Hunting for high-quality, affordable online colleges in Missouri? Affordable Schools is the website for you. We’ve researched the 10 best cheap online Missouri colleges for non-traditional students to complete their degree.
Admitted to the Union on August 10, 1821, Missouri is a landlocked Midwest state that covers 69,714 square miles between Illinois and Kansas. The Census Bureau ranks Missouri the 18th most populous with 6.13 million people. It’s projected that the fast-growing state will see a 21 percent population increase by 2030. Residents have a diverse array of 27 public, 55 private nonprofit, and 44 for-profit Missouri colleges to choose from. Full-time Missouri college enrollment is nearly 197,000 combined. The University of Missouri system has four top-notch branches endowed for $1.67 billion total with 76,037 learners. Saint Louis University, the oldest post-secondary school west of the Mississippi River, attracts 12,649 pupils from 80+ nations. The College of the Ozarks is one of America’s first tuition-free universities paid by on-campus work. A.T. Still University was also the world’s first osteopathic medical school in 1892. From Springfield to Columbia, there are many unique higher learning opportunities to suit everyone’s needs.
The U.S. News & World Report considers Missouri the 26th best state for higher education after K-12. Eighty-nine percent of Missourians hold at least a high school diploma. Yet, the college degree attainment rate is only 28.6 percent. One potential bachelor’s barrier is tuition. Missourians have an average per capita income of $29,537 yearly. Affording university costs in the “Show Me State” is difficult for many. Missouri colleges have median prices of $10,006 in-state and $32,234 out-of-state each year. Expenses can grow even bigger at certain private institutions. For instance, Washington University in St. Louis is billing $56,300 for 2020-21 tuition. Rockhurst University has a $37,600 annual price before room and board. Unsurprisingly, Missouri graduates report a mean loan debt of $27,108. Don’t let your monetary situation destroy your college dreams though. Missouri institutions with below-average costs are available. We’ll present 10 affordable online schools in Missouri that require less than $8,000 per year!
Methodology
First, Affordable Schools used the National Center for Education Statistics database to look up cheap Missouri online colleges. Our researchers sought out four-year institutions in Missouri with bachelor’s and advanced degrees. We used the browse button to select distance education for 100 percent online programs. The “Mother of the West” had an initial pool of 43 colleges with virtual learning. Second, we accessed the U.S. Department of Education to check the accreditation status. Current regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA) was required to make the cut. Unaccredited options were nixed to weed out low-quality schools and scam diploma mills. Third, our staff evaluated the affordability of each school’s 2018-19 tuition and fees. We only weighed the in-state average costs for full-time undergrads. The 10 cheapest rates were chosen for our ranking. Here are our most affordable online colleges in Missouri in descending order by in-state tuition.
Ranking Low-Cost Online Missouri Colleges
10. Northwest Missouri State University
Maryville, MO
Average In-State Tuition: $7,844
Chosen for the 2018 Christa McAuliffe Excellence in Teacher Education Award, Northwest Missouri State University is a public, four-year AASCU member led by President John Jasinski that’s endowed for $36.5 million to serve 7,000 Bearcats from 44 states and 37 countries for 96.6 percent job placement. Northwest Missouri’s seven HLC-accredited schools have an average class size of 27 on its 370-acre Maryville campus near Mozingo Lake Park and online. The U.S. News & World Report ranked NMSU the 95th top Midwest school with the 78th best social mobility. On Niche, NMSU boasts America’s 141st best sport management program. CEO Magazine applauded Northwest Missouri for the 32nd top MBA online. Northwest Missouri State University starts our 10 best affordable online schools with a $7,844 in-state price. Celebrating its 20th year, Northwest Online follows an accelerated, seven-week format for 250+ Canvas courses with 24/7 tech support. Online pupils can pursue four bachelor’s and 15 graduate degrees like the:
- Bachelor of Science in Business Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Marketing
- RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Master of Science in Recreation
- Master of Business Administration in Management
- Master of Science in Special Education
- Master of Business Administration in Data Analytics
- Master of Science in Geographic Information Science
- Master of Science in Health and Physical Education
