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2023 Most Popular Teaching Schools in Missouri

56 Schools Ranked
$41,074 Average Earnings
$25,228 Avg Student Debt

When it comes to higher education, there are a lot of options for teaching students. You can choose a traditional brick and mortar school, or with the growth of online education, you can attend a school half-way across the country without even leaving your house. Also there are many trade schools and bootcamps that offer short-term programs that open up more career options.

Along with in-depth profiles of schools and the programs they offer, Teaching Degree Search has created the Most Popular Teaching Schools in Missouri to help you in your search for the best school for you. This report analyzed 56 schools in Missouri to see which ones were the most popular programs for teaching students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

Northwest Missouri State University

Maryville, Missouri
850 Total Awards
$37,439 Average Earnings
$23,189 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Northwest Missouri State University to be the most popular school for teaching students in Missouri. Northwest is a public institution located in Maryville, Missouri. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 850 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $23,189 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $200 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Northwest, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $37,439 during the early years of their career. Around 80% of those degree recipients were women.

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796 Total Awards
$40,472 Average Earnings
$25,043 Avg Student Debt

The programs at Missouri State University - Springfield helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular teaching schools in Missouri. Missouri State is a large public school situated in Springfield, Missouri. It awarded 796 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Missouri State accumulate an average of $25,043 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $168, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Missouri State, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,472 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 83% were women.

Read full report on Missouri State University - Springfield

#3

University of Missouri - Columbia

Columbia, Missouri
714 Total Awards
$46,901 Average Earnings
$21,797 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 56 schools in Missouri that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Missouri - Columbia landed the # 3 spot on the list. Located in Columbia, Missouri, the large public school handed out 714 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,797 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $398, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Mizzou graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $46,901 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 70% were women.

Full University of Missouri - Columbia Report

#4

University of Central Missouri

Warrensburg, Missouri
591 Total Awards
$41,823 Average Earnings
$25,019 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend University of Central Missouri. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Most Popular Teaching Schools in Missouri list. Located in Warrensburg, Missouri, the fairly large public school awarded 591 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from UCM accumulate an average of $25,019 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $168, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UCM graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $41,823 during the early year of their career. Around 81% of those degree recipients were women.

Full University of Central Missouri Report

#5

University of Missouri - St Louis

Saint Louis, Missouri
549 Total Awards
$45,753 Average Earnings
$27,595 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of Missouri - St Louis. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Most Popular Teaching Schools in Missouri list. This fairly large public school is located in Saint Louis, Missouri, and it awarded 549 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,595 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $120, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UMSL, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $45,753 during the early years of their career. Around 79% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on University of Missouri - St Louis

#6

Southeast Missouri State University

Cape Girardeau, Missouri
491 Total Awards
$35,626 Average Earnings
$24,914 Avg Student Debt

Southeast Missouri State University landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular teaching programs. Located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, the medium-sized public school handed out 491 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,914 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $144, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Southeast Missouri State University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $35,626 during the early years of their career. Around 83% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Southeast Missouri State University Report

#7

Lindenwood University

Saint Charles, Missouri
476 Total Awards
$41,243 Average Earnings
$30,304 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #7, Lindenwood University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for teaching students working. Located in Saint Charles, Missouri, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school awarded 476 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Lindenwood University accumulate an average of $30,304 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $202 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Lindenwood University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $41,243 during the early years of their career. Around 78% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Lindenwood University Report

#8

William Woods University

Fulton, Missouri
387 Total Awards
$39,965 Average Earnings
$25,703 Avg Student Debt

William Woods University ranked #8 on this year’s Most Popular Teaching Schools in Missouri list. William Woods is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Fulton, Missouri. It awarded 387 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,703 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, William Woods graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $39,965 during the early year of their career. Around 69% of those degree recipients were women.

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#9

Missouri Baptist University

Saint Louis, Missouri
253 Total Awards
$36,301 Average Earnings
$28,580 Avg Student Debt

Missouri Baptist University ranked #9 on this year’s Most Popular Teaching Schools in Missouri list. MBU is a private not-for-profit institution located in Saint Louis, Missouri. The school has a small population, and it awarded 253 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $28,580 in student loans. During the early years of their career, MBU graduates make an average of $36,301 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 80% were women.

Full Missouri Baptist University Report

217 Total Awards
$39,784 Average Earnings
$25,044 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #10, Central Methodist University - College of Graduate & Extended Studies did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for teaching students working. Fayette, Missouri is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 217 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,044 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, CMU CGES graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $39,784 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 86% were women.

Read More…

#11

University of Missouri - Kansas City

Kansas City, Missouri
215 Total Awards
$57,524 Average Earnings
$27,022 Avg Student Debt

University of Missouri - Kansas City did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for teaching students. It came in at #11 on the list. UMKC is located in Kansas City, Missouri and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 215 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $27,022 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $184 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UMKC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $57,524 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 78% were women.

Full University of Missouri - Kansas City Report

#12

Webster University

Saint Louis, Missouri
206 Total Awards
$50,709 Average Earnings
$24,185 Avg Student Debt

Webster University landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular teaching programs. This medium-sized private not-for-profit school is located in Saint Louis, Missouri, and it awarded 206 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $24,185 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Webster graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $50,709 during the early year of their career. Around 86% of those degree recipients were women.

