Best Online Colleges in Missouri
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Missouri's college system and educational attainment rates have taken huge strides in the last few years. The state has introduced several financial aid programs for students in need while also looking to improve equity and representation.
An increase in online colleges in Missouri has also helped. With little to no travel requirements and more schedule flexibility, online programs help busy students pursue degrees they might otherwise not.
We'll help you find the best online colleges in Missouri to accommodate students of every kind, offering diverse, flexible, and affordable program options.
Featured Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Colleges in Missouri
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data
and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $542
Out-of-State | $542
Credits to Graduate: 33
Established in 1839, the University of Missouri, Columbia is the state's flagship public institution. After enrolling in one of the school's standout programs, students at Mizzou can take advantage of the program's flexibility while leaning on student services like virtual tutoring and mental health counseling.
Students can apply to more than a dozen undergraduate programs, including degrees in veterinary technology, nursing, information technology, business administration, and economics.
Undergraduate applicants must hold a high school diploma or GED certificate for admission.
ROI Value Score: High
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
St. Louis University
Saint Louis, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $650
Out-of-State | $650
Credits to Graduate: 120
Founded in 1818, St. Louis University is a private institution home to some of the best online programs in Missouri. St. Louis University's diverse catalog of undergraduate online programs offers a flexible online delivery that's incredibly convenient for non-traditional learners.
Students can choose from various online programs, including undergraduate degrees in computer information systems, emergency management, project management, and general studies.
They also have access to accelerated programs that allow them to complete bachelor's and master's programs more quickly. Applicants must hold a high school diploma or GED certificate with a 2.5 GPA.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Maryville University of St. Louis
Saint Louis, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $540
Out-of-State | $540
Credits to Graduate: 128
Situated just outside the city, Maryville University of St. Louis is a private institution that dates back to 1872. The school's online catalog includes a bachelor's in psychology program that students can complete online.
Additionally, Maryville students can access 100% online programs in areas like accounting, communication, finance, history, marketing, and nursing.
Online learners utilize the Canvas platform to complete self-directed and interactive group assignments. Prospective students can apply for free and should have an admission decision in less than a week.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Missouri State University-Springfield
Springfield, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $279
Out-of-State | $279
Credits to Graduate: 120
Established in 1905, Missouri State University-Springfield is a public institution with an enrollment of over 23,000. The school offers many 100% online degree programs. Students can complete coursework at their own pace, allowing them the flexibility to maintain academic, personal, and professional obligations.
Undergraduate degree options vary, covering diverse topics such as hospitality leadership, marketing, nursing, professional writing, and social work. As students work through their online coursework, they can access student services, including one-on-one tutoring and a virtual writing center.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
University of Missouri-St. Louis
Saint Louis, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $584
Out-of-State | $584
Credits to Graduate: 30
The University of Missouri-St. Louis serves over 15,000 students and offers many flexible and affordable online programs. Ideal for working students wanting to expand their earning potential and career options, this 100% online program requires no campus visits, and students can access an alumni network of over 75,000.
Prospective students can choose from a long list of program options, including popular degrees in nursing, business administration, computer science, criminal justice, history, and marketing. Applicants apply online and must include academic transcripts and standardized test scores.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Webster University
Saint Louis, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $475
Out-of-State | $475
Credits to Graduate: 36
Situated just outside the St. Louis city limits, Webster University is a prestigious private institution home to more than a dozen online undergraduate programs. Some of the school's popular, 100% online programs include media production, nursing, management, and psychology.
In addition to various online programs, students choose between asynchronous and synchronous options to align with their learning styles and scheduling needs. At Webster, online learners can access student services like mental health support, writing coaches, and student success coaches.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
Ranking Methodology Summary
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
Cost of College in Missouri
The tuition costs in Missouri are quite similar to the national averages for in-state public colleges. For out-of-state and private school students, however, the state's tuition prices are considerably lower — nearly $5,000 lower for private schools.
Several factors can affect the cost of your education, including attending an online college in Missouri. For example, schools may offer tuition discounts to online students, particularly those out of state.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition & Required Fees |
|---|---|
| Public 4-year (In-State) | $9,944 |
| Public 4-year (Out-of-State) | $22,812 |
| Private 4-year | $28,965 |
| Public 2-year (In-State) | $3,909 |
| Public 2-year (Out-of-State) | $7,289 |
10 Top Jobs in Missouri
In Missouri, the top jobs come from various industries, including business, healthcare, information technology, and education. These jobs not only have the highest number of annual job openings, but they also have high average annual wages.
The one thing the following careers have in common is that they all require at least a bachelor's degree. As a result, many of Missouri's online universities run programs in these fields to satisfy the ongoing demand.
| Job | Annual Jobs Openings | Average Annual Wage 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| General and Operations Managers | 5,593 | $101,610 |
| Registered Nurses | 4,405 | $65,900 |
| Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | 3,122 | $96,530 |
| Accountants and Auditors | 2,848 | $71,130 |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | 2,223 | $48,570 |
| Project Management Specialists and Business Operations Specialists, All Other | 2,180 | $80,400 |
| Management Analysts | 1,645 | $88,950 |
| Human Resources Specialists | 1,569 | $61,150 |
| Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | 1,563 | $52,050 |
| Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | 1,481 | $66,020 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Missouri
Is online school free in Missouri?
Online colleges in Missouri are not free, but several schools offer free tuition to eligible students. For example, the University of Missouri and the University of Missouri, Kansas City offer free tuition pathways for students eligible for Pell Grants. Also, Missouri State University, West Plains offers free tuition for adult students in certain programs with financial need.
What is the #1 college in Missouri?
The best college in Missouri depends on your unique needs, but the University of Missouri (Mizzou) is a well-regarded university with a diverse catalog of programs. With over 31,000 students and 300 programs, Mizzou is the largest university in the state and welcomes learners from around the world.
Can you attend the University of Missouri online?
Missouri Online combines the resources and offerings of the four University of Missouri campuses. The online college features more than 375 programs at all levels of study, from bachelor's to doctorate. At Missouri Online, you can also enjoy access to the combined support services and communities of all four campuses.
How many online colleges are in Missouri?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Missouri has 112 two- and four-year colleges, and many feature online programs. Most of the largest schools in the state offer online programs to accommodate their diverse student bodies. As per the NCES, 49% of Missouri students take at least some online classes.
What is the cheapest online college in Missouri?
The cost of online college in Missouri depends on many factors, including your program, your course load, and your living situation. On average, the University of Central Missouri has one of the lowest tuition rates, coming in at just over $8,000 for the year.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed February 20, 2024.
