University of West Alabama (UWA) vs Missouri Southern State University (MSSU)

In the pursuit of higher education, prospective students often find themselves torn between multiple institutions. To aid in this decision-making process, we present a comprehensive comparison of the University of West Alabama (UWA) and Missouri Southern State University (MSSU). While both universities offer a diverse range of academic programs and opportunities, they possess distinct characteristics that may influence your choice. UWA boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for students with varying academic backgrounds. On the other hand, MSSU has a slightly higher graduation rate, indicating its commitment to student success. Explore our detailed comparison table to delve into further differences, including popular majors, student body demographics, and more, to determine which university aligns best with your aspirations and goals.
Missouri Southern State University logo

Missouri Southern State University

University of West Alabama logo

University of West Alabama

Overview

Location Joplin, Missouri Livingston, Alabama
Campus setting City: Small Rural: Remote
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 59.0% 63.0%
Common app member Yes No
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 96.9% 74.3%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $30

Graduate: $35
Undergraduate: $30

Graduate: $40
SAT range 950 - 1170 880 - 980
ACT range 18 - 24 17 - 21
Students submitting SAT score 6.0% 2.0%
Students submitting ACT score 80.0% 69.0%
Total number of applicants 1,695 1,539
Total number of admissions given out 1,642 1,144
Admitted students who chose to enroll 578 351
Yield rate 35.2% 30.7%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Not 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: $19,321

Out of state: $26,913
In state: $22,911

Out of state: $32,011
Average net price $9,703 $15,435
Tuition
In state: $7,244

Out of state: $14,836
In state: $9,100

Out of state: $18,200
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $4,400

Meal plan: $5,652
Room/dormitory: $4,760

Meal plan: $2,834
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Prepaid tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

94.0%
Average amount $6,885
89.0%
Average amount $7,129
Students receiving federal student loan 46.0%
Average amount $4,602
65.0%
Average amount $5,418
Students taking out private loans 2.0%
Average amount $8,077
3.0%
Average amount $8,357

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 4,245
Men 38.9% Women 61.1%
2,322
Men 30.6% Women 69.4%
Graduate students 107
Men 32.7% Women 67.3%
3,272
Men 20.0% Women 80.0%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Low
Out-of-state students 22.1% N/A
International students 2.5% 2.0%
Campus local/setting City: Small Rural: Remote
Dormitory capacity 735 1,019
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Missouri Kansas Arkansas Oklahoma Texas N/A

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Health Professions
  • Law Enforcement and Firefighting
  • Education
  • Liberal Arts
  • Education
  • Business
  • Health Professions
  • Multidisciplinary Studies
  • Communication and Journalism
Students to faculty ratio 15:1 14:1
Institutional accreditation Higher Learning Commission Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome

Graduation rate 37.0% 39.1%
Dropout rate 32.2% 21.5%
Transferred out 27.4% 36.0%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $57,318
  • Year 3: $64,678
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $51,482
  • Year 3: $54,298
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $53,753
  • Year 2: $54,515
  • Year 3: $54,231
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $50,466
  • Year 2: $47,930
  • Year 3: $52,943
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $47,016
  • Year 2: $43,426
  • Year 3: $49,539
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $42,123
  • Year 3: $42,995
Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $38,297
  • Year 2: $38,946
  • Year 3: $42,227
Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $31,440
  • Year 2: $26,121
  • Year 3: $40,971
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $26,859
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: $40,702
Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $31,697
  • Year 2: $32,391
  • Year 3: $37,967
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $57,363
  • Year 2: $61,681
  • Year 3: $64,667
Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $52,130
  • Year 2: $53,942
  • Year 3: $55,799
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $52,682
  • Year 2: $52,107
  • Year 3: $54,452
Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $47,975
  • Year 2: $48,510
  • Year 3: $51,622
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $53,470
  • Year 2: $46,380
  • Year 3: $48,647
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $47,701
  • Year 2: $46,261
  • Year 3: $47,958
Educational/Instructional Media Design (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $48,803
  • Year 2: $47,260
  • Year 3: $47,734
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $37,054
  • Year 3: $35,960
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $32,711
  • Year 3: N/A
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $26,983
  • Year 2: $25,194
  • Year 3: N/A

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