Many students find it challenging to determine which college or university is right for them. We’ve created a ranking of our top universities and colleges from the state of Missouri that are non-profit organizations with online great online programs. Selected on this criteria, these are our top rankings.
#1. William Woods University
Known as “The Woods”, William Woods University is a private university located in the city of Fulton, Missouri. Founded in 1870, William Woods University was originally opened as the Female Orphan School. At this time, the school was initially located in the city of Camden Point, Missouri and its primary function was to home female orphans who had lost their families during The Civil War. After operating out of Fulton for a few decades, the school soon moved to Fulton, Missouri. Upon moving to Fulton, Missouri, the school was renamed to Daughters College to reflect the addition of college-level degree programs to its curriculum. This name was only short-lived as the school was soon renamed to William Woods College. This name was selected in order to honor the president of the National Bank of Commerce, William S. Woods, who donated a large sum of money to the school. Through his financial contributions, William Woods College was able to offer its first full junior college programs. During the 1960s, William Woods College expanded its course offerings to include four-year degree programs. The school was finally named William Woods University in 1993 after adding graduate programs to its course selections. Today, William Woods University enrolls a student body of approximately 2,400 students.
Featured Programs
Students at William Woods University can choose from a large collection of academic programs offered at the school. At this time, students can choose from over thirty different undergraduate degree programs as well as over a dozen graduate degree programs. Many of these programs are also offered to students entirely online helping William Woods University to earn a place among our top online universities and colleges in Missouri. William Woods University is a private institution.
Accreditation: William Woods University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $225/credit
Click here for a list of William Woods University‘s online programs.
#2. City Vision University
Established in 1998, City Vision University is a private college that operates primarily online. Based out of Kansas City, Missouri, City Vision University currently holds most of its classes online for students. Originally known as the Rescue College, City Vision University was founded by the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions. The plan was to create a school that would provide training for those who would go on to work within their missions. Operating in this capacity for a few years, it became clear that the Rescue College was a good platform for which other academic programs could be built upon. Slowly building out the course offerings at the school, Rescue College began to branch out into more traditional liberal arts programs. Through the addition of these traditional liberal arts programs, Rescue College began to attract more students to the school. In 2008, Rescue College was renamed to City Vision College as it had now transitioned to offering a variety of four-year degree programs. Years later, City Vision College began to offer students the opportunity to enroll in Master’s degrees and other graduate-level degree programs. This change led to the school being renamed once more to City Vision University. Today, City Vision University enrolls several hundred students.
Students at City Vision University are able to select from a focused catalog of academic programs made available at the school. Currently offering around a dozen undergraduate and graduate degree programs, City Vision University offers most of these programs entirely online. By offering these programs online, City Vision Universiy has ranked among our top online universities and colleges in Missouri. City Vision University is a private institution.
Accreditation: City Vision University is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).
Tuition: $233/credit
Click here for a list of City Vision University‘s online programs.
#3. Central Methodist University
Located in Fayette, Missouri, Central Methodist University is a private liberal arts university. Founded in 1854, Central Methodist University was originally known as Central College. Founded by Nathan Scarritt and David Rice McAnally, Central College was established in close affiliation with the United Methodist Church. Wanting to create a school that taught students about the Bible and the ministry, Central College was to be primarily a religious institution. However, over time Central College began to add more and more liberal arts programs to its academic offerings. Over the course of the next century, Central College underwent steady growth. Slowly adding additional academic programs to its curriculum, Central College eventually was offering students four-year degree programs. These four-year degree programs proved to be very popular which led Central College to expand its offerings even further, eventually adding Masters and other graduate degree programs. With the addition of these other academic programs, Central College was eventually renamed to Central Methodist University in 2004. Now a full-fledged university, Central Methodist University is home to a student body of just under 5,500 students.
Currently, Central Methodist University maintains a large collection of academic programs from which students can choose to enroll in. At this time, students can choose from over forty different areas of study including undergraduate and graduate degrees. Many of these programs are also available to students entirely online helping Central Methodist University to earn a place among our top online universities and colleges in Missouri. Central Methodist University is a private institution.
