Springfield is the gateway to the Ozarks, and Missouri State is its large public university, founded in 1905. The school has a public affairs mission, so community work shows up across its courses. It teaches business, computer science, health professions and agriculture, and also runs a branch campus in Dalian, China. Living costs are low, even by Midwest standards.
Springfield, Missouri, United States
Official website: missouristate.edu
1905
Public university in Missouri
Public affairs
Dalian, China
$16,000 – $22,000
International students, tuition and fees
$10,000 – $13,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on missouristate.edu before you apply.
BS Computer Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
MS Computer Science
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
MBA
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
Master of Accountancy
Masters DegreeDuration
12-24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
BS Cybersecurity
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
Low tuition for a large public university.
A public affairs mission built into every degree.
The Ozarks' lakes and trails nearby.
Graduates join Springfield employers such as O'Reilly Auto Parts, Bass Pro Shops and regional health systems.
Computing and business graduates also head to Kansas City and St. Louis.
STEM graduates can work in the US for up to three years on OPT.
Undergrad
Main intake
Postgrad
Main intake
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
The campus is close to downtown Springfield, with its music venues and restaurants along Walnut Street. Springfield is Missouri's third-largest city.
Table Rock Lake and Branson are about an hour south. Rent is low and a car helps.
Form I-20 issued by Missouri State University
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
Missouri State reviews international applications on a rolling basis. Apply by May for fall and October for spring to leave time for the I-20 and visa.
Students can start in August or January. Some graduate programmes also admit in summer.
It's the F-1 student visa. Get your I-20 from Missouri State University first (they need your deposit and bank documents), then pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 and attend the visa interview. Book the interview early in peak season.
Computer science, cybersecurity, the MBA and accountancy are popular. Undergraduate entry uses high school grades and IELTS 6.0; graduate programmes need a bachelor's degree and IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 79.
Missouri State offers international scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students, based on academic merit. Graduate assistantships are also available.
