thebestschools.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Are you ready to discover your college program?
Missouri counts itself among the most affordable places to study and work in the U.S.
According to PayScale, the cost of living in the state consistently ranks below the national average, from 6% in St. Louis and 7% in Columbia to 12% in Springfield. The state houses accessible colleges and universities dedicated to research, athletic achievement, and the liberal arts. College Boar reports that students who attended public universities paid an annual tuition of $8,500, while students at private colleges paid approximately $22,000. Online schools in Missouri provide even lower prices through discounted tuition, and students living in the state sometimes enjoy still cheaper tuition rates. Distance learners also enjoy access to special scholarships and grants.
Featured Online Schools
Flexibility serves as another incentive for distance learners. Through asynchronous online classes, students can create schedules that allow them to work and take care of their family while pursuing their degree full time. Relatedly, colleges and universities usually offer accelerated course formats that last seven or nine weeks instead of 15. By taking advantage of this feature, distance learners may earn their degree in less time than their traditional peers — generally two–to–three years for a bachelor’s degree and one year for a master’s. Common areas of study include healthcare administration, nursing, business (particularly the MBA), information systems, criminology, and education and teacher preparation. Online colleges in Missouri also offer unique programs in fields such as intercultural studies, fashion entrepreneurship, and creative writing.
The Best Online Colleges in Missouri
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Best Online Colleges in Missouri
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Anyone interested in pursuing a degree online should consider the University of Missouri. The public institution makes 58 of its degrees available online, with offerings at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Many distance learners enroll here because the school has a strong academic reputation and experience in online education.
From its Columbia campus, the school supports online learners with academic and career services. Academic advising, virtual job fairs, and other career preparation services set degree-seekers up for long-term success. The school also emphasizes hands-on learning through its internship programs. Upon completion of all program requirements, graduates are awarded an accredited degree.
Additional details regarding program availability and application processes are available by contacting the school.
University of Missouri at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 9,722
Online Bachelor's Programs: 14
Online Master's Programs: 21
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 20%
Admission Rate: 81%
#2 Best Online Colleges in Missouri
Webster University
Saint Louis, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Webster University is a leader in online education. Remote degrees at the graduate and undergraduate levels are available to enrollees at this private school. Many distance learners enroll here because the school has a strong academic reputation and experience in online education.
The school hosts academic and career service specialists at its Saint Louis, Missouri, campus, which online learners can also take advantage of. Programs like academic advising and virtual job fairs help degree-seekers plan for their academic and professional futures. Hands-on learning through internship programs helps many students prepare for work in their field. The programs grant graduates an accredited degree upon completion.
Anyone interested in learning more about available online programs and how to apply should contact the school directly.
Webster University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 4,741
Online Bachelor's Programs: 21
Online Master's Programs: 31
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 42%
Admission Rate: 57%
#3 Best Online Colleges in Missouri
Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Southeast Missouri State University is a fantastic choice for online learners. The public institution offers 25 online programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The school attracts many remote learners because of its solid reputation for academics and experience in offering online education.
All learners, including those studying online, can take advantage of the academic and career services professionals hosted at the school's Cape Girardeau campus. Academic advising, virtual job fairs, and other career preparation services set degree-seekers up for long-term success. Hands-on experience through the school's internship programs also benefits many students. Those who complete all program requirements receive an accredited degree upon graduation.
Prospective applicants can contact the school to learn more about online program options and admission requirements.
Southeast Missouri State University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 5,553
Online Bachelor's Programs: 11
Online Master's Programs: 13
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 19%
Admission Rate: 86%
#4 Best Online Colleges in Missouri
University of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Central Missouri is a fantastic choice for online learners. The public institution makes 21 of its degrees available online, with offerings at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Distance learners often choose to study at this school because of its experience with online education and reputation for academic quality.
Academic and career service professionals based out of the Warrensburg campus are available to help online learners. Programs like academic advising and virtual job fairs help degree-seekers plan for their academic and professional futures. The school also helps facilitate internships to help students gain hands-on experience. Those who complete all program requirements receive an accredited degree upon graduation.
Anyone with additional questions is encouraged to reach out to the school directly.
