The University of Missouri, also known as Mizzou, is the largest college in the state enrolling over 30,000 students a year. It is located in Columbia. The college offers 280 programs of study, master's and doctorate programs as well as 40 online degrees. University of Missouri is known for its sports team, the Tigers, and is nationally recognized for its research programs. Mizzou offers a large Greek life program and offers a variety of on campus living arrangements.
Central Missouri State University is one of the smaller state funded universities in Missouri. It enrolls about 11,000 students a year. This college is located in Warrensburg a smaller town about 45 minutes outside of Kansas City. The college boasts that its lower tuition prices leave students with lower debt to income ratios upon graduation. There are 150 four-year degree programs to choose from with a 92 percent job placement rate after graduation.
Truman State University is a smaller liberal arts and science college that boasts its high rate of scholarship approval and free application for admission. Truman offers 40 four-year degree and master's programs and has been voted the No. 1 public college in the Midwest for the 14th year in a row by U.S. News & World Report's 2011 edition of "America's Best Colleges." Truman offers a large student activities program and also participates in Greek life.
Missouri State University or Southwest University is a four-year college program that offers degrees in a large variety of subject areas and also has a doctorate program. This university typically enrolls around 20,000 students with only about 4,000 that live on campus. It is primarily an off campus residential facility, meaning most students live in apartments or housing not affiliated with the college. Southwest University offers a range of financial aid with 82% of its students receiving financial aid of some sort. Information can be found at missouristate.edu or 901 S. National, Springfield, MO 65897, 417-836-5000.
Community and technical colleges are smaller colleges that obtain most of their funding from community taxes and donations. DESE provides funding to these schools based on a formula that determines the level of the school's need and the demographics of the school's location. Missouri has 11 community and technical colleges spread throughout the state. Community colleges are generally less expensive than universities, but do not offer the number of degree programs. Some community colleges only offer two-year associate degrees. The Missouri Community College Association offers a complete list of community colleges in the state.