10 Best Community Colleges in Missouri

Key Takeaways

• Missouri community colleges offer in-state tuition typically between $3,000 and $4,500 per year, well below the national average.
• Programs align with regional workforce needs in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, and skilled trades.
• Students benefit from the A+ Scholarship Program, which covers full tuition for eligible high school graduates.
• Colleges provide seamless transfer pathways to Missouri public universities and strong job placement through industry partnerships.
• Institutions are located throughout the state, from Kansas City and St. Louis to the Ozarks and rural northern plains.

Why Should You Consider Community Colleges in Missouri?

Missouri’s community colleges provide some of the best educational value in the Midwest. With in-state tuition often ranging from just $3,000 to $4,500 per year, these colleges offer accessible, high-quality education, whether you’re aiming to transfer to a four-year university or step directly into the workforce. Community colleges are strategically located from St. Louis and Kansas City to the Ozarks and northern plains to serve students in every region.

You’ll find strong programs in fields that fuel Missouri’s economy, including advanced manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, IT, and skilled trades. These programs are designed with local employers in mind, giving you access to industry-standard equipment, real-world training, and internship opportunities that can lead directly to jobs.

Another major advantage is Missouri’s A+ Scholarship Program, which covers full tuition for eligible high school graduates who meet GPA and attendance requirements. Combined with institutional aid, Access Missouri grants, and federal assistance, many students are able to attend community college with little or no out-of-pocket cost.

Whether you’re looking for a traditional campus with residential options or need flexible scheduling as a working adult, Missouri’s community colleges are built to support your goals. With modern facilities, strong faculty, and guaranteed transfer agreements with public universities, they offer one of the most cost-effective ways to start your college journey.

10 Best Community Colleges in Missouri

Missouri’s community colleges offer impressive value, combining affordable tuition with career-focused programs, university transfer pathways, and hands-on technical training. Here are five standout institutions that provide excellent education and support throughout the state.

St. Charles Community College

Located in the fast-growing western suburbs of St. Louis, St. Charles Community College offers modern facilities, strong academic programs, and excellent transfer rates for just $2,680 per year.

Main Courses

SCC excels in healthcare, computer science, business, education, and skilled trades, all supported by strong partnerships with regional employers.

Pros

• Affordable tuition in a high-demand metro area
• Strong transfer pathways to nearby universities
• Modern campus with updated facilities

Cons

• Limited parking and high demand for popular programs

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$2,680 – One of the most affordable options in the St. Louis metro region with strong academic outcomes.

Crowder College

Serving southwest Missouri, Crowder College provides affordable access to career and technical education through its Neosho main campus and regional centers for $5,920 per year.

Main Courses

Programs include alternative energy, agriculture, advanced manufacturing, behavioral health, and healthcare.

Pros

• On-campus housing and residence life programs
• Nationally recognized alternative energy program
• Wide regional reach through multiple centers

Cons

• Rural location limits access to large metro job markets

Average In-State Tuition

$5,920 – Great value for students pursuing energy, agriculture, or healthcare careers in southern Missouri.

Ozarks Technical Community College

With its main campus in Springfield, Ozarks Technical Community College is a hub for technical training and workforce development in southwest Missouri, with tuition set at $6,050 annually.

Main Courses

OTC specializes in healthcare, culinary arts, transportation technology, and advanced manufacturing, with high-quality technical labs.

Pros

• Strategic location in Missouri’s third-largest city
• Strong employer connections and career placement
• Extensive technical training facilities

Cons

• More focused on workforce education than liberal arts transfer

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$6,050 – Excellent choice for students seeking hands-on training and job-ready skills.

Moberly Area Community College

Moberly Area Community College serves north-central Missouri with multiple campuses and learning centers across 16 counties, offering broad access for $7,040 per year.

Main Courses

Top programs include agriculture, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, mechatronics, and criminal justice.

Pros

• Multi-campus network improves accessibility
• Affordable pricing for a wide range of technical and academic programs
• Strong partnerships with local industries

Cons

• Program availability may vary by location

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$7,040 – A flexible and geographically accessible option across mid-Missouri.

