Why This Matters

  • THERE ARE 29 COMMUNITY COLLEGES WITH ASSOCIATE PROGRAMS IN MISSOURI

    Missouri is home to 29 community colleges with two-year associate programs, according to data from College Navigator.

  • COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS PAID $3,907 IN TUITION AND FEES

    According to College Board, in-district students enrolled in a two-year community college program in Missouri paid $3,907 in tuition and fees for the 2020-21 academic year.

  • 76.9% OF ENROLLED TWO-YEAR ASSOCIATE STUDENTS RECEIVED FINANCIAL AID

    For the 2018-19 academic year, 437,899 students enrolled in an associate degree program at a community college received financial aid to help them pay tuition costs.

Our Research

To create a comprehensive list of the learning opportunities and job training available in Missouri, we reviewed private and public community colleges as well as trade, technical, and vocational programs. We ranked these schools on factors including how many credit hours are needed to graduate and what kind of course format is offered — online, on-campus, or hybrid. Tuition costs are also covered on our list to help you make an informed decision.

All the Missouri schools on our list are accredited. One accreditor that is frequently featured is the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). This organization looks at multiple factors when awarding accreditation, including ethics, instruction quality, and continuing improvement. The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) is another Missouri community college accreditor that appears on our curated list.

  • 44hours to write this article
  • 34universities and colleges we assessed
  • 56education programs we compared

The Top 50 Community Colleges in Missouri

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What You Should Know About Graduating From Community College in Missouri

One place to start your search for an associate program is by researching the highest-paying jobs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that air traffic controllers, nuclear medicine technologists, and radiation therapists are the three highest-paying associate-level careers in Missouri. Also on the list are avionics technicians and diagnostic medical sonographers.

The jobs with the most projected openings is another piece of data to consider when searching for the right Missouri community college. Preschool teachers, paralegals, and computer network support specialists should see plenty of new jobs between 2018 to 2028. Web developers and physical therapist assistants rank fourth and fifth, respectively, when it comes to the number of jobs.

Knowing which careers are on the decline can also help you choose the right two-year program. Respiratory therapy technicians and embalmers rank first and second for associate-level careers with a rapid decline. Human resources assistants, mechanical drafters, and broadcast technicians also rank high on the declining jobs list.

What’s Next?

Learn about the financial aid opportunities that may be available to you by visiting these state and federal websites. These resources are filled with information about the grants, scholarships, and other programs that can help you pay for community college tuition in Missouri.

  • Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. Find information about financial aid opportunities at this state website. Learn about planning and paying for college; there’s also info for nontraditional students and students who want to finish earning their degree.
  • Federal Student Aid. There are many financial aid opportunities available for students through the U.S. Department of Education. Find out if you’re eligible for federal student aid with FAFSA4caster, and complete your online FAFSA form when you’re ready to apply for aid.
  • CareerOneStop. This resource has ample information about financial aid opportunities for community college students. Search by state and degree type to find what kind of aid is available along with application requirements, deadlines, and contact information.