and standardized test scores, which are then evaluated by the admissions office. Students may submit either the ACT or SAT scores to be considered for admissions to this school. A score in a range of 1650 - 1760 on the SAT, or 21 - 24 for the ACT is common among accepted students. Admission to this school is considered highly competitive, with only 9% of students who applied being admitted. More information on admissions can be found at cofo.edu.
The cost of tuition is close to $20,000, but may change per year. Students are encouraged to visit the school's net price calculator to better estimate their personal tuition costs. The price of on-campus housing is about $3,000 annually. College of the Ozarks may offer financial aid for students who are eligible in the form of scholarships, grants, and loans.
The College of the Ozarks Bobcats participate in several intercollegiate athletic programs, as part of the NAIA organization. Available sports offered:
- Baseball (NAIA Division II)
- Basketball (NAIA Division II)
- Volleyball (NAIA Division II)
Students who would like to see more about College of the Ozarks may check out their website at http://www.cofo.edu.
Enrollment
1,565
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
William Jewell College is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and assists students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in Liberty, MO, which is a predominantly suburban area. Approximately a thousand students are enrolled per year at William Jewell College. Areas of study available at William Jewell College include but are not limited to:
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Psychology
- Education
- History
- Baseball (NCAA Division II)
- Basketball (NCAA Division II)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division II)
- Football (NCAA Division II)
Enrollment
808
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
Park University is a nonprofit private institution located in Parkville, Missouri and provides a large number of program options for students. Park University has an annual student enrollment of over twelve thousand. Here is a list of some of the popular programs Park University offers:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Psychology
- Security And Protective Services
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Education
- Baseball (NAIA Division I)
- Basketball (NAIA Division I)
- Track & Field (NAIA Division I)
- Golf (NAIA Division I)
- Soccer (NAIA Division I)
Enrollment
11,415
Student to Faculty Ratio
15:1
Chapman University - University College, a nonprofit private institution, offers an assortment of educational opportunities, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Irvine, CA, the campus resides in a rural setting for students to study in. The school's Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's curriculum. Enrollment at Chapman University - University College is nearly 6,800 annually.
Here is a list of some of the popular programs Chapman University - University College offers:
- Liberal Arts And Sciences
- Psychology
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Education
Students applying for admission are asked to submit an application, school records, standardized test scores and any requested personal statements, which will then be reviewed by admissions staff. More information from the admissions office can be found at brandman.edu.
The cost of tuition is around $11,000, but may change yearly. Students are encouraged to use the school's net price calculator to better estimate their personal tuition costs. This school may provide financial aid for students that qualify in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.
To see a full list of academic programs offered, enrollment information, admissions information, and more, please visit the school's website at http://www.brandman.edu/.
Enrollment
8,766
Student to Faculty Ratio
17:1
Westminster College is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and assists students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in Fulton, Missouri, which is a predominantly rural area. The school's Presbyterian Church affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's curriculum. Westminster College has an annual student enrollment of about a thousand. Here is a list of some of the popular programs Westminster College offers:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Psychology
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Football (NCAA Division III)
- Golf (NCAA Division III)
- Soccer (NCAA Division III)
Enrollment
717
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
Cottey College is located in Nevada, Missouri and is a nonprofit private institution that assists students to meet their educational goals. The school's limited space in terms of enrollment, approximately 300 students, allows students to have a more hands on education due to the size of the class and easier access to professors and faculty. The school offers a degree program in Liberal Arts. The admissions process starts with the submission of an application, transcripts, records, and standardized test scores, which are then reviewed by the admissions office. Either the SAT or ACT exam can be taken in order to apply to this school. Scores in a range of 19 to 24 on the ACT or 1330 to 1630 on the SAT are required to greatly increase the chance of admission. 68% of those who apply are accepted to Cottey College, of which 51% choose to enroll. The cost of undergraduate tuition is close to $17,000 per year. Tuition prices may change for any number of reasons, and as such students should use the school's price of attendance calculator to get a better idea of their costs. Students enrolled at Cottey College may be eligible for aid which is generally scholarships, grants, and loans. Students may visit the school's http://www.cottey.edu to view additional information.
