Colleges Near Joplin, Missouri
Looking for information about the best colleges and universities serving Joplin? Here's your guide to the top schools offering degrees to students in the area, including institutions located within 60 miles of Joplin, Missouri.
There are at least 19 colleges serving the area, including 5 private colleges and universities, 4 public colleges and universities, and 10 community colleges offering 2-year degrees.
The Best Adult Colleges & Careers Guide provides a breakdown of the colleges serving Joplin, with details about cost, enrollment, student type and degree offerings. Click here to learn more about the guide.
Joplin, Missouri Colleges by the Numbers
Associate, bachelor's, masters, and doctoral degree completions at institutions near Joplin, Missouri have been growing over the past 5 years. In 2024, students completed 13,118 doctorates at colleges and universities near Joplin. That was an increase of 17% from completions reported in 2020.
Schools with Degree Completions
Est. Total Completions in 2024
Est. Completions (Last 5 Years)
Sponsored
Top School For Adults & Online Students
Franklin University is a top choice for transfer students, online learners and adults who need to balance school with busy lives. Founded in 1902 in Columbus, Ohio, Franklin's main focus has been serving adult students and tailoring education to fit their needs. Nonprofit and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org/800.621.7440), Franklin offers more than 50 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs — all available 100% online.
Undergraduate Enrollment
5,111
Completions By Degree
2,605
Est. Online Degree Offerings
100%
Private Colleges & Universities Offering Degrees Near Joplin, Missouri
There are at least 5 schools offering degrees near Joplin, Missouri, and 5 are four-year private colleges or universities where about 6,867 undergraduate students were enrolled. In 2024, a total of 3,073 degrees were completed at private colleges and universities, including 2,729 that were offered online.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Franklin offers more than 50 online bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctoral programs in the Joplin, Missouri area. Franklin University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes part-time. Most of the students are adults and all programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Franklin University. In 2024, 1,602 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 98 associate degrees, 840 master's degrees, and 65 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
5,111
Completions By Degree
2,605
Est. Online Degree Availability
100%
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Ozark Christian College is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Ozark Christian College. In 2024, 128 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 25 associate degrees, 11 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
612
Completions By Degree
164
Est. Online Degree Availability
38%
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Cottey College is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and no programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Cottey College. In 2024, 59 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 11 associate degrees, 0 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
266
Completions By Degree
70
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Ozark Christian College is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Ozark Christian College. In 2024, 128 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 25 associate degrees, 11 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
612
Completions By Degree
164
Est. Online Degree Availability
38%
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Cottey College is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and no programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Cottey College. In 2024, 59 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 11 associate degrees, 0 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
266
Completions By Degree
70
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Public Colleges & Universities Near Joplin, Missouri
There are 4 four-year public colleges located near Joplin, Missouri. About 14,526 students were enrolled in undergraduate programs, and about 7,586 degrees were completed at public colleges near Joplin. Tuition shown reflects in-state rates.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Missouri Southern State University is an institutionally accredited public 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Missouri Southern State University. In 2024, 677 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 113 associate degrees, 48 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
3,101
Completions By Degree
838
Est. Online Degree Availability
42%
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Missouri Southern State University is an institutionally accredited public 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Missouri Southern State University. In 2024, 677 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 113 associate degrees, 48 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
3,101
Completions By Degree
838
Est. Online Degree Availability
42%
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Pittsburg State University is an institutionally accredited public 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. Associate degrees are the most popular at Pittsburg State University. In 2024, 1,346 associate degrees were completed. In addition, 1,051 bachelor's degrees, 552 master's degrees, and 6 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
4,162
Completions By Degree
2,955
Est. Online Degree Availability
21%
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Pittsburg State University is an institutionally accredited public 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. Associate degrees are the most popular at Pittsburg State University. In 2024, 1,346 associate degrees were completed. In addition, 1,051 bachelor's degrees, 552 master's degrees, and 6 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
4,162
Completions By Degree
2,955
Est. Online Degree Availability
21%
Community Colleges Near Joplin, Missouri
There are 10 community colleges near Joplin, Missouri where students can earn 2-year associate degrees. In 2024, about 20,732 students were enrolled in undergraduate courses at community colleges near Joplin, and about 5,064 associate degrees were completed.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
NorthWest Arkansas Community College is an institutionally accredited 2-year school where most students attend classes part-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and most programs completed were offered online.
