About Northwest Missouri State University

Founded in 1905, Northwest Missouri State University. is a Public college. Located in Missouri, which is a city setting in Missouri, the campus itself is Town. The campus is home to 5,628 full time undergraduate students, and 902 full time graduate students.

The Northwest Missouri State University Academic calendar runs on a Trimester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 20:1. There are 240 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Northwest Missouri State University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate74%
Application Deadline
Application Fee0
SAT Range880-1110
ACT Range20-25

Admissions at NWMSU are considered Selective, with ,35% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 26 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

75% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 39% were in the top quarter, and 14% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Northwest Missouri State University.

3%
“We”re apathetic”
31%
“We know about current events and vote”
63%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
3%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
16%
“Sometimes, but not often”
56%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
28%
“All the time, including weekends”
3%
“I”m always terrified”
3%
“I only go out in groups”
16%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
78%
“I feel extremely safe”
12%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
6%
“We bought the gear”
82%
“We live for the big game”
3%
“It”s not really our thing”
19%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
56%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
22%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
3%
“Available in class”
56%
“They keep regular office hours”
41%
“They”re always available”
0%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
6%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
91%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
3%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
3%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
28%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
31%
“We only party on weekends”
38%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
3%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
88%
“There might be people who do”
6%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
3%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
3%
“We”re apathetic”
31%
“We know about current events and vote”
63%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
3%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
16%
“Sometimes, but not often”
56%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
28%
“All the time, including weekends”
3%
“I”m always terrified”
3%
“I only go out in groups”
16%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
78%
“I feel extremely safe”
12%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
6%
“We bought the gear”
82%
“We live for the big game”
3%
“It”s not really our thing”
19%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
56%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
22%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
3%
“Available in class”
56%
“They keep regular office hours”
41%
“They”re always available”
0%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
6%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
91%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
3%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
3%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
28%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
31%
“We only party on weekends”
38%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
3%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
88%
“There might be people who do”
6%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
3%
“There”s a huge drug scene”

Northwest Missouri State University REVIEWS

Write a review, Enter to win $1,000 Scholarship
  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    102 Students rated on-campus housing 3.6 stars. 12 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    77 Students rated off-campus housing 3.7 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    107 Students rated campus food 3.3 stars. 14 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    108 Students rated campus facilities 4.2 stars. 45 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    108 Students rated class size 4.3 stars. 49 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    108 Students rated school activities 4 stars. 32 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    108 Students rated local services 3.9 stars. 33 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    108 Students rated academics 4.2 stars. 38 % gave the school a 5.0.

What's your overall opinion of Northwest Missouri State University?

39 Students rated Northwest Missouri State University

Ashley - 11/12/2022

My experience at Northwest Missouri State University has been an overall positive one. The classes are engaging and academically challenging, teaching skills that will be vital for future careers after graduation. The environment is very friendly, with all professors holding office hours, and many being available outside those hours.

Jessica - 07/05/2022

I initially loved the idea of Northwest, its on the country side and has a small town vibe but I came to realize it wasn't an accessible environment for wheelchair users nor those without vehicles. Northwest uses the bare minimum for accessibility which was one problem. They do have an occasional ride service but it runs at obscure and "drinking" hours only. The academics are pretty subpar, you can get a degree with it but it will feel like a waste of time almost the entire time because you won't learn anything about industry and will end up focusing on getting the degree rather than getting those soft and hard skills you need for your actual life. Like any university, they can be predatory with their dues and certain courses and degrees will cost more than others. Some people might luck out but others can even get extra fees for their on-campus living situation, so always rate your room as not being good quality or they might try to charge you $100s of dollars for simple fixes. Most of the on campus housing smells bad and even the best place has roaches! It is better to live off campus and commute. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved on campus but even then you might not find your particular group to be with. If you are somewhat of a loner who wants to be less like a loner, going to Northwest isn't ideal.

Samantha - 03/23/2021

I think Northwest is a great place for people who like small towns and are into agriculture. Coming from a metropolis, I never necessarily felt like I belonged at Northwest, but I know my experience was different than others. I also was a competitive track and field and cross county student-athlete and felt limited in my capacity to grow and develop into the athlete I believe I could have been.

