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2024 Best Bachelor's Degree Schools in Missouri

35 Colleges
$39,023 Avg Salary
$28,243 Avg Student Debt

When pursuing a college degree in today's world, there are many different options to choose from. Our mission at College Factual is to arm you with as much information as we can to help you make that decision. Our Best Bachelor's Degree Colleges in Missouri ranking is one tool we have developed to help in this regard.

What's on This Page: * Our Methodology

Choosing the Best School for You

Our analysis looked at 35 schools in Missouri to determine which ones have the best bachelor's degree programs. Our ranking for the best schools is based on objective factors. We steer clear of subjective measures since they don't give a clear picture when determining how one school compares to another. The following gives more info on what goes into our ranking factors and why we consider those factors.

Average Early-Career Salaries

To determine the overall quality of a graduate school, one factor we look at is the average early-career salary of those receiving a bachelor's degree from the school. That is, everyone wants their degree to be worth something, and salaries are one measure of determining that.

Student Loan Borrowing

Students may also take on a lot of debt while working on their bachelor's so we factor that into our rankings as well. When attending a school in Missouri, bachelor's degree students accumulate an average of $28,243 in student debt before graduation. The average amount taken out in student loans for graduates at a particular school may be crippling for those who earn less than average wages after graduation.

Additional Ranking Factors We Use

Our Best Bachelor's Degree Schools considers other factors in addition to average post-graduation earnings and average student debt. These factors include things like the educational resources, the demand associated with the school, whether or not the school offers online classes, and the student body caliber - just to name a few.

Find out more about our best schools ranking methodology

Other Rankings

Associate Degree Rankings Undergrad Rankings
Master's Degree Rankings Grad School Rankings
Doctorate Degrees Ranking Grad School Rankings
Overall Best Colleges Ranking Overall Rankings
Are you more interested in the top bachelor's degree schools in your area? Try narrowing this list by location. Also, check out our other college rankings to help you with your college decision.

Top Bachelor's Degree Schools in Missouri

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

1
2,441 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$55,707 Average Early-Career Earnings
$17,265 Average Student Debt

Our analysis found Washington University in St Louis to be the best school for bachelor’s degrees in Missouri in this year’s ranking. Located in Saint Louis, Missouri, the fairly large private not-for-profit school awarded 2,441 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.

Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from WUSTL go into careers with an average salary of $55,707 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $17,265 in student loans.

Full Washington University in St Louis Report

2
1,427 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$60,912 Average Early-Career Earnings
$25,108 Average Student Debt

The excellent bachelor’s degree programs at Missouri University of Science and Technology helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the best schools in Missouri. Missouri University of Science and Technology is a medium-sized public school located in Rolla, Missouri that handed out 1,427 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from Missouri University of Science and Technology make an average of $60,912 a year. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $25,108. This translates to an average monthly payment of $336 if the graduate is repaying the loan over a 10-year period.

Read full report on Missouri University of Science and Technology

3
5,114 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$40,947 Average Early-Career Earnings
$22,575 Average Student Debt

Out of the 35 bachelor’s degree schools in Missouri that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Missouri - Columbia landed the #3 spot on the list. Mizzou is located in Columbia, Missouri and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 5,114 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.

Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from Mizzou go into careers with an average salary of $40,947 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $22,575 in student loans. Average monthly loan payments are around $398 for a 10-year repayment plan.

Full University of Missouri - Columbia Report

4
SLU crest
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, Missouri
1,833 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$42,448 Average Early-Career Earnings
$25,931 Average Student Debt

Out of the 35 bachelor’s degree schools in Missouri that were part of this year’s ranking, Saint Louis University landed the #4 spot on the list. This fairly large private not-for-profit school is located in Saint Louis, Missouri, and it awarded 1,833 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from SLU make an average of $42,448 per year during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $25,931. Average monthly loan payments are around $511 for a 10-year repayment plan.

