Southeast Missouri State Acceptance Rate & Tuition (2026)
Southeast Missouri State University is a public research university in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, serving roughly 6,373 students. Admission is moderately selective for first-time degree-seeking undergraduates reporting admissions data to the Education Department. The acceptance rate is about 73.52% in the latest College Scorecard admissions data. Median earnings about ten years after entry reach about $44,030 among students who received federal aid.
Key Facts
- 2024 Undergraduate Tuition: $9,903
- 2024 Average Net Price: $15,882 After Financial Aid
- 2024 Acceptance Rate: 73.52% Moderate Selectivity
- 2024 Enrolled Students: 6,373 88.6% Full-Time
- 2024 Graduation Rate: 57.93%
- Carnegie Classification: Master's Colleges and Universities: Medium Programs
- First-Generation Students: 36.9%
- Tuition trend: In-state tuition increase of 5.3% from 2022 to 2023 (College Scorecard).
- Net price trend: Average net price increase of 1.7% from 2022 to 2023 (College Scorecard).
- Full-Time Faculty: 68.2%
- Average SAT Score: 950
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 8,845
- Applicants (IPEDS): 7,462
- Room & Board: $12,198 annual estimate
Southeast Missouri State University: what the data shows
Common questions about Southeast Missouri State University, answered from College Scorecard and IPEDS in this repository.
Where is Southeast Missouri State University?
Southeast Missouri State University is located in Cape Girardeau, MO (ZIP 63701).
NCES locale classification: Town.
Is Southeast Missouri State University public or private?
Southeast Missouri State University is a Public institution.
How much does Southeast Missouri State University cost?
Published tuition: $9,903.
Average net price after aid: $15,882.
| Family income band | Avg. net price |
|---|---|
| Family income $0–$30,000 | $12,704 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $13,342 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $15,338 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $17,395 |
| $110,001+ | $21,267 |
Sticker tuition × four years (estimate, no room/board): $39,612.
How hard is it to get into Southeast Missouri State University?
Admission rate: 73.52%.
Among enrollees who submitted scores: average SAT 950.
Scorecard does not publish admitted-student GPA for most institutions.
How big is Southeast Missouri State University?
Total enrollment: 6,373 students.
Undergraduate enrollment: 8,845 students.
Graduate enrollment: 1,575 students.
About 89% enroll full-time in our extract.
What is the graduation rate at Southeast Missouri State University?
150%-time completion rate: 57.93%.
First-year retention: 75.8%.
What do graduates of Southeast Missouri State University earn?
Median earnings: $38,150 six years after entry; $44,030 ten years after entry (College Scorecard).
How much debt do students have?
Median federal loan debt among completers: $21,500.
30.40% of students receive Pell grants.
What is Southeast Missouri State University known for?
Largest IPEDS program completions at this institution:
- Computer and Information Sciences, General (379 completions)
- Business Administration and Management, General (192 completions)
- General Studies (117 completions)
- Biology/Biological Sciences, General (107 completions)
- Psychology, General (98 completions)
- Corrections (82 completions)
- Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse (74 completions)
- Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia (68 completions)
- Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance (68 completions)
- Visual and Performing Arts, General (60 completions)
See ROI & Programs for more.
Is Southeast Missouri State University a good school?
We do not score schools on opinion. Federal data in our extract show admission rate 73.52%; completion rate 57.93%; median earnings $44,030 at 10 years; net price $15,882. Compare these figures to your cost, aid, and career goals.
Tuition & Cost
Tuition Costs
$9,903
2024 Undergraduate Tuition
In 2024, the cost of tuition at Southeast Missouri State University was $9,903.
Tuition comparison with similar institutions.
Average Net Price
$15,882
2024 Value
In 2024 Southeast Missouri State University had an average net price — the price paid after factoring in grants and loans — of $15,882.
Average net price comparison with similar institutions.
Total Cost of Attendance
$63,528 Estimated 4-Year Total Cost
$15,882 Average Annual Net Price (after aid)
$39,612 4-Year Tuition
$12,198 Room & Board (annual, on-campus estimate)
$696 Books & Supplies (annual estimate)
$22,797 Estimated Annual Sticker (tuition + room/board + books)
$91,188 Estimated 4-Year Sticker (before aid)
4-year total cost breakdown for Southeast Missouri State University.
Financial Aid by Income Level
30.40% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Grants
32.95% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Loans
Financial aid distribution by income level.
Student Loan Default Rate
0.00%
3-year cohort default rate (College Scorecard)
The published 3-year cohort default rate for borrowers at Southeast Missouri State University was 0.00%.
Cohort default rates account for borrowers who default in the first three years.