Accreditation: Central Methodist University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $250/credit
#4. Missouri Southern State University
Established in 1937, Missouri Southern State University is a public university. Located in Joplin, Missouri, Missouri Southern State University was originally known as the Joplin Junior College. Only offering students the opportunity to enroll in two-year degree programs, Joplin Junior College soon proved to be quite popular. Operating as a junior college for forty years, it was decided in 1967 that the school’s curriculum would be updated to include full four-year degree programs. It was at this time that the school became part of Missouri’s system of higher education and that the school was renamed to Missouri Southern State College. Operating under this name for a few decades, Missouri Southern State College continued to add more academic programs to its offerings. As the course catalog grew at Missouri Southern State College. In 2004, it was decided that the school was to be renamed to Missouri Southern State University – Joplin. At this point, the school had grown to offer graduate degree programs alongside the undergraduate offerings the school had already been offering. In 2005, the name of the school was simplified to Missouri Southern State University. Today, Missouri Southern State University enrolls under 6,000 students.
Missouri Southern State University currently maintains a sizable catalog of academic programs for students to choose from. At this time, students at Missouri Southern State University can pick from over 120 different undergraduate and graduate degree programs made available at the school. A large portion of these programs is also made available to students entirely online. By offering these programs online, Missouri Southern State University has earned a place among our top online universities and colleges in Missouri. Missouri Southern State University is a public institution.
Accreditation: Missouri Southern State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $270/credit
Click here for a list of Missouri Southern State University‘s online programs.
#5. Missouri State University
The second largest university in all of Missouri, Missouri State University is a public university and part of the Missouri State University system. Established in 1905, Missouri State University is currently located in Springfield, Missouri. Originally known as the Fourth District Normal School, Missouri State University was developed in order to provide training to students who were interested in working in the states public education system. Operating in this capacity for thirteen years, the Fourth District Normal School continued to provide training to those interested in becoming teachers. In 1919, the Fourth District Normal School was renamed to Southwest Missouri State Teacher’s College. This name change was made to reflect that the school was expanding its academic focus to include typical college-level degree programs. This expansion of curriculum continued and Southwest Missouri State Teacher’s Colleg was renamed to Southwest Missouri State College in 1945. Having added more academic programs to its curriculum, Southwest Missouri State College’s enrollment surged. Adding graduate degree programs to its offerings, the school was renamed to Southwest Missouri State University. Finally, in 1985, the school was renamed to Missouri State University. Today, Missouri State University enrolls nearly 25,000 students.
Home of the Bears and Lady Bears, Missouri State University currently maintains a large selection of academic programs for students to choose from. Students at Missouri State University can now choose from over 150 different undergraduate degree programs as well as over forty-five graduate degrees. Many of these programs are also offered online, earning Missouri State University a place among our top online universities and colleges in Missouri. Missouri State University is a public institution.
Accreditation: Missouri State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $275/credit
Click here for a list of Missouri State University‘s online programs.
#6. Central Christian College of the Bible
A small Christian college, Central Christian College of the Bible is located in Moberly, Missouri. Founded in affiliation with the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ, Central Christian College of the Bible was established in 1957. At a meeting of members of the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ, officials from the church called for the creation of a new school in Moberly. This school was created in order to recruit leaders for the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ in order to provide them with the training that they’d need to work within the churches. Establishing its campus in downtown Moberly, the Central Christian College of the Bible began to provide students with the training that they’d need in order to join the ministry. Over time, the school began to slowly add additional academic programs to its offerings. Through the addition of these other programs, Central Christian College of the Bible began to experience steady increases in growth. In 1968, Central Christian College of the Bible relocated to its current location in Southeast Moberly. Today, Central Christian College of the Bible has grown to enroll several hundred students.
Students at Central Christian College of the Bible are able to choose from a large collection of academic programs offered at the school. At this time, students can choose from dozens of different undergraduate degree programs offered. A selection of these programs is also made available to students entirely online helping Central Christian College of the Bible to rank among our top online universities and colleges in Missouri. Central Christian College of the Bible is a private institution.
Accreditation: Central Christian College of the Bible is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $275/credit
Click here for a list of Central Christian College of the Bible‘s online programs.