Kimberly - 01/30/2021

I have only been at Northwest for three semesters and students seem to really enjoy Northwest. I enjoy it at times but sometimes I absolutely hate it there. It's not the school's fault, it’s because I have terrible social anxiety so that’s on my part. I hope my own experience will improve and that I can come to enjoy my time at Northwest but so far, it’s not been the most fruitful year and a half. I came to Northwest at such an abysmal time. I started at the beginning of 2020 as a transfer Junior, then I didn't get to finish my first semester when the pandemic started. Everything has changed and it’s been so depressing trying to continue school without feeling useless and restricted. I feel this way because my college experience wasn't anything like what I was expecting. I was hoping life at Northwest would broaden my social life and expand my opportunities, so far it hasn't. Also, coming to a big university as a transfer student is terrible. The reason why is because the students have already made friends and connections with others over the last two years. When someone comes in as a transfer, it's like being a Freshman thrust into a group of Seniors, it just doesn't work. The town is a great size and I love the small-town feel because I loathe large cities. People who don't like small towns probably will think Maryville is not for them, but if students like small towns then they will enjoy it. Northwest has a great atmosphere and it is greatly diverse. The professors that I have had so far have been some of the nicest people. They care for their students and want to see them succeed. Even with the differences individuals have, I have never experienced anything negative from other students or professors.

Northwest Missouri State University FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Northwest Missouri State University?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Northwest Missouri State University is 74%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    If I could go back I would tell myself to pay attention in school, learn from the mistakes of others, set goals I can achieve, prioritize my time better, do my homework on time, study, study, study, become more involve in the activities that are offered to me, try new things, don't try to hide in the background, be my own person, listen to my family, surround myself with positive people. Don't let negative things be the outcome of my high school career whether it be relationships with family, friends and people you come in contact on a everyday basis. Next, the little things like watching my diet, study,study,study, pray for guidance and understanding in my life and just BE YOUR OWN PERSON and confide in the people that love and care for you. Be more open with the problems you have in school whether it be academically or within yourself.

    Read all  116 answers
  3. Describe the students at your school.

    Regardless of differences, they are just like me.

    Read all  22 answers
  4. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    Everyone on this campus is friendly and it is small enough to enjoy but far enough away from home.

    Read all  22 answers
  5. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    Northwest Missouri State University is a place that allows students to reach their academic goals while providing an environment that supports community, encourages individuality, and yields achievement.

    Read all  21 answers
  6. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    What I wish I knew before I came to Northwest is how harsh the winter can be. I terribly hate the cold. I do not like how bipolar the weather in Maryville can be. I often wear layers upon layers of clothing just to walk five feet across the campus. However, campus safety is very effective in keeping the campus clean for an easy walk.

    Read all  21 answers
  7. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    Weather, really cold and windy. in the middle of no where geographically

    Read all  21 answers
  8. What kind of person should attend this school?

    I think the person that should attend this university is a person who is open-minded about new things, willing to take advantages of what the university has to offer and like to have fun but be a student at the same time. Also a person who need one on one attention with their teachers and is willing to learn.

    Read all  21 answers
  9. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    No one, this is a great school.

    Read all  17 answers
  10. What's unique about your campus?

    The best thing about my school is that there is so much support from the whole town and community around Maryville. The town sort of "shuts down" during football games and other athletic events because most residents attend them. The community gets along with all of the students and enjoys them being at Northwest and in Maryville.

    Read all  15 answers
  11. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    Northwest Missour State Univeristy is best known for our athletics, especially our football team. We won multiple football championships in the past, and are looking forward to many more in the close future. Another thing Northwest is best known for is it's use of technology. One of the perks about attending here is you are given a laptop, so there are no concerns about having to go to the library or a class to get an assignment down. Also, classes and coursework are easily accesible because most teachers post their notes and homeowrk online.

