Best Online Colleges in Missouri of 2025
Missouri, the home of the Kansas City Chiefs, is on a mission to become the “best in the Midwest.” The Show-Me state hopes to achieve that title by helping more adult learners complete college through its Adult Learner Network Collaborative. Online colleges in Missouri offer the flexibility that adult learners — and every busy student — need to reach their educational objectives.
The best online colleges in Missouri offer quality academics, diverse program offerings, and affordable tuition.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Colleges in Missouri 2025
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, MO- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What Sets It Apart:
The University of Missouri-Columbia offers more than 185 online degree and certificate program choices for distance students. Mizzou's flexible programs run in eight-, 16-, or 19-week blocks and are mostly asynchronous or self-paced to give learners freedom in their studies.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $455
Out of State | $553
Why Students Choose Mizzou:
- Online Community: Online students can connect with instructors and peers in a supportive online space.
- Strong Support: Mizzou provides online students with access to support services, including the school's learning center, libraries, and student health services.
- Out-of-State Graduate Tuition Waivers: Graduate students may be able to pay the same tuition rate regardless of location through the tuition support program.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Higher Undergraduate Out-of-State Rates: Online out-of-state undergraduates must pay a nonresident fee on top of tuition.
- Synchronous Sessions: While many courses run asynchronously or are self-paced, some are held at specific times.
- In-State$13,000
- Out-of-state$33,200
- In-State$10,447
- Out-of-state$28,605
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled31,041
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment54%
- AccreditationYes
Missouri State University-Springfield
- Springfield, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What Sets It Apart:
At Missouri State University-Springfield, students can choose from more than 50 online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The programs may run asynchronously, synchronously, or as a blend of modalities to provide students with a hybrid learning experience.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $290
Out of State | $621
Why Students Choose MSU:
- Support Services: Online students can access technical, academic, and career support.
- Financial Aid: Numerous funding opportunities are offered to qualifying online students, including the MoState Access Award, which covers all tuition and fees.
- Same Instruction: Online programs feature the same faculty and content as on-campus programs.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Higher Out-of-State Tuition: Out-of-state students pay more than twice the tuition rate of in-state students.
- Synchronous or In-Person Requirements: Some online programs may have scheduled class times or on-campus components.
- In-State$7,812
- Out-of-state$16,716
- In-State$5,994
- Out-of-state$11,970
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate91%
- Students Enrolled23,418
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment53%
- AccreditationYes
University of Central Missouri
- Warrensburg, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What Sets It Apart:
The University of Central Missouri offers more than 50 online undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Many of these run entirely online in a self-paced format, but the school also offers hybrid programs that meet both online and in person.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $285
Out of State | $285
Why Students Choose UCM:
- Transfer Agreements: Students can transfer general education credits from local community colleges with ease.
- Postgraduate Success: UCM reports that 97% of graduates start their careers or enter a graduate program within six months of graduating.
- No Out-of-State Tuition Increase: All online students pay the same tuition rate.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Degree Completion Programs: Some degree programs require transfer credits or an associate degree for entry.
- In-Person Requirements: Some programs feature field experiences and residencies that require in-person attendance.
- In-State$8,040
- Out-of-state$16,080
- In-State$8,136
- Out-of-state$16,272
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled12,788
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
University of Missouri-St Louis
- Saint Louis, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What Sets It Apart:
The University of Missouri-St. Louis offers more than 35 online undergraduate and graduate degree programs with flexible delivery modes that accommodate working students. The school also offers numerous supportive financial aid programs, which 75% of students use.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $504+
Out of State | $756+
Why Students Choose UMSL:
- Program Options: Missouri Online allows access to programs from all University of Missouri institutions.
- Student Services: Support services for students include academic advising, tutoring, and library access.
- Out-of-State Programs: UMSL offers lower tuition rates for residents of Midwest Student Exchange member states.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Higher Tuition for Out-of-State Students: Out-of-state students pay more than double the tuition rates of in-state students.
- In-Person Requirements: Some programs feature hands-on clinical or field experiences requiring in-person attendance.
- In-State$13,440
- Out-of-state$33,432
- In-State$13,154
- Out-of-state$32,294
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance Rate57%
- Students Enrolled14,815
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment42%
- AccreditationYes
Missouri Western State University
- Saint Joseph, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What Sets It Apart:
Missouri Western State University offers over 300 online courses and 10 degree programs. The school stands out for its commitment to helping online students feel engaged and like they are true campus and classroom community members.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $277
Out of State | $583
Why Students Choose MWSU:
- Classroom Environment: Some online courses blend asynchronous and synchronous delivery to give students opportunities to collaborate.
