15 Cheapest Universities in Missouri for International Students

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In Missouri, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in United States without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Missouri, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 41 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Missouri, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Missouri for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Missouri ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Columbia College 5,880 USD 76%
Harris-Stowe State University 10,500 USD 57%
Park University 10,900 USD 55%
Missouri Southern State University 12,900 USD 47%
Lincoln University, Missouri 13,800 USD 44%
Northwest Missouri State University 14,100 USD 42%
Missouri State University 14,300 USD 41%
Missouri Western State University 15,200 USD 38%
Southeast Missouri State University 15,600 USD 36%
University of Central Missouri 16,100 USD 34%
Truman State University 16,800 USD 31%
William Jewell College 18,400 USD 24%
Lindenwood University 19,100 USD 21%
Saint Louis University 19,500 USD - 49,800 USD 20%
College of the Ozarks 19,800 USD 18%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 24,200 USD for universities in Missouri.

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1. Columbia College

Columbia College is a private academic institution in Missouri, United States, providing undergraduate and master’s education through its residential campus and online classes. Besides its campus in Columbia, the college also offers education to around 18,000 students on over 30 locations in the US and Cuba. Although it is a nonsectarian school, Columbia College maintains its more than century-long affiliation with Christian Church.

2. Harris-Stowe State University

Harris-Stowe State University originated as two separate institutions: St. Louis Normal School and Sumner Normal School, the former a whites-only women’s college, and the latter admitting African-American women. Having merged in 1954, the university served a fundamental role in the development of higher education and the eradication of racial segregation in Missouri. At present, the university offers a variety of programs in different modalities for students to complete depending on their preference and availability.

3. Park University

Park University is a private institution for higher education with its main campus located in Parkville, Missouri. It offers 78 academic programs in different liberal arts disciplines. Its most famous structure, Mackay Hall, was built by students in 1883.

4. Missouri Southern State University

Missouri Southern State University offers undergrad degrees, minors, graduate degrees, and certificate courses for undergrad and grad students. Some of the its courses may be conducted online or distance learning mode. The university was founded as Joplin Junior College.

5. Lincoln University, Missouri

Lincoln University, Missouri was founded in 1866 and is located in Jefferson City, Missouri. Its history is molded by African-American veterans who established the school. They provide top-notch, globalized liberal arts education, with tradition and social values revolving around social responsibility, and leadership. With their core values respect, responsibility, and results, they produce exemplar students from in and out of Hawaii.

6. Northwest Missouri State University

Founded in 1905, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution that provides high-quality academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The university offers a wide spectrum of industry-specific programs, explicitly designed so students can choose the right educational program for their future career path. In addition, the school uses the practice-based learning approach to its curriculum. This way, students will be able to observe and train in a real working environment.

7. Missouri State University

Missouri State University is one of Missouri’s most populated universities. Formerly known as Southwest Missouri State University, MSU was established in 1905 as a normal school or preparatory institution for teachers. It has since become a four-campus system with locations in Springfield, West Plains, Mountain Grove, and Dalian, China. The university has also developed an online setup to make its education even more accessible anytime, anywhere.

8. Missouri Western State University

Missouri Western State University is a higher learning institution in Saint Joseph, Missouri accredited by multiple organizations and offers a variety of degree programs at bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Founded in 1915, its mission and vision have created a student-centered community that aims to transform lives and create an inclusive as well as diverse learning environment. Their core values are service, quality, enthusiasm, freedom, respect, and courage which guide the fulfillment and maintenance of their culture and tradition.

9. Southeast Missouri State University

Southeast Missouri State University was initially founded as a Normal School, training teachers for elementary and high school education. The university continued to grow, and exponentially so, during the 1950s and 1960s, committing to providing student-centered education. Affordability, accessibility, and quality are offered within the university’s gates, providing academic excellence and a transformative educational experience.

10. University of Central Missouri

The University of Central Missouri is among the midwest region’s top public academic institutions. It was originally established in 1871 as a teacher’s college. At present, the university offers over 150 diverse programs and is well known for its excellence in the fields of business, nursing, and pathology. 

