Education and the Work Force

PUBLISHED AUGUST 2025

Picture this: a state where rolling hills and vibrant cities converge to create a haven for learning, drawing nearly 318,000 college-aged students to its dynamic campuses each year. In Missouri, education is not just a pursuit, but a way of life. With the 2025-26 academic year about to unfold, more than 50 post-secondary institutions are preparing to welcome students eager to shape their futures, offering a blend of academic rigor, cultural richness, and opportunity that makes Missouri a standout destination for scholars and adventurers alike.

A Hub of Higher Learning

Missouri’s educational landscape is as diverse as its geography, from the bustling urban hubs of St. Louis and Kansas City to the charming college towns of Columbia, Springfield, Maryville and Kirksville. The state’s institutions collectively awarded more than 66,000 degrees—undergraduate and graduate—last year, fueling Missouri’s work force with fresh talent. Whether you’re strolling through the historic quad of the University of Missouri’s flagship campus in Columbia or exploring the cutting-edge facilities at the Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, the state’s four-campus University of Missouri system alone welcomed more than 68,000 students last fall, granting nearly 18,000 degrees.

Beyond the UM system, Missouri boasts nine other state-supported public colleges, each with its own distinct flavor. Missouri State University in Springfield, with its 24,360 students enrolled last year, pulses with energy, while smaller gems like Truman State University in Kirksville (3,644 students) offer an intimate liberal-arts experience. From the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg to Southeast Missouri State in Cape Girardeau, these campuses dot the state, inviting students to discover their academic passions amid vibrant communities.

For those seeking a more tailored experience, Missouri’s private liberal-arts colleges shine. Washington University in St. Louis, a global research powerhouse, welcomed nearly 16,360 students last fall, blending world-class academics with the city’s cultural allure. Across the state, over two dozen private colleges collectively enrolled more than 101,000 students, offering personalized education in settings that range from quaint to cosmopolitan.

Work-Force Ready: Community Colleges and Beyond

For many businesses operating in the state, Missouri’s 14 community colleges—enrolling more than 76,600 students—are the unsung heroes of its educational ecosystem. These institutions partner closely with local industries to deliver workforce-ready training, ensuring students are equipped with the skills that employers demand. Whether it’s advanced manufacturing in Joplin or health-care innovation in St. Louis, these colleges are gateways to opportunity, blending practical education with the charm of their surrounding communities.

Not to be overlooked: The state’s specialty and technical schools, which cater to niche interests, or the 226 public school districts and private K-12 institutions that nurture nearly 880,000 young learners each year. Missouri’s commitment to education spans every stage of life, making it a destination where curiosity thrives.

A Vision for the Future

Missouri’s educational journey is about more than numbers—it’s about impact. With a 91.59 percent high school graduation rate last year (easily surpassing the national average of 87 percent), the state continues its long ascent toward expanding its degree-holding population. At roughly half the current working-age population, it is closing the gap on the ambitious goal of 60 percent degree attainment first articulated by former President Obama in 2009. The infrastructure is ready: from world-class research universities to community colleges fostering immediate career pathways, Missouri is a place where dreams take root and futures are built.

So, why spend your college dollars in Missouri? It’s not just a place to study—it’s a place to grow, explore, and connect. Wander the leafy campuses, sip coffee in a historic college town, or immerse yourself in the cultural tapestry of St. Louis. Missouri’s academic allure is undeniable, offering a journey that blends learning with the heart and soul of the Midwest. Pack your bags—discover why Missouri is where education meets inspiration.