
Missouri is a state in the Midwestern region of the United States, with a population of around 6 million people. The state has a lot to offer in terms of diversity, culture, and education, with 67 higher education institutions located in Missouri, including thirteen public universities, thirty-nine private four-year institutions, and thirteen community colleges. The cost of living in Missouri is relatively low when compared to other states such as California or New York, and the state offers a variety of courses and programs to choose from. However, some cities in Missouri, such as St. Louis and Springfield, have been noted for their high crime rates, which may be a concern for prospective international students. Despite this, Missouri is still considered a safe and welcoming place for international students, with resources and support systems in place to ensure their success and safety during their time in the state.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | The Northwest Missouri State University campus is considered one of the safest and most beautiful in the nation. |
| Safety | Missouri State University is committed to maintaining the safety of all students both on campus and abroad. |
| Safety | Missouri S&T has launched Rave Guardian, a free mobile app that turns your smartphone into a personal safety device. |
| Safety | Springfield, Missouri, has the 5th highest crime rate in the USA. |
| Safety | Missouri State offers a dorm specifically for non-traditional/international students. |
| Safety | Missouri State requires international students studying abroad to be enrolled in their contracted international health insurance. |
| Safety | Missouri State's Office of Education Abroad has established policies and procedures for responses to emergencies that occur abroad. |
| Diversity | Missouri has a lot to offer in terms of diversity, culture, and education. |
| Diversity | The University of Missouri's main campus in Columbia has about 3,000 international students. |
| Diversity | Northwest Missouri State University has students from all 50 states and more than 60 countries. |
| Diversity | There are 67 higher education institutions in Missouri, including 13 public universities, 39 private four-year institutions, and 13 community colleges. |
| Diversity | Missouri's largest demographic is Caucasian, followed by African American, Asian, and American Indian. |
| Cost of living | The cost of living in Missouri is relatively low compared to other states such as California or New York. |
| Employment | More than 96% of students who attend Northwest Missouri State University found well-salaried and meaningful employment or entered graduate school within six months of graduation. |
| Weather | Missouri weather has four seasons. The summers are typically hot and humid, with average temperatures of 32°C. In winter, the average temperature is 0°C, and occasional snow can be expected. |
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What You'll Learn
- Missouri's Northwest State University is considered one of the safest campuses in the nation
- St. Louis has the highest crime rate in the US
- Springfield has the 5th highest crime rate in the US
- Missouri's cost of living is relatively low compared to other states
- Missouri's universities offer scholarships, grants, and loans to international students

Missouri's Northwest State University is considered one of the safest campuses in the nation
Missouri is a great state for international students to consider studying in the United States. The state offers a diverse range of cultures, a low cost of living, and a variety of courses and programs. The Northwest Missouri State University campus is known as one of the safest and most beautiful in the nation. The university is located in Maryville, Missouri, and was founded in 1905. With an enrollment of about 7,100 students, Northwest is a coeducational, primarily residential four-year university that offers a broad range of undergraduate and selected graduate programs. The Northwest campus has a 24/7 police presence, and the University Police also offer numerous awareness programs to educate students about relationship violence, sexual assault, crime prevention, and emergency preparedness. The Safe Ride Home program has also reduced drunk driving by more than 63%.
In addition to safety, Northwest Missouri State University boasts a high graduation rate, with 71% of students graduating with a college degree. Moreover, 96% of graduates find well-salaried and meaningful employment or enter graduate school within six months of graduation. The university also offers scholarships and grants to help make education more affordable. The diverse student body and community at Northwest Missouri State University provide a welcoming environment for international students. The International Center at the university's Columbia campus provides support services for international students, strengthening international resources and engaging the local and regional communities in international education.