State Fair Community College

Located in Sedalia, State Fair Community College offers affordable technical education and on-campus housing at $7,080 per year, serving west-central Missouri and beyond.

Main Courses

Specialties include agricultural technology, welding, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and sustainable energy.

Pros

• Residential campus with housing and student life
• Strong ties to Missouri’s agricultural and rural economy
• Comprehensive technical training

Cons

• Fewer cultural and entertainment options in rural Sedalia

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$7,080 – Solid choice for students pursuing skilled trades and agriculture programs in a rural setting.

St. Louis Community College – Forest Park

Located in the heart of the city, St. Louis Community College – Forest Park offers an urban campus experience with diverse programs and strong industry ties, all for $7,100 per year.

Main Courses

The college excels in healthcare, hospitality, funeral services, and performing arts, supported by specialized urban training facilities.

Pros

• Central location with excellent public transit access
• Diverse student body and academic offerings
• Strong ties to St. Louis’ healthcare and service industries

Cons

• Urban location can come with parking and safety concerns

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$7,100 – Great value for students seeking career programs in a vibrant metro setting.

Jefferson College

Serving Jefferson County and surrounding areas, Jefferson College combines suburban convenience with hands-on programs and on-campus housing for $7,400 annually.

Main Courses

Top programs include healthcare, law enforcement, emergency services, veterinary technology, and skilled trades.

Pros

• On-campus housing options
• Specialized emergency training facilities
• Ideal location between urban St. Louis and rural communities

Cons

• Limited public transportation; a car is often necessary

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$7,400 – Strong value with residential options and technical facilities in a growing region.

Missouri State University – West Plains

Missouri State University – West Plains offers a university-affiliated community college experience in the southern Ozarks for $9,430 per year.

Main Courses

Programs include agriculture, nursing, viticulture and enology, and business, with seamless transfer to MSU–Springfield.

Pros

• University resources and guaranteed transfer
• Residential campus with student housing
• Competitive athletics and student life

Cons

• Higher tuition than most other community colleges in the state

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$9,430 – Premium choice for students wanting a university feel with community college access.

Mineral Area College

Based in Park Hills, Mineral Area College serves southeastern Missouri with strong technical programs and residential options for $10,900 per year.

Main Courses

Focus areas include healthcare, skilled trades, law enforcement, digital media, and business technology.

Pros

• On-campus housing and athletics
• Extensive technical and public safety programs
• Located in Missouri’s historic Lead Belt region

Cons

• Higher tuition than most peer institutions

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$10,900 – Offers residential life and athletic opportunities, but with a higher price tag.

East Central College

Set in Union, East Central College serves the Meramec Valley with a broad mix of technical and transfer programs at $11,980 per year.

Main Courses

Programs include healthcare, culinary arts, fine arts, and industrial engineering technology, supported by specialized labs and performance spaces.

Pros

• Beautiful campus with strong arts and STEM programs
• Centrally located to serve six eastern Missouri counties
• Modern facilities for hands-on learning

Cons

• The highest tuition among Missouri’s community colleges

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$11,980 – Excellent facilities and programs, but with a cost to match.

Key Requirements for Enrolling in the Best Community Colleges in Missouri

Getting started at a Missouri community college is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to complete a few key steps before enrolling. These requirements help ensure you’re placed in the right courses and eligible for in-state tuition and financial aid.

High School Credential Proof

Most community colleges in Missouri require you to submit proof of high school completion, such as a diploma or a recognized equivalency credential like the HiSET or GED. If you’re still in high school, many colleges also offer dual enrollment options through Missouri’s early college programs.

Missouri Application Submission

You’ll need to complete an application through the college’s own online portal. Application fees are typically low, between $0 and $25, and may be waived during special enrollment events or if you demonstrate financial need.

Placement Test Completion

While many schools use multiple measures to determine placement, you may be asked to take the ACCUPLACER or submit ACT scores. These help place you in the right English, reading, and math courses to support your success.