    Read all  14 answers
  12. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    Choir department, awesome friends, football team (nationally known), Great dorms, cute girls

    Read all  13 answers
  13. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    That its so cold in the winter and sometimes you have no idea what the teacher has said becuase either they dont talk about what they intended to or the talk a mile a minute

    Read all  10 answers
  14. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    Medium size school, clean outdoor campus, Watch out for ice storms, since its the state arberitum(place with lots of trees) you tend to get hit by frozen falling branches alot. While the new dorms Perrin and Hudson are in great shape, older dorms such as Millikan, Dietrich, Franken and Phillips are pretty revolting, kitchens in bad shape, laundry in a dark basement, most students go to Perrin/hudson to do laundry even though they are not supposed to, which makes the laundry facilities at Perrin/Hudson over crowded, hard to find time to do laundry. NWMSU offers laptops for use, when i attended the laptops were horribly horribly slow and unreliable, they have recently issued new laptops which continue to be a dissapointment, internet is extremely slow as well for "high-speed." This remains a large issue on campus.

    Read all  7 answers
  15. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    The main stereotypes of Northwest students tend to be aimed at the use of alcohol and marijuana and the seperation of the Greek community from the rest of the students. The stereotype of alcoholics and potheads is a bit over dramatic. There are a portion of students that fit that stereotype but not the university as a whole. As for the Greek system, a majority of Northwest students belong to fraternities and sororities. They do tend to stick to their houses but some of them branch out and tend to hang out with non-Greek friends.

    Read all  7 answers
  16. What are the academics like at your school?

    I can honstly say out of two semesters spent at Northwest the only class I semi-enjoyed was Oral Communications(speech) only because the teacher was fantastic, all other teachers I experienced failed to learn the name of their student or show much concern for personal issues. I missed one Choir class due to the death of a friend I had attended school with since kindergarten, I informed my teacher ahead of time I would be absent and why to find out it was unexcused, when I confronted him he said "It was not the death of an imediate family member, therefore is unexcusable" Does this mean that we should not mourn the death of friends as well as family? This absolutely pissed me off, and I immediately left the program to join the nursing program, which a botany teacher is in charge of running (Tell me how that works) needless to say, i was not happy with either major field. However, the Elementary Education/Agricultural department seem to be the only fields worth pursuing at this school, as those are the departments they seem to spend the most money in (aside from Football.) Also, if you do not have a 'dancers body' don't even bother trying out for the show choir, I saw the department refuse acceptance to some of the best singers I have ever seen because they were not skinny enough but in their words "not in physical shape" for dancing. The music program is what I attended this school for, after turning down a large scholarship for the music program to a community college nearby, I was largely dissapointed with what I found.

    Read all  4 answers
  17. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    Fraternities and Sororities play the most common activity on Northwest's campus. Pledge week is a nightmare because there is tons of people running around together being loud and doing their social activities. Most of these groups are nice, however some are extremely rude and live up to their stereotypes. TEK especially, if you go to one of the events at their frat house, you better be skinny and perfect or they won't let you in.

    Read all  3 answers
  18. Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

    Mostly friendly, fraternity & sorority tend to shun anyone not in their association - but whats new? Mostly open door policy, some teachers are never there to be found, no matter what their office hours say Yes, there is a lot of school spirit, but as in any case, its mostly people who are members of other groups such as Frats, sororitys, band, choir etc. Many groups will go door to door shoving school spirit down your throats and not taking no for an answer

    Read all  2 answers
  19. What is the stereotype of students at your school?

    Friendly, Partyers, Ed majors!

    Read all  2 answers

Student Body

Students

57%

female

43%

male

5,628

Total Undergrad Enrollment

902

Total Grad Students

30%

Out-Of-State

64%

In-State

6%

International

Organizations

150

Student Organizations

9

Fraternities

6

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

39%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
1%
% Black or African-American
6%
% Hispanic/Latino
4%
% White or Caucasian
80%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

96% of students attending Northwest Missouri State University receive some sort of financial aid. 35% were awarded federal grants. While 60% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$12,399

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$400

Books and Supplies

$8,558

Room and Board

21,357

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$7,440
$30 - $48K
$7,725
$48 - $75K
$10,981
$75 - $110K
$14,136
$110K & UP
$14,918

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

FIND SCHOLARSHIPS

Find your perfect match from over 3 million scholarships!

START YOUR SEARCH

CAN YOU GET INTO Northwest Missouri State University?

Complete your profile to see if this school is a fit for you, and what your chances of admitance are.

START YOUR SEARCH