11. Truman State University

Divided into 5 schools, Truman State University offers 52 bachelor’s degree programs and 11 master’s degree programs. Education in this university focuses on giving students the right tools for their professional careers and offering internship and research opportunities. All of this is done in their modern facilities which include an observatory, a farm, a nursing simulation center, and multiple cultural centers.

12. William Jewell College

William Jewell College is a private liberal arts college in Liberty, Missouri. The Missouri Baptist Convention founded it in 1849 and named it after Dr. William Jewell, a major donor to the school. Over 40 majors and 10 pre-professional programs are available at the college. Nursing, Business Administration, Biology, and Psychology are among the most popular majors at William Jewell College.

13. Lindenwood University

Lindenwood University offers a broad and excellent selection of programs for undergrad and graduate students. The university was initially founded as a school for girls. Over time, it has become an innovative and dedicated institution for students of different origins and gender. It also maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1.

14. Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University is a prominent and renowned Catholic university worldwide. It was established in 1818 by the Jesuits with a dedication to academic excellence and solid faith. Besides Missouri, the university also has a campus in Madrid, Spain, which is one of the first American universities to be acknowledged by the Spanish education authority. With over 100 years of experience, the university delivers nothing short of quality and Catholic-based education and training.

15. College of the Ozarks

College of the Ozarks, not to be confused with the University of Ozarks, is a private college in Point Lookout, Missouri that was founded in 1906. It follows Christian beliefs to guide its students into a purposeful and quality education. The college has also received accreditations from various national organizations such as U.S. News and World Reports, Princeton Review, College Consensus 2021, The Chronicle of Higher Education, and Wall Street Journal 2021 to name a few. The 1565 students in the care of the school afford recreational activities and services such as camps, forums, and athletic events.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Missouri for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Missouri ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Central Methodist University 4,050 USD - 6,750 USD 66%
Drury University 4,740 USD - 6,408 USD 60%
Evangel University 4,800 USD - 6,300 USD 59%
William Jewell College 4,896 USD - 6,120 USD 58%
Southwest Baptist University 5,310 USD - 9,630 USD 55%
William Woods University 5,400 USD 54%
Carson-Newman University 6,000 USD - 9,750 USD 49%
Culver-Stockton College 6,000 USD 49%
Saint Louis University 6,000 USD - 43,000 USD 49%
Missouri Southern State University 6,300 USD 46%
Columbia College 7,350 USD 37%
Avila University 7,488 USD 36%
Park University 7,608 USD 35%
Northwest Missouri State University 8,096 USD - 9,032 USD 31%
Lincoln University, Missouri 9,030 USD 23%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 11,700 USD for universities in Missouri.

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1. Central Methodist University

Founded in 1854, Central Methodist University is a four-year, private liberal arts university. It aims to be a diverse and caring community, empowering students to become lifelong learners, committed to academic excellence, and prepared to engage in a complex world. Central Methodist University nurtures a spirit of community and caring among students, faculty, and staff.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Central Methodist University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 4,050 USD to 6,750 USD annually for their master's degree.

2. Drury University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Drury University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Drury University is 4,740 USD to 6,408 USD.

The former Springfield College is now known as Drury University. This liberal arts institution offers certificate and degree-granting programs for undergrad and grad levels. Students may also opt for more flexible and versatile schedules through Drury GO, which offers online and evening courses.

3. Evangel University

Evangel University is a Christian university that commits to delivering excellent academic and training programs. It aims to produce faithful and intelligent leaders who can all serve the community someday. The university is hopeful in its goal of creating an environment full of dedicated faculty that are willing to guide students in their academic and spiritual growth.

The tuition fee at Evangel University for incoming international master’s students is 4,800 USD to 6,300 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. William Jewell College

Another affordable university to consider in Missouri is William Jewell College.

William Jewell College is a private liberal arts college in Liberty, Missouri. The Missouri Baptist Convention founded it in 1849 and named it after Dr. William Jewell, a major donor to the school. Over 40 majors and 10 pre-professional programs are available at the college. Nursing, Business Administration, Biology, and Psychology are among the most popular majors at William Jewell College.