- Education Specialist in Educational Leadership
9. University of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, MO
Average In-State Tuition: $7,673
Given the 2019 IMC Foster/Inglish Award for Outstanding Achievement, the University of Central Missouri is a public, coed COPHE member that’s endowed for $45.4 million under President Roger Best to educate 12,300 Mules from 50 countries with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio. Four HLC-accredited Central Missouri colleges teach online, on its 1,561-acre Warrensburg campus, and at Whiteman Air Force Base for 97 percent job placement success. The U.S. News & World Report ranked UCM 83rd for online MBA degrees and 48th for online veteran education. Niche named UCM America’s 258th top teaching college and 298th best public institution. Washington Monthly crowned UCM the 122th best Midwest buck. The University of Central Missouri is our ninth best cheap Missouri online college with $7,673 in-state tuition. On Blackboard, the Extended Studies Division delivers 400+ eight- and 16-week online courses with Quality Matters certification. Online students can finish six bachelor’s and 29 graduate degrees, including the:
- Bachelor of Science in Crisis and Disaster Management
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Environmental Safety and Risk Management
- Master of Science in Behavior Analysis and Therapy
- Master of Science in Elementary Mathematics Education
- Master of Science in Library and Information Services
- Master of Science in Social Gerontology
- Master of Science in Aviation Safety Management
- Education Specialist in Human Services
- Doctor of Philosophy in Technology Management
8. Lincoln University
Jefferson City, MO
Average In-State Tuition: $7,632
Home to the 2018 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Education winner, Lincoln University is a public, land-grant historically Black TMCF member managed by President Jerald Woolfolk with a $10.7 million endowment to support 2,182 undergrad and 101 post-grad Blue Tigers from 19 nations. Five HLC-accredited Lincoln colleges are available at its 167-acre Jefferson City campus and online with an 18:1 student-faculty ratio for 49 percent freshman retention. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Lincoln the 59th best HBCU and 70th top social mobility performer. On Niche, LU has America’s 231st best Greek life and 436th most conservative students. Washington Monthly named LU the 308th top master’s college. Lincoln University is the AS Staff’s eighth best affordable Missouri school online with a $7,632 in-state average. Based in Martin Luther King Hall, the Extended Studies Department begins 150+ online classes each eight-week session. Online learners log into Canvas 24/7 for the following 10 degrees:
- Hybrid RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Master of Arts in Higher Education
- Master of Education in School Administration
- Master of Business Administration in Accounting
- Master of Education in Elementary Education
- Master of Business Administration in Management
- Master of Education in Secondary Education
- Master of Business Administration in Information Systems
- Master of Education in Special Education
- Master of Business Administration in Public Administration/Policy
7. Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, MO
Average In-State Tuition: $7,418
Granted a 2018 Online Learning Consortium Effective Practices Award, Southeast Missouri State University is a public, coed AACSB member headed by President Carlos Vargas-Aburto that’s endowed for $79 million to teach 9,524 undergrad and 1,113 post-grad Redhawks from 52 nations. Five HLC-accredited Southeast Missouri colleges are accessed on its 328-acre Cape Girardeau campus, at four satellites, and online with a 20:1 student-faculty ratio. The U.S. News & World Report ranked SEMO 92nd for online business and 123rd for online bachelor’s education. Forbes named SEMO the 58th best mid-size employer. The IIE placed Southeast Missouri 28th for studying abroad. Southeast Missouri State University is Affordable Schools’ seventh best cheap online college with a $7,418 in-state value. Since 2004, Southeast Online has developed 300+ eight- or 16-week Moodle courses and 550 corporate partnerships for 92 percent job placement. Online majors enter 14 bachelor’s and 18 master’s programs, such as:
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Human Environmental Studies
- Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Master of Science in Technology Management
- Master of Arts in Exceptional Child Education
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice
- Master of Arts in Teacher Leadership
6. Missouri State University
Springfield, MO
Average In-State Tuition: $7,376
