Best Universities in Missouri for 2026

Missouri enrolls more than 18,000 international students at a mix of a top-15 private research university and large, affordable public campuses where international tuition can stay under $30,000. Costs range from roughly $20,000 a year at regional public schools to about $62,000 at Washington University in St. Louis. This guide compares eight real Missouri universities — what each is known for, the programs that draw students from abroad, approximate yearly tuition, selectivity, and international support.

Missouri universities at a glance

Figures are approximate 2025–26 international tuition, excluding housing, fees, and insurance. Confirm current numbers with each admissions office.

University	Type	City	Known for	Intl tuition/yr	Acceptance rate
Washington University in St. Louis	Private	St. Louis	Medicine, business, design	~$62,000	~12%
University of Missouri (Mizzou)	Public	Columbia	Journalism, agriculture	~$29,000	~80%
Saint Louis University	Private	St. Louis	Aviation, health, business	~$50,000	~70%
Missouri S&T	Public	Rolla	Engineering, mining	~$28,000	~80%
University of Missouri–Kansas City	Public	Kansas City	Medicine, music	~$27,000	~70%
Missouri State University	Public	Springfield	Business, education	~$20,000	~90%
Truman State University	Public	Kirksville	Liberal arts, sciences	~$25,000	~70%

The universities in detail

Washington University in St. Louis

WashU is Missouri's most selective university — admitting about 12% of applicants — and a national leader in medicine, the Olin Business School, biomedical engineering, and the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts. International undergraduate tuition is near $62,000, but WashU is need-aware for internationals and offers substantial merit and need-based aid to admitted students. The St. Louis campus is research-intensive with strong ISSS advising.

University of Missouri (Mizzou)

Mizzou in Columbia is the public flagship, famous for the Missouri School of Journalism (one of the oldest and most respected in the world), plus agriculture, veterinary medicine, and the sciences. International tuition is around $29,000, and the roughly 80% admit rate makes it accessible. Columbia is a true college town with affordable living and plenty of research and assistantship roles.

Saint Louis University

SLU is a Jesuit private with standout programs in aviation (Parks College of Engineering, Aviation & Technology), health sciences, nursing, and business. Tuition runs near $50,000 with generous merit scholarships that many international students receive. SLU also has a campus in Madrid, useful for students wanting a European study option.

Missouri University of Science & Technology (Missouri S&T)

Missouri S&T in Rolla is the state's dedicated engineering and technology university, strong in mechanical, civil, aerospace, and the historic mining and metallurgical engineering programs. At roughly $28,000, it's an affordable, employment-focused route into US engineering, with high placement rates and active student design teams.

University of Missouri–Kansas City

UMKC offers respected programs in medicine (a combined six-year BA/MD), the Conservatory of Music and Dance, dentistry, and law. International tuition is about $27,000. The Kansas City location gives access to a large metro job market and a vibrant arts scene.

Missouri State University

Missouri State in Springfield is the most affordable four-year option at roughly $20,000, with solid programs in business (a large undergraduate college), education, hospitality, and the sciences. Its near-90% admit rate makes it accessible, and Springfield is one of the cheapest college cities in the Midwest. For international students focused on cost, it's a strong value entry point into a US degree.

Truman State University

Truman in Kirksville is Missouri's public liberal-arts university and one of the best academic values in the Midwest, with strong sciences, business, and pre-professional tracks. At roughly $25,000 with merit aid, it offers small classes and high graduation rates at a public price. Its honors-college feel and strong graduate-school placement set it apart from larger publics.

What it actually costs to study in Missouri

Tuition is just the headline number. Budget roughly $9,000–$13,000 a year for housing and meals in college towns like Columbia, Rolla, and Kirksville, and somewhat more in St. Louis and Kansas City. Mandatory health insurance adds about $1,500–$3,000 a year, with student fees another $1,000–$2,000. Factoring in books, transport, and personal spending, a realistic yearly total runs $35,000–$80,000 depending on the school. Missouri's cost of living sits well below the US average, which is part of why so many international students choose it. F-1 students can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the semester.

How to choose the right Missouri university

Lead with your field. For journalism, Mizzou is world-class; for engineering, Missouri S&T and SLU's Parks College; for aviation, SLU; for medicine, WashU and UMKC's BA/MD; for liberal arts on a budget, Truman. Then weigh sticker price against aid: WashU's $62,000 list can drop sharply with aid, while the public schools' lower tuition rarely comes with large international scholarships. Model your total yearly spend — tuition, housing, and insurance — with the cost of study calculator.

Selectivity is your second filter. Strong applicants should target WashU; Mizzou, S&T, SLU, and Truman are realistic mid-targets; Missouri State is the accessible safer option at about 90% admission. For visas, work rules, and the wider state picture, read our guide to studying in Missouri.

Application basics for international students

Missouri universities use the Common Application or institutional portals. Core requirements: high school transcripts (evaluated for international credentials), English proof (TOEFL ~61–100 or IELTS 6.0–7.0 depending on the school), and an essay. SAT/ACT is optional at most Missouri schools but supports scholarship review. After admission, submit proof of funds for your I-20, then apply for the F-1 visa. Fall deadlines run from December to spring, with rolling admission at public campuses. See our US application guide for the full process and the study in the USA hub for broader context.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest good university in Missouri for international students?

Missouri State University (~$20,000) is the lowest-priced accredited four-year option, followed by Truman State (~$25,000) and UMKC (~$27,000). Missouri S&T offers strong engineering at about $28,000.

Which Missouri university is best for journalism?

The University of Missouri's School of Journalism in Columbia is among the most respected in the world, with hands-on newsroom training through its "Missouri Method." It's the clear choice for media careers.

Can international students get scholarships in Missouri?

Yes. WashU offers need-based and merit aid; SLU, Truman, and Missouri State give merit awards of $5,000–$20,000 that many international students qualify for. Mizzou and S&T offer more selective international scholarships.

How hard is it to get into Missouri universities?

It ranges from WashU at about 12% to Missouri State near 90%. Mizzou, S&T, SLU, UMKC, and Truman admit roughly 70–80% overall, though specific competitive programs run tighter.

Do Missouri universities require the SAT or ACT?

Most are test-optional for 2026. Submitting strong scores can still help with competitive majors and merit-scholarship consideration.

Can international students work after graduating in Missouri?

Yes. F-1 graduates get 12 months of OPT, extended to 36 months for STEM degrees — covering most Missouri S&T, WashU, and Mizzou engineering and science programs. St. Louis (biotech, healthcare) and Kansas City (engineering, finance) offer relevant employers.

Which Missouri city is best for student life?

Columbia is a classic, affordable college town built around Mizzou. St. Louis and Kansas City offer big-city culture and internships at lower costs than coastal metros, while Rolla and Kirksville are quieter, budget-friendly campus towns. Your university choice largely sets your city.