Universities in Missouri Online Degrees
Online programs at the best colleges in Missouri attract undergraduates, graduate students, and working professionals interested in career-aligned certificate programs. Many of these programs accept learners from around the world. However, hybrid degrees require some on-campus instruction, such as labs, seminars, or intensives.
In-state degree-seekers benefit from low tuition at public Missouri online colleges. Like many states, Missouri requires 12 consecutive months of residency to qualify for in-state tuition. Missouri grants out-of-state tuition waivers to active-duty service members and some individuals who pay property taxes in the state.
The best online colleges in Missouri offer a quality education at affordable prices. Our ranking of the top online colleges in Missouri considers factors such as tuition costs, student-to-teacher ratios, and graduation rates. Availability of financial support, career counseling services, and job placement support also affect rankings. These factors contribute to the program's overall accessibility and value.
View Our Rankings List Here
Learn More About Missouri Colleges
Do online credits cost more or less in Missouri?
In-state students pay the most affordable tuition rate at the best public colleges in Missouri. Private colleges and universities charge all learners the same tuition.
What is the most affordable college in Missouri?
The University of Central Missouri charges about 20% less than other public schools nationwide. Bachelor's degree-seekers save more if they start their undergraduate education at a local community college.
How long do you need to live in Missouri to get in-state tuition?
New residents must wait one year before they qualify for in-state tuition at public Missouri online colleges. Schools waive this requirement for specific groups.
AffordableCollegesOnline.org 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.
Explore these promoted online degree programs.
These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online graduate degree programs. Figuring out where to apply? Consider one of these online Master's or PhD programs.
Best Online Colleges in Missouri
See Our Rankings Methodology
#1 Best Online Colleges in Missouri
Southeast Missouri State University
- Cape Girardeau, MO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A public institution, Southeast Missouri State University operates a Cape Girardeau campus. The accredited school's academic offerings include both in-person and online programs. Of all students, 5,553 choose to enroll online at the college. Fully online bachelor's programs are available in addition to single remote classes.
Learners at the school select from many top-choice fields for their college degree. Being able to fit earning a degree around other responsibilities and obligations is why many degree-seekers like the virtual learning environment of online programs. Working professionals looking to further their careers with a degree find many programs at the school designed with them in mind. The institution's online program options include 11 bachelor's programs and 13 master's programs.
Earning a bachelor's takes most degree-seekers about four years. Transferring credits from previous institutions makes earning a four-year bachelor's degree in less time possible. People interested in applying to the school should visit the website for more information on admission requirements and application timelines.
Percent Online Enrollment
52%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Best Online Colleges in Missouri
Missouri Southern State University
- Joplin, MO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Missouri Southern State University is one of the nation's top online colleges. The academic catalog at the accredited institution includes four online bachelor's programs for distance learners. The online school's academic offerings also include three online master's programs. Currently, the school enrolls 2,836 distance learners.
Located in Joplin, the public school enrolls about 1,791 degree-seekers. Online learners nationwide attend classes virtually. Several student services are available for the institution's online enrollees. Academic advising, financial aid counseling, and career services are available to students at the online school.
The online college features programs in many top-choice fields to meet the needs of many different degree-seekers. The school confers accredited degrees that open the door to roles in many industries. The institution prioritizes offering an affordable education.
Percent Online Enrollment
51%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Best Online Colleges in Missouri
Missouri Baptist University
- Saint Louis, MO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Ranking among the best online schools, Missouri Baptist University is a private institution located in Saint Louis. The accredited school teaches 1,826 distance learners across its undergraduate and graduate programs. The institution's online degree-seekers choose from 11 bachelor's and 10 master's programs.
The school meets the career goals of all kinds of students by offering virtual programs in many top-choice disciplines, such as healthcare, STEM, and business. Remote classroom spaces let participants engage with the virtual program content. Often, distance learners meet in-person requirements locally. Student services such as academic advising, career counseling, and online tutoring are available to online students.
Four years is often how long it takes to earn a bachelor's degree. Those with prior college experience can graduate in less time by transferring credits toward their degree. Additionally, prospective enrollees can check out programs with accelerated options.
Percent Online Enrollment
34%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Best Online Colleges in Missouri
Northwest Missouri State University
- Maryville, MO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Northwest Missouri State University counts itself as one of the top online colleges in the United States. Distance learners at the accredited institution pursue one of two online bachelor's programs. The online school's academic offerings also include eight online master's programs. A total of 2,759 remote learners attend classes through the institution.
The school enrolls about 1,529 degree-seekers from its public Maryville campus. Virtual learners complete their courses online from wherever they live in the United States. Those enrolled at the institution online benefit from student services designed for them. Students at the online school get access to academic advising, financial aid counseling, and career services.