Enrollment
271
Student to Faculty Ratio
6:1
Drury University is a nonprofit private institution that has a large number of majors available for students to choose from. The school is located in Springfield, Missouri, in a predominantly urban area. Drury University has a yearly student enrollment of over five thousand.
Students may choose from several areas of study, including:
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- Liberal Arts And Sciences
- Education
- Security And Protective Services
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Psychology
The admissions process starts with the submission of an application, student records, and test scores, which are then reviewed by the admissions staff. Most students accepted to Drury University score in-between 19 - 31 on the ACT. 80% of those who apply are admitted to Drury University, of which 36 percent choose to attend. More information regarding admissions can be found at drury.edu.
The cost of undergraduate tuition is approximately $23,000 per year. Tuition prices may change for any number of reasons, and as such students should use the school's tuition calculator to identify their cost of attendance. Financial aid may be provided to students that meet the necessary requirements in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.
Athletic programs are available at Drury University through the NCAA, allowing students to participate in intercollegiate sports. Available athletic programs offered may include:
- Baseball (NCAA Division II)
- Basketball (NCAA Division II)
- Golf (NCAA Division II)
Students can visit the Drury University website to get a complete list of areas of study, admissions information, and more that is available at this school.
Enrollment
1,730
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
WWU/ William Woods is a nonprofit private institution located in Fulton, Missouri and provides a large number of degree programs for students. The school's Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's curriculum. Enrollment at William Woods University exceeds two thousand per year.
Here is a list of some of the popular programs William Woods University offers:
- Education
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Agriculture Operations
- Liberal Arts And Sciences
- Legal Professions And Studies
To be considered for admissions, you may be asked to fill out an application, provide letters of recommendations, and submit school transcripts, which are then reviewed by admissions officials. Either the ACT or SAT exam must be taken in order to apply to WWU/ William Woods. Scores between 20 to 24 on the ACT or 1400 to 1780 on the SAT are required to increase your chances for admission. WWU/ William Woods has an admissions rate of about 80 percent of which only 32 percent chose to attend. More information regarding admissions can be found here.
Tuition is approximately $21,000 annually, though it may vary based on any number of circumstances. Students should visit the school's net price calculator to determine cost. Housing may be available for those that want to live on-campus for a cost of $4,200 annually. Some students at this school may qualify for financial aid, which is typically offered as scholarships, grants, and loans.
The mascot for WWU/ William Woods is the "Owls", and they participate in intercollegiate athletic programs through the NAIA. Athletic programs available may include:
- Baseball (NAIA Division I)
- Basketball (NAIA Division I)
- Track & Field (NAIA Division I)
Students can visit the William Woods University website to obtain a complete list of academic programs offered, student services, and more.
Enrollment
2,302
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
Webster, a nonprofit private institution, offers an assortment of program options, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Saint Louis, MO, the campus resides in a suburban setting for students to study in. Approximately 19,000 students are enrolled yearly at Webster.
Here is a list of some of the popular programs Webster University offers:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
- Security And Protective Services
To be considered for admissions, applicants may be asked to fill out an application, write a personal statement, and submit any transcripts or test scores, which are then reviewed by the admissions committee. Most students accepted to Webster achieve an SAT score in a range of 1579 to 1878, or an ACT score within the range of 21 to 27. Roughly 70% of all students that applied were accepted at this school, with 39% of those admitted choosing to enroll. More information regarding admissions can be found here.
The cost of tuition is close to $25,000, but may change per year. Students are encouraged to use the school's tuition calculator to better understand their cost of attending Webster. Student housing is available on-campus for students. The annual cost of housing is around $5,900. Some students at Webster University may be eligible for financial aid, which is typically offered in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.