Missouri is home to 67 higher education institutions, including thirteen public universities, thirty-nine private four-year institutions, and thirteen community colleges. The University of Missouri, with its main campus in Columbia, is a popular choice among international students, with about 3,000 international students enrolled at the Columbia campus. The state's largest metropolitan areas include St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, and Columbia, offering a mix of urban and rural areas. Missouri's major industries include aerospace, transportation equipment, chemicals, food processing, and electrical equipment, providing a range of career opportunities for graduates.
Overall, Missouri offers a safe, diverse, and educationally rich environment for international students, with Northwest Missouri State University standing out as one of the safest campuses in the nation. The university's commitment to safety, academic excellence, and student support makes it an attractive choice for those seeking a secure and enriching educational experience in the United States.
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St. Louis has the highest crime rate in the US
Missouri is a great state for international students to consider studying in the United States. The state offers diversity, culture, and education, with 67 higher education institutions located within the state. Missouri has a lot to offer international students, from a warm and welcoming environment to a diverse student body and community, as well as resources and support systems to help them succeed. The Northwest Missouri State University campus is known as one of the safest and most beautiful in the nation.
However, St. Louis, a major metropolitan area in Missouri, has consistently been ranked among the most dangerous cities in the United States due to its high crime rates. St. Louis has been ranked as the most dangerous city in America, with a high rate of homicides per 100,000 residents, more than 10 times the national homicide rate. The city has also been ranked as the third most dangerous city in the US by a California-based firm, Norada, which analyzed FBI data from 2019. St. Louis has a high rate of violent crimes, including rape, murder, armed robbery, and aggravated assault. The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in the city is 1 in 70.
In addition to violent crimes, St. Louis also has a high rate of property crimes, with a 1 in 16 chance of becoming a victim. The city has one of the highest rates of motor vehicle theft in the nation, with a 1 in 45 chance of getting your car stolen. The overall crime rate in St. Louis has been declining since the early 1990s, with a decrease in index crimes, homicides, and violent crimes. However, the rate of homicides and burglaries remains a problem in the city.
Despite the high crime rate in St. Louis, Missouri as a whole offers a safe and supportive environment for international students, with many universities committed to maintaining the safety of their students both on campus and abroad. The state provides a variety of options for students to choose from, and the cost of living in Missouri is relatively low compared to other states.
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Springfield has the 5th highest crime rate in the US
Missouri is a great state to consider for international students due to its diverse student body and community, relatively low cost of living, and variety of courses and programs. The Northwest Missouri State University campus is known as one of the safest and most beautiful in the nation. The University of Missouri's main campus, located in Columbia, is also a popular choice for international students, with support services provided by the International Center.
However, it is important to consider the crime rates in specific areas within Missouri. Springfield, Missouri, has been identified as having the 5th highest crime rate in the United States. According to NeighborhoodScout's analysis of FBI-reported crime data, the chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Springfield is 1 in 85. This includes crimes such as rape, murder, armed robbery, and aggravated assault. The violent crime rate in Springfield is one of the highest in the nation, across communities of all sizes.
In addition to violent crimes, Springfield also experiences a significant number of property crimes. Your chance of becoming a victim of a property crime in Springfield is 1 in 24, with a rate of 41 per one thousand population. Specifically, Springfield has one of the highest rates of motor vehicle theft in the nation. According to the analysis, your chance of getting your car stolen if you live in Springfield is 1 in 174.
The high crime rate in Springfield is a notable contrast to the overall positive reputation of Missouri as a safe and welcoming state for international students. While Missouri offers a warm and culturally rich environment, with top-ranked universities, the presence of high-crime areas like Springfield is a significant concern for anyone considering a move to the state. It is always advisable to research and consider safety alongside other factors when deciding on a place to study or live.
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Missouri's cost of living is relatively low compared to other states
Missouri is a great state to consider for international students, as it offers a diverse range of cultural and educational experiences. The cost of living in Missouri is relatively low compared to other states, which is an important consideration for students on a budget.
