- 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 1,919 students (42% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 31:1 is higher than the state community college average of 27:1.
Minority enrollment is 18% of the student body (majority Asian and Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 43%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 1,919 students
- In-state tuition: $4,020
- Out-state tuition: $7,440
- Student-teacher ratio: 31:1
- Minority enrollment: 18%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Overview
The teacher population of 61 teachers has declined by 65% over five years.
Missouri State University-West Plains
(MO) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Associate's Colleges
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Year Founded
1963
Total Faculty
61 staff
55 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Missouri State University-West Plains has declined by 23% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 31:1 has increased from 11:1 over five years.
The Missouri State University-West Plains diversity score of 0.32 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has grown by 16% over five years.
Total Enrollment
1,919 students
1,723 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
31:1
27:1
# Full-Time Students
798 students
619 students
# Part-Time Students
1,121 students
1,104 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
100 students
190 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
798 students
708 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,121 students
962 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
n/a
% Asian
5%
2%
% Hispanic
3%
6%
% Black
2%
10%
% White
82%
57%
% Two or more races
3%
4%
% Unknown races
4%
20%
Diversity Score
0.32
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
33%
44%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$28,400
$29,400
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 16% 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 16% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$4,020
$3,825
Out-State Tuition Fees
$7,440
$5,579
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
94%
93%
Median Debt for Graduates
$10,125
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,324
$5,500
Source: 2025 (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.
Nearby Schools
The nearest community college to Missouri State University-West Plains is Texas County Technical College (40.0 miles away)
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
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
Enrollment: 96 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Acceptance rate: 100% Private-state tuition: $16,044 Minority enrollment: 29%
1600 South College Street
Mountain Home, AR 72653
(870) 508-6100
Mountain Home, AR 72653
(870) 508-6100
40.8 miles
Enrollment: 1,315 students Student-teacher ratio: 30:1 In-state tuition: $2,750 Out-state tuition: $4,200 Minority enrollment: 8%
Ozarka College
Public
218 College Dr
Melbourne, AR 72556
(870) 368-2300
Melbourne, AR 72556
(870) 368-2300
46.7 miles
Enrollment: 1,069 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 In-state tuition: $2,680 Out-state tuition: $5,032 Minority enrollment: 6%
1410 Hwy 304 East
Pocahontas, AR 72455
(870) 248-4000
Pocahontas, AR 72455
(870) 248-4000
60.6 miles
Enrollment: 1,705 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 In-state tuition: $2,688 Out-state tuition: $5,232 Minority enrollment: 11%
2005 White Drive
Batesville, AR 72503
(870) 612-2000
Batesville, AR 72503
(870) 612-2000
66.1 miles
Enrollment: 1,192 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 In-state tuition: $2,562 Out-state tuition: $3,942 Minority enrollment: 19%
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