Undergraduate Enrollment
4,632
Completions By Degree
1,178
Est. Online Degree Availability
72%
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Labette Community College is an institutionally accredited 2-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and most programs completed were offered online.
Undergraduate Enrollment
766
Completions By Degree
212
Est. Online Degree Availability
73%
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Fort Scott Community College is an institutionally accredited 2-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and most programs completed were offered online.
Undergraduate Enrollment
763
Completions By Degree
198
Est. Online Degree Availability
75%
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College is an institutionally accredited 2-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online.
Undergraduate Enrollment
1,583
Completions By Degree
301
Est. Online Degree Availability
48%
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College is an institutionally accredited 2-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online.
Undergraduate Enrollment
1,583
Completions By Degree
301
Est. Online Degree Availability
48%
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Labette Community College is an institutionally accredited 2-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and most programs completed were offered online.
Undergraduate Enrollment
766
Completions By Degree
212
Est. Online Degree Availability
73%
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Crowder College is an institutionally accredited 2-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online.
Undergraduate Enrollment
2,622
Completions By Degree
643
Est. Online Degree Availability
63%
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
NorthWest Arkansas Community College is an institutionally accredited 2-year school where most students attend classes part-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and most programs completed were offered online.
Undergraduate Enrollment
4,632
Completions By Degree
1,178
Est. Online Degree Availability
72%
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Crowder College is an institutionally accredited 2-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online.
Undergraduate Enrollment
2,622
Completions By Degree
643
Est. Online Degree Availability
63%
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Fort Scott Community College is an institutionally accredited 2-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and most programs completed were offered online.
Undergraduate Enrollment
763
Completions By Degree
198
Est. Online Degree Availability
75%
Affordable Colleges Near Joplin, Missouri
Wondering what you can expect to pay for a degree near Joplin, Missouri? According to undergraduate tuition data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, the average tuition at Joplin-area's 4-year nonprofit schools is $18,619. The average tuition at similar 4-year for-profit schools near Joplin is N/A, while tuition at 2-year online colleges and universities is N/A.
4-Year Nonprofit
4-Year For-Profit
2-Year
Accredited Colleges Serving Joplin, Missouri
Earning a college degree is an investment — and earning a degree from an institutionally accredited university is one of the best ways to ensure your education is of high quality. Institutionally accredited universities are held to rigorous standards by state and regional bodies and undergo regular reviews to verify that their processes and academic programs meet the proper standards.
Wondering if a certain college or university offering degree programs in Joplin, Missouri is institutionally accredited? View a list of institutionally accredited colleges and universities serving Joplin, Missouri here. We've made it easy to find your school by breaking down the list by school type.
- Franklin University
- Ozark Christian College
- Cottey College
- Ozark Christian College
- Cottey College
- NorthWest Arkansas Community College
- Labette Community College
- Fort Scott Community College
- Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College
- Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College
- Labette Community College
- Crowder College
- NorthWest Arkansas Community College
- Crowder College
- Fort Scott Community College
Joplin, Missouri Job Market & Opportunities
What happens after you earn your college degree in Joplin? What's the Joplin, Missouri job market outlook? Get a snapshot of jobs and careers, including annual job openings, median earnings and more.
In 2024, there were about 382,119 jobs in the Joplin, Missouri area. From 2023-2024, job growth in Joplin was above the national average, at 2.4%. There were 50,941 job openings in the area. In terms of earnings, workers in Joplin do worse than the national average, with an average hourly pay of $19.64.