This school has a variety of athletic programs overseen by the NCAA. Athletic programs available may include the following:
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division III)
- Golf (NCAA Division III)
- Soccer (NCAA Division III)
Students who wish to view more about Webster may take a look at their website at http://www.webster.edu.
Enrollment
11,406
Student to Faculty Ratio
12:1
Evangel University provides a variety of program options for students to aid them in their growth and development. The school is located in Springfield, Missouri and operated as a private institution. The school maintains an Assemblies of God Church affiliation, which is evident in the role it plays in program curriculums and daily life at the school. Approximately 2,100 students are enrolled per year at Evangel University. A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Communications And Journalism
- Philosophy And Religious Studies
- Public Administration And Social Services
- Recreation And Fitness Studies
- Education
- Baseball (NAIA Division I)
- Basketball (NAIA Division I)
- Track & Field (NAIA Division I)
- Football (NAIA Division I)
- Golf (NAIA Division I)
Enrollment
2,098
Student to Faculty Ratio
15:1
Avila University is a nonprofit private institution that has a large selection of majors available for students to choose from. The school is located in Kansas City, MO, in a predominantly urban area. The school maintains a Roman Catholic affiliation, which is evident in the role it plays in program curriculums and daily life at the school. Enrollment at Avila University is nearly 1,900 annually.
Areas of study available at Avila University include:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Education
- Psychology
- Public Administration And Social Services
The admissions process will begin with the submission of an application, school records, and test scores, which are then evaluated by the admissions staff. Either the SAT or ACT exam must be taken in order to be able to apply to Avila University. Scores within the range of 20 to 25 on the ACT or 840 to 1120 on the SAT are recommended to increase the chance of acceptance. This school has an admissions rate of around 53 percent of which only 22 percent chose to attend. More information on admissions can be found here.
The cost of tuition is approximately $25,000 per year. Tuition prices may change for any number of reasons, and therefore students should use the school's price of attendance calculator to understand their costs. Housing may be available for those who wish to live on-campus for around a cost of $3,600 annually. This school may provide financial aid for students that are eligible as scholarships, grants, and loans.
The mascot for Avila University is the "Eagles", and they participate in intercollegiate athletics through the oversight and organization of the NAIA. Athletic programs offered may include:
- Baseball (NAIA Division I)
- Basketball (NAIA Division I)
- Football (NAIA Division I)
- Golf (NAIA Division I)
- Soccer (NAIA Division I)
Students who would like to view more about this school can take a look at their website at http://www.avila.edu.
Enrollment
1,649
Student to Faculty Ratio
12:1
Fontbonne University, a nonprofit private institution, offers an assortment of educational opportunities, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Saint Louis, Missouri, the campus resides in a suburban setting for students to study in. The school's Roman Catholic affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's curriculum. Fontbonne University has an annual student enrollment of around 2,500. Students can pick from several areas of study, including:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Education
- Communications And Journalism
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Golf (NCAA Division III)
- Lacrosse (NCAA Division III)
Enrollment
1,290
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
About
Ranken Technical College, located in Saint Louis, Missouri, was founded in 1907 by David Rankin Jr. to provide training in a variety of occupations for students. Courses started in 1909, with the school funded by a one million dollar endowment, which later added the entire fortune to the endowment which today is over sixty four million dollars. The fund have allowed the school to grow and expand, increasing its offerings as necessary to meet high demand fields and student expectations.
Academics
Ranken Technical College offers a variety of programs that may result in a certificate, associate degree or bachelor's degree. Students will be able to choose the program that best suits his or her career goals. A majority of programs take between one and two years to complete. The school has been dedicated to providing quality technical and career training over one hundred years.
Programs offered include:
- Architectural Technology
- Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
- Precision Machine Technology
- Information Technology
- Applied Management
Admissions and Financial Aid
Students interested in enrollment at Ranken Technical College must submit a completed application one week prior to the start of an academic semester. Students are encouraged to apply early though, as classes fill up quickly. Students must also supply transcripts and standardized test scores, and it is recommended students interview with an admissions representative.
Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and work study programs. Students in need of financial assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which will be used to determine need, eligibility and awards. Students may be asked to provide additional information to ensure that the FAFSA is accurate prior to the disbursement of funds.
Enrollment
1,698
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
C-SC is a nonprofit private institution located in Canton, Missouri and provides a large number of program options for students. The school's Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's mission. The school's small size in terms of enrollment, around 770 students, offers students a more hands on education due to the size of the class and easier access to faculty. Students can choose from several areas of study, including but not limited to:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Security And Protective Services
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Recreation And Fitness Studies
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- Baseball (NAIA Division II)
- Basketball (NAIA Division II)
- Track & Field (NAIA Division II)
Enrollment
1,068
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
Lindenwood University, a nonprofit private institution, offers an assortment of degree programs, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Saint Charles, Missouri, the campus offers an urban setting for students to study in. LU has a yearly student enrollment of approximately eleven thousand.
A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Education
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Social Sciences
- Communications And Journalism
The admissions process will begin with the submission of an application, transcripts, records, and test scores, which are then reviewed by admissions officials. Students may take either the SAT or ACT exam scores to be considered for admissions to this school. A score in a range of 1250 to 1640 on the SAT, or 20 to 24 for the ACT is usually submitted among admitted students. This school admits about 50 percent of students applying annually. Of those accepted, about 58 percent of students enrolled. More information on admissions can be found at lindenwood.edu.
The cost of undergraduate tuition is nearly $15,000, but may change each year. Students are encouraged to visit the school's price of attendance calculator to better understand their cost of attendance. Financial aid may be offered to students that meet the required requirements.
The mascot for LU is the "Lions", and they participate in intercollegiate athletics through the oversight and organization of the NCAA. Athletic programs available may include the following:
- Baseball (NAIA Division I)
- Basketball (NAIA Division I)
- Track & Field (NAIA Division I)
Students who wish to view more about this school may take a look at their website at http://www.lindenwood.edu.
Enrollment
9,468
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
CMU, a nonprofit private institution, offers a large number of degree programs, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Fayette, Missouri, the school offers a rural setting for students to study in. The school maintains a United Methodist affiliation, which is evident in the role it plays in program curriculums and daily life at the school. Approximately a thousand students are enrolled per year at CMU.
A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Security And Protective Services
Students applying for admission are generally required to submit an application, transcripts, standardized test scores and any requested personal statements, which will then be reviewed by the admissions office. A SAT or ACT exam is required prior to applying, with scores within the range of 1220 - 1480 for the SAT exam and in a range of 20 - 24 for the ACT exam is common among students admitted to CMU. Roughly 60 percent of all students that applied were admitted at this school, with 35 percent of those accepted choosing to attend. More information on admissions can be found here.
The cost of undergraduate tuition is close to $22,000, but may change each year. Students are encouraged to use the school's tuition calculator to better understand their cost of attendance. On-campus housing is available for students and costs around $3,500 annually. This school may provide financial aid for students that qualify in the form of grants and loans.
Athletic programs are available at CMU through the NAIA, allowing students to compete in intercollegiate athletics. Available sports offered may include the following:
- Baseball (NAIA Division I)
- Basketball (NAIA Division I)
- Track & Field (NAIA Division I)
- Football (NAIA Division I)
For a complete list of areas of study, enrollment information, student services, and more, please take a look at the school's website at http://www.centralmethodist.edu/.
Enrollment
1,148
Student to Faculty Ratio
12:1
Stephens College is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and helps students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in Columbia, Missouri, which is a predominantly urban area. Enrollment at Stephens College exceeds a thousand annually.
