five students on Kellett porch

Admissions Guide

Welcome to Missouri State University-West Plains!

DOWNLOAD THE 2025-2026 ADMISSIONS GUIDE (PDF 4 MB)
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For over 60 years, we've been empowering students to take control of their dreams and change tomorrow.

With personalized instruction, dynamic two-year degrees and certificates, and a dedicated faculty that puts you first, MSU-WP is the launchpad for your success. Wether you're kickstarting your career, preparing to transfer, or chasing your passion, your journey to a brighter future starts here.

Mission

four students studying in the library Missouri State University-West Plains empowers students to achieve personal success and to enrich their local and global communities. As a two-year public institution, we provide accessible, affordable and quality educational opportunities.

Invest in Your Future

students in admissions

Worried about college costs? Think again!

With lower fees than most four-year schools and a comprehensive scholarship and financial aid program, we make your future more affordable!

A+ Scholarship

At Missouri State University-West Plains, the A+ Scholarship Program makes college more affordable! Graduates of A+ designated >high schools can receive funding for tuition and fees, plus stack savings with additional scholarships.

student at financial aid desk

Estimated Yearly Costs for Students, 2024-2025

  Missouri resident Non-Missouri resident
Tuition and Fees $6,711* $8,993*
Books, Course Materials, Supplies and Equipment (estimate) $972 $972
Living Expenses-Housing and Food $8,323 $8,323
TOAL $16,011 $18,293

*Note: Tuition and fees are estimates based on assumptions about individual enrollment.
Fees vary based on program of study.

2025-26 MISSOURI STATE-WEST PLAINS TUITION
AND FEES FOR MISSOURI RESIDENTS

$6,711 (based on 28 credit-hours per year)

Average annual tuition and fees for other Missouri Institutions

  • Missouri 2-year public (out-of-district): $6,870
  • Missouri 4-year public: $11,419*
  • Missouri 4-year private: $34,018+

* Source: Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development Fiscal Year 2025.
Charged to a typical full-time student.
+ Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, in-state average tuition for full-time undergraduates 2023-24.


Areas of Study

Missouri State University-West Plains brings education closer to you! Shannon Hall in Mountain Grove lets students complete an Associate of Arts in General Studies while staying near home—A+ benefits apply! Gohn Hall offers local access to undergraduate and graduate degrees and transferring to MSU in Springfield is seamless. Want to go global? Study abroad in Dalian, China, at LNU while earning your degree!

faculty and students learning in the greenhouse

Associate of Arts Degree (AA)

The AA degree is designed primarily for transfer to Missouri State University or other four-year colleges and universities.

Associate of Science Degree (AS)

The AS degree can transfer into a pre-professional program, allowing students to move into a bachelor’s degree completion program, or lead directly to a job in the workforce.

The AS degree can transfer into a pre-professional program, allowing students to move into a bachelor’s degree completion program, or lead directly to a job in the workforce.

Nursing students in the lecture hall

Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)

The AAS degree is primarily an occupationally oriented degree, allowing students to enter a particular job market after graduation.

Missouri State-West Plains keeps expanding its degree programs! Check out the latest list of degrees and certificates online at WP.MissouriState.edu/Academics/programs.htm. Some programs may still be awaiting U.S. Department of Education approval for financial aid. While AAS degrees aren’t primarily transfer programs, many can be the foundation for a Bachelor of Applied Science degree—with additional general education and major-specific courses.Degree programs that can be completed online.


Campus Life students playing in the student recreation centerBall games, student organizations, swimming, workouts, video games, homecoming fun—life as a Grizzly is non-stop excitement! Now, with intramural sports like basketball,  volleyball, pickleball, and more, there are even more ways to get in the game and connect with fellow students.

West Plains Civic Center Pool

Whether you’re competing on the court, hanging out in the Carol Silvey Student Union, breaking a sweat at the Student Recreation Center, or catching an event at the West Plains Civic Center, there’s always room to play, recharge, and make unforgettable memories!