#7. University of Central Missouri
A public state university, the University of Central Missouri is located in Warrensburg, Missouri. Established in 1871, the University of Central Missouri’s motto is “Learning to a Greater Degree”. Founded as Normal School No 2., the University of Central Missouri was originally established by the state to provide students with teacher education. These students were to gain training from the state that would allow them to enter into the public education system of Missouri. Providing this training to students for decades, Normal School No 2. was eventually renamed to Warrensburg Teachers College. This name was chosen to reflect the addition of college-level degree programs being added to the school. With the addition of college degrees in education, Warrensburg Teachers College soon began to offer other liberal arts degree programs to its curriculum eventually resulting in the school being renamed to Central Missouri State College in 1945. Now offering a variety of undergraduate degree programs, students began to want graduate degrees. After adding a graduate school to its offerings, Central Missouri State College was renamed to Central Missouri State University and then finally the University of Central Missouri in 2006. Today, the University of Central Missouri is home to almost 15,00 students.
The University of Central Missouri currently offers an array of academic programs for students to choose from. Students at the University of Central Missouri can pick from over 150 different degree programs including almost forty different graduate degrees. A large portion of these programs is also made available to students entirely online earning the University of Central Missouri its place among the top online universities and colleges in Missouri. University of Central Missouri is a public institution.
Accreditation: University of Central Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $278/credit
Click here for a list of University of Central Missouri‘s online programs.
#8. Southeast Missouri State University
Located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Southeast Missouri State University is a public university. Established in 1873, Southeast Missouri State University was founded by a group of entrepreneurs, businessmen, and politicians who began to lobby the State of Missouri. The group was working to ensure that Cape Girardeau would become the home of Missouri’s third normal school. Successfully lobbying the state, Missouri’s third normal school was located in Cape Girardeau and was named Southeast Missouri State Normal School. Offering teacher training programs to students, Southeast Missouri State Normal School trained students to become teachers that would work within the public education system of Missouri. The school was soon renamed to Missouri State Normal School – Third District to fit in with a new naming scheme created by the state. In 1919, the curriculum at the school had been expanded to include education degree programs resulting in the school being renamed to Southeast Missouri State Teachers College. With the addition of full degree programs, Southeast Missouri State Teachers College began to grow more rapidly adding on more students and programs. Renamed to Southeast Missouri State College in 1946, the school was officially renamed to Southeast Missouri State University almost thirty years later in 1973. Today, Southeast Missouri State University is home to 11,500 students.
Home of the Red and Black, Southeast Missouri State University offers students the opportunity to enroll in many different academic programs. At this time, students at Southeast Missouri State University can pick from over 200 different areas of study including undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Many of these programs are also offered to students entirely online helping Southeast Missouri State University to rank among our top online universities and colleges in Missouri. Southeast Missouri State University is a public institution.
Accreditation: Southeast Missouri State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $284/credit
Click here for a list of Southeast Missouri State University‘s online programs.
#9. University of Missouri
Known as “Mizzou”, the University of Missouri is a public research university. Located in Columbia, Missouri, the University of Missouri’s motto is “Let the Welfare of the People be the Supreme Law”. Established in 1839, the University of Missouri has grown to become the state’s largest university. The first university to be established within the Louisiana Purchase territory, the University of Missouri was to be modeled heavily after the work of Thomas Jefferson in regards to his designs for the University of Virginia. In 1870, the University of Missouri received federal funding when it was designated as a land-grant college. This designation allowed the University of Missouri to establish additional campuses, one of which continued on to become Missouri University of Science and Technology. Over the course of the coming decades, the University of Missouri would grow and shape the landscape of higher education in the state. Eventually, the school would inspire the creation of the University of Missouri System in which the University of Missouri was the flagship. Now world-renowned for the quality of research performed at the institution, the University of Missouri is now home to a student body of almost 31,000 students.
Students at the University of Missouri can select from a massive catalog of academic programs offered at the school. At this time, students at the University of Missouri can pick from over 300 different academic programs including Bachelor’s, Master’s, and doctoral degree programs. A large portion of these programs is also offered to students entirely online. By offering these programs online, the University of Missouri has ranked among our top online universities and colleges in Missouri. University of Missouri is a public institution.
Accreditation: University of Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $285/credit
Click here for a list of University of Missouri‘s online programs.
#10. Drury University
Established in 1873, Drury University is a private university. Located in Springfield, Missouri, Drury University is closely affiliated with the United Church of Christ and Christian Church. Originally known as Springfield College, Drury University was founded by a group of Congregational Church missionaries. The idea was to create a school that was similar to that of Yale University or Dartmouth University. Led up by Reverend Nathan Morrison, Samuel Drury, and other’s, Springfield College was to continue to legacy of prestigious private universities with religious affiliations. Having donated the largest amount of money to the endowment, Samuel Drury soon learned that the school was to be renamed after his deceased son in order to honor his legacy. Renamed to Drury College, the school began to attract students from across the state and the country. Growing its course offerings as well as its student body, Drury College continued to grow into the 20th century. Eventually expanding its curriculum to include graduate degree programs, it was decided in 2000 that the school was to be renamed to Drury University. Today, Drury University is well-regarded as a top liberal arts school in Missouri and enrolls a student body of almost 5,500 students.
