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.
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![]() Missouri Southern State University |
![]() University of West Alabama |
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Overview |
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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% |
![]() |
Yes | No |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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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 |
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Tuition and Fees |
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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 |
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Financial Aid |
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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 |
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Students and Campus |
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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 |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 15:1 | 14:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Higher Learning Commission | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
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Outcome |
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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)
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions (Associate's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other (Bachelor's Degrees)
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Associate's Degrees)
Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degrees)
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees)
Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees)
Educational/Instructional Media Design (Master's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (Bachelor's Degrees)
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