Best Online Colleges in Missouri of 2025
What are the best Missouri online colleges? Compare the costs of college in Missouri and discover the top-paying careers in Missouri.
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Best Online Colleges in Missouri of 2025
Did you know 97% of online college students and program graduates say they would recommend online education to others? Pursuing a degree online can be flexible and affordable. Online classes are often taught by the same professors teaching the traditional in-person classes.
There are many competitive, quality colleges in Missouri and many top Missouri colleges also have online degree programs.
Discover the benefits of an online education and explore the best online colleges in Missouri, while learning about career trends in the Show-Me State.
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Best Online Colleges in Missouri
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.
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:
2025- 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.
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$13,000
$33,200
77%
54%
Why We Chose This School
The University of Missouri's high graduation rate and retention rate — coupled with its relatively low tuition compared with similar schools in the state — landed it at the top spot of our ranking for online schools in Missouri.
Based in Columbia, Mizzou is known for its strong journalism program, as well as its family and community medicine focus. The university offers a number of bachelor’s and master’s degree programs via its Mizzou Online platform, and features both synchronous and asynchronous learning with a heavy focus on flexibility for learning students.
Based on the university's high student retention and graduation rate, students who enroll at Mizzou are likely to finish their degree.
Pros
- 91.3% retention rate
- Offers both synchronous and asynchronous learning
- High graduation rate of 76%
Cons
- Selective admissions compared with similar schools
- Large student population
- Fewer online bachelor’s options than similar schools
$10,447
$28,605
91%
31,041
Public
Yes
$13,000
$33,200
Columbia, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$13,000
$33,200
77%
54%
$10,447
$28,605
91%
31,041
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
The University of Missouri's high graduation rate and retention rate — coupled with its relatively low tuition compared with similar schools in the state — landed it at the top spot of our ranking for online schools in Missouri.
Based in Columbia, Mizzou is known for its strong journalism program, as well as its family and community medicine focus. The university offers a number of bachelor’s and master’s degree programs via its Mizzou Online platform, and features both synchronous and asynchronous learning with a heavy focus on flexibility for learning students.
Based on the university's high student retention and graduation rate, students who enroll at Mizzou are likely to finish their degree.
Pros
- 91.3% retention rate
- Offers both synchronous and asynchronous learning
- High graduation rate of 76%
Cons
- Selective admissions compared with similar schools
- Large student population
- Fewer online bachelor’s options than similar schools
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$49,800
$49,800
81%
19%
Why We Chose This School
St. Louis University is the oldest university west of the Mississippi River, and has a longstanding reputation for excellence in a number of fields. It is particularly known for its nursing and public health programs, as well as its entrepreneurship and business-related disciplines.
The university also dedicates its program to non-traditional and adult learners with its flexible online programs. The school also has concentrations in high-demand fields like cybersecurity and information technology.
St. Louis University has both a high graduation and retention rate, as well as a relatively high admissions rate, meaning students are both likely to get in and succeed.
Pros
- 80% graduation rate
- Focus on non-traditional learners
- Higher earnings post-graduation
Cons
- High net price compared to other schools
- Fewer online programs than similar schools
- Highly rigorous
$22,500
$22,500
89%
14,079
Private
Yes
$49,800
$49,800
Saint Louis, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$49,800
$49,800
81%
19%
$22,500
$22,500
89%
14,079
Private
Yes
Why We Chose This School
St. Louis University is the oldest university west of the Mississippi River, and has a longstanding reputation for excellence in a number of fields. It is particularly known for its nursing and public health programs, as well as its entrepreneurship and business-related disciplines.
The university also dedicates its program to non-traditional and adult learners with its flexible online programs. The school also has concentrations in high-demand fields like cybersecurity and information technology.
St. Louis University has both a high graduation and retention rate, as well as a relatively high admissions rate, meaning students are both likely to get in and succeed.