Missouri had the fourth lowest cost of living in the United States for the first quarter of 2025. The cost of living in Missouri is about 10% lower than the national average. This includes housing, which is 18% lower than the national average, and utilities, which are 2% lower. Groceries and clothing are also more affordable in Missouri, with prices around 2% and 10% lower, respectively. Non-essential expenses such as entertainment and grooming services are 10% lower than the national average. Healthcare services, including doctor check-ups and dentistry, are 8% lower in cost.
The overall cost of living in Missouri can vary depending on the city. For example, the cheapest major city in Missouri is Joplin, with a cost of living 5% lower than the state average and 14% lower than the national average. In contrast, Cape Girardeau is the most expensive city in Missouri, with a cost of living 11% higher than the state average.
The average monthly cost of living for a single person in Missouri is approximately $1,957, according to LivingCost. However, this can vary depending on location, lifestyle, family size, and personal preferences. The median rent in the state is $1,305, and utility costs play a significant role in Missouri's overall cost of living, with an average monthly cost of around $447. Transportation costs, including gas prices, and vehicle maintenance, also impact the overall cost of living.
When considering the cost of living in Missouri, it is important to factor in healthcare expenses. Missouri spends about $6,967 per person on healthcare annually, which is the 23rd highest in the country. The average cost of a major medical individual health insurance plan is approximately $230 per person, but prices can vary based on age, gender, location, and other factors.
Missouri offers a range of educational opportunities for international students, with 67 higher education institutions, including public universities, private four-year institutions, and community colleges. The University of Missouri's main campus in Columbia is a popular choice for international students, with about 3,000 enrolled. Northwest Missouri State University is another excellent option, known for its diverse and supportive community, beautiful campus, and high employment rate for graduates.
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Missouri's universities offer scholarships, grants, and loans to international students
Missouri is a great state to consider for international students due to its diversity, culture, and education. The cost of living in Missouri is relatively low when compared to other states such as California or New York. The state has a lot to offer in terms of diversity, with its mixture of urban and rural areas, and a humid continental climate. Missouri's population is predominantly Caucasian, followed by African Americans, Asians, and American Indians. The state has 67 higher education institutions, including 13 public universities, 39 private four-year institutions, and 13 community colleges.
Missouri's universities offer a range of scholarships, grants, and loans to international students. Northwest Missouri State University, for example, offers scholarships and grants to help make education more affordable for international students. Similarly, the University of Missouri (Mizzou) offers scholarships for international students, which are automatically considered upon application. Mizzou also provides transfer scholarships for students seeking their first bachelor's degree, which are applicable only to the non-resident portion of tuition fees.
Additionally, Missouri State University offers scholarships for international students who are first-time transfer students with a minimum cumulative grade point average. The Missouri Outreach Graduate Opportunity (MOGO) Scholarship and Graduate Assistantships are also options for international students. These scholarships have specific requirements and limited funding, and some cannot be combined with other university scholarships.
Missouri's universities provide a range of financial opportunities for international students, making it an attractive option for those seeking an affordable education in a culturally diverse and welcoming environment.
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Frequently asked questions
Missouri is considered a safe state for international students. The Northwest Missouri State University campus is known as one of the safest and most beautiful in the nation. The University of Missouri's main campus in Columbia provides support services for international students. Missouri S&T has also launched Rave Guardian, a free mobile app that turns your smartphone into a personal safety device.
Missouri State University is committed to maintaining the safety of all students both on campus and abroad. The Office of Education Abroad has established policies, procedures, and an organisational structure for responses to emergencies that occur abroad. Missouri State requires international students studying abroad to be enrolled in their contracted international health insurance.
Missouri S&T has launched Rave Guardian, a free mobile safety app that turns your smartphone into a personal safety device.
Northwest Missouri State University is considered one of the safest universities in Missouri. The campus is known as one of the safest and most beautiful in the nation. The University of Missouri's main campus in Columbia is also a safe option, with support services for international students.










