- Academic Support: Missouri Western's Center for Academic Support offers tutoring services and workshops.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Additional Fees: Online classes come with a $55-per-credit instructional support and technology fee.
- Degree Completion Programs: Some bachelor's programs are degree completion programs that require transfer credits for admission.
- In-State$7,200
- Out-of-state$15,120
- In-State$7,110
- Out-of-state$11,880
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled4,023
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment53%
- AccreditationYes
Maryville University
- Saint Louis, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What Sets It Apart:
Maryville University features nearly 80 fully online degree programs, all offering asynchronous courses for optimal flexibility. The school maintains small class sizes, and most programs do not require on-campus components.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $540+
Out of State | $540+
Why Students Choose Maryville:
- Streamlined Admissions Process: Maryville offers several start dates annually and an accommodating transfer credit policy.
- Accessible Applications: There are no application fees or entrance exams.
- No Out-of-State Tuition: Online learners pay the same tuition no matter where they live.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Additional Fees: Online degree programs come with a $425-per-semester technology fee.
- Time Commitment: Online courses typically require 10-15 hours of study weekly.
- In-State$24,766
- Out-of-state$24,766
- In-State$14,346
- Out-of-state$14,346
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate94%
- Students Enrolled9,883
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment83%
- AccreditationYes
Webster University
- Saint Louis, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What Sets It Apart:
Webster University stands out with more than 60 online undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs offering both asynchronous and synchronous delivery modes. The school first introduced its online programs in 1999 and has since become a leader in the field of online learning.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $475
Out of State | $475
Why Students Choose Webster:
- Choose Your Learning Style: Some programs allow you to choose between asynchronous, synchronous, and hybrid formats.
- Student Services: Online students can access career development, mental health counseling, and life development services.
- Travel Opportunities: Global hybrid programs offer international immersion components.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Synchronous Sessions: Some classes have scheduled meeting times, which may be limiting for certain students.
- Internship Requirements: Programs like education studies feature internships or other hands-on requirements that call for in-person attendance.
- In-State$29,640
- Out-of-state$29,640
- In-State$12,600
- Out-of-state$12,600
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate59%
- Students Enrolled4,324
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment69%
- AccreditationYes
Lindenwood University
- Saint Charles, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What Sets It Apart:
Lindenwood University offers online students plenty of degree program choices, including more than 20 at the undergraduate level. Through its flexibly scheduled online programs, Lindenwood carries on its nearly 200-year mission of helping students contribute to a global community.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $495
Out of State | $495
Why Students Choose Lindenwood:
- Placement Rates: Nearly 97% of graduates find employment or begin graduate studies within six months of graduation.
- Transfer Credit Policy: Lindenwood accepts up to 90 transfer credits for undergraduate students.
- Military Student Programs: The school accommodates veterans with tuition assistance programs and specialized support.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Technology Fee: All online programs feature a $500-per-year technology fee.
- In-Person Requirements: Some programs feature internships or hands-on experiences requiring in-person attendance.
- In-State$19,100
- Out-of-state$19,100
- In-State$8,475
- Out-of-state$8,475
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate63%
- Students Enrolled7,288
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment76%
- AccreditationYes
Saint Louis University
- Saint Louis, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What Sets It Apart:
One of the nation's oldest universities, Saint Louis University has more than 60 years of experience offering nontraditional programs specifically for adult learners. The school's 14 online undergraduate programs offer primarily asynchronous schedules and accelerated track options.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $650
Out of State | $650
Why Students Choose SLU:
- Accelerated Courses: SLU's courses run year-round in eight-week sessions, allowing students to complete their programs faster.
- Multiple Start Dates: SLU offers five annual start dates.
- Financial Aid: Online students can access all financial aid programs, including scholarships, grants, and work-study programs.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Fieldwork Requirements: Some programs feature practicums or field experiences students must complete in person.
- Challenging Courses: SLU's accelerated eight-week courses may be more rigorous and require more study outside of class than 16-week courses.
- In-State$49,800
- Out-of-state$49,800
- In-State$22,500
- Out-of-state$22,500
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled14,079
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment19%
- AccreditationYes
Park University
- Parkville, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What Sets It Apart:
Park University has been in the online learning space for more than 25 years. The school offers more than 650 online courses and features undergraduate degree programs in over 50 disciplines. The courses at Park run through accelerated, asynchronous eight-week sessions, allowing learners to fast-track their studies and complete coursework on their own time.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $575
Out of State | $575
Why Students Choose Park:
- Extensive Online Community: Nearly 80% of Park students take at least one online course.
- Support Services: Online students have access to tutoring, writing, and mentoring services.