Students can select from many areas of study, including but not limited to:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Education
- Visual And Performing Arts
- Health And Clinical Professions
To be considered for admissions, you may be required to fill out an application, write a personal statement, and submit school transcripts, which are then studied by the admissions office. The most common standardized test scores among students accepted to this school are between 21 - 26 for the ACT exam, or 1380 - 1720 on the SAT. Approximately 70% of all students that applied were admitted at Stephens College, with 33% of those admitted choosing to attend. More information from the admissions office can be found at stephens.edu.
The cost of undergraduate tuition is approximately $29,000, but may change from year to year. Students are encouraged to use the school's net price calculator to better understand their personal tuition costs. The cost of on-campus housing is estimated to be $5,900 per year. Stephens College may provide financial aid for students that qualify as scholarships, grants, and loans.
The mascot for Stephens College is the "Stars", and they participate in intercollegiate sports through the oversight and organization of the NAIA. Available athletic programs offered may include the following:
- Basketball (NAIA Division I)
- Track & Field (NAIA Division I)
- Softball (NAIA Division I)
- Tennis (NAIA Division I)
- Volleyball (NAIA Division I)
Students may visit the website to see a complete list of programs offered, financial aid details, and more.
Enrollment
756
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
Missouri Baptist University is a nonprofit private school that has a large number of degrees available for students to choose from. The school is located in Saint Louis, Missouri, in a predominantly suburban area. The school's Baptist affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's vision. Approximately five thousand students are enrolled per year at MBU.
A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- Education
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Recreation And Fitness Studies
- Psychology
- Interdisciplinary Studies
Students applying for admission are most often required to submit an application, transcripts, records, test scores and any requested personal statements, which will then be reviewed by the school. Either the ACT or SAT exam can be taken in order to be able to apply to MBU. Scores between 19 - 24 on the ACT or 790 - 950 on the SAT are recommended to greatly increase the chance of admission. 58% of those who apply are admitted to MBU, of which 54% choose to attend. More information from the admissions office can be found at mobap.edu.
The cost of tuition is nearly $22,000 for the year. Tuition prices may change for a variety of reasons, and that is why students should use the school's net price calculator to understand their cost of attendance. Housing may be available for those that want to live on-campus for a cost of $5,800 per year. This school may help with costs by offering financial aid for students that are eligible by way of loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.
Athletic programs are available at Missouri Baptist University through the NAIA, allowing students to participate in intercollegiate athletics. Athletic programs offered include:
- Baseball (NAIA Division I)
- Basketball (NAIA Division I)
- Track & Field (NAIA Division I)
Contact information, tuition information, programs offered, and much more may be viewed on school's website at http://www.mobap.edu.
Enrollment
5,292
Student to Faculty Ratio
19:1
Hannibal - Lagrange College provides a variety of program options for students to aid them in their growth and development. The school is located in Hannibal, Missouri and operated as a private institution. The school's Southern Baptist affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's vision. Hannibal - Lagrange College has an annual student enrollment of around 1,200.
A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Education
- Security And Protective Services
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Public Administration And Social Services
Students applying for admission are usually required to submit an application, school records, test scores and any requested application essays, which will then be reviewed by admissions officials. Either the SAT or ACT exam must be taken in order to be able to apply to Hannibal - Lagrange College. Scores between 20 to 25 on the ACT or 720 to 1010 on the SAT are recommended to greatly increase your chances for admission. 60% of those who apply are admitted to Hannibal - Lagrange College, of which 39 percent choose to attend.
The cost of tuition is close to $19,000 per year. Tuition prices may change for a variety of reasons, and that is why students should visit the school's price of attendance calculator to understand their cost of attendance. Some students at this school may be eligible for financial aid, which is typically provided as grants or student loans.
The Hannibal - Lagrange College "Trojans" have a number of intercollegiate athletic programs through participation in the NAIA. Available sports offered may include the following:
- Baseball (NAIA Division I)
- Basketball (NAIA Division I)
- Golf (NAIA Division I)
For a complete list of programs offered, enrollment information, admissions information, and more, please take a look at the school's website at http://www.hlg.edu.