Learn More About Saint Louis University

5
Park University crest
Park University
Parkville, Missouri
1,708 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$45,570 Average Early-Career Earnings
$24,330 Average Student Debt

A rank of #5 on our Best Bachelor’s Degree in Missouri list means Park University is a great place for students working on their degree. Park University is located in Parkville, Missouri and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,708 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.

The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Park University is $45,570 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $24,330.

Learn More About Park University

6
1,889 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$41,071 Average Early-Career Earnings
$27,023 Average Student Debt

University of Missouri - St Louis came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Missouri ranking. UMSL is located in Saint Louis, Missouri and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,889 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from UMSL make an average of $41,071 per year during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $27,023 after getting their degree. If the student is repaying the loan over 10 years, the average monthly payment is $120.

Full University of Missouri - St Louis Report

7
3,641 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$33,720 Average Early-Career Earnings
$24,866 Average Student Debt

With a ranking of #7, Missouri State University - Springfield did quite well on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Missouri list. Located in Springfield, Missouri, the large public school awarded 3,641 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.

The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Missouri State is $33,720 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $24,866 after getting their degree. Average monthly loan payments are around $168 for a 10-year repayment plan.

Read full report on Missouri State University - Springfield

8
1,863 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$41,187 Average Early-Career Earnings
$25,041 Average Student Debt

University of Missouri - Kansas City came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Missouri ranking. Located in Kansas City, Missouri, the fairly large public school awarded 1,863 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from UMKC make an average of $41,187 per year during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $25,041 in student loans. Average monthly loan payments are around $184 for a 10-year repayment plan.

Full University of Missouri - Kansas City Report

9
Rockhurst crest
Rockhurst University
Kansas City, Missouri
657 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$36,772 Average Early-Career Earnings
$25,764 Average Student Debt

Rockhurst University ranked #9 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Missouri list. Located in Kansas City, Missouri, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 657 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.

The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Rockhurst is $36,772 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $25,764. This translates to an average monthly payment of $294 if the graduate is repaying the loan over a 10-year period.

Read full report on Rockhurst University

10
886 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$43,874 Average Early-Career Earnings
$24,408 Average Student Debt

Maryville University of Saint Louis came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Missouri ranking. Maryville U is located in Saint Louis, Missouri and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 886 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.

The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Maryville U is $43,874 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $24,408. If the student is repaying the loan over 10 years, the average monthly payment is $452.

Read full report on Maryville University of Saint Louis

11
Webster crest
Webster University
Saint Louis, Missouri
748 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$30,512 Average Early-Career Earnings
$24,765 Average Student Debt

With a ranking of #11, Webster University did quite well on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Missouri list. Located in Saint Louis, Missouri, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school awarded 748 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.

Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $30,512 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $24,765.

Read full report on Webster University

12
Truman State crest
Truman State University
Kirksville, Missouri
1,154 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$33,905 Average Early-Career Earnings
$21,893 Average Student Debt

Truman State University ranked #12 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Missouri list. Kirksville, Missouri is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 1,154 students in 2020-2021.

Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $33,905 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $21,893.

Read full report on Truman State University

13
Lindenwood University crest
Lindenwood University
Saint Charles, Missouri
1,105 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$37,779 Average Early-Career Earnings
$29,839 Average Student Debt

Lindenwood University came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Missouri ranking. Located in Saint Charles, Missouri, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school handed out 1,105 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from Lindenwood University go into careers with an average salary of $37,779 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $29,839 in student loans. Average monthly loan payments are around $202 for a 10-year repayment plan.

Full Lindenwood University Report

14
Columbia College Missouri crest
Columbia College
Columbia, Missouri
1,840 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$39,863 Average Early-Career Earnings
$31,992 Average Student Debt

Columbia College ranked #14 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Missouri list. Columbia College Missouri is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school situated in Columbia, Missouri. It awarded 1,840 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from Columbia College Missouri make an average of $39,863 a year. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $31,992.