University of Central Missouri at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 4,403
Online Bachelor's Programs: 6
Online Master's Programs: 14
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 14%
Admission Rate: 65%
#5 Best Online Colleges in Missouri
Drury University
Springfield, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
For many online degree-seekers, Drury University is an attractive choice. The private institution's six online degree options include offerings at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. Distance learners appreciate the way the school brings its reputation for academic success to its online programming.
The school hosts academic and career service specialists at its Springfield, Missouri, campus, which online learners can also take advantage of. Academic advisors help degree-seekers complete their programs, while virtual job fairs and career planning events prepare them for success after graduation. Students can also take advantage of internship programs to gain hands-on experience. Programs grant graduates accredited degrees.
Representatives at the school can provide additional information about application and program specifics.
Drury University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 387
Online Master's Programs: 5
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 7%
Admission Rate: 64%
#6 Best Online Colleges in Missouri
Lindenwood University
Saint Charles, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Lindenwood University has online programming that ranks favorably among similar opportunities. The private institution offers 11 online programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Distance learners appreciate the way the school brings its reputation for academic success to its online programming.
The physical campus in Saint Charles, Missouri, employs academic and career service professionals who are also available to assist online learners. Degree-seekers also have the option to connect with academic advisors and participate in virtual job fairs, helping set them up for scholastic and professional success. Hands-on experience through the school's internship programs also benefits many students. A degree with full accreditation is awarded to all enrollees upon completing their program.
Anyone with additional questions is encouraged to reach out to the school directly.
Lindenwood University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 4,457
Online Bachelor's Programs: 5
Online Master's Programs: 6
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 7%
Admission Rate: 88%
Accepts Transfer Credits: Accepted
#7 Best Online Colleges in Missouri
Missouri Southern State University
Joplin, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
A quality online college education is available at Missouri Southern State University. Both undergraduate and graduate programs are available through this public institution, which hosts a total of nine online degree programs. The school's proven track record in online education and reputation for quality academics lead many distance learners to apply.
Online learners can also receive assistance from career and academic service associates located at the school's physical campus in Joplin. Virtual career fairs, academic advising, and other programs invest in the long-term success of degree-seekers. The school also facilitates internship opportunities that help students gain real-world experience. An accredited degree is awarded to graduates upon completing their program.
Reach out to the school with any questions about what programs are available online and how to apply to them.
Missouri Southern State University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 2,836
Online Bachelor's Programs: 4
Online Master's Programs: 3
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 13%
Admission Rate: 94%
#8 Best Online Colleges in Missouri
Northwest Missouri State University
Maryville, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Northwest Missouri State University has online programming that ranks favorably among similar opportunities. The public institution offers 14 online programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The school has a track record in academic success through online coursework.
The school hosts academic and career service specialists at its Maryville campus, which online learners can also take advantage of. Academic advisors help degree-seekers complete their programs, while virtual job fairs and career planning events prepare learners for success after graduation. Internship programs give students the opportunity to develop tangible, real-world skills in their area of interest. The degrees that graduates receive are fully accredited.
Representatives at the school can provide additional information about application and program specifics.
Northwest Missouri State University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 2,759
Online Bachelor's Programs: 2
Online Master's Programs: 8
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 11%
Admission Rate: 73%
#9 Best Online Colleges in Missouri
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Saint Louis University is one of the best options available to online degree-seekers. Those who enroll at the private institution remotely have 36 online degree opportunities to choose from at the graduate and undergraduate levels. The school has a track record in academic success through online coursework.
Online learners benefit from support from academic and career services offices at the school's Missouri campus. Degree-seekers can get help planning their academic and professional futures with offerings such as academic advising and virtual career fairs. Internship programs give students the opportunity to develop tangible, real-world skills in their area of interest. Graduates are awarded a fully accredited degree upon completing their program.
Anyone with additional questions is encouraged to reach out to the school directly.
Saint Louis University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 1,593
Online Bachelor's Programs: 11
Online Master's Programs: 6
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 15%
Admission Rate: 58%
#10 Best Online Colleges in Missouri
Missouri Baptist University
Saint Louis, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Missouri Baptist University is a leader in online education. The private institution's 25 online degree options include offerings at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. The school has a track record in academic success through online coursework.