Conferred a 2019 CASE District VI Gold Circle of Excellence Award, Missouri State University is a public, civic-engaged AAUW member administered by President Clifton M. Smart III with a $287 million budget to employ 763 full-time faculty instructing 23,697 Bears from 85+ countries at a 21:1 ratio. Eight HLC-accredited colleges achieve an average 77 percent retention rate online, on its 225-acre Springfield campus, and at three extensions from West Plains to China. The U.S. News & World Report ranked MSU 176th for online bachelor’s and 179th for online MBA programs. Forbes crowns Missouri State the 187th top public school. Sierra Magazine labeled MSU the 80th coolest college. Missouri State University stands sixth among our affordable online colleges in Missouri with $7,376 in-state pricing. On Blackboard, the Missouri State Outreach Division has NC-SARA approval to deliver 300+ online courses anywhere each eight-week block. Online students pick from 11 bachelor’s and 18 graduate degrees like the:
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Hospitality Leadership
- Bachelor of Science in Professional Writing
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Master of Science in Project Management
- Master of Science in Nursing Education
- Master of Science in Child Life Studies
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity
- Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (CRNA-DNAP)
5. Logan University
Chesterfield, MO
Average In-State Tuition: $6,800
Bestowed the 2017 WMA Best University Website Award, Logan University is a private, nonprofit health-focused CCE member guided by President Clay McDonald that’s endowed for $26.4 million to educate 203 undergrad and 1,379 post-grad Leopards with 50+ articulation agreements. Two HLC-accredited Logan colleges have a 100 percent admission rate online and on its 112-acre Chesterfield campus in the Missouri River Valley for a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. The Financial Engineer ranked Logan University the fifth best chiropractic school. College Factual placed Logan 11th for biological science programs. Intelligent.com recognized Logan for the 12th best sports medicine and third top nutrition degrees. Logan University made Affordable Schools’ top five cheap online colleges in Missouri with $6,800 in-state expenses. On Canvas, the College of Health Sciences admits post-grads with minimum 2.5 GPAs each 15-week online trimester. Full Academic Support Center services are available for four online programs:
- Master of Science in Health Informatics
- Master of Science in Nutrition and Human Performance
- Master of Science in Sports Science and Rehabilitation
- Doctor of Health Professions Education
4. Missouri Southern State University
Joplin, MO
Average In-State Tuition: $6,503
Presented the 2019 LCLCA Website Excellence Award, Missouri Southern State University is a public, four-year MIAA member on Route 66 that’s supervised by President Alan D. Marble and endowed for $21 million to enroll 5,754 Lions in 140 majors with 96 percent acceptance. Four HLC-accredited Missouri Southern colleges maintain an 18:1 student-faculty ratio on its 373-acre Joplin campus, at the Law Enforcement Academy, and online. The U.S. News & World Report ranked MSSU in the top 70 Midwest schools with the 47th best social mobility . On Niche, MSSU has Missouri’s 18th safest environment and 19th best athletics. Washington Monthly deemed MSSU the 116th best regional value. Missouri Southern State University finished fourth among the AS Staff’s affordable online Missouri colleges with $6,503 in-state tuition. The Distance Learning Department uses Blackboard and the Student Success Center to deliver eight-week online classes. Over 1,050 online students pursue nine bachelor’s and 10 certificates, such as the:
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health and Safety
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Health Science
- Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
- Specialist in Management Certificate
- Entrepreneurial Marketing Certificate
- Safety and Hazard Prevention Certificate
3. Drury University
Springfield, MO
Average In-State Tuition: $6,247
Honored with the NCAA Council of Presidents’ 2019 Academic Excellence Award, Drury University is a private, nonprofit Disciples of Christ CCCU member led by President Timothy Cloyd that’s endowed for $97.5 million to inspire 5,474 Panthers from 54 nations for 99 percent job placement. Sixteen HLC-accredited Drury departments enroll students with an average 3.79 GPA online, on its 88-acre Springfield campus, and at six extensions for a 13:1 student-faculty ratio. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Drury University 161st for online teaching and 208th for online bachelor’s programs. On Niche, DU features America’s 79th best criminal justice school. Kiplinger’s crowned DU the 73rd best private value. Drury University is our third best affordable Missouri online college that charges $6,247 in-state. Since 2004, the College of Continuing Professional Studies has offered eight- and 16-week online courses on Moodle with F.W. Olin Library access. Online learners can earn 20 undergrad majors, including the:
