What's Springfield Like?

Not too big and not too small

Springfield is Missouri's third-largest city, with about 350,000 people living in the metropolitan area. By comparison, the St. Louis metro area has 2.8 million people. So Springfield is large enough to let you feel the electric vibe of a city, but small enough so you won't feel lost—or in danger. Springfield's violent-crime rate is well below the national average.

Thousands of places to eat, shop and have fun

• 500 restaurants
• 1,500 retail shopping outlets
• Four, large, movie-theatre complexes
• The Springfield Cardinals baseball team
• A performing arts center (on campus) that draws Broadway plays and nationally known entertainers

Convenient to other metro areas

• Springfield is only three hours from St. Louis
• Less than three hours from Kansas City
• Two hours from the Lake of the Ozarks
• Three hours from Columbia
• About 45 minutes from Branson.

You can get here quicker if you choose to fly into the city's regional airport, which is served by major airline carriers.

Plenty of part-time job opportunities

Springfield's economy is the fastest-growing in Missouri. Businesses are expanding and new businesses are coming into town regularly. If you want to work part-time while you're in school, you'll have no problem getting a job.

Vacation paradise

Springfield's location in the Ozarks gives you access to all the boating, canoeing, kayaking, camping, hiking and mountain-biking you could ask for. It's less than an hour's drive to Branson, one of the nation's top vacation destinations.

Why do over 3,500 St. Louis students choose Missouri State?

• Missouri State University offers a distinctive mission and remarkable education.
• Missouri State University offers an affordable choice and unbeatable value.
• Missouri State University offers memorable experiences and lifetime success

Meet our St. Louis area representatives

Meet Freddy, a Missouri State student from the St. Louis area