- Flexibility: Park offers multiple start dates annually and individualized course loads to ensure students can start and finish their program when needed.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Additional Fees: Online students pay a university fee of $35 per credit, which is similar to the on-campus university fee.
- Eight-Week Terms: The accelerated terms at Park could intensify studies and increase time spent on coursework.
- In-State$9,262
- Out-of-state$9,262
- In-State$6,663
- Out-of-state$6,663
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled7,662
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment90%
- AccreditationYes
Price Check
The Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development awarded over $149 million in financial aid to nearly 56,000 students during the 2022-2023 academic year.
10 Fast-Growing Careers in Missouri
The Missouri Economic Research and Information Center projects a 7.3% rise in employment from 2020-2030, primarily due to pandemic recovery. The largest increase in jobs is expected in accommodation and food services, with 52,160 positions projected to be added in the next decade.
The next sectors expected to grow are healthcare and professional, scientific, and tech services.
| Job | Projected Growth (2023-2033) | Annual Mean Wage in MO, May 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | 40.43% | $125,930 |
| Financial Managers | 18.64% | $152,020 |
| Human Resources Specialists | 11.10% | $70,430 |
| Lawyers | 10.90% | $158,200 |
| Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | 22.76% | $73,810 |
| Nurse Practitioners | 47.52% | $124,600 |
| Respiratory Therapists | 23.75% | $74,120 |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | 13.80% | $58,230 |
Majors to Consider to Prepare for Missouri’s Job Market
You can make the most out of your college education by selecting a major that aligns with your interests and provides job security. The following majors can lead to high-demand careers in Missouri.
Business Management
With a business management degree, you can thrive in Missouri’s dynamic workforce. Business management majors can make their degrees more relevant by pursuing concentrations like finance, human resources, and marketing. This degree positions you to pursue in-demand careers as finance managers, human resource specialists, and market research analysts.Information Technology
Information technology degree-holders can benefit from Missouri’s thriving computer and mathematical sector. Earning an information technology major with a specialty can lead to careers in cybersecurity, software development, and network architecture.Nursing
Missouri is expected to experience a surge in the healthcare sector from 2020-2030. There’s a high demand for nurses, particularly nurse practitioners (NPs). Becoming an NP requires a bachelor of science in nursing, experience as a registered nurse, and a master of science in nursing.Political Science
Career-ready political science graduates can thrive in Missouri’s competitive job market. Many pre-law students choose to major in political science, which introduces them to the legal system. Employment opportunities for lawyers in Missouri are projected to increase in the coming decade.
What Is the Cost of College in Missouri?
College costs in Missouri vary. In-state students at public four-year schools pay a bit more than the national average. Meanwhile, out-of-state students and students attending private universities pay less than the national average.
As an online student, you have options to lower your college costs, such as saving money on commuting costs by taking classes from home. Scholarships, financial aid, and loans can help ease the financial burden. You can also start your degree at a more affordable two-year school.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition and Required Fees in MO | Average Tuition and Required Fees in the U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Public Four-Year (In-State) | $9,926 | $9,750 |
| Public Four-Year (Out-of-State) | $23,932 | $28,297 |
| Private Four-Year | $30,660 | $35,248 |
Scholarships and Cost Savings for Online Colleges in Missouri
A college degree is a big investment, but there are several ways to cut costs or manage expenses. You can utilize scholarships, grants, and other money-saving options. Knowing these choices can help you make the most of your investment in a college degree.
Access Missouri
Access Missouri is a need-based program meant to simplify access to financial aid. Your eligibility depends on your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from the FAFSA. Awards vary based on your EFC and school type, with a maximum award of up to $2,850. Apply by April 1.
Bright Flight
The Missouri Higher Education Academic Scholarship Program (Bright Flight) offers a renewable scholarship of up to $3,000. This merit-based program encourages top-ranked high school seniors to enroll in approved postsecondary schools in Missouri. There is no set deadline. The Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development (MDHEWD) determines eligibility.
Minority and Underrepresented Environmental Literacy Program
The Minority and Underrepresented Environmental Literacy Program helps talented minority and underrepresented students earn environmental degrees. The program committee selects recipients based on how well they match program goals. Priority goes to underrepresented groups: African Americans, Hispanic or Latino Americans, Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.
Tuition Reciprocity Benefits for Out-of-State Students in Missouri
Tuition reciprocity lets residents pay lower tuition at schools in other states. This can help you save money on education while accessing quality programs. However, many agreements are specific to certain programs or schools. States that participate in tuition reciprocity with Missouri through the Midwest Student Exchange Program are Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wisconsin.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Missouri
Missouri’s college tuition is lower than in 21 other states. Public colleges in Missouri charged an average of $9,926 for in-state tuition and fees in 2022-2023.
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