Best colleges under $20,000 a year in Missouri
The highest-rated colleges whose average yearly price after grants is under $20,000.
Best colleges under $20,000 a year in Missouri8 schools
8 schools qualify, ranked by the Compass Score.
How this list is made
- Schools in Missouri.
- Accredited four-year undergraduate colleges.
- Academic Excellence grade B+ or better (the top 35% of rated colleges).
- Net price (average yearly cost after grants) under $20,000 from federal data (College Scorecard).
- Each school needs a complete Compass Score, so every row shows a rating.
- Ordered by Compass Score, highest first. Schools with the same score share a rank.
Updated Oct. 20, 2026. Methodology. Spot an error? Send a correction.
- 1
College of the Ozarks
Point Lookout, MO · Private nonprofitHonor Roll#2 in Missouri
- Net price $6,100 a year
- 64% graduate
- 2
Ranken Technical College
Saint Louis, MO · Private nonprofit#5 in Missouri
- Net price $18,795 a year
- 53% graduate
- 3
- 4
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Rolla, MO · PublicTop 7% for earnings
- Net price $16,298 a year
- 64% graduate
- 5
William Jewell College
Liberty, MO · Private nonprofit#11 in Missouri
- Net price $17,562 a year
- 68% graduate
- 6
Southeast Missouri Hospital College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Cape Girardeau, MO · Private nonprofitTop 11% for low debt
- Net price $19,390 a year
- 75% graduate
- 7
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Kansas City, MO · Public#19 in Missouri
- Net price $13,310 a year
- 55% graduate
- 8
Compare cost and outcomes
| School | Net price a year | Median debt | Earnings 10 years out | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| College of the Ozarks | $6,100 | — | $41,592 | 64% |
| Ranken Technical College | $18,795 | $12,000 | $55,955 | 53% |
| Truman State University | $12,780 | $21,000 | $56,280 | 69% |
| Missouri University of Science and Technology | $16,298 | $23,250 | $82,957 | 64% |
| William Jewell College | $17,562 | $24,498 | $59,268 | 68% |
| Southeast Missouri Hospital College of Nursing and Health Sciences | $19,390 | $11,500 | $60,918 | 75% |
| University of Missouri-Kansas City | $13,310 | $18,750 | $59,637 | 55% |
| Cottey College | $13,805 | $19,043 | $35,422 | 56% |
Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.