Overview
Founded in 1873 as a normal school to train teachers, Southeast Missouri State University has grown into a comprehensive public university serving the southeast Missouri region and beyond. Located along the Mississippi River in Cape Girardeau, the university has built a reputation for its River Campus performing arts programs, respected nursing and health sciences offerings, and a well-regarded polytechnic and mass communications curriculum. It has evolved from a teacher's college into a multi-faceted institution offering undergraduate and graduate degrees across numerous disciplines.
At a Glance
| Type | Public |
| Location | Cape Girardeau, Missouri |
| Founded | 1873 |
| Total students | 9,500 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 16:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 85% |
| Graduation rate | 50% |
| Average starting salary | $42,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $8,400 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $13,900 |
| Room & board | $10,200 |
| Average financial aid | $9,500 |
| Students receiving aid | 85% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 960-1180 |
| ACT range | 18-24 |
| Average GPA | 3.40 |
| Regular deadline | Rolling |
Top Programs
- Nursing
- Mass Communication
- Business Administration
- Polytechnic Studies
- Music/Performing Arts
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.