Drury University currently offers a wide selection of academic programs from which students can choose to enroll in. At this time, students at Durry University can choose from almost fifty-five undergraduate degrees as well as a large number of graduate programs. Many of these programs are also made available to students entirely online helping Drury University to rank among our top online universities and colleges in Missouri. Drury University is a private institution.
Accreditation: Drury University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $308/credit
Click here for a list of Drury University‘s online programs.
#11. Columbia College
Located in Columbia, Missouri, Columbia College is a private college. Established in 1851, Columbia College’s motto is “Valiantly bear the cross”. Founded in affiliation with the Christian Church, Columbia College was first established as the Christian Female College. The first women’s college west of the Mississippi River, the Christian Female College was created in order to provide female students with the opportunity for a higher education. At this time, the University of Missouri did not allow women to enroll so they need for a female college was high. Because of this demand, the Christian Female College proved to be very popular from the beginning. Hitting a snag in enrollment during the Civil War, things picked up again in the period following. During the early 20th century, the Christian Female College began offering fully-accredited junior college degree programs. This paved the way for the Christian Female College to reinvent itself in 1970. Going coeducational and offering full four-year degree programs, the Christian Female College was also renamed to Columbia College. Today, Columbia College now enrolls a student body of approximately 2,100 students.
Students at Columbia College are afforded the opportunity to select from a large catalog of academic programs made available at the school. At this time, Columbia College is offering dozens of undergraduate degree programs for students to choose from. A large number of these programs are also made available to students entirely online. By offering these programs online, Columbia College has ranked among our top online universities and colleges in Missouri. Columbia College is a private institution.
Accreditation: Columbia College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $375/credit
Click here for a list of Columbia College‘s online programs.
#12. Park University
Established in 1876, Park University is a private college located in Parkville, Missouri. With the motto “Faith & Work”, Park University was originally established as Park College. Created by John A. McAfee in 1875, Park College was founded on a plot of land donated by George S. Park. The school was located in a hotel that George S. Park once owned and the school was named after him in order to honor his generosity. Park College offered students free tuition in exchange for work. Students would spend a half-day working at the college in some capacity and then receive an education the other half of the day. Affiliated with the Presbyterian Church initially, Park College received support from the church in its early years. A successful experiment, the free tuition for labor worked out and led Park College into the 20th century. Attracting more students to its programs, Park College continued to grow throughout the coming decades. Adding more and more academic programs, Park College was eventually renamed to its current name of Park University in 2000. Today, Park University currently enrolls almost 11,500 students at its facilities.
Today, Park University offers students a wide selection of academic programs to choose from. Students at Park University are offered over eighty different degree programs across Park University’s Bachelor’s and Master’s programs. Many of these programs are also made available to students entirely online earning Park University’s ranking among our top online universities and colleges in Missouri. Park University is a private institution.
Accreditation: Park University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $399/credit
Click here for a list of Park University‘s online programs.
#13. Missouri Baptist University
Located in Creve Coeur, Missouri, Missouri Baptist University is a private Christian university. Established in 1857, Missouri Baptist University is closely affiliated with the Baptist Church. Plans for Missouri Baptist University began in 1957 when members of the Creve Coeur community called for the creation of a new evangelical Christian institution of higher learning. This call for a new institution led to the establishment of an extension campus of the nearby Hannibal-LaGrange College. Operated out of the Tower Grove Baptist Church, the Hannibal-LaGrange College quickly became popular. Wanting to create something more permanent and substantial, the Missouri Baptist College was chartered to replace the Hannibal-LaGrange College extension campus. While the Board of Trustees searched for a location for the Missouri Baptist College campus, classes were still held in the Tower Grove Baptist Church. After selecting a location and constructing a campus, Missouri Baptist College enrolled its first class of students in 1968. Evolving over the years, Missouri Baptist College is now known as Missouri Baptist University. Today, Missouri Baptist University enrolls 5,600 students.
