School Highlights
Missouri State University-West Plains serves 2,241 students (37% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 13:1 is lower than the state community college average of 16:1.
Minority enrollment is 18% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 41%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 2,241 students
- In-state tuition: $4,020
- Out-state tuition: $7,440
- Student:teacher ratio: 13:1
- Minority enrollment: 18%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Overview
The teacher population of 176 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Missouri State University-West Plains
(MO) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: High Transfer-Mixed Traditional/Nontraditional
Baccalaureate Colleges: Diverse Fields
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
176 staff
139 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Missouri State University-West Plains has grown by 14% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 13:1 has increased from 11:1 over five years.
The Missouri State University-West Plains diversity score of 0.32 is less than the state average of 0.61. The school's diversity has grown by 17% over five years.
Total Enrollment
2,241 students
1,159 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
13:1
16:1
# Full-Time Students
834 students
718 students
# Part-Time Students
1,407 students
1,407 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
224 students
246 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
834 students
834 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
11 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,407 students
684 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
9 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
200 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
n/a
% Asian
1%
2%
% Hispanic
2%
6%
% Black
2%
10%
% White
82%
59%
% Hawaiian
4%
1%
% Two or more races
3%
4%
% Non Resident races
n/a
1%
% Unknown races
6%
17%
Diversity Score
0.32
0.61
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.3333%
0.433%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.6154%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$28,400
$30,900
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $4,020 is more than the state average of $3,825. The in-state tuition has declined by 12% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $7,440 is more than the state average of $5,579. The out-state tuition has declined by 13% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$4,020
$3,825
Out-State Tuition Fees
$7,440
$5,579
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
95%
91%
Median Debt for Graduates
$10,125
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,324
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
n/a
94%
Sports
Total Sports Offered
3 sports
Sports
Basketball, Cheering, Volleyball
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- Missouri State University-West Plains was founded in 1963 as the West Plains Residence Center. In 1977, the SMSU Board of Regents and, subsequently, the Missouri General Assembly, designated the name "West Plains Campus of Southwest Missouri State University" to replace Residence Center. In 1981, the legislature enacted a permanent status bill for the campus. In 1991, the legislature passed House Bill 51 which gave the West Plains Campus the authority to offer "one-year certificates, two-year associate degrees and credit and non-credit courses." Missouri State University-West Plains specializes in providing quality education to students of all ages in the south central Ozarks region of Missouri. For over 50 years, the college has grown and expanded to offer a liberal arts transfer curriculum at the freshman and sophomore levels, selected occupational and technical education programs, and a variety of continuing education courses. Enrollment is approximately 2,200 students per semester. The campus consists ofsix classroom and administrative buildings—Cass Hall, Garfield Hall, Kellett Hall, Looney Hall, Melton Hall, and the Lybyer Enhanced Technology Center. The $4.3 million Michael J. Lybyer Enhanced Technology Center, opened in Spring 2000. In addition to the classroom and administrative buildings, the campus includes the Garnett Library, a 60-person residence hall called the Grizzly House, the Putnam Student Center, and the V.H. Drago College Store. In 2000, the campus received two additional properties, Richards House, which is the permanent residence of the Missouri State University – West Plains Chancellor, and Gohn, whichhouses the Missouri State University-Springfield Outreach Office. Missouri State University-West Plains offers Associate degrees, transfer programs and training for immediate employment. Missouri State University-West Plains is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of College and Secondary Schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Missouri State University-West Plains cost?
Missouri State University-West Plains's tuition is approximately $4,020 for In-State students and $7,440 for Out-State students.
What sports does Missouri State University-West Plains offer?
Missouri State University-West Plains offers 3 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cheering and Volleyball.
Nearby Schools
The nearest community college to Missouri State University-West Plains is Texas County Technical College (40.0 miles away)
School
Location
Miles
Students
Texas County Technical College
Private for-profit
6915 S Hwy 63
Houston, MO 65483
(417) 967-5466
Houston, MO 65483
(417) 967-5466
40.0 miles
| 88 students
1600 South College Street
Mountain Home, AR 72653
(870) 508-6100
Mountain Home, AR 72653
(870) 508-6100
40.8 miles
| 1,650 students
1410 Hwy 304 East
Pocahontas, AR 72455
(870) 248-4000
Pocahontas, AR 72455
(870) 248-4000
60.6 miles
| 2,179 students
2005 White Drive
Batesville, AR 72503
(870) 612-2000
Batesville, AR 72503
(870) 612-2000
66.1 miles
| 1,313 students
Recent Articles
Careers: Broadcasting
Take advantage of career opportunities in the field of radio broadcasting by starting your training at your local community college.
Unlocking Airport Career Opportunities: Your Guide to Ground Jobs
Discover the diverse range of ground jobs at mid-size U.S. airports, their educational requirements, and how community colleges can prepare you for these exciting careers.
Adult Learners: Upgrading Your Skills
We offer straightforward advice on identifying transferable skills, exploring job opportunities, leveraging community resources, and embracing lifelong learning. With relatable examples and encouragement, this guide aims to empower readers to navigate the job market confidently and successfully transition into new careers.
