Best Colleges in Missouri – 2024

Academic Highlights: WashU admits students into four schools, many of which offer nationally recognized programs.The university has a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and 66% of classes have fewer than 20 students; over one-quarter have single-digit enrollments. The Office of Undergraduate Research helps students land opportunities to research alongside faculty, primarily in the summers. A solid 60% of undergraduates report participating in a research endeavor and one-third study abroad.

Professional Outcomes: The Class of 2023 sent 65% of grads into the workforce and 23% into graduate and professional schools. Companies employing the highest number of WashU grads feature sought-after employers such as Boeing, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Mastercard, Capital One, and Bayer. Of the employed members of the Class of 2023 who reported their starting salaries, the median salary was $85k. The universities welcoming the largest number of Bears included the prestigious institutions of Columbia, Carnegie Mellon, UPenn, University of Michigan, Vanderbilt, and Yale.

Academic Highlights: Mizzou offers students one of the most comprehensive public university experiences with 97 undergraduate majors and 300+ total degree programs across 10 schools and colleges. The university combines large-research-university resources with surprising intimacy—43% of classes enroll fewer than 20 students (12% with single-digit sections)—supported by a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Early research thrives through initiatives like the Summer Research Exposure Program for underclassmen, while global perspectives expand via study abroad programs in 50+ countries. This dynamic learning environment serves a diverse community representing all 50 states and 100+ countries.

Professional Outcomes: Mizzou graduates achieve strong career momentum, with 64% employed and 19% pursuing advanced degrees within six months of graduation. The university serves as Missouri’s leading educator and employer, with alumni contributing significantly to University of Missouri Health Care (the state’s largest hospital system), Columbia Public Schools, and global enterprises like Boeing and PwC. Most graduates continuing their education choose Mizzou’s own highly-ranked graduate programs or other Missouri institutions, demonstrating the university’s dual role as both the state’s premier talent pipeline and a springboard to national career opportunities.

Academic Highlights: Saint Louis University stands as one of America’s most distinguished Catholic universities, offering students 97 bachelor’s programs within a nearly 200-year tradition of academic excellence. SLU’s global mission comes alive through its diverse community representing all 50 states and 87 countries, with 600+ students annually engaging in transformative international experiences that blend intellectual growth with Jesuit values of service and leadership.

Professional Outcomes: SLU graduates achieve remarkable career success, with 48% entering the workforce at leading employers like BJC HealthCare, Boeing, and Mercy, earning strong median salaries of $64,480. Another 39% continue their education, predominantly at SLU’s own highly-ranked graduate programs, demonstrating the university’s dual strength in launching careers and advancing scholarship. These outcomes reflect SLU’s unique ability to prepare graduates who combine professional excellence with ethical leadership in their communities.

Academic Highlights: Missouri S&T offers students more than 100 undergraduate programs spanning three distinct colleges: Arts, Sciences, and Education; Engineering and Computing; and the innovative Kummer College of Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Development. With 43% of classes enrolling fewer than 20 students, the university combines the resources of a STEM powerhouse with personalized attention. Undergraduate research thrives through numerous on-campus research centers, providing hands-on learning opportunities across all disciplines.

Professional Outcomes: The Class of 2024 achieved exceptional outcomes, with 96% securing employment (75%), entering graduate studies (7%), or serving in the military (14%) within six months of graduation. Alumni are highly sought after by industry leaders, including Boeing, Burns & McDonnell, and Caterpillar, with graduates commanding strong starting salaries—averaging $77,383 and reaching as high as $190,000 for top earners. These outstanding results underscore Missouri S&T’s reputation for producing career-ready graduates in high-demand fields.

Academic Highlights: As eastern Missouri’s sole public research university, UMSL delivers transformative education through 87 bachelor’s programs across seven colleges. The university’s 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio and intimate class sizes (64% under 20 students) foster close mentorship, while specialized research centers like the Missouri Institute of Mental Health and the Center for Neurodynamics provide exceptional undergraduate research opportunities. UMSL’s urban location creates unparalleled access to internships and professional networks in the St. Louis region.

Professional Outcomes: UMSL graduates achieve a 93% success rate, with 70% gaining internship experience and alumni commanding strong median starting salaries of $57,000. While 82% choose to build careers in Missouri—primarily in the Greater St. Louis area—they compete successfully for positions with global leaders like Boeing, Mastercard, and Edward Jones, as well as major healthcare systems including Mercy and SSM Health. The university’s research-rich environment and urban connections produce professionals ready to excel in their fields.