Hidden gem colleges in Missouri
Strong academics and solid results at a below-average sticker price, at colleges that admit most applicants.
Hidden gem colleges in Missouri3 schools
3 schools qualify, ranked by the Compass Score.
How this list is made
- Schools in Missouri.
- Accredited four-year undergraduate colleges.
- Academic Excellence of 80 or higher.
- Graduation rate of 60% or more and median earnings ten years after enrolling of $50,000 or more from federal data (College Scorecard).
- Sticker price (cost of attendance) below the median for colleges on the Compass, and an admission rate of 50% or more.
- 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
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, MO · Public#6 in Missouri
- Sticker price $31,713 a year
- 75% graduate
- 2
Truman State University
Kirksville, MO · Public#7 in Missouri
- Sticker price $25,115 a year
- 69% graduate
- 3
Southeast Missouri Hospital College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Cape Girardeau, MO · Private nonprofitTop 11% for low debt
- Sticker price $24,592 a year
- 75% graduate
Compare cost and outcomes
| School | Net price a year | Median debt | Earnings 10 years out | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Missouri-Columbia | $20,268 | $20,500 | $63,403 | 75% |
| Truman State University | $12,780 | $21,000 | $56,280 | 69% |
| Southeast Missouri Hospital College of Nursing and Health Sciences | $19,390 | $11,500 | $60,918 | 75% |
Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.