Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) vs Northwest State

Southeast Missouri State University and Northwest Missouri State University, both esteemed public universities in Missouri, offer distinct educational experiences. Southeast, located in Cape Girardeau, boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for aspiring students. Northwest, situated in Maryville, stands out with its higher graduation rate, indicating a strong commitment to student success. While Southeast enrolls a larger and more diverse student body, Northwest fosters a smaller, close-knit community. Explore the detailed comparison table to delve into further differences, including popular majors, costs, and campus life, to determine which university best aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Northwest Missouri State University	Southeast Missouri State University
Overview
Location	Maryville, Missouri	Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Campus setting	Town: Remote	City: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	76.0%	74.0%
Common app member	No	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	85.6%	79.3%
Application fees
SAT range	953 - 1133	N/A
ACT range	19 - 24	N/A
Students submitting SAT score	1.0%
Students submitting ACT score	95.0%
Total number of applicants	7,039	7,213
Total number of admissions given out	6,024	5,720
Admitted students who chose to enroll	964	1,487
Yield rate	16.0%	26.0%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $22,523 Out of state: $28,590	In state: $24,274 Out of state: $30,844
Average net price	$13,754	$13,291
Tuition	In state: $5,461 Out of state: $11,528	In state: $7,461 Out of state: $14,031
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $5,582 Meal plan: $3,966	$9,974
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	96.0% Average amount $8,153	97.0% Average amount $8,798
Students receiving federal student loan	59.0% Average amount $5,260	44.0% Average amount $5,108
Students taking out private loans	6.0% Average amount $9,915	4.0% Average amount $8,660

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	5,306 Men 40.1% Women 59.9%	8,629 Men 39.1% Women 60.9%
Graduate students	2,564 Men 41.1% Women 58.9%	1,222 Men 39.3% Women 60.7%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Very Low
Out-of-state students	29.4%	22.1%
International students	8.9%	6.9%
Campus local/setting	Town: Remote	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	2,414	2,592
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Missouri Iowa Nebraska Kansas Illinois	Missouri Illinois Tennessee Arkansas Texas

Academics
Popular study areas	Education Business Computer and Information Science Agriculture Health Professions	Education Business Health Professions Computer and Information Science Liberal Arts
Students to faculty ratio	19:1	20:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	52.4%	54.0%
Dropout rate	17.9%	42.9%
Transferred out	28.8%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,353 Year 2: $65,387 Year 3: $74,049 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $41,868 Year 2: $48,198 Year 3: $55,549 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $52,788 Year 2: $51,197 Year 3: $54,473 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $50,439 Year 3: $52,420 Computer Software and Media Applications (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $36,075 Year 2: $45,715 Year 3: $52,373 Plant Sciences (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $47,260 Year 3: $49,837 Agricultural Business and Management (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $40,533 Year 2: $42,682 Year 3: $49,285 Agriculture, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $38,158 Year 2: $43,798 Year 3: $49,112 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $39,370 Year 2: $43,379 Year 3: $48,369 Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $39,668 Year 2: $41,342 Year 3: $46,406	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $93,342 Year 3: $99,594 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $56,803 Year 2: $70,456 Year 3: $76,814 Engineering Technology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $55,063 Year 2: $53,775 Year 3: $64,901 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $50,908 Year 2: $53,358 Year 3: $62,604 Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $38,597 Year 2: $36,848 Year 3: $57,947 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,369 Year 2: $53,358 Year 3: $55,490 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $44,023 Year 2: $49,527 Year 3: $55,484 Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $33,855 Year 2: $38,289 Year 3: $51,525 Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $38,714 Year 2: $42,682 Year 3: $51,167 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $35,772 Year 2: $41,441 Year 3: $50,332

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) and Northwest Missouri State University (NWMSU)?

SEMO, located in Cape Girardeau, offers a broader range of programs, including a strong focus on performing arts and mass media. NWMSU, situated in Maryville, is known for its emphasis on technology integration and a more personalized learning environment with a lower student-to-faculty ratio. SEMO tends to have a slightly larger student body and a more urban setting, while NWMSU offers a more traditional, smaller-town college experience.
Which university is more affordable: SEMO or NWMSU?

Generally, NWMSU is known for its affordability, often having lower tuition rates and fees compared to SEMO. However, the total cost of attendance can vary depending on factors like residency, chosen program, and financial aid packages. It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date tuition and fee schedules and to explore available scholarship opportunities.
How do the academic programs at SEMO and NWMSU compare?

SEMO boasts a wider array of academic programs, particularly in areas like mass media, theater, and dance. They also have a strong nursing program. NWMSU excels in fields like education, agriculture, and computer science, with a strong emphasis on applied learning and technology. Both universities offer a solid foundation in core academic disciplines, but their specialized programs cater to different interests.
What is the campus environment like at SEMO versus NWMSU?

SEMO's campus is located in Cape Girardeau, a city with a blend of urban and small-town characteristics, offering a variety of cultural and entertainment options. NWMSU's campus in Maryville provides a more traditional, close-knit college town atmosphere. NWMSU is known for its strong sense of community and active student involvement. SEMO, being in a larger city, offers more opportunities for internships and networking with local businesses.
What are the student-to-faculty ratios at SEMO and NWMSU?

NWMSU generally has a lower student-to-faculty ratio than SEMO, which often translates to smaller class sizes and more personalized attention from professors. While SEMO's ratio might be slightly higher, they still maintain a commitment to student success and offer various resources to support students' academic journeys. Check the university websites for the most current student-to-faculty ratios.
What kind of technology resources are available at each university?

NWMSU is particularly recognized for its strong emphasis on technology integration across all academic disciplines. They often provide students with access to cutting-edge technology and resources. SEMO also offers robust technology resources, including modern computer labs, online learning platforms, and support services to enhance the learning experience. Both universities are committed to providing students with the technological tools they need to succeed.
How do the athletic programs compare between SEMO and NWMSU?

Both SEMO and NWMSU have competitive athletic programs. SEMO's Redhawks compete in NCAA Division I, while NWMSU's Bearcats compete in NCAA Division II. SEMO offers a wider range of Division I sports, while NWMSU has a strong tradition of success in Division II athletics, particularly in football. The level of competition and the overall athletic experience differ due to the divisional differences.
What kind of student life and extracurricular activities are available at SEMO and NWMSU?

Both universities offer a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities to cater to diverse interests. SEMO, being in a larger city, may offer more opportunities for off-campus entertainment and cultural experiences. NWMSU is known for its strong sense of community and active student involvement in campus events and organizations. Both universities provide ample opportunities for students to get involved and enhance their college experience.
Which university is better for international students?

Both SEMO and NWMSU welcome international students and provide support services to help them adjust to life in the United States. They both have international student offices that offer assistance with visa requirements, housing, and cultural integration. The 'better' choice depends on the specific program of interest and the student's preferred campus environment. Researching the specific international student support services and programs offered by each university is recommended.
How do I decide which university is the right fit for me?

The best way to decide is to visit both campuses, if possible, and talk to current students and faculty. Consider your academic interests, preferred campus environment, financial situation, and career goals. Research the specific programs you're interested in and compare the faculty expertise and resources available at each university. Ultimately, the right fit depends on your individual needs and preferences.

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