Grizzly Athletics

The Grizz Cheering with the crowd

Get ready to roar with Grizzly Athletics at Missouri State-West Plains! Whether you’re cheering courtside at a basketball or volleyball game, or catching home runs in baseball or softball, there’s always thrilling action on campus. Plus, with our co-ed esports, cheer team, and rodeo, there’s a sport for everyone to get hyped about.
Join the fun, show your Grizzly pride, and be part of the excitement all season long!

women and men athletes from 7 different sports


Residence Life
Students visiting outside the Grizzly HouseThe Grizzly Lofts take campus living to the next level! Just a few blocks from campus, this 274-person community gives you the full college experience. With on-site dining, a gym, laundry room and a game room, you’ll have everything you need right at your doorstep!

wp.missouristate.edu/housing

four girls inside a Grizzly Lofts dorm room

students eating in the Grizzly Bite


Student Resources

student receiving help

Missouri State University-West Plains is committed to helping you succeed!

We offer a variety of FREE support services to make your college experience smoother and rewarding, including:

  • academic advising
  • tutoring
  • veteran services
  • and career counseling.

With  personalized assistance every step of the way, you’ll never feel like you’re alone. Your success is our priority!

two veteran guys talking on a couch tutor writing on a white board helping 3 other students

Counseling Services

Your physical and mental wellbeing should be a top priority.
That is why MSU-WP offers medical visits, counseling services, crisis intervention and more!the counseling center's relaxation room

Neurodiversity and Autism Center

ASCEND Program

The TJ Swift House ASCEND Program (Autism Support Can Empower New Directions), located in the Neurodiversity and Autism Center, provides additional support beyond typical college support services for autistic and neurodivergent students. It helps students navigate the differences between high school and college, build essential life skills and prepare for advanced coursework and career opportunities. (More information: WP.MissouriState.edu/ASCEND)

Missouri State University-West Plains will help you achieve your goals and thrive in college and beyond!


Courthouse photo by David Johnston

About West Plains

Tucked in the scenic Ozark Mountains, West Plains offers a perfect mix of natural beauty and small-town charm.

Echo Bluff photo by Missouri State ParksAs the largest city in south-central Missouri, West Plains combines outdoor adventures with modern conveniences. From exploring nearby parks and trails to enjoying local dining and shopping, West Plains is a welcoming community that feels like home while offering plenty to discover.

Learn more about West Plains and area activities and attractions by visiting ExploreWestPlains.com.

MSU-WP By the Numbers

As the open admissions campus of the Missouri State University System, becoming a Grizzly is easy!

Enrollment from:

  • 70 Missouri counties
  • 21 states
  • 12 countries

students cheering in Grizzly House lounge

  • Student fo Faculty Ratio: 13:1 
  • Average Class Size: 13
  • First-time, Full-time Freshmen receiving Financial Aid: 90% 

Visit the Campus

There’s no better way to experience Missouri State University-West Plains  than by seeing it for yourself! Explore our state-of-the-art facilities, meet  our dedicated faculty and staff, and get a taste of life in the scenic Ozarks.  You’ll see why MSU-WP is the perfect place to start your journey.

Call the admissions office, 417-255-7955, to schedule your campus visit today! WP.MissouriState.edu/CampusVisit

Become a Grizzly

As the open admissions campus of the Missouri State University System, becoming a Grizzly is easy!

Admissions Checklist

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All content provided in this publication is intended for informational purposes and is subject to change.

students in the Admissions Office

three students walking by library in the fall

Contact Us:

(888) 466-7897 or (417) 255-7255. WPAdmissions@MissouriState.edu
WP.MissouriState.edu
Missouri State University-West Plains
128 Garfield Ave.
West Plains, MO 65775

Missouri State University-West Plains remains fully accredited (on probation) by the Higher Learning Commission; (312) 263-0456