Tuition tracker
Published tuition and average net price by reporting year come from the College Scorecard institution file. Values are not adjusted for inflation; missing cells mean the field was not reported or was suppressed for Southeast Missouri State University in that year.
Reporting years in the table below: 2013–2023 (Scorecard labels refer to the institutional submission cycle).
| Year | In-state tuition & fees | Out-of-state tuition & fees | Average net price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | $6,863 | $12,195 | $12,012 |
| 2014 | $7,058 | $12,450 | $12,050 |
| 2015 | $6,990 | $12,375 | $12,294 |
| 2016 | $6,990 | $12,375 | $12,277 |
| 2017 | $7,185 | $12,720 | $12,655 |
| 2018 | $7,418 | $13,155 | $13,113 |
| 2019 | $7,800 | $13,830 | $12,774 |
| 2020 | $8,033 | $14,205 | $13,568 |
| 2021 | $8,715 | $15,285 | $13,321 |
| 2022 | $9,015 | $15,585 | $14,288 |
| 2023 | $9,496 | $9,496 | $14,531 |
Sticker tuition and net price over time
Where the institution reported separate in-state and out-of-state tuition, both appear. Gaps mean the value was not reported for that year.
College Scorecard reporting-year fields (not inflation-adjusted).
Net price by family income
Brackets follow Scorecard definitions for the series shown (public vs private institution).
Latest income-band net prices available in the processed extract.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Acceptance Rate
73.52% Acceptance Rate
7,462 Total Applicants
5,858 Students Admitted
1,287 First-Time Students Enrolled
21.97% Yield (enrolled ÷ admitted)
This institution has a moderate acceptance rate, accepting most qualified applicants.
Acceptance rate compared to national average.
Test Scores
SAT Average: 950
Average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students.
Academic Requirements
Estimated GPA Range: 3.0 - 3.4
Estimated Median GPA: 3.20
Note: GPA requirements are estimated based on admission selectivity and test scores. Actual requirements may vary.
Estimated GPA and test score ranges.
Enrollment & Student Demographics
Southeast Missouri State University reported total enrollment of about 6,373 students in the latest College Scorecard extract. The student body is about 41% male and 59% female. Enrollment by race and ethnicity includes White (69.8%), Black or African American (8.4%), and Non-Resident Alien (8.1%). About 30.40% of undergraduates receive Pell Grants. Roughly 36.9% of students are first-generation college students.
Full-Time vs Part-Time Enrollment
88.6% Full-Time Enrollment
The total enrollment at Southeast Missouri State University in 2024 is 6,373 students.
Undergraduate enrollment is about 8,845 students. Graduate enrollment is about 1,575 students.
Full-time vs part-time enrollment comparison.
Retention Rate over Time
75.8%
2024 Retention Rate
Retention rate measures the number of first-time students who began their studies the previous fall and returned to school the following fall.
Retention rate over time compared to similar institutions.
Enrollment by Race & Ethnicity
The largest enrollment share in our College Scorecard extract is White at 69.8%.
Shares are for total enrollment (undergraduate and graduate combined when reported).
College Scorecard student demographics.
Graduates & Outcomes
Time to Complete
40.80% 100% Completion Time
57.93% 150% Completion Time
In 2024, 40.80% of students graduating from Southeast Missouri State University completed their program within 100% "normal time".
Completion rates over time compared to similar institutions.
Completions by Sex (Top Programs)
- Computer and Information Sciences, General: 69% male / 31% female
- Business Administration and Management, General: 47% male / 53% female
- General Studies: 42% male / 58% female
IPEDS completions by sex for the five largest programs (aggregate CIPs excluded).
Completions by Race & Ethnicity
Combined IPEDS award counts across reported programs; largest group: White.
Summed across program completion records in our extract.
ROI & Programs
Financial value and program information for Southeast Missouri State University.
Return on Investment
$21,500 Median Student Debt
$44,030 Median Annual Earnings (10 years)
48.83% Debt-to-Earnings Ratio
593.08% Return on Investment
4.9 years Estimated Payback Period
Financial value analysis for Southeast Missouri State University.
Top Programs by Completions
10 largest programs by IPEDS completions (of 96 reported codes; aggregate/unknown CIP buckets excluded).
1. Computer and Information Sciences, General: 379 completions
2. Business Administration and Management, General: 192 completions
3. General Studies: 117 completions
4. Biology/Biological Sciences, General: 107 completions
5. Psychology, General: 98 completions
6. Corrections: 82 completions
7. Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse: 74 completions
8. Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia: 68 completions
9. Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance: 68 completions
Most popular programs at Southeast Missouri State University.