Residency Status Documentation

To qualify for in-state tuition, you’ll need to provide documentation showing you’ve lived in Missouri for at least 12 months. Acceptable forms of proof include leases, utility bills, tax returns, or a Missouri driver’s license.

Financial Aid Filing

Don’t forget to submit the FAFSA. It’s your key to accessing Missouri’s most valuable financial aid programs, including the A+ Scholarship for recent high school graduates and Access Missouri grants for eligible low-income students. Priority deadlines usually fall between February and March, so apply early.

How Do Missouri Community College Costs Compare to National Averages?

Missouri’s community colleges offer some of the lowest tuition rates in the country. In-state students typically pay between $3,000 and $4,500 annually, well below the national community college average of around $5,000. That means you’re getting a high-value education at a fraction of the cost of most four-year institutions.

Add to that Missouri’s generous financial aid, and your out-of-pocket cost could drop even more. The A+ Scholarship Program covers tuition for qualified high school graduates, and Access Missouri grants offer additional support for low-income students. Many colleges also have institutional scholarships that further reduce your cost.

Combined with Missouri’s relatively low cost of living and the ability to live at home while studying, these savings make Missouri’s community colleges an extremely cost-effective option for launching your academic or career path.

What Are the Tuition Fees for International Students at Community Colleges in Missouri?

International students usually pay between $8,000 and $12,000 per year at Missouri’s community colleges. That’s significantly more than in-state tuition, but still a bargain compared to attending a four-year university in Missouri, where international tuition can exceed $25,000 annually.

While you won’t be eligible for Missouri’s state-funded programs like the A+ Scholarship, many colleges offer scholarships for international students, diversity grants, and on-campus work opportunities to help offset costs.

You’ll also want to budget for extra expenses like SEVIS fees, required health insurance (often $1,500–$2,000 per year), and living costs, which can vary depending on whether you’re in a major city like St. Louis or a rural community. Still, for many international students, Missouri’s community colleges offer an affordable, high-quality entry point into American higher education.

How Does University of the People Compare With the Best Community Colleges in Missouri?

If you’re comparing affordable ways to earn a degree, University of the People offers a very different, but highly accessible model. Unlike Missouri’s community colleges, which charge in-state tuition between $3,000 and $4,500 annually, UoPeople is tuition-free. You only pay assessment fees per course: $160 for undergraduate programs, $400 for M.Ed., and $450 for MBA or MSIT.

That structure can result in much lower overall costs, even compared to Missouri’s excellent A+ Scholarship Program. While Missouri students may qualify for full tuition coverage at in-state community colleges, UoPeople is often the more flexible and globally accessible option for those who need a fully online experience.

UoPeople is nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) and WASC, while the Higher Learning Commission regionally accredits Missouri community colleges. That could make a difference if you plan to transfer to a Missouri university, though UoPeople still offers a pathway to U.S. and international institutions.

Ready to Choose the Best Community College?

With so many strong options across Missouri, choosing the right community college depends on your personal goals, academic interests, and preferred location. Whether you’re looking to start a career in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, or technology, or transfer to a four-year university, there’s a college that fits your needs.

Be sure to explore each school’s unique offerings, from residential housing to dual-credit high school programs. Take advantage of Missouri’s generous financial aid programs like the A+ Scholarship, and consider whether you’re looking for a traditional campus experience or a more flexible online format.

Missouri’s community colleges combine affordability, quality, and opportunity in one of the most student-friendly systems in the country. With the right research, you can find the perfect fit to start your college journey on strong footing.

FAQs

What Is the Cheapest Community College in Missouri?

St. Charles Community College is among the most affordable, with in-state tuition of just $2,680 per year.

Do Missouri Community Colleges Guarantee Transfer to State Universities?

Yes. Most Missouri community colleges have articulation agreements that guarantee transfer of credits to public universities within the state.

Do Missouri Community Colleges Accept Out-of-State Students?

Yes, all Missouri community colleges accept out-of-state students, though tuition will be higher unless you establish Missouri residency.

Are Missouri Community Colleges Open to International Students?

Yes. Many Missouri community colleges welcome international students and offