Best Online Colleges in Missouri

The higher education experts at BestColleges have reviewed top online colleges in Missouri. Start planning your future at BestColleges.
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Updated on June 28, 2023
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With the vast number of online programs available to distance students today, it can be difficult to locate a program that fits each student's personal and academic needs. Because of the wide variation in scheduling options, funding opportunities, available degrees, and concentration areas, prospective online degree-seekers often face a dizzying array of information and choices.

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2022 Best Online Colleges in Missouri

With this ranked list below, we provide some essential points for prospective online learners to consider when looking for a college or university. The descriptions highlight the details that make each online school unique. Learners interested in pursuing a remote degree at one of the best online colleges in Missouri can use this ranked list as a guide to quickly locate an academic program that fits their academic needs, especially in terms of degree offerings, desired timeline for completing a program, and application requirements.

Many students enjoy the myriad benefits of pursuing a degree online. In addition to scheduling flexibility, which offers advantages for both full-time and part-time learners, online programs usually position degree-seekers to save money on tuition and living expenses. Furthermore, most online programs offer students 24/7 access to course materials from virtually any location.

This increased accessibility, without the time commitment and restraints of on-campus attendance, usually helps students finish their degrees more quickly and avoid costly commutes between school, home, or work.

Distance learners at online colleges in Missouri also prepare for promising careers in the state. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an employment growth rate of 1.8% since August 2018 in the Kansas City area, the largest city in the state. Additionally, professionals in Missouri with college degrees can pursue in-demand occupations, namely jobs as information security analysts, software developers, and statisticians, which feature an estimated growth rate of 35% or higher by 2026. As of November 2019, Missouri's unemployment rate of 3.1% is also lower than the national average of 3.5%.

Rankings compiled by the the BestColleges Ranking Team

How We Rank Schools

At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.

Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our ranking methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.

We use datasets from sources like 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. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.

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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#1 Best Online Colleges in Missouri

Saint Louis University

  • Saint Louis, MO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Avg. Cost per Year
Undergrad, in state | $48,100
Undergrad, out of state | $48,100
Graduate, in state | $19,520
Graduate, out of state | $19,520

Saint Louis University, which enrolls 12,000 students every year, offers 56 online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. 

SLU also features 30 online accelerated and dual degrees in majors, such as in analytics, American studies, biology, computer science, criminology and criminal justice, cybersecurity, data science, engineering, and health management. SLU, one of the best online colleges in Missouri, also features fully online minors, dual-degrees, and undergraduate and graduate certificates. 

Applicants can apply for free. Admission requirements depend on a student's status.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$44,700
Out-of-state
$44,700
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$20,880
Out-of-state
$20,880
ROI Score

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.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
91%
Acceptance Rate
58%
Students Enrolled
12,799
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
12% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#2 Best Online Colleges in Missouri

Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

  • Kansas City, MO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $315
Undergrad, out of state | $485
Graduate, in state | $285
Graduate, out of state | $485

Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary offers "online learning for the Church" which allows students to attend virtual courses in the Midwest without leaving their ministries.

Midwestern's OnlineYou division features 25 undergraduate and graduate programs in majors, such as biblical counseling, youth ministry, business leadership, and intercultural studies. Symposiums and optional in-person classes at the Kansas City campus let online learners meet their professors and classmates.

One of the top-ranked colleges in Missouri, Midwestern offers seven terms a year with eight-week courses. Students can take full course loads in the spring, summer, and fall. They also complete local ministry work for their practicums.  

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,920
Out-of-state
$7,920
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,904
Out-of-state
$5,904
ROI Score

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.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
80%
Acceptance Rate
100%
Students Enrolled
3,038
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
49% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#3 Best Online Colleges in Missouri

Maryville University of Saint Louis

  • Saint Louis, MO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $500-$897
Undergrad, out of state | $500-$897
Graduate, in state | $449-$897
Graduate, out of state | $449-$897

Maryville University of Saint Louis, founded in 1872, educates roughly 6,900 online students annually.

Students can pick from more than 30 online degrees — bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees — with eight-week courses that admit about 14 online learners. Degree-seekers study fields, such as business, communication, computer science, cybersecurity, education, healthcare, nursing, science and mathematics, or social sciences.

Online learners receive 24/7 technical support, academic help, and career development with mock interviews and virtual career fairs. Maryville does not require any entrance exams or application fees. Online programs begin in the fall, spring, and summer.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$26,070
Out-of-state
$26,070
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$14,346
Out-of-state
$14,346
ROI Score

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.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
83%
Acceptance Rate
83%
Students Enrolled
10,013
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
76% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#4 Best Online Colleges in Missouri Best Value

University of Missouri-Columbia

  • Columbia, MO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $321
Undergrad, out of state | $966
Graduate, in state | $414
Graduate, out of state | $1,135

The University of Missouri — dating back to 1839 — features more than 300 online programs that operate on "semester-based" or self-paced formats. Students earn certificates, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.

Mizzou's self-paced courses, with open enrollment, give students six months or 16 weeks to complete a course. Semester-based courses follow the on-campus, 16- or eight-week format.

Degree-seekers can choose from courses offered at other University of Missouri colleges, including University of Missouri - Kansas City, Missouri University of Science and Technology, and the University of Missouri - St. Louis.