Enrollment
890
Student to Faculty Ratio
12:1
About
Columbia College, located in Columbia, Missouri, was founded 1851 and has been providing a quality education to students for over a century and a half. The school was originally founded as Christian Female College and was the first such college to be established west of the Mississippi River. The school became a four year institution in 1970, after nearly 120 years as a two years women's institution, and it was during this time that school became known as Columbia College. Though the school maintains a relationship with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), it is nonsectarian and admits students from all denominations. The school currently operates 34 campuses nationwide, with an enrollment of over 17,000 student, including students enrolled in the school's online campus.
Academics
Columbia College offers degrees in a variety areas, allowing students to choose a program that best reflects their needs and goals. Associate degrees are offered , providing study over the course of two years in a given field. Bachelor degrees are obtained over the course of four years through the completion of lower and upper division courses, general education classes and electives. Master degree programs are also available for student though the main Columbia campus, though the admissions requirements typically involve high scores on graduate level exams, an appropriate degree earned, and a strong academic record.
Programs offered include:
Admissions and Financial Aid
Students looking to enroll at Columbia College will find that the admissions process is moderately selective. Students must complete the application for admission as well as provide the appropriate transcripts and test scores which will be used to measure a student's academic ability. The submitted information will be reviewed by an admissions committee provide a final decision regarding enrollment, after which students will be notified and those admitted provided the necessary information for beginning their college experience. Individuals pursuing a two year education or taking specific courses online or at branch campus will not have the same stringent review process when being considered for admission.
Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants, and scholarships. Students in need of aid must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information from which is used to determine the tuition needs of the student, aid program eligibility and monetary awards. Financial aid must be reapplied prior to the start of each academic year. Students may be randomly chosen to provide additional financial information in order to verify the FAFSA's accuracy due to new federal regulations for aid. Scholarships from sources other than the school may be applied for separately and are awarded for an extensive of reasons using varying criterion to determine winners.
Athletics
The Columbia College Cougars participate in intercollegiate athletics through the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) in the American Midwestern Conference. Athletics are available through the school's main campus and allow students to participate in a forum of healthy competition and develop skills and habits that are useful in one's personal, academic and professional life. These skills and habits include things such as teamwork, discipline, leadership, responsibility and good health. Students will also experience the camaraderie associated with experiencing the shared successes and failures with their teammates. Additionally, participating students must maintain a minimum GPA to continue participation and balance their schedule with workouts and practice in order to continue their primary goal of completing their education.
Athletic programs offered include:
- Basketball
- Cross Country/Distance Track
- Golf
- Soccer
- Softball
- Volleyball
Enrollment
12,080
Student to Faculty Ratio
25:1
Missouri Valley College provides a variety of educational opportunities for students to assist them in their growth and development. The school is located in Marshall, MO and operated as a private institution. The Presbyterian Church affiliation at the school is an important part of the history, education and mission that defines the school. Approximately a thousand students are enrolled annually at Missouri Valley College.
Areas of study available at Missouri Valley College include but are not limited to:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Security And Protective Services
- Recreation And Fitness Studies
- Education
- Psychology
The admissions process begins with the submission of an application, school records, and standardized test scores, which are then evaluated by the admissions committee. Students may take either the ACT or SAT exam scores to be considered for admissions at this school. A score within the range of 820 to 995 on the SAT, or 17 to 21 for the ACT is usually submitted among admitted students. This school admits around 50 percent of students applying. Of those applicants accepted, about 42 percent of students attended the school. More information regarding admissions can be found at moval.edu.
The cost of tuition is approximately $20,000, but may change per year. Students are encouraged to visit the school's net price calculator to better estimate their personal tuition costs. Housing is available on-campus for students. The annual cost of housing is around $3,800. Financial aid may be offered to students that meet the necessary requirements by way of scholarships, grants, and loans.