Students at Missouri Baptist University are afforded the opportunity to select from a large catalog of academic programs offered at the school. Currently, Missouri Baptist University is offering over fifty undergraduate degrees and many graduate degrees. A large amount of these programs are also made available to students entirely online helping Missouri Baptist University to rank among our top online universities and colleges in Missouri. Missouri Baptist University is a private institution.
Accreditation: Missouri Baptist University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $412/credit
Click here for a list of Missouri Baptist University‘s online programs.
#14. Evangel University
A private Christian university, Evangel University‘s motto is “Your Calling. Your Passion”. Established in 1955, Evangel University is located in Springfield, Missouri. Originally known as Evangel College, Evangel University was established in affiliation with the General Council of the Assemblies of God. The first national Pentecostal college of arts and sciences, Evangel College was led by Reverend Ralph Riggs. Already operating a number of Bible schools, Riggs wanted to establish a college in which students who were interested in studying secular fields could do so in an environment that was faith-based. Located at the former O’Reilly General Hospital, Evangel College began seeing its first class of students there in 1955. Over the coming decades, Evangel College slowly remodeled O’Reilly General Hospital to fit their needs as a college campus. Continuing to grow throughout the 20th century, Evangel College hit a very exciting point in its development when it consolidated with a few other local colleges to become Evangel University. Today, Evangel University enrolls over 2,000 students.
Home of the Crusaders, Evangel University allows students to choose from a wide variety of academic programs offered by the school. Currently, students can choose from over seventy academic programs offered at the school. A large portion of these programs is also made available to students entirely online helping earn Evangel University a spot among our top online universities and colleges in Missouri. Evangel University is a private institution.
Accreditation: Evangel University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $475/credit
Click here for a list of Evangel University‘s online programs.
#15. Lindenwood University
Located in St. Charles, Missouri, Lindenwood University is a private university. With the motto “Like No Other”, Lindenwood University was established in 1827. Founded by George Champlin Sibley, and Mary Easton Sibley, Lindenwood University was originally known as the Lindenwood School for Girls. After arriving in the newly-settled area and establishing a trading post known as Fort Sibley, Georgie and Mary both began plans for the creation of a women’s school. Officially beginning operations in 1827, the Lindenwood School for Girls is now the second-oldest higher-education institution west of the Mississippi River. Since its founding, the Lindenwood School for Girls slowly expanded. Renamed The Boarding School for Young Ladies at Linden Wood, Missouri, the school continued its slow expansion. By The 1910s, the school began operating as a fully accredited junior college. This led to the school being renamed to Lindenwood College for Women. In 1969, the Lindenwood College for Women became a coeducational institution and was renamed to Lindenwood Colleges. Renamed to Lindenwood College in 1983, the school was finally named Lindenwood University in 1997. Today, Lindenwood University enrolls almost 8,700 students.
Currently, students at Lindenwood University are offered the opportunity to enroll in a large number of academic programs offered a the school. At this time, Lindenwood University is offering over 120 different undergraduate degrees as well as a litany of graduate degree programs. A large selection of these programs is also made available to students entirely online helping Lindenwood University to rank among our top online universities and colleges in Missouri. Lindenwood University is a private institution.
Accreditation: Lindenwood University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $480/credit
Click here for a list of Lindenwood University‘s online programs.
#16. Maryville University of Saint Louis
A private university, Maryville University of Saint Louis is located in Town and Country, Missouri. Established in 1872, Maryville University of Saint Louis was founded by the Society of the Sacred Heart. Originally known as the Maryville Academy of the Sacred Heart, Maryville University of Saint Louis was initially founded in order to provide underprivileged women with access to a higher education. Operating as a traditional school for almost forty years, Maryville Academy of Sacred Heart became a junior college in 1921. With the addition of two-year degree programs into its curriculum, Maryville Academy of Sacred Heart began expanding its academic offerings to finally offering four-year degree programs just two years later in 1923. This change in academic programming resulted in the school being renamed to Maryville College of the Sacred Heart. During the 1950s, the school relocated to its current location. Eventually renamed to Maryville University of Saint Louis, the school currently enrolls a student body of approximately 6,400 students.
Marville University of Saint Louis offers students a wide variety of academic programs from which to enroll in. At this time, students can choose from over ninety different degree programs from their selection of undergraduate, Master’s, and doctorate degree programs. A large portion of these programs is also made available to students entirely online. By offering these programs online, Maryville University of Saint Louis has ranked among our top online universities and colleges in Missouri. Maryville University of Saint Louis a private institution.
Accreditation: Maryville University of Saint Louis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $510/credit
Click here for a list of Maryville University of Saint Louis‘ online programs.
#17. Missouri University of Science and Technology
Founded in 1870, Missouri University of Science and Technology is a public research university located in Rolla, Missouri. Part of the University of Missouri System, Missouri University of Science and Technology’s motto is “The Welfare of the People”. Originally known as the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy, Missouri University of Science and Technology was America’s first technological institute of higher-learning located west of the Mississippi River. Dedicated to the science of mining and metallurgy, the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy soon expanded its curriculum to include additional forms of study. Formed as a planned branch of the University of Missouri, the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy soon became independent of the University of Missouri. Admitting its first class of students in 1871, the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy proved to be very popular from the outset. In the 1920s, the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy expanded its curriculum to include other forms of study an was renamed to Missouri University’s School of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts. Spun-off into its own school in 1964, the school was renamed to the University of Missouri at Rolla and then the Missouri University of Science and Technology in 2008. Today, the school enrolls a student body of almost 9,000 students.
Missouri University of Science and Technology offers many different academic programs for students to enroll in. At this time, students at Missouri University of Science and Technology can pick from over almost 100 different academic programs offered across the school’s undergraduate and graduate offerings. A large portion of these programs is also made available to students entirely online, helping the Missouri University of Science and Technology to rank among our top online universities and colleges in Missouri. Missouri University of Science and Technology is a public institution.
Accreditation: Missouri University of Science and Technology is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $552/credit
Click here for a list of Missouri University of Science and Technology‘s online programs.
#18. Northwest Missouri State University
Home to the Missouri State Arboretum, Northwest Missouri State University is a public state-run university. Established in 1905, Northwest Missouri State University is located in Maryville, Missouri. Originally known as the Fifth District Normal School, Northwest Missouri State University was originally created as one of the five normal schools throughout the state. The purpose of these five schools was to provide students with teacher training so that they could go on to work within the state’s system of public education. By 1919, the Fifth District Normal School had begun to add college-level courses to its offerings resulting in the school being renamed to Northwest Missouri State Teacher’s College. Now offering Bachelor’s degrees in education the school began to expand the types of degrees offered at the school. In 1949, Northwest Missouri State Teacher’s College was shortened to Northwest Missouri State College in order to reflect the wider range of academic experiences offered at the school. By 1972, Northwest Missouri State College began offering graduate degree programs to students which resulted in the school being renamed to Northwest Missouri State University. Currently, Northwest Missouri State University is home to almost 6,400 students.
Home of the Bearcats, Northwest Missouri State University maintains a large catalog of academic programs that students can pick from. At this time, students can pick from over 120 different undergraduate degree programs as well as forty graduate programs. A large selection of these programs is also made available to students entirely online, earning Northwest Missouri State University a place among the top online universities and colleges in Missouri. Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution.
Accreditation: Northwest Missouri State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $653/credit
Click here for a list of Northwest Missouri State University‘s online programs.
#19. Washington University in St. Louis
Named after George Washington, Washington University in St. Louis is a private research university located in the city of St. Louis, Missouri. Established with the motto “Strength through truth”, Washington University in St. Louis was founded by a group of seventeen of St. Louis’ brightest minds. Citing a lack of an institution for higher-learning to serve the Midwest, this group of leaders called for the creation of Washington University. Originally known as Eliot Seminary, the school was initially named after T.S. Eliot. However, this name made T.S. Eliot uncomfortable and the school was renamed in 1854 to Washington Insitute. Naming the school after George Washington during the leadup to the Civil War was a calculated move to show the school’s dedication to unity as one nation. In 1856, the school’s name was updated to Washington University in order to reflect the larger scope of the university. Over the coming decades, Washington University would grow to become one of the top schools in the state of Missouri. It was decided in 1976 that the school was to be renamed one final time to Washington University in St. Louis in order to distinguish from other schools with similar names. Now, Washington University in St. Louis enrolls over 15,000 students.
Students at Washington University in St. Louis are able to pick from a catalog of many different academic programs offered at the school. At this time, Washinton University in St. Louis offers students over ninety different degree programs across its undergraduate and graduate degree offerings. Many of these programs are also offered to students entirely online making Washington University in St. Louis one of our top online universities and colleges in Missouri. Washington University in St. Louis is a private institution.
