Missouri Southern State University
Joplin, Missouri
Missouri Southern State University is a public institution in Joplin, Missouri with 3,101 undergraduate students. For nursing students, the useful read is not just whether a program exists, but how its tuition, completion rates, debt, and earnings compare with nearby options.
In-state tuition is $8,400 compared with a Missouri nursing-school average of $17,892. The school reports a graduation rate of 38.3%, median earnings of $42,620, and median federal debt of $19,174.
$8,400 is lower than the state average of $17,892.
38.3% is lower than the state average of 55.8%.
$42,620 is lower than the state average of $43,112.
About Missouri Southern State University
| Location | Joplin, Missouri |
| Institution Type | Public |
| Highest Degree | graduate |
| Website | www.mssu.edu |
| In-State Tuition | $8,400 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $16,800 |
| Total Enrollment | 3,101 |
| Acceptance Rate | 97.4% |
| Graduation Rate | 38.3% |
| Retention Rate | 69.6% |
| Median Earnings (10 yrs after) | $42,620 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,174 |
| Est. Monthly Loan Payment | $203 |
| Pell Grant Recipients | 35.0% |
| Students Receiving Loans | 34.5% |
| Loan Default Rate | 0.0% |
| Nursing Program | Available |
Cost and Return Snapshot
Based on published tuition, median debt, and earnings data
A typical graduate debt load would equal about 0.5 years of post-payment earnings capacity using the reported median earnings and 10-year monthly payment estimate.
Affordability Context
35.0% of students receive Pell Grants, a useful signal for how often the school serves lower-income students. 34.5% of students take federal loans, so borrowing is less common than at many institutions in the student body. The three-year loan default rate is 0.0%, which helps frame repayment risk alongside earnings and debt.
Cost and Outcomes Context
The value picture at Missouri Southern State University depends on the relationship between price, borrowing, and outcomes. A simple four-year tuition estimate is $33,600, while the reported median debt is $19,174 with an estimated monthly payment of $203. These figures should be compared with aid offers and program-specific requirements before making a final decision.
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Student Demographics
The student body is largest among White students (69.3%), followed by Hispanic students (9.3%) and Black students (6.5%).
Value Score
Median earnings ($42,620) divided by median debt ($19,174)