Pros
- 80% graduation rate
- Focus on non-traditional learners
- Higher earnings post-graduation
Cons
- High net price compared to other schools
- Fewer online programs than similar schools
- Highly rigorous
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Saint Louis, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$24,766
$24,766
94%
83%
Why We Chose This School
Maryville University has a reputation for innovation and has maintained high student success even amid its rapid expansion in recent years. It has both a high admission rate and a high retention rate, as well as a 72% graduation rate.
Maryville offers more than 50 online degrees, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. The university is known for its fast-growing enrollment and success in its online graduate nursing programs, as well as in the actuarial science, cybersecurity, and healthcare management fields.
Pros
- 72% graduation rate
- 94% admission rate
- 83% retention rate
Cons
- Rapidly expanding student population
- Low four-year completion rate for low-income students
- Higher net price than similar schools
$14,346
$14,346
83%
9,883
Private
Yes
$24,766
$24,766
Saint Louis, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$24,766
$24,766
94%
83%
$14,346
$14,346
83%
9,883
Private
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Maryville University has a reputation for innovation and has maintained high student success even amid its rapid expansion in recent years. It has both a high admission rate and a high retention rate, as well as a 72% graduation rate.
Maryville offers more than 50 online degrees, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. The university is known for its fast-growing enrollment and success in its online graduate nursing programs, as well as in the actuarial science, cybersecurity, and healthcare management fields.
Pros
- 72% graduation rate
- 94% admission rate
- 83% retention rate
Cons
- Rapidly expanding student population
- Low four-year completion rate for low-income students
- Higher net price than similar schools
University of Missouri-St Louis
Saint Louis, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$13,440
$33,432
57%
42%
Why We Chose This School
The University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL) is a highly affordable and flexible option for students. While it doesn’t have the same high retention and graduation rates as other schools on this list, UMSL has a strong alumni base in St. Louis and helps students directly connect with employers after graduation.
The school’s business and accounting programs both have highly sought-after AACSB accreditation. USML is also known for its affordable nursing program, as well as its biology conservation center.
Pros
- Low net price of $11,986
- Career services
- Strong local alumni network
Cons
- Low admission rate of 57%
- Equally low graduation rate of 57%
- 68% retention rate
$13,154
$32,294
68%
14,815
Public
Yes
$13,440
$33,432
Saint Louis, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$13,440
$33,432
57%
42%
$13,154
$32,294
68%
14,815
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
The University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL) is a highly affordable and flexible option for students. While it doesn’t have the same high retention and graduation rates as other schools on this list, UMSL has a strong alumni base in St. Louis and helps students directly connect with employers after graduation.
The school’s business and accounting programs both have highly sought-after AACSB accreditation. USML is also known for its affordable nursing program, as well as its biology conservation center.
Pros
- Low net price of $11,986
- Career services
- Strong local alumni network
Cons
- Low admission rate of 57%
- Equally low graduation rate of 57%
- 68% retention rate
Missouri State University
Springfield, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$8,370
$17,910
91%
53%
Why We Chose This School
Missouri State University has a very high admission rate, as well as a relatively affordable net price, making it an ideal option for students who want to pursue an online degree in a high-demand field.
Missouri State’s online offerings include fast-growing areas like information technology and project management, as well as dozens of other accredited offerings. The school is known for high enrollment figures for transfer students, with resources dedicated to helping students transfer from other institutions.
Missouri State also has a number of dedicated resources for online students, including tutoring for most classes, writing assistance, and online research help.
Pros
- 91% admission rate
- Net price of $17,262
- 79% retention rate
Cons
- 57% graduation rate
- Low average earnings six years after entry
- Low Pell Grant graduation rate 47%
$5,994
$11,970
79%
23,418
Public
Yes
$8,370
$17,910
Springfield, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$8,370
$17,910
91%
53%
$5,994
$11,970
79%
23,418
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Missouri State University has a very high admission rate, as well as a relatively affordable net price, making it an ideal option for students who want to pursue an online degree in a high-demand field.