Accreditation: Washington University in St. Louis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $665/credit
Click here for a list of Washington University in St. Louis‘ online programs.
#20. Fontbonne University
Located in Clayton, Missouri, Fontbonne University is a private Catholic university. Established in 1923, Fontbonne University’s motto is “Virtue and Knowledge”. Originally a women’s only institution, Fontbonne University was known as St. Joseph’s Academy. Founded by a group known as the Sisters of St. Joseph, St. Joseph’s Academy was established after this group of women emigrated to the United States to a small town just outside of St. Louis, Missouri. After operating St. Joseph’s Academy for several years, the school then began to offer college-level programs to students. This shift towards higher-education resulted in the school being renamed to St. Joseph’s College. Still only serving female students, St. Joseph’s College continued to grow and prosper into the 20th century. After adding more college courses to its programming, St. Joseph’s College was renamed to Fontbonne College. This name was chosen to honor Mother St. John Fontbonne, who founded the most recent iteration of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph. Years later, the school was renamed to Fontbonne University to better reflect the scope of academic programs offered at the school. Today, Fontbonne University enrolls over 3,100 students.
Fontbonne University offers many different academic programs for students to choose from. At this time, students at Fontbonne University can select from over eighty different undergraduate programs as well as almost two dozen different graduate degree programs. A large selection of these programs is also made available to students entirely online, helping Fontbonne University to rank among our top online universities and colleges in Missouri. Fontbonne University is a private institution.
Accreditation: Fontbonne University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $694/credit
Click here for a list of Fontbonne University‘s online programs.
#21. Webster University
Established in 1915, Webster University is a private university located in Webster Groves, Missouri. Home of the Gorloks, Webster University was founded in 1915 by the Sisters of Loretto. Originally known as Loretto College, Webster University was established as a women’s college. The first women’s college west of the Mississippi River, Loretto College worked to educate women for decades to come. Adding more and more academic programs as the years went on, Loretto College eventually began to admit male students into its programs in 1962. By doubling the available student body, Loretto College experience another period of rapid growth. Five years later, it was decided that the Sisters of Loretto would no longer be in charge of the college and that a Board of Trustees would be installed in order to oversee the operations of the school. In doing this, Loretto College became the first Catholic university in the entire United States to be controlled by a Board of non-Church affiliated people. Eventually renamed to Webster University, Webster University currently is home to a student body of approximately 14,000 students.
Students at Webster University are afforded the opportunity to pick from a large selection of academic programs offered at the school. Currently, Webster University is offering over 100 different undergraduate programs for students to select from as well as a variety of graduate programs. Many of these programs are also offered to students entirely online earning Webster University a place among our top online universities and colleges in Missouri. Webster University is a private institution.
Accreditation: Webster University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $710/credit
Click here for a list of Webster University‘s online programs.
#22. Saint Louis University
A private Catholic university, Saint Louis University‘s motto is “For the greater glory of God”. Originally established in 1818, Saint Louis University is located in St. Louis, Missouri. Tracing backing to Saint Louis Academy, Saint Louis University was originally founded by Most Reverend Louis Guillaume Valentin Dubourg who was the acting Bishop of Louisiana and the Floridas. Operated by the Saint Louis Cathedral, the Saint Louis Academy operated out of a private home near St. Louis. Renamed to Saint Louis College in 1820, the school had now begun to offer students traditional college-level degree programming. With this change came a change of stewardship of the university. No longer under control of Bishop Dubourg, the school was now to be operated by the Society of Jesus. Soon after the school received its charter from the state and enrollment surged. Slowly adding more academic programs to its curriculum, soon Saint Louis College was offering students many different college degree programs to choose from. In 1944, Saint Louis College was the first school in Missouri to integrate its student body. Today, Saint Louis University remains at the forefront of education and enrolls a student body of over 13,500 students.
Home of the Billikens, Saint Louis University currently offers a wide selection of academic programs for students to select from. Students can choose from over 100 different undergraduate degree programs as well as over eighty different graduate degree programs. Twenty-five of these programs are currently offered to students entirely online helping Saint Louis University to earn a place among our top online universities and colleges in Missouri. Saint Louis University is a private institution.
Accreditation: Saint Louis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $770/credit
Click here for a list of Saint Louis University‘s online programs.