Mizzou online learners can attend in-person or online commencement ceremonies. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,120
Out-of-state
$26,991
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,264
Out-of-state
$25,363
ROI Score

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.

Our Methodology
High
Retention Rate
88%
Acceptance Rate
81%
Students Enrolled
30,014
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
32% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#5 Best Online Colleges in Missouri

Park University

  • Parkville, MO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $440
Undergrad, out of state | $500-$897
Graduate, in state | $615
Graduate, out of state | $615

Park University, one of the best colleges in Missouri, offers roughly 650 online courses. About 78% of students at Park take at least one online course. 

Instead of having to meet at set class times, students complete online assignments and participate in discussions on deadlines. Most students take about two classes during every eight-week term. 

Degree-seekers can find tutoring, writing help, and mentoring through the Academic Support Center. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,999
Out-of-state
$7,999
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,012
Out-of-state
$6,012
ROI Score

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.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
66%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
11,415
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
78% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#6 Best Online Colleges in Missouri

Webster University

  • Saint Louis, MO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $450
Undergrad, out of state | $450
Graduate, in state | $450
Graduate, out of state | $450

Webster University, which first launched its online courses in 1999, provides flexible online degrees with asynchronous and synchronous formats. 

With more than 60 undergraduate and graduate programs, Webster offers courses that either follow the semester schedule, or run on eight- or nine-week terms. Many degrees offer an accelerated format. For instance, the master's in health administration degree lets students graduate in 16 months.

Webster provides online learners with writing help, tutoring, mental health counseling, live development services, career services, and 24/7 library support.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$28,500
Out-of-state
$28,500
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,500
Out-of-state
$13,500
ROI Score

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.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
79%
Acceptance Rate
57%
Students Enrolled
9,860
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
48% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#7 Best Online Colleges in Missouri

Logan University

  • Chesterfield, MO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $275
Undergrad, out of state | $275
Graduate, in state | $450
Graduate, out of state | $450

Logan University, founded in 1935 to educate students in chiropractics, offers nine online and on-campus programs in healthcare. 

The private college boasts an enrollment of 1,878 students who pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees in majors that include nutrition and human performance, health informatics, human biology, and integrative pediatrics. 

Logan offers rolling admissions. Online learners pursuing a bachelor's degree need a minimum 2.0 GPA. All applicants must submit official transcripts. Doctoral candidates must also submit a letter of reference from a licensed chiropractor and a 1-2 page essay. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,600
Out-of-state
$6,600
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,900
Out-of-state
$9,900
ROI Score

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.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
50%
Acceptance Rate
67%
Students Enrolled
1,664
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
79% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#8 Best Online Colleges in Missouri

University of Missouri-St Louis

  • Saint Louis, MO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $379
Undergrad, out of state | $1,019
Graduate, in state | $522
Graduate, out of state | $1,281

Founded in 1963, the University of Missouri - St. Louis features more than 50 degrees students can take completely online or in the evenings. 

Students can take fully online courses to earn certificates, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees. Online learners use Missouri Online, which also includes the University of Missouri - Columbia, the University of Missouri - Kansas City, and Missouri University of Science and Technology. 

As a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements, UMSL provides all programs in Arkansa, Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, Kansas, Kentucky, and Oklahoma. Programs may not be authorized in all states.  

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$11,079
Out-of-state
$29,295
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,007
Out-of-state
$29,477
ROI Score

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.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
77%
Acceptance Rate
73%
Students Enrolled
15,988
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
32% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#9 Best Online Colleges in Missouri

Missouri State University-Springfield

  • Springfield, MO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $257
Undergrad, out of state | $550
Graduate, in state | $320
Graduate, out of state | $640

Online enrollment at Missouri State University - Springfield, has surged since 2014. Missouri State reported a 139% increase of its online undergraduate enrollment and an 87.9% increase of its graduate online learners from 2014-2018. 

Students choose from 19 bachelor's degrees, five undergraduate certificates, 14 minors, 22 master's degrees, two doctoral degrees, and 34 graduate-level certificates. 

Missouri State offers a free application process on its website or through Common App.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,540
Out-of-state
$14,850
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,202
Out-of-state
$10,476
ROI Score

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.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
78%
Acceptance Rate
88%
Students Enrolled
23,453
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
39% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#10 Best Online Colleges in Missouri

Missouri Baptist University

  • Saint Louis, MO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $463-$642
Undergrad, out of state | $463-$642
Graduate, in state | $517-$718
Graduate, out of state | $517-$718

Missouri Baptist University, established in 1957, now offers 16 undergraduate and 18 graduate programs. Students can earn associate, bachelor's, or master's degrees that incorporate Christian faith.

MBU provides prior learning credits for students with career experience, military training, or volunteer experience. All undergraduate programs require 120 credits for completion. Undergraduate and graduate degrees feature asynchronous courses with no scheduled class times.

Online students can also access free services that include counseling, tutoring, career development, and appointments at the writing lab. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$26,860
Out-of-state
$26,860
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,197
Out-of-state
$10,197
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Low

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.

Our Methodology
Low
Retention Rate
71%
Acceptance Rate
61%
Students Enrolled
5,309
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
34% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
Click here to see the best campus colleges in Missouri.

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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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