Missouri State’s online offerings include fast-growing areas like information technology and project management, as well as dozens of other accredited offerings. The school is known for high enrollment figures for transfer students, with resources dedicated to helping students transfer from other institutions.
Missouri State also has a number of dedicated resources for online students, including tutoring for most classes, writing assistance, and online research help.
Pros
- 91% admission rate
- Net price of $17,262
- 79% retention rate
Cons
- 57% graduation rate
- Low average earnings six years after entry
- Low Pell Grant graduation rate 47%
Why You Should Get a Degree in Missouri
Affordable Living
In 2024, Missouri ranked 6th among states with the lowest cost of living for quarter three.Job Opportunities
Missouri’s unemployment rate is lower than the national average, and more job opportunities are projected to open up in the future.Quality, Cost-Effective Education
Missouri colleges are almost 8% cheaper than the national average cost for tuition. The average price of a four-year degree was $21,600 for Missouri residents.Something for Everybody
Missouri offers something special for everybody. From the bustling, innovative growth of Kansas City to the relaxing Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri has plenty of opportunities for adventure.
Benefits of Getting a Degree Online
Most online coursework can be completed at your own time, and materials can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.- In 2021, 61% of undergraduates took at least one online course.
- College graduates earn higher salaries, on average, than high school graduates.
How Much Does Online College Cost in Missouri?
The cost of college tuition in Missouri is more affordable than the national average. In-state tuition costs less than $10,000, and out-of-state tuition costs nearly $24,000 at public universities.
Some Missouri colleges have a standard tuition rate for online degrees regardless of residency status. This rate can be cheaper than attending a public university in-person as an out-of-state resident.
The total cost of college varies, even for online students. As an online student, you still have access to financial aid. Depending on the amount of credits you take, you can receive FAFSA grants and loans. You can offset your college costs by applying for scholarships as well.
Tuition is only one cost to consider when looking at college financials. You should also consider your living costs, transportation costs, and the general cost of living where you reside.
Public, In-State
Avg. Tuition & Fees (2022-23)
$9,926
Public, Out-of-State
Avg. Tuition & Fees (2022-23)
$23,932
Private
Avg. Tuition & Fees (2022-23)
$30,660
Source:NCES
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Accreditation for Online Colleges in Missouri
What is accreditation? Accreditation is when an outside organization reviews a college’s academics and certifies that the college is meeting a high academic standard and is providing a quality education. Accreditation is important if you want to transfer colleges or are pursuing an advanced degree.
The college itself may be accredited or specific schools or programs within the college can be accredited.
Popular accrediting agencies for Missouri colleges include:
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Fastest-Growing Careers in Missouri
Missouri’s job economy is experiencing a lot of healthy growth. A significant number of jobs in Missouri are projected to experience growing employment rates over the next few years. Several fields, from healthcare to technology, are expected to experience faster-than-average growth by 2032.
The top-growing careers all pay salaries above the national average. Many of these careers pay very competitive salaries.
For instance, specific jobs in healthcare can earn you a six-figure salary. All of these careers require at least a bachelor’s degree, and some require a master’s degree.
| Job | Projected Growth | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | 41.93% | $116,680 |
| Data Scientists | 37.63% | $88,210 |
| Information Security Analysts | 33.97% | $102,320 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | 32.53% | $133,200 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 31.16% | $116,370 |
| Speech-Language Pathologists | 26.56% | $80,730 |
| Software Developers | 26.43% | $107,980 |
| Epidemiologists | 26.36% | $67,310 |
| Operations Research Analysts | 26.19% | $63,640 |
| Veterinarians | 25.52% | $104,380 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in Missouri
Missouri does not have any dedicated free online colleges. You can take some free courses through different Missouri colleges and other colleges, but you may not get college credit for taking those courses. You can reduce your school costs by applying for scholarships and grants.
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