With many top-choice majors available, the online college's programs appeal to many different degree-seekers. Distance learners earn an accredited degree that qualifies them for many different career paths. The institution prioritizes a low-cost education. Undergraduates at the school pay an average per-credit cost of $390, and 98% of them get financial aid.
Percent Online Enrollment
39%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Best Online Colleges in Missouri
Missouri State University
- Springfield, MO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Missouri State University is among some of the best U.S. online colleges. Distance learners at the accredited institution pursue one of 24 online bachelor's programs. Graduate students enjoy an academic catalog that includes 28 online master's programs. The school's distance learners total 9,079.
With a Springfield-based campus, the school teaches about 6,699 degree-seekers as a public institution. Distance learners nationwide remotely attend their classes. Some student services at the institution are tailored specifically for those enrolled online. The online school's students benefit from academic advising, financial aid counseling, and career services.
Degree-seekers from all different backgrounds choose from programs in some of the most popular disciplines. The school confers accredited degrees that open the door to roles in many fields. Affordability is a top priority for the institution.
Percent Online Enrollment
39%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#6 Best Online Colleges in Missouri
Missouri Western State University
- Saint Joseph, MO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
As one of the best online schools, Missouri Western State University offers top-ranked online programs. Business, healthcare, STEM, and social science are fields that the public institution's distance learners can choose from. Many programs offer a fully-online route to a college degree. Distance learners can earn a degree from the comfort of their home rather than commuting to class on the Saint Joseph campus.
For online degrees, remote learners use a virtual classroom space to interact with each other and their teachers. Experiential learning opportunities at the institution help participants transition to the workforce. The school's distance learners receive support through academic advising, financial aid counseling, and career counseling.
Diverse students get their different needs met by the accredited online institution's undergraduate- and graduate-level program offerings. Degree-seekers can meet graduation requirements more easily because of the flexible format.
Missouri Western State University Statistics:
Distance Learners Enrolled: 2,131
Online Bachelor's Programs Available: 4
Total Online Master's Programs: 1
Learners Awarded Financial Aid: 98%
Percentage of Students Receiving Loans: 39%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
38%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#7 Best Online Colleges in Missouri
William Woods University
- Fulton, MO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Prospective students can explore affordable online programs at William Woods University. The Missouri school offers a comprehensive catalog of programs. Students prepare for entry-level jobs and career advancement. Online students can choose full-time or part-time enrollment. The school's asynchronous online degrees provide learning flexibility. Students complete hybrid programs with a blend of online and traditional face-to-face instruction. Online learners often prefer small classes for the individualized instruction.
Learners can earn one of two associate or 44 bachelor’s programs. Graduates can choose from among seven online master's programs. The institution's students benefit from affordable tuition and generous financial aid.
William Woods University at a Glance:
Status of School: Private
Students Enrolled in Online Programs: 876
Available Online Programs: 14
Number of Online Bachelor’s Degrees: 6
Percentage of Degree-Seekers Receiving Aid: 99%
Percent Online Enrollment
41%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#8 Best Online Colleges in Missouri
University of Central Missouri
- Warrensburg, MO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Ranking among the best online schools, the University of Central Missouri is a public institution located in Warrensburg. Across its undergraduate and graduate programs, the accredited school enrolls 4,403 distance learners. Degree-seekers pick from six online bachelor's programs and 14 online master's programs at the institution.
Students with many different needs and career paths choose from online programs in top fields, such as STEM, healthcare, and business. Remote classroom spaces let participants engage with the virtual program content. Typically, virtual learners can fulfill in-person requirements in their local area. Online learners benefit from student services tailored specifically for them, such as academic advising, career counseling, and online tutoring.
It generally takes four years for degree-seekers to earn their bachelor's. People can graduate faster by applying credits from previous college experience. Prospective enrollees can also check out programs with accelerated options.
Percent Online Enrollment
39%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#9 Best Online Colleges in Missouri
Webster University
- Saint Louis, MO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Webster University, a private institution in Saint Louis, Missouri, ranks among the country's top online schools. The accredited school teaches 4,741 distance learners across its undergraduate and graduate programs. The institution's academic offerings include 21 online bachelor's programs and 31 online master's programs.
The school offers online programs in popular fields like business, STEM, and healthcare to meet the diverse needs and career goals of different students. Virtual learning environments help participants engage with the online program material. The institution generally lets virtual learners complete in-person requirements in their local area. Online degree-seekers benefit from student services tailored specifically for them, such as academic advising, career counseling, and online tutoring.
Most students complete a bachelor's degree in four years. Those with previous experience in higher education can often bring transfer credits and graduate faster. Accelerated program options are available as well.
Percent Online Enrollment
48%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#10 Best Online Colleges in Missouri
Culver-Stockton College
- Canton, MO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
From its private Canton, Missouri, campus, Culver-Stockton College ranks among the best online schools. The accredited school's undergraduate and graduate programs teach 256 learners remotely. The academic catalog at the institution includes four online bachelor's programs and three online master's programs.