The tuition fee in William Jewell College for master’s program for foreign students starts from 4,896 USD.

5. Southwest Baptist University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Southwest Baptist University has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 5,310 USD yearly.

Southwest Baptist University (SBU) is a private Baptist university in Bolivar, Missouri. It was established in 1878 with only 60 students and six faculty members. More than 100 areas of study are available at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels at the university. Through a Christ-centered academic community, SBU’s mission is to prepare students to be servant leaders in a global society.

6. William Woods University

William Woods University’s rich tradition can be traced back to 1870. The university has gone thru several challenging yet fruitful years since its inception. From its humble beginning as a college school training teachers, it eventually became a well-established institution and was granted university status in 1990. With its expansion, the university now offers various academic disciplines at all levels. Some of its study programs are internationally recognized, such as Equestrian Studies, American Sign Language, and Criminal Justice programs.

7. Carson-Newman University

Though considered a small liberal arts college, Carson-Newman University continues to prosper and provides over 90 academic programs. The university aims to uphold its Christian doctrines by honing students with wisdom and moral principles. Throughout the years, it began to welcome more students around the globe and started to participate in various international events.

8. Culver-Stockton College

Culver-Stockton College is a public university located in Canton, Missouri, United States. The university was built in 1853, but most of the buildings on today’s campus were built, renovated, and built after 1937. Within Culver-Stockton College is Henderson Hall, a national historic building, which is the first building on the Culver-Stockton College campus. The most popular majors in this university are business administration and management.

9. Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University is a prominent and renowned Catholic university worldwide. It was established in 1818 by the Jesuits with a dedication to academic excellence and solid faith. Besides Missouri, the university also has a campus in Madrid, Spain, which is one of the first American universities to be acknowledged by the Spanish education authority. With over 100 years of experience, the university delivers nothing short of quality and Catholic-based education and training.

10. Missouri Southern State University

Missouri Southern State University offers undergrad degrees, minors, graduate degrees, and certificate courses for undergrad and grad students. Some of the its courses may be conducted online or distance learning mode. The university was founded as Joplin Junior College.

11. Columbia College

Columbia College is a private academic institution in Missouri, United States, providing undergraduate and master’s education through its residential campus and online classes. Besides its campus in Columbia, the college also offers education to around 18,000 students on over 30 locations in the US and Cuba. Although it is a nonsectarian school, Columbia College maintains its more than century-long affiliation with Christian Church.

12. Avila University

Avila University is a private Catholic educational institution in Kansas, Missouri known for its commitment to community service and social justice. The university has several initiatives to raise awareness and encourage discussions about different social issues and provide opportunities for students and faculty to engage with ordinary people and empower the marginalized. Classes at the university are smaller in size, guaranteeing increased interaction and individual attention, and are taught by accomplished individuals in their respective fields. 

13. Park University

Park University is a private institution for higher education with its main campus located in Parkville, Missouri. It offers 78 academic programs in different liberal arts disciplines. Its most famous structure, Mackay Hall, was built by students in 1883.

14. Northwest Missouri State University

Founded in 1905, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution that provides high-quality academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The university offers a wide spectrum of industry-specific programs, explicitly designed so students can choose the right educational program for their future career path. In addition, the school uses the practice-based learning approach to its curriculum. This way, students will be able to observe and train in a real working environment.

15. Lincoln University, Missouri

Lincoln University, Missouri was founded in 1866 and is located in Jefferson City, Missouri. Its history is molded by African-American veterans who established the school. They provide top-notch, globalized liberal arts education, with tradition and social values revolving around social responsibility, and leadership. With their core values respect, responsibility, and results, they produce exemplar students from in and out of Hawaii.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Missouri?

Applying to cheap universities in Missouri requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in United States for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Missouri?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Missouri. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Missouri is the College of the Ozarks, which offers Agriculture, Biblical and Theological Studies , and Biology to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Avila University offers Social Work, Psychology, and Marketing.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Missouri, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Missouri as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Missouri for international students was helpful!