Online learners can also receive assistance from career and academic service associates located at the school's physical campus in Saint Louis. Career-planning events like virtual job fairs are available to degree-seekers who connect with these advisors. Hands-on experience through the school's internship programs also benefits many students. Upon completion of all program requirements, graduates are awarded an accredited degree.
Reach out to the school with any questions about what programs are available online and how to apply to them.
Missouri Baptist University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 1,826
Online Bachelor's Programs: 11
Online Master's Programs: 10
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 30%
Admission Rate: 61%
#11 Best Online Colleges in Missouri
Maryville University
Saint Louis, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Maryville University provides one of the best online college experiences available. Remote programs at both the graduate and undergraduate levels are available at this private institution. The school has experience facilitating online classes and a reputation for strong academics, attracting many remote students.
Online learners are able to work with academic and career services professionals located at the Saint Louis campus. Degree-seekers connect with academic advisors and participate in virtual job fairs and career-planning events. The school also facilitates internship opportunities that help students gain real-world experience. Upon completion of all program requirements, graduates are awarded an accredited degree.
Prospective students can get more information about online programs and application requirements from the school directly.
Maryville University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 7,651
Online Bachelor's Programs: 23
Online Master's Programs: 15
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 51%
Admission Rate: 83%
#12 Best Online Colleges in Missouri
Columbia College
Columbia, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Columbia College has online programming that ranks favorably among similar opportunities. The private institution hosts 33 programs for remote learners at the graduate and undergraduate levels. These remote programs benefit from the school's reputation for strong academics and track record in online course offerings.
Online learners are also able to work with academic and career services professionals located at the Columbia, Missouri campus. Virtual career fairs, academic advising, and other programs invest in the long-term success of degree-seekers. The school's internship programs give students a chance to gain hands-on field experience. The academic programs grant graduates an accredited degree upon completion.
Those interested in applying to these online degree programs should contact the school directly for more information.
Columbia College at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 7,568
Online Bachelor's Programs: 23
Online Master's Programs: 4
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 59%
#13 Best Online Colleges in Missouri
Hannibal-LaGrange University
Hannibal, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Those looking for an online college program should consider Hannibal-LaGrange University. The private institution hosts six programs for remote learners at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. The school has experience facilitating online classes and a reputation for strong academics, attracting many remote students.
Online learners not located near the Missouri campus can still take advantage of academic and career advising services. Degree-seekers who choose to connect with academic advisors can participate in virtual job fairs and other career-planning events. Many students also prepare for future careers by gaining hands-on experience in internships. Upon completing their program, graduates receive an accredited degree.
For more information on how to apply and what programs are available online, contact the school directly.
Hannibal-LaGrange University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 228
Online Bachelor's Programs: 3
Online Master's Programs: 3
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 17%
Admission Rate: 61%
#14 Best Online Colleges in Missouri
Stephens College
Columbia, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Stephens College offers online programming that ranks highly among similar opportunities. The private institution hosts four options for remote learners at the graduate and undergraduate levels. These remote programs benefit from the school's reputation for strong academics and track record in online course offerings.
Online learners not located near the Columbia, Missouri, campus can still take advantage of academic and career advising services. Degree-seekers who choose to connect with academic advisors can participate in virtual job fairs and other career-planning events. Hands-on learning through internship programs helps many students prepare for work in their field. The degree that graduates receive upon completing their program is fully accredited.
For more information on how to apply and what programs are available online, contact the school directly.
Stephens College at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 165
Online Bachelor's Programs: 1
Online Master's Programs: 2
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 11%
Admission Rate: 56%
#15 Best Online Colleges in Missouri
Culver-Stockton College
Canton, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Culver-Stockton College's online degree offerings rank highly among similar programs. Remote enrollees at this private college can choose from seven online programs at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Distance learners often choose this school because it has a proven track record in online education and a reputation for academic strength.
Online learners can benefit from academic advisors and career services professionals at the Canton, Missouri, campus. Academic advisors and virtual job fairs help set degree-seekers up for long term success. Students can also take advantage of internship programs to gain hands-on experience. Completing all requirements results in graduates receiving an accredited degree.
