Missouri's state-run higher education system has expanded its online degree programs through Mizzou Online to more than 80 different degree programs, from bachelor's to doctoral degrees. In 2007, the Missouri Virtual Instruction Program (MoVIP) was established to offer online courses to Missouri public, private and homeschooled students in grades K-12. The University of Missouri System Online is also a member of WCET e-Learning Consortia, which allows institutions of higher education to pool their resources to help increase technology-based programs and courses.
Regrettably, state funding in Missouri is not likely to relieve the financial burden placed on many students, as total state appropriations dropped by -5% between 2006 and 2011. Fortunately for those students, Missouri's tuition costs haven't jumped nearly as high as the rest of the United States; in-state tuition at four-year public universities rose just 17.5% during the same time period, much less than the national average increase of 42%. In the future, however, state spending in higher education may be forced to increase along with the student population; enrollment has grown 10.4% in the last few years, and the first year retention rate for Missouri is 75%.
For more information on Missouri's top online degree programs, explore our extensive database. Use the State Facts page to find financial planning resources, links to scholarship assistance organizations and loan options available and to see how Missouri looks compared to the national higher education averages.
Featured Online Programs
90 Colleges in Missouri
Baptist Bible College
Springfield, MO · Tuition & fees: $9,050
Court Reporting Institute of St Louis
Clayton, MO · Tuition & fees: $10,375
Fontbonne University
Saint Louis, MO · Tuition & fees: $25,360
Missouri State University-Springfield
Springfield, MO · Tuition & fees: $7,008
Missouri Valley College
Marshall, MO · Tuition & fees: $18,400
Additional Resources
Official State Links
College Savings
- Missouri's College Education Savings Plan: The state 529 plan gives students and families the option of saving for college far before the student enrolls. Missouri's plan has the required federal tax benefits, as well as state-level tax benefits. The state also offers a matching 529 grant that students may apply for to get additional college funds.
- Planning and Paying for College: The Department of Higher Education offers multiple resources for students looking for financial aid. Listings include scholarships, grants, loans and advice on positioning oneself to get monetary support.
Education Nonprofits
- BWorks: This St. Louis nonprofit aims to empower disadvantaged and low income youth to take charge of their lives and engage in their communities. Through educational and service opportunities, BWorks helps students succeed in school and move on to higher education.
- College Bound St. Louis: This national nonprofit has a Missouri-specific branch. They work with underprivileged students to help them build the social and academic skills needed for entrance to college. The organization provides a year-round curriculum.
- Building Futures: This Missouri nonprofit aims to give "economically underprivileged youth" the skills and confidence needed to pursue both secondary and postsecondary education. They work directly with teachers and students to support hands-on and applicable education that will prepare students for a bright future after high school.
Higher Education News
- Missouri Department of Higher Education News: The state agency in charge of higher education maintains a regularly updated page of news and events related to state schools.
- Education Week Missouri: This national education publication has the option of filtering by state, offering the reader key news items about Missouri's colleges and universities.
- Southeast Missourian: This regional news publication devotes a large section to the discussion of trends and updates related to state institutions of higher education.