In-state tuition (1 year)
Rank #34 nationally
$13,090
All states
2025-26Rank #34
2025-26Rank #34Missouri College Cost 2025-26
$13,090 in-state, $28,850 out-of-state. Community college: $4,817.
By Sammy S. · Founder · AuthorUpdated for 2025-26
$13,090
In-state
$52,360
4-year sticker
$28,850
Out-of-state
#34
National rank
Missouri college cost breakdown
In-state tuition
$13,090
Out-of-state
$28,850
2-year in-district
$4,817
Estimated COA
$26,990
Missouri's $13,090/yr in-state tuition ranks #34 nationally (lowest = #1) and exceeds the $11,950 US average. Estimated COA adds room & board ($13,900/yr US avg).
Four-year sticker cost in Missouri
Tuition & fees only. Add room & board for full COA. Net price after aid is typically lower.
4-year sticker (tuition only)
No room/board
$52,360
Estimated COA (1 year)
Tuition + US avg room/board ($13,900)
$26,990
Out-of-state tuition (1 year)
Premium +$15,760
$28,850
Community college (1 year)
Public 2-year in-district
$4,817
Missouri vs neighboring states
Geographic neighbors. Click for side-by-side comparison.
Compare Missouri with another state
Side-by-side in-state, out-of-state, community college, and 529 benefits.
Compare any two states
Public college tuition, out-of-state premiums, and 529 benefits.
States with similar in-state tuition
Key takeaways — Missouri college costs
- Missouri public 4-year in-state tuition averages $13,090/yr—rank #34 (lowest = #1). Out-of-state: $28,850/yr (rank #23), premium +$15,760.
- Four-year sticker (tuition only): $52,360 in-state. Add room & board: estimated COA $26,990/yr × 4 ≈ $107,960.
- Public 2-year in-district: $4,817/yr (US avg $4,150).
- Missouri is $1,140 above the US average in-state tuition ($11,950).
- Missouri offers a 529 income tax deduction (up to $8,000 single / $16,000 MFJ).
- Net price after aid is typically lower than sticker. Use college net price calculators for personalized estimates.
Missouri college costs: in-state, out-of-state, and community college
Missouri public 4-year institutions charge an average of $13,090 per year for in-state residents (tuition & fees). That ranks #34 among 50 states and DC (lowest = #1). Out-of-state: $28,850/yr (rank #23), premium +$15,760.
Community college in Missouri: Public 2-year in-district: $4,817/yr (US avg $4,150). Many students start at community college and transfer after 2 years, cutting total 4-year costs significantly.
Room & board is not included in tuition. College Board estimates US average room & board at $13,900/yr. Add to tuition for estimated COA: Missouri ≈ $26,990/yr in-state.
Four-year sticker cost in Missouri
Four years of in-state tuition totals about $52,360 (tuition & fees only, no room/board). With room & board, estimated COA over 4 years: $107,960.
Out-of-state students pay about $115,400 over 4 years (tuition only), plus room & board. That's $63,040 more than in-state over 4 years.
These are sticker prices. Net price after federal Pell Grants, institutional aid, state grants, and scholarships is typically much lower. Use college net price calculators for personalized estimates based on your income and academic profile.
Missouri 529 plan tax benefits
Missouri offers a 529 income tax deduction (up to $8,000 single / $16,000 MFJ). Use our /529-calculator to estimate tax savings, project account growth at different return rates, and compare superfunding (5-year lump sum) vs annual contributions.
529 plans offer federal tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals for qualified education expenses: tuition, fees, room, board, books, computers, and K-12 tuition (up to $10,000/yr). Some states also allow 529-to-Roth IRA rollovers (SECURE 2.0 Act).
Link your 529 savings goal to Missouri tuition costs. If you're saving for a child born today, project tuition inflation (≈5%/yr) to estimate future costs 18 years out.
Missouri financial aid and scholarship programs
Missouri may offer state grants, merit scholarships, or promise programs that reduce net cost below sticker price. Check the Missouri higher education agency or state financial aid office for program details, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines. State aid is typically limited to Missouri residents attending in-state public institutions.
Who this Missouri guide helps
- Families comparing Missouri tuition with neighboring states for college choice.
- High school students in Missouri evaluating in-state vs out-of-state affordability.
- 529 savers setting contribution targets based on Missouri public college costs.
- Relocation researchers weighing college affordability across state lines.
When to use other tools
- You need net price after aid (use college net price calculators, not sticker price).
- You're comparing private college costs in Missouri (this page covers public only).
- You need current tuition at a specific campus (flagship and regional costs vary).
- You're filing residency appeals (consult institution-specific domicile policies).
Missouri college cost checklist
- Note Missouri in-state tuition: $13,090/yr (rank #34).
- Out-of-state: $28,850/yr (premium +$15,760).
- Community college: $4,817/yr (2-year in-district).
- Add room & board ($13,900/yr US avg) for estimated COA.
- Check Missouri 529 plan tax benefits using /529-calculator.
- Explore state financial aid programs (grants, merit scholarships, promise programs).
- Use college net price calculators for personalized aid estimates.
Missouri college cost FAQs
Missouri averages $13,090 per year for public 4-year in-state tuition & fees—rank #34 nationally (lowest = #1).
Out-of-state tuition averages $28,850/yr in Missouri (rank #23), a premium of $15,760 above in-state.
Public 2-year in-district tuition & fees average $4,817/yr in Missouri (tuition only, no room/board). US average: $4,150.
Four years of in-state tuition totals about $52,360 (tuition & fees only). Add room & board for full COA estimate: $26,990/yr × 4 ≈ $107,960.
Many states offer 529 plan tax deductions or credits. MO residents should check /529-calculator for Missouri-specific deduction limits, credit amounts, and tax savings examples.
Missouri may offer state grants, scholarships, or promise programs. Check the Missouri higher education agency or state financial aid office for eligibility.
Missouri ranks #34 for in-state tuition (lowest = #1). Compare with neighbors and states with similar 529 benefits using our compare tool.
Academic year 2025-26 from College Board Trends in College Pricing 2025. Page updated 2026-08-02. Verify current rates with institutions.
Most Missouri public institutions require 12 months of physical presence, a Missouri driver's license or state ID, vehicle registration, voter registration, and intent to remain. Rules vary by campus. Contact the admissions or registrar office for specific requirements.
Yes. Most Missouri state grants and scholarships stack with federal Pell Grants, institutional aid, and outside scholarships. Check your financial aid award letter for the full package.
Back to all states
Compare Missouri with the full ranking or explore another state profile.
View all 50 states + DC →529 calculator
Estimate Missouri (MO) 529 plan tax savings and project college savings growth.
Calculate 529 savings →