2023 Best Online Colleges in Missouri

Park University (PU) introduced its first online class in 1996. Today the university serves 68% of its students through fully online programs and offers a wide range of bachelor's degrees and certificates. Its most popular bachelor's programs are business administration, research and experimental psychology, and criminal justice. Students at Park University access online classes through Canvas, a learning management system where they can access class materials, watch videos, and submit assignments. Online courses at PU are asynchronous, so students can log in and complete coursework on their schedule rather than meeting at a set time. The university recommends students take two classes per eight-week term so they can balance classwork alongside work, family responsibilities, and other activities. Online students can access services such as tutoring, writing help, mentoring, and career development.

Columbia College in Missouri offers online bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, and certificates in eight fields of study. Students can choose programs in accounting and finance, business and human resources, computer and mathematics, general studies, humanities, marketing and entrepreneurship, nursing and health, or social sciences. The university doesn't charge any fees and provides free textbooks to online students to help them plan their finances for college. It also offers tuition discounts for active-duty military service members and their families. Students can enroll and start their program on six start dates throughout the year, and classes last eight weeks. Services for online students include virtual career services, mental health support, telehealth services, veteran services, and tutoring. More than half of Columbia College students are enrolled fully online.

Central Methodist University (CMU) is a private Methodist college in Fayette. Students can choose from a wide variety of online bachelor's programs in everything from accounting to sports management. The university's most popular degrees are registered nursing and criminal justice, according to data from College Scorecard. CMU offers an orientation course for students new to online learning to help them get acclimated. It also offers classes on an accelerated eight-week schedule, so students can focus on fewer classes at a time. Nearly all students at CMU are enrolled online. Missouri students who are over 25, pursuing their first bachelor's degree, earn less than $40,000 per year, and plan to work in the state for three years after graduation may also qualify for the Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant available through CMU.

Maryville University of St. Louis offers online bachelor's degrees and certificates in fields such as communication, cybersecurity, data science, digital media, forensic psychology, human resource management, mathematics, sustainability, and nursing. Students can start in the fall, spring, or summer, and there is no fee to apply. Students interested in pursuing a master's or doctoral degree after their bachelor's degree can take Early Access courses that count for both undergraduate and graduate degrees while paying the undergraduate rate. Online classes are accessed through Canvas, a learning management platform, and students can log on to complete coursework when it's convenient for them throughout the week. Students can access resources such as 24/7 tech support, student support advisors that work with them throughout their program, free online tutoring, and career services. Maryville is recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for innovation and excellence in tech-focused degrees. About half of Maryville students are enrolled in fully online programs.

Students at Southeast Missouri State University can choose from 19 different online undergraduate programs in fields such as family studies, healthcare administration, media management, technology management, psychology, and child development. Online students qualify for in-state tuition, making it a more affordable option for students who live outside of Missouri. Students can also save time and money by earning credits for prior learning and work experiences. Online students have access to textbook rentals, tutoring, counseling, military and veterans services, and career support. The university offers multiple start dates throughout the year, and students can log in and complete coursework, participate in class discussions, and access class materials at their convenience.