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10 Best Colleges For Jobs In Missouri For 2026

By Chris Kolmar
Oct. 9, 2019
Last Modified and Fact Checked on: Jan. 19, 2026

Find a Job You Really Want In

As college freshmen gear up to select their institutions for higher education, one of the most critical factors they weigh is how well their chosen school can enhance their job prospects. With the evolving landscape of the job market, it’s essential to understand which colleges in Missouri stand out in terms of employment opportunities.

In today’s economy, securing a job can be challenging, especially with the rising cost of living in the United States. However, Missouri boasts several colleges that not only provide quality education but also prepare students effectively for the job market. With renowned research universities and reputable state schools, students can pursue majors that align with current industry demands.

This raises the question: which colleges in Missouri are most effective at helping their graduates secure employment? Utilizing data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the College Scorecard, we compiled a list of the top institutions for job placement in Missouri.

The complete list is available below, but first, let’s take a look at the top ten colleges for jobs in Missouri:

  1. Culver-Stockton College
  2. Truman State University
  3. Saint Louis University
  4. University of Missouri-Columbia
  5. William Jewell College
  6. Northwest Missouri State University
  7. Missouri University of Science and Technology
  8. Missouri Valley College
  9. Rockhurst University
  10. Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing

For those attending these esteemed institutions, it’s no surprise that they are well-equipped for the workforce. For others exploring their options, let’s delve into what makes these schools particularly effective in preparing students for successful careers.

How We Determined The Best Schools In Missouri For Jobs

To identify the colleges with the highest job placement ratings in Missouri, we analyzed data from the College Scorecard. Our focus was on employment rates ten years post-graduation, allowing us to assess long-term success.

We examined 45 public and non-profit four-year institutions in Missouri that offer bachelor’s degrees. Each college was ranked based on the percentage of graduates employed after graduation. For clarity, each school’s employment rate was rounded to two decimal places.

Culver-Stockton College emerged as the top institution for job placement, earning the title of ‘Best College for Jobs in Missouri.’

Best Colleges For Getting A Job In Missouri

Rank College Employed
1 Culver-Stockton College 94.39%
2 Truman State University 94.3%
3 Saint Louis University 93.65%
4 University of Missouri-Columbia 93.31%
5 William Jewell College 92.54%
6 Northwest Missouri State University 92.37%
7 Missouri University of Science and Technology 91.99%
8 Missouri Valley College 91.97%
9 Rockhurst University 91.76%
10 Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing 91.63%
11 Ranken Technical College 91.59%
12 Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies 91.47%
13 Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences 91.47%
14 Washington University in St Louis 91.45%
15 Lindenwood University 91.25%
16 Maryville University of Saint Louis 91.2%
17 Stephens College 90.66%
18 Missouri State University-Springfield 90.48%
19 Avila University 90.14%
20 Fontbonne University 90.11%
21 William Woods University 89.68%
22 University of Central Missouri 89.5%
23 Missouri Western State University 89.48%
24 Southeast Missouri State University 88.96%
25 University of Missouri-St Louis 88.76%
26 Missouri Baptist University 88.66%
27 University of Missouri-Kansas City 88.52%
28 Webster University 88.51%
29 Lincoln University 88.49%
30 College of the Ozarks 87.88%
31 Evangel University 87.78%
32 Park University 86.94%
33 Cox College 86.73%
34 Hannibal-LaGrange University 85.98%
35 Columbia College 85.88%
36 Logan University 85.8%
37 Southwest Baptist University 85.64%
38 Kansas City Art Institute 84.77%
39 Missouri Southern State University 84.54%
40 Ozark Christian College 84.4%
41 Harris-Stowe State University 83.54%
42 Drury University 83.42%
43 Central Christian College of the Bible 82.42%
44 Baptist Bible College 81.34%
45 Calvary University 80.85%

In conclusion, selecting a college that aligns with your career goals can significantly impact your employment prospects. The institutions listed above not only provide quality education but also foster connections with industries, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the job market. As you consider your options, keep these schools in mind for a brighter future.

Never miss an opportunity that’s right for you.

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

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