Campus Vibe
Known for business — excellent value
Southeast Missouri State University is a public institution in Cape Girardeau with particular strength in business and health sciences. With an average SAT of 1018, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 6.6K undergraduates with a 20:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
56% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $44,030 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $14,532.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
Southeast Missouri State University Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1018
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
65.5%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$14,750
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
50
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Programs (109)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
76%
- •76% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
History & Fun Facts
- •Originally known as Southeast Missouri State Normal School, the first classes were taught at the nearby Lorimier School until April 1875, when the first university building was completed.
- •" It burned down on April 8, 1902, and was replaced in 1906 by Academic Hall, the school's domed landmark building.
- •Louis Exposition and Music Hall, and it includes light fixtures from the 1904 World's Fair.
- •1906 In the 1950s, Southeast Missouri State College had an enrollment of approximately 1,600 students.
- •The college moved away from its focus on training teachers and began to offer courses of study in business, nursing, and the liberal arts.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Transit Scores
Local Economy
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Suggested Itinerary
Nearby Hotels
Airport Transit
Schools Like This
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Kansas City, MO · Urban · Public
University of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, MO · Town · Public
Northwest Missouri State University
Maryville, MO · Town · Public
Missouri Western State University
Saint Joseph, MO · Urban · Public