#23. Truman State University
Located in Kirksville, Missouri, Truman State University is a public university. Founded in 1867, Truman State University was originally founded as the North Missouri Normal School and Commercial College. Established by Josh Baldwin, the North Missouri Normal School and Commercial College focused on providing students with teacher training as well as business training. Focusing on this two main subjects, the North Missouri Normal School and Commercial College attracted students from across the state. Eventually refocusing on teacher training primarily, the school was renamed to North Missouri Normal School in 1868 then to North Missouri Normal School of the First District in 1870. By 1918, the North Missouri Normal School of the First District had begun to incorporate college degree programs into its curriculum resulting in the school being renamed to the Northeast Missouri State Teachers College. At this point, the school began to experiment with offering students degree programs outside of the scope of just teacher education. With the incorporation of these other degree programs, the school was soon renamed to Northeast Missouri State College then Northeast Missouri State University in 1972. Renamed in 1996 to Truman State University, the school is currently home to a student body of almost 6,400 students.
Students at Truman State University are currently able to pick from a large number of academic programs offered at the school. Currently, Truman State University is offering almost fifty different undergraduate degree programs as well as seven different graduate degree programs. A selection of these degrees is also offered to students entirely online. By offering these degrees online, Truman State University has ranked among our top online universities and colleges in Missouri. Truman State University is a public institution.
Accreditation: Truman State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $840/credit
Click here for a list of Truman State University‘s online programs.
#24. University of Missouri-Kansas City
One of the four members of the University of Missouri System, the University of Missouri-Kansas City is a public university. Located in Kansas City, Missouri, the University of Missouri-Kansas City was established in 1933. Originally rooted in Lincoln and Lee University, the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s earliest history can be found in the plans for a school built to honor the legacies of Abraham Lincoln and Robert E. Lee. Planned by the Methodist Church, the school was to be a means of unifying the North and the South. At the same time, plans for a Kansas City Dental School were also underway. Deciding to merge these two different schools into one, construction began on Lincoln and Lee, the University of Kansas City in 1930. However, the name of the school ended up being changed in 1933 to the University of Kansas City. Growing steadily over the years, the University of Kansas City began to attract more and more students. In 1963, the school was absorbed into the University of Missouri System affording the school a large number of resources to afford for its growth. Today, the University of Missouri-Kansas City enrolls almost 17,000 students.
The University of Missouri-Kansas City offers students a wide selection of academic programs for students to choose from. Students at the University of Missouri-Kansas City can select from around one hundred different undergraduate and graduate degree programs offered at the school. Many of these programs are also offered to students entirely online. By offering these programs online, the University of Missouri-Kansas City has ranked among our top online universities and colleges in Missouri. University of Missouri-Kansas City is a public institution.
Accreditation: University of Missouri-Kansas City is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $889/credit
Click here for a list of University of Missouri-Kansas City‘s online programs.
#25. University of Missouri-St Louis
A public research university, the University of Missouri-St. Louis is a member of the University of Missouri System. With the motto “The Welfare of the People”, the University of Missouri-St. Louis is located in St. Louis and was founded in 1960. Plans for the University of Missouri-St. Louis began at the end of the 1950s when people in the town of Normandy, Missouri began calling for the creation of a junior college to serve the area. Around that same time, the Bellerive Country Club was put up for sale. Deciding to purchase this property, the town planned to use this land to found a junior college. It was decided that the University of Missouri was to oversee operations of the junior college. In 1960, the facility opened as the Normandy Residence Center under the auspices of the University of Missouri. Quickly increasing its enrollment, students quickly began wanting the school to offer students four-year degree programs. With the recent formation of the University of Missouri System, students were calling for the Normandy Residence Center to be remade into a University of Missouri school. In 1963, the school was officially upgraded to a four-year university known as the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Today, the school is home to a student body of around 17,000 students.
Home of the Tritons, the University of Missouri-St. Louis offers its student body a wide selection of academic programs from which to choose from. At this time, students can select from over fifty different degree programs across the schools undergraduate and graduate offerings. A selection of these programs is also made available to students entirely online. By doing so, the University of Missouri-St. Louis has ranked among the top online universities and colleges in Missouri. University of Missouri-St. Louis is a public institution.
Accreditation: University of Missouri-St Louis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $930/credit
Click here for a list of University of Missouri-St Louis‘ online programs.