- Associate of Science in Pre-Ministerial Studies
- Associate of Science in Emergency Management
- Associate of Science in English and Writing
- Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Behavioral and Community Health
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Science in Health Services Management
- Bachelor of Science in Spanish
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Sociology
2. Central Methodist University
Fayette, MO
Average In-State Tuition: $5,760
Lauded a 2018 NAIA Champions of Character Institution Award finalist, Central Methodist University is a private, nonprofit Protestant IAMSCU member overseen by President Roger Drake that’s endowed for $31.4 million to train 3,863 Eagles from 50 states with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. Two HLC-accredited Central Methodist colleges are available online, at its 55-acre Fayette headquarters, and on 14 regional campuses with a 67 percent financial aid rate. The U.S. News & World Report ranked CMU the 78th top Midwest college and 15th best social mobility performer. College Factual declared CMU the 218th best value with the 328th most gender diversity. Washington Monthly named CMU the 138th top baccalaureate institution. Central Methodist University is our second best cheap online Missouri school with a $5,760 in-state annual total. The College of Graduate & Extended Studies has 250+ accelerated, eight-week online courses on MyCMU. Online pupils pursue 24 bachelor’s and three master’s like the:
- Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Sports Management
- Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Accountancy
- Master of Science in Mathematics
- Master of Science in Clinical Nurse Leadership
1. Harris-Stowe State University
St. Louis, MO
Average In-State Tuition: $5,388
Picked for the 2016 Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation Grant, Harris-Stowe State University is a public, four-year historically Black TMCF member headed by President Dwaun Warmack with a $1.4 million endowment to empower 1,716 Hornets from 31 countries at a 15:1 student-faculty ratio. Three Harris-Stowe State academic units report 53 percent retention on its 22-acre St. Louis campus and online with 60+ clubs. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Harris-Stowe State in the top 76 HBCUs with the 65th best social mobility. On Niche, HSSU boasts America’s 72nd best location and 130th best Greek life. College Factual placed HSSU 32nd for general education and 77th for criminal justice. Harris-Stowe State University scored the #1 spot among affordable online Missouri colleges with cheap $5,388 in-state tuition. For $210 per credit, HSSU Online fills eight- and 12-week terms with HLC-accredited Blackboard classes. Students can take online or hybrid courses across 22 bachelor’s majors, such as the:
- Bachelor of Arts in Urban Affairs
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Professional Interdisciplinary Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management
- Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education
- Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences
- Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management
- Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
In May 2018, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the Missouri workforce of 2.81 million had an average annual salary of $46,460. Management positions more than double the mean income to $107,410. Getting promoted to upper-level jobs is often impossible without a college degree. About 65 percent of today’s new jobs require education beyond high school. This includes fast-growing Missouri careers like operations analyst, web developer, physical therapist, and information technology manager. Missouri fortunately has abundant financial aid available to help afford college for these in-demand professions though. For example, the Bright Flight Scholarship provides up to $3,000 for Missouri high school graduates with SAT/ACT scores in the top 5th percentile. The Access Missouri Grant offers need-based $300-$2,850 awards to in-state undergrads with an expected family contribution below $12,000. Other programs include the Kids’ Chance Scholarship, Fast Track Incentive Grant, A+ Scholarship, Advanced Placement Grant, Wartime Veteran’s Survivors Grant, Marguerite Ross Barnett Memorial Scholarship, and Public Service Officer Survivor Grant. Applying for financial aid will make low-cost online Missouri colleges even cheaper.
AS Staff
February 2020
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