Potential applicants can get in touch with the school for additional details about program availability and the application process.
Culver-Stockton College at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 256
Online Bachelor's Programs: 4
Online Master's Programs: 3
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 16%
Admission Rate: 52%
#16 Best Online Colleges in Missouri
Logan University
Chesterfield, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Logan University is a popular choice among those seeking a degree online. Remote students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels have six options through this private institution. The school's proven track record in online education and reputation for quality academics leads many distance learners to apply.
Online learners benefit from support from academic and career services offices at the school's Chesterfield, Missouri, campus. Degree-seekers connect with academic advisors and participate in virtual job fairs and career-planning events. Hands-on learning through internship programs helps many students prepare for work in their field. The degree that graduates receive upon completing their program is fully accredited.
Ask the school directly for more information about online degree options and how to apply.
Logan University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 1,313
Online Bachelor's Programs: 2
Online Master's Programs: 3
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 86%
Admission Rate: 67%
#17 Best Online Colleges in Missouri
Metropolitan Community College
Kansas City, MO - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Metropolitan Community College's online degree offerings rank highly among similar programs. The public institution makes three of its degrees available online. The school has a track record in academic success through online coursework.
Online learners can benefit from the academic advisors and career services professionals at the Kansas City, Missouri, campus. Academic advisors help degree-seekers complete their programs, while virtual job fairs and career planning events prepare learners for success after graduation. The school also helps facilitate internships to help students gain hands-on experience. The degree that graduates are awarded reflects the school's full accreditation.
Ask the school directly for more information about online degree options and how to apply.
Metropolitan Community College at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 5,485
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 4%
#18 Best Online Colleges in Missouri
Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Kansas City, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary ranks among the best online colleges. The private institution makes 15 of its degrees available online, with offerings at the undergraduate and graduate levels. These remote programs benefit from the school's reputation for strong academics and track record in online course offerings.
The school's main campus in Kansas City, Missouri, hosts academic and career services offices, which are available to online learners. Academic advisors help degree-seekers complete their program, while virtual job fairs and career planning events prepare learners for success after graduation. Internships are available to help students gain hands-on experience. Completing all requirements results in graduates receiving an accredited degree.
Contact the school directly to receive more information about online program opportunities and application procedures.
Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 1,482
Online Bachelor's Programs: 3
Online Master's Programs: 7
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 47%
Admission Rate: 100%
#19 Best Online Colleges in Missouri
Mineral Area College
Park Hills, MO - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Mineral Area College offers online programming that ranks highly among similar options. The public institution makes nine of its degrees available online, with offerings at the undergraduate and graduate levels. These remote programs benefit from the school's reputation for strong academics and track record in online course offerings.
The school hosts academic and career service specialists at its Park Hills, Missouri, campus, which online learners can also take advantage of. Programs like academic advising and virtual job fairs help degree-seekers plan for their academic and professional futures. Internship programs are also available to students, helping them gain valuable field experience. The degree that graduates are awarded reflects the school's full accreditation.
Additional information about how to apply and what programs are available can be obtained by contacting the school directly.
Mineral Area College at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 1,450
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 16%
#20 Best Online Colleges in Missouri
Missouri State West Plains
West Plains, MO - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Missouri State West Plains is a leader in online education. Remote degrees at the graduate and undergraduate levels are available to enrollees at this public school. The school's substantial track record in online education and good academic reputation attract many distance learners.
Career and academic service associates located on campus also assist online learners. These advisors facilitate career-planning events like virtual job fairs for interested degree-seekers. Hands-on learning through internship programs helps many students prepare for work in their field. A degree with full accreditation is awarded to all enrollees upon completing their program.
Additional information about how to apply and what programs are available can be obtained by contacting the school directly.
Missouri State West Plains at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 1,110
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 57%
Online Colleges in Missouri Ranking Guidelines
We selected the online schools in Missouri based on the quality of their programs, types of courses and degrees offered, and faculty strengths, as well as school awards, rankings, and reputation, including a strong reputation for online degree programs.
Popular with our students.
Highly informative resources to keep your education journey on track.
Take the next step toward your future with online learning.
Discover schools with the programs and courses you’re interested in, and start learning today.