Learn More About Columbia College

15
1,200 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$36,169 Average Early-Career Earnings
$23,704 Average Student Debt

Northwest Missouri State University ranked #15 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Missouri list. Northwest is a medium-sized public school situated in Maryville, Missouri. It awarded 1,200 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from Northwest make an average of $36,169 per year during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $23,704. If the student is repaying the loan over 10 years, the average monthly payment is $200.

Learn More About Northwest Missouri State University

16
UCM crest
University of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, Missouri
1,725 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$38,289 Average Early-Career Earnings
$25,058 Average Student Debt

University of Central Missouri ranked #16 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Missouri list. Located in Warrensburg, Missouri, the fairly large public school handed out 1,725 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from UCM make an average of $38,289 a year. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $25,058 after getting their degree. If the student is repaying the loan over 10 years, the average monthly payment is $168.

Full University of Central Missouri Report

17
William Jewell crest
William Jewell College
Liberty, Missouri
241 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$39,655 Average Early-Career Earnings
$26,425 Average Student Debt

William Jewell College landed the #17 spot on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Missouri ranking. Located in Liberty, Missouri, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 241 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from William Jewell is $39,655 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $26,425 in student loans. If the student is repaying the loan over 10 years, the average monthly payment is $359.

Read full report on William Jewell College

18
William Woods crest
William Woods University
Fulton, Missouri
207 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$28,740 Average Early-Career Earnings
$24,401 Average Student Debt

William Woods University came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Missouri ranking. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Fulton, Missouri, and it awarded 207 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $28,740 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $24,401 after getting their degree.

Learn More About William Woods University

19
Stephens crest
Stephens College
Columbia, Missouri
113 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$36,576 Average Early-Career Earnings
$33,200 Average Student Debt

Stephens College landed the #19 spot on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Missouri ranking. Located in Columbia, Missouri, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 113 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $36,576 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $33,200 after getting their degree. If the student is repaying the loan over 10 years, the average monthly payment is $213.

Learn More About Stephens College

20
Southeast Missouri State University crest
Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
1,830 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$34,168 Average Early-Career Earnings
$23,957 Average Student Debt

Southeast Missouri State University landed the #20 spot on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Missouri ranking. Located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, the medium-sized public school awarded 1,830 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.

During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from Southeast Missouri State University make an average of $34,168 a year. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $23,957 after getting their degree. This translates to an average monthly payment of $144 if the graduate is repaying the loan over a 10-year period.

Learn More About Southeast Missouri State University

21
MBU crest
Missouri Baptist University
Saint Louis, Missouri
455 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$31,529 Average Early-Career Earnings
$27,791 Average Student Debt

Missouri Baptist University ranked #21 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Missouri list. Located in Saint Louis, Missouri, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school handed out 455 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from MBU make an average of $31,529 per year during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $27,791.

Full Missouri Baptist University Report

22
Drury University crest
Drury University
Springfield, Missouri
391 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$30,547 Average Early-Career Earnings
$30,080 Average Student Debt

Drury University landed the #22 spot on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Missouri ranking. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Springfield, Missouri, and it awarded 391 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from Drury University make an average of $30,547 per year during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $30,080 in student loans.

Full Drury University Report

23
Fontbonne University crest
Fontbonne University
Saint Louis, Missouri
176 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$33,036 Average Early-Career Earnings
$27,411 Average Student Debt

Fontbonne University ranked #23 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Missouri list. Fontbonne University is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Saint Louis, Missouri. It awarded 176 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from Fontbonne University make an average of $33,036 per year during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $27,411 in student loans.

Full Fontbonne University Report

24
128 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$29,881 Average Early-Career Earnings
$24,000 Average Student Debt

Hannibal - LaGrange University ranked #24 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Missouri list. Located in Hannibal, Missouri, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 128 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.

Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $29,881 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $24,000 after getting their degree.

Read full report on Hannibal - LaGrange University

25
377 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$34,004 Average Early-Career Earnings
$24,279 Average Student Debt

Southwest Baptist University did quite well in the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Missouri ranking, coming in at #25. Located in Bolivar, Missouri, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 377 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.

Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $34,004 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $24,279.

Learn More About Southwest Baptist University

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