The school meets the needs of students with diverse career goals by offering online programs in popular fields like business, STEM, and healthcare. The virtual programs use online classroom spaces to engage participants. Often, distance learners meet in-person requirements locally. Online students can take advantage of student services such as academic advising, career counseling, and online tutoring.
Typically, bachelor's programs take degree-seekers four years to finish. Those with prior college experience can transfer credits toward their degree and graduate in less time. Prospective enrollees can also check out programs with accelerated options.
Percent Online Enrollment
25%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Why Choose Missouri for Online Higher Education?
Missouri's target industries include biosciences, advanced manufacturing, and information technology. Each field needs talented workers with a bachelor's or advanced degree. The state features one of the most diverse economies in the United States. There are career opportunities for college students majoring in nearly all subjects.
College graduates who stay in Missouri enjoy a low cost of living, as well as tax benefits. The state also features a low unemployment rate.
Common Online Bachelor's Programs in Missouri
The best colleges in Missouri offer online bachelor's programs in many subjects, such as biology and communication. Each major leads to one or more unique career paths.
Biology
Biology majors study life's processes through in-class instruction and lab work. The major prepares students for careers in various industries, such as medicine, education, and research. Graduates can work for one of Missouri's many bioscience companies, such as Pfizer and Monsanto.Business
Business majors study economic history, microeconomics and macroeconomics, and financial services. This training prepares students to enter Missouri's financial and professional services sector. As a growing field, business prepares bachelor's and MBA graduates for a strong job market.Communication
Students majoring in communication hone skills applicable to nearly every industry. In class, degree-seekers study crisis communication, persuasion theory, and organizational communication. Graduates work in advertising, promotions, and marketing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects occupations for these professionals to grow 10% between 2020-2030.Engineering
Missouri attracts advanced manufacturing companies with its low tax rates, affordable electricity, and special enterprise zones. Engineering students prepare for a career in this growing sector with specializations in industrial, chemical, or civil engineering. The most lucrative positions may require a master's degree.Fashion and Interior Design
Fashion and interior design programs let students select from majors such as textile and apparel management and theatre design. Typical coursework includes the science of textiles, softgoods quality evaluation, and digital merchandising. Fashion and interior design alumni explore sales representative and online merchant job openings.
Cost of Attending an Online College in Missouri
Missouri online colleges save students money in many ways, including charging in-state students the most affordable tuition rate. Some public colleges and universities may waive out-of-state tuition for degree-seekers enrolled entirely online.
Cost savings extend beyond tuition, as online learners do not pay commuting costs. Students with young children benefit even more, since they do not need expensive childcare services. Other hidden savings include not paying for on-campus housing or a meal plan.
The following table reveals that in-state students at Missouri public colleges save about 50% on tuition compared to out-of-state peers. Out-of-state degree-seekers pay less in tuition at public two- or four-year schools than they would at a private four-year college.
Average Undergraduate Tuition in Missouri
| Location |
Public Four-Year College |
Private Four-Year College |
Public Two-Year College |
| In-State |
$8,992 |
$26,377 |
$3,545 |
| Out-of-State |
$20,877 |
N/A |
$6,797 |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics
Career and Salary Outlook for Students in Missouri
The best online colleges in Missouri offer programs that prepare students for jobs in all of the state's largest employment sectors. The BLS projects that each of the following careers will add positions from 2020-2030. These jobs also feature a median annual salary exceeding $125,000.
Compensation and Benefits Manager
Companies and organizations of all sizes hire compensation and benefits managers to create and manage employees' benefits packages. They work with outside vendors, such as brokers, to acquire employee recruitment and retention benefits. Other typical job responsibilities include researching competitors' benefits packages.Sales Managers
Sales managers promote their company's goods and services by hiring and training employees. They also review the latest sales statistics. The job sometimes involves addressing customers' concerns and complaints. The job involves collaborating with and reporting to other managers. Professionals in this role have a college degree and extensive sales experience.Financial Managers
Financial managers analyze reports, make recommendations to upper management, and mentor new hires. Other responsibilities involve forecasting financial trends. Accountants and financial analysts with at least five years of experience can become financial managers. Additional qualifications may include an MBA or a similar graduate degree.Computer and Information Systems Managers
Chief information officers, IT directors, and chief technology officers ensure computer systems' security and functionality. They accomplish this goal by supervising hardware installation, evaluating their employer's changing technology needs, and monitoring staff. Professionals attain a management-level position by earning a graduate degree in computer science or a similar field.Marketing Managers
Marketing managers develop and implement the marketing and advertising campaigns people see on television, in print, and online. Daily tasks include planning promotional campaigns and collaborating with outside advertising and marketing agencies. They must also understand clients' needs through one-on-one meetings. Other responsibilities involve running focus groups to gauge consumer interest.
Source: BLS
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