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#13

Southwest Baptist University

Bolivar, Missouri
155 Total Awards
$44,225 Average Earnings
$22,453 Avg Student Debt

Southwest Baptist University came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Teaching Schools in Missouri ranking. Southwest Baptist University is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Bolivar, Missouri. It awarded 155 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $22,453 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Southwest Baptist University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $44,225 during the early years of their career. Around 76% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#14

Maryville University of Saint Louis

Saint Louis, Missouri
147 Total Awards
$59,828 Average Earnings
$25,584 Avg Student Debt

Maryville University of Saint Louis ranked #14 on this year’s Most Popular Teaching Schools in Missouri list. Maryville U is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in Saint Louis, Missouri. It awarded 147 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,584 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $452 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Maryville U, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $59,828 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 80% were women.

Read full report on Maryville University of Saint Louis

#15

Evangel University

Springfield, Missouri
145 Total Awards
$34,140 Average Earnings
$28,825 Avg Student Debt

Evangel University landed the #15 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular teaching programs. Evangel is a private not-for-profit institution located in Springfield, Missouri. The school has a small population, and it awarded 145 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $28,825 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $235 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Evangel graduates make an average of $34,140 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 66% were women.

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132 Total Awards
$34,614 Average Earnings
$23,992 Avg Student Debt

Missouri Southern State University landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular teaching programs. Missouri Southern State University is a small public school located in Joplin, Missouri that handed out 132 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,992 in student loans.After graduating from Missouri Southern, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $34,614 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 77% were women.

Read More…

#17

Saint Louis University

Saint Louis, Missouri
124 Total Awards
$51,202 Average Earnings
$25,051 Avg Student Debt

Saint Louis University landed the #17 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular teaching programs. Saint Louis University is a fairly large private not-for-profit school located in Saint Louis, Missouri that handed out 124 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from SLU accumulate an average of $25,051 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $511, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from SLU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $51,202 during the early years of their career. Around 69% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#18

Park University

Parkville, Missouri
118 Total Awards
$46,849 Average Earnings
$24,858 Avg Student Debt

Park University landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular teaching programs. Park University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Parkville, Missouri. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 118 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,858 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Park University graduates make an average of $46,849 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 78% were women.

Read full report on Park University

#19

Ozarks Technical Community College

Springfield, Missouri
98 Total Awards
$29,979 Average Earnings
$18,769 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #19, Ozarks Technical Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for teaching students working. Ozarks Technical Community College is a fairly large public school located in Springfield, Missouri that handed out 98 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $18,769 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from OTC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $29,979 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 88% were women.

Full Ozarks Technical Community College Report

#20

Truman State University

Kirksville, Missouri
93 Total Awards
$35,772 Average Earnings
$20,434 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #20, Truman State University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for teaching students working. Kirksville, Missouri is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 93 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Truman State accumulate an average of $20,434 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Truman State graduates make an average of $35,772 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 71% were women.

Full Truman State University Report

#21

Drury University

Springfield, Missouri
80 Total Awards
$33,781 Average Earnings
$27,792 Avg Student Debt

Drury University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for teaching students. It came in at #21 on the list. Drury University is a small private not-for-profit school located in Springfield, Missouri that handed out 80 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Drury University accumulate an average of $27,792 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Drury University graduates make an average of $33,781 annually. Around 78% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Drury University Report

#22

Missouri Western State University

Saint Joseph, Missouri
74 Total Awards
$36,250 Average Earnings
$24,913 Avg Student Debt

Missouri Western State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for teaching students. It came in at #22 on the list. Located in Saint Joseph, Missouri, the small public school handed out 74 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,913 in student loans.After graduating from Missouri Western, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $36,250 during the early years of their career. Around 92% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Missouri Western State University

#23

Avila University

Kansas City, Missouri
66 Total Awards
$41,749 Average Earnings
$34,008 Avg Student Debt

Avila University came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Teaching Schools in Missouri ranking. Located in Kansas City, Missouri, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 66 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Avila accumulate an average of $34,008 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Avila graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $41,749 during the early year of their career. Around 82% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Avila University Report

#24

Fontbonne University

Saint Louis, Missouri
59 Total Awards
$41,807 Average Earnings
$26,822 Avg Student Debt

Fontbonne University ranked #24 on this year’s Most Popular Teaching Schools in Missouri list. Fontbonne University is a very small private not-for-profit school located in Saint Louis, Missouri that handed out 59 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,822 in student loans.After graduating from Fontbonne University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $41,807 during the early years of their career. Around 85% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Fontbonne University

#25

Hannibal - LaGrange University

Hannibal, Missouri
58 Total Awards
$35,172 Average Earnings
$25,087 Avg Student Debt

Hannibal - LaGrange University came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Teaching Schools in Missouri ranking. HLGU is located in Hannibal, Missouri and has a very small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 58 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,087 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, HLGU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $35,172 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 86% were women.

Full Hannibal - LaGrange University Report

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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