About Missouri State

A group of students walking through campus during a sunny day following commencement ceremonies.

Our Missouri Statement

When you stand up. When you have the world's attention. When you have your chance to be heard.

What statement will you make?

At Missouri State University, this question is central to the positive impact we make in our state and beyond. With it, we empower students and campus community members to become global citizens who influence society for the better.

Missouri State University

About us

We’re a big state university, but we won’t make you feel small. We have students from all over Missouri, the nation and the world.

When you need a group to step and be leaders, look no further than the Bears who are making their Missouri Statements.
Bear statue with leaves in autumn color in the background.

How big is Missouri State University?

Total enrollment

27,083

Students in the Missouri State system.
Alumni

150,000+

Alumni applying their education around the world.
Employees

3,214

Total employees in the university system.

System overview

The Missouri State University system has three physical campuses — two in Missouri and one in Dalian, China — and an outreach program for any time, any place learning.

Our main campus is about a 2.5-hour drive from Kansas City and a three-hour drive from St. Louis.

Looking west along the west mall, flags fly and the Jane A. Meyer Carillon can be seen.
Springfield
The main campus in Springfield, Mo.
West Plains ag students pose for a group photo in a greenhouse. Their teacher is in the center and holding a plant.
West Plains
A two-year branch campus about 100 miles southeast of Springfield.
A Missouri State student from China speaks to an audience. The United States and China flags are seen in the background.
Dalian, China
In partnership with Liaoning Normal University (LNU).
A Missouri State student using her laptop in the Meyer Library.
Outreach
Take classes any time, anywhere.
Public affairs mission

We do education differently

Missouri State University is a close-knit community of passionate and steadfast learners committed to ethical leadership, cultural competence and community engagement. Those are the pillars of the university’s unique public affairs mission, granted to us by the Missouri General Assembly.
Three graduate students walking by the Citizen Scholar statue in front of Strong Hall.

Superior academics

Missouri State University is a designated Research College and University (RCU) under the Carnegie Classification system.

Since our approach is grounded in public affairs, our graduates are well-rounded citizens as well. They are prepared to lead full, successful lives.

REVIEW OUR ACCREDITATIONS

A computer science student holds a drone for takeoff as her professor works the controller.
Majors and programs
Get the education you want
Our academic programs are housed in six academic colleges and the Graduate College. There are dozens of well-established programs – or you may create an individualized degree program just for you.
Cristina Pippa, assistant professor in the department of communication, media, journalism and film, works with a group of students in an audio production lab.
Research
Discover the latest findings
Our faculty work with students to dissect, analyze, innovate and discover.
Bachelor's programs (majors)

95+

With 175+ options.
Master's programs

65+

Graduate programs with 85+ options.
Doctorate and specialist programs

13

Costs within reach

We take great pride in making a high-quality college education affordable. It's why so many students pick Missouri State.

Four students in Bearwear pose together in front of the Bear statute outside Plaster Student Union.
How much does Missouri State cost?
Our total costs are lower than most other universities in the state and well below the national average. We invite you to compare.
A happy, smiling graduate student handles plants in a greenhouse on campus.
Explore your options for scholarships and financial aid
These resources can help you pay for your education.
A Missouri State student with her family members outside of a residence hall on move-in weekend. All three are wearing BearWear.
Aid for out-of-state Bears
Not from Missouri? Your costs can still be reduced
You may qualify for the out-of-state tuition waiver, a full waiver of nonresident fees. When you factor in financial aid, Missouri State may be more affordable than a school in your state. Find out the criteria.

Meet the Bears: Student life

Missouri State students getting hyped up before a home football game.
It's a privilege to be a Bear
About our students
Passionate. Engaged. Positive. Innovative. Welcoming. That's how people describe our student body.
First-time, new in college students

2,782

Transfer students

1,347

Students from underrepresented groups

3,644

Facilities and resources

Infrastructure to support you

New buildings and amazing renovations have changed the face of Missouri State University in recent years. More improvements are on the way! Our goal is to give you state-of-the-art spaces to prepare you for your future.
A gorgeous nighttime view of Meyer Library, the Carillon and Glass Hall with their lights on and the campus fountain running in the forefront.

Make memories with activites and traditions

Our students often say they feel like they're part of something bigger, because they are.

Missouri State's traditions bring the campus community together with alumni and other friends to create a shared pride in the university.

These are just a few – we have dozens of annual traditions on campus!

Find out what's happening at Missouri State

 

  • Welcome Weekend

    Each school year starts with Welcome Weekend. Move in, meet new friends and enjoy a weekend full of events.

  • Family Weekend

    After getting settled in for a few weeks, students invite their family to campus and experience university life together.

  • Homecoming

    Bears from all generations gather for this week-long celebration of everything Missouri State.

  • International events

    Throughout the year, domestic and international students participate in global experiences on campus.

  • BearWear Friday

    Every Friday, students, faculty, staff and alumni dress in maroon and white to show their school spirit. This tradition started in 2009 and continues to grow. Many students post selfies in their BearWear on social media.

  • Fountain Day

    This tradition evolved in recent years as students celebrate the day the John Q. Hammons Fountain turns on each spring.

  • Tent Theatre

    Tent Theatre's summer shows have attracted capacity crowds since 1963. Notable alumni include John Goodman, Tess Harper and Kathleen Turner.

Alumni

A proud student walks with his diploma cover during commencement ceremonies.
Alumni are around the world
When Bears graduate, they transition into life as ready, able professionals who can address the world's most pressing issues.

Notable #BearGrads

Famous actors, star athletes and accomplished leaders have all graduated from Missouri State.

Actor John Goodman posing with a small Bear statue.
John Goodman
Award-winning actor.
Ryan Howard speaking at a fundraising event for Missouri State baseball.
Ryan Howard
National League MVP and all-star with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Karen Dyson in uniform and saluting the flag during a Veteran's Day event on campus.
Karen Dyson
U.S. Army Three-Star General.
Mark Dixon
Mark Dixon
Community leader and advocate for local Black history.
Jackie Stiles playing during her career with the Lady Bears.
Jackie Stiles
Record-setting scorer and Women's Basketball Hall of Fame inductee.
The late David Glass
Businessman, former owner of the Kansas City Royals and namesake of Glass Hall.

Around campus

Whether it's the bottom line or the finish line, we're always striving to achieve our best.

A banquet event celebrating a fundraising campaign by the Missouri State Foundation. Cheerleaders are holding up numbers that display the total amount raised: $167,000,783 million.
Funding
The Foundation
The university's fundraising unit raises millions of dollars each year, helping ensure academic excellence and student scholarships.
Boomer Bear holding a flag and standing in the football cart as a cheerleader drives the cart onto the field before a home football game.
Athletics
Let's go Bears
A new era of athletics is here. Effective July 1, 2025, the Bears are a full-league member of Conference USA.
Staff members gather for a large group photo at the newly opened Grand Street Underpass during Staff Appreciation Week.
Faculty and staff
Meet our workforce
The people who work here draw from the public affairs mission to inspire, advise and mentor students.
Visit in person or take a virtual tour

Experience what it's like to be a Bear

We’d love to show you where you’ll be learning, living and hanging out. We also offer a virtual tour. Any time you want, you can explore academic buildings and campus landmarks.
A student tour guide speaking to a tour group during Fall Showcase.