Missouri State University-West Plains

  • Missouri State University鈥揥est Plains is a public community college in West Plains, Missouri. It is a separately accredited campus of Missouri State University awarding two-year degrees. The fall 2023 enrollment was 1,772 students.

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 19% 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: 19%
  • 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
2,125 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
81%
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)
33%
43%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
62%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$28,400
$30,900

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

The public in-state tuition of $4,020 is less than the state average of $4,393. 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 $6,050. The out-state tuition has declined by 13% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$4,020
$4,393
Out-State Tuition Fees
$7,440
$6,050
% 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

  • School Mascot: Grizzlies
  • 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.

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Quick Stats (2025)

  • Enrollment: 2,241 students
  • In-state tuition: $4,020
  • Out-state tuition: $7,440
  • Student:teacher ratio: 13:1
  • Minority enrollment: 19%
  • Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)

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Did You Know?

For Missouri public community colleges, the average tuition is approximately $4,393 per year for in-state students and $6,050 for out-of-state students. For private community colleges, the average yearly tuition is approximately $16,509 per year. Read more about average community college tuition costs across the country.

The average community college acceptance rate in Missouri is 74%. Read more about national community college acceptance rates.

Missouri community colleges have a diversity score of 0.61, which is lower than the national average of 0.74. The most diverse community college in Missouri is Concorde Career College-Kansas City. Read more about community college diversity statistics in the USA.

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