Employment Outcomes
Employment outcome data is not available for this institution.
Earnings outcomes for Southeast Missouri State University graduates.
Operations
Instructional staffing and expenditure indicators for Southeast Missouri State University from College Scorecard (not a full IPEDS finance statement).
Instructional Resources
- Full-time faculty share: 68.2%
- Average faculty salary (Scorecard): $8,551
- Instructional expenditure per FTE: $6,248
Endowment and detailed non-instructional staff counts require IPEDS Finance/HR surveys and are not in this extract.
Scorecard instructional metrics where reported.
About
Southeast Missouri State University is a public institution located in Cape Girardeau, MO, classified as Master's Colleges and Universities: Medium Programs. In the latest IPEDS completions in our extract, the largest programs by awards were Computer and Information Sciences, General, Business Administration and Management, General, General Studies. Enrollment is approximately 6,373 students. Student body composition includes White (69.8%), Black or African American (8.4%), Non-Resident Alien (8.1%). The admission rate is 73.52%. Average SAT scores for admitted students are 950. The 150%-time completion rate is 57.93%. Approximately 30.40% of students receive Pell Grants. About 36.9% of students are first-generation college students.
Institution Type
Public
Carnegie Classification: Master's Colleges and Universities: Medium Programs
Location
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Region: Plains
Insights and Analysis
Diverse Program Offerings: With over 96 distinct degree programs, Southeast Missouri State University provides students with a wide range of academic options. This diversity allows students to explore various fields and find programs that align with their interests and career goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Southeast Missouri State University located?
Southeast Missouri State University is located in Cape Girardeau, MO.
What is Southeast Missouri State University's acceptance rate?
The acceptance rate at Southeast Missouri State University is 73.5% among first-time degree-seeking students reporting admissions data. IPEDS reports 7,462 applicants and 5,858 admits in the latest admissions cycle in our extract.
How much does Southeast Missouri State University cost?
Reported tuition is $9,903 and average net price is $15,882 in the latest College Scorecard data. On-campus room and board is estimated at $12,198 annually.
What is the student body demographics at Southeast Missouri State University?
Southeast Missouri State University reports undergraduate enrollment of about 8,845 students, White (69.8%), Black or African American (8.4%) in federal College Scorecard data.
How many first-generation students attend Southeast Missouri State University?
About 36.9% of students at Southeast Missouri State University are first-generation college students.
What test scores do students need for Southeast Missouri State University?
Among enrolled students who submitted scores, Southeast Missouri State University reports midpoint SAT about 950.
What do graduates of Southeast Missouri State University earn?
Median earnings are $38,150 six years after entry and $44,030 ten years after entry.
What is the graduation rate at Southeast Missouri State University?
The 150%-time completion rate is 57.9% for the cohort reported to the College Scorecard.
How much debt do Southeast Missouri State University students have?
Median federal loan debt among completers is $21,500.
Is Southeast Missouri State University public or private?
Southeast Missouri State University is a public institution located in Cape Girardeau, MO.
Is Southeast Missouri State University an HBCU?
No. Southeast Missouri State University is not flagged as an HBCU in the IPEDS institutional directory.
Is Southeast Missouri State University a tribal college?
No. Southeast Missouri State University is not flagged as a tribal college in IPEDS.
Data Sources
This page uses data from the following sources:
- College Scorecard - U.S. Department of Education
- Institutional characteristics, costs, completion rates, and earnings data
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
- Employment and wage data by occupation
- Latest data: May 2024
- Source: bls.gov/oes
- O*NET Online - U.S. Department of Labor
- Occupational skills, knowledge, abilities, and work activities
- Database version: 28.0 (August 2023)
- Source: onetcenter.org
- IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) - National Center for Education Statistics
- Institutional data, completions, enrollment, and financial aid
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: nces.ed.gov/ipeds
- Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS)
- Demographic and workforce data
- Latest data: 2023 ACS 5-Year Estimates
- Source: census.gov/acs
- Related geography & profiles
- Missouri college costs
- Missouri colleges by ROI
- Cape Girardeau, Missouri city profile
- Plains regional profile
- All state profiles
- Regional profiles
- National benchmarks
- School directory
- All schools in Missouri
Data Processing: All data has been processed, cleaned, and aggregated for presentation. Where specific data points are unavailable, estimates are based on available data and clearly marked.
Last Updated: Data reflects the most recent available information as of January 2025.
Methodology
Data for this profile is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard dataset, which provides comprehensive information on institutions of higher education in the United States.
All financial figures are adjusted for inflation and represent the most recent available data. Graduation rates and completion times are calculated according to federal standards.