The Missouri Valley College Vikings participate in a number of athletic programs, overseen by the NAIA. Athletic programs available may include:
- Baseball (NAIA Division I)
- Basketball (NAIA Division I)
- Track & Field (NAIA Division I)
Students should visit the Missouri Valley College website to get a complete list of programs offered, financial aid details, and more that is available at this school.
Enrollment
1,867
Student to Faculty Ratio
16:1
Differences of a Private College in Missouri

Private colleges are, by definition, schools owned by private entities that do not accept public funds. Thus, a private university must operate through the prudent use of tuition, grants, internal operations, and donations. A private college will tend to offer students a smaller class size and lower student to teacher ratios when compared to state colleges. The smaller class size will often translate into more interactive classrooms and greater levels of communication with teaching faculty at the college. These factors may be enough to seriously consider a private college. Lastly, it is worth noting that many established private universities will provide students with generous financial aid packages. A recent report compiled by our staff reveals that private collegetuition discountsare now averaging fully 49% off the published rates putting schools in reach for more and more students across the country.
List of Large 4-Year Private Universities in Missouri
There are 7 large private universities in our database for Missouri. Follow the links below to get more details about each school.
Large Universities with Research Facilities or Faculty
The universities listed below offer many diverse academic programs, have a large student body, and usually have research facilities or faculty involved with research. These schools very often have graduate and professional programs as well.


Webster University in Saint Louis, MO
Visit the website for Webster University at webster.edu
Program Details
- 10,000 to 19,999 Undergraduate Students Enrolled
- Estimated tuition & fees: $30,000 per year
Large Primarily Academic Universities
Each university listed below offers a diverse set of degrees and programs, unlike the research universities listed above, these schools contain little to no research activity on campus and are primarily academic.
- East Central College in Springfield, MO
- Missouri Southern State University (Missouri Southern) in Saint Louis, MO
- Missouri Western State University in Marshall, MO
- Park University in Point Lookout, MO
- Southeast Missouri State University (Stephens) in Columbia, MO
- University of Central Missouri in Fayette, MO
Small to Medium Sized 4-Year Universities
The 4-year schools listed below have a small to medium sized student body and may offer a wide range of associate and bachelor's degrees. Get more information about each school by clicking the links below.
- Drury University (CULVER) in Canton, MO
- Fontbonne University in Springfield, MO
- Harris - Stowe State University (Harris-Stowe State College) in Hannibal, MO
- Linn State Technical College (STC) in Saint Charles, MO
- Missouri State University - West Plains in Bolivar, MO
- Westminster College - Fulton in Saint Louis, MO
- William Jewell College in Fulton, MO
4-Year Colleges with a Special Focus on an Area of Study
The schools below are grouped by their special area of focus. To learn about admissions, tuition & fees, programs offered, and more click on the school names below.
Theological Seminaries, Bible Colleges, and Other Faith-Related Institutions
- Avila University in Saint Louis, MO
- Central Methodist University - College of Liberal Arts & Sciences (CMU - CLAS) in Moberly, MO
- College of the Ozarks in Joplin, MO
- Crowder College (Covenant) in Saint Louis, MO
- Mineral Area College (MAC) in Kansas City, MO
- St Louis College of Pharmacy in Florissant, MO
Health Professions Schools
- Calvary Bible College and Theological Seminary in Springfield, MO
- Kansas City Art Institute in Saint Louis, MO
- Metropolitan Community College - Longview in Chesterfield, MO
- Rockhurst University (Rockhurst) in Kansas City, MO
- Saint Louis Community College - Forest Park in Saint Louis, MO
Medical Schools and Medical Centers
- Washington University in St Louis (WUSTL) in Kansas City, MO
Notes: Tuition & fee amounts are for both Missouri in-state residents and out of state students, unless noted otherwise. The tuition information displayed is an estimate, which we calculated based on historical data and should be solely used for informational purposes only. Please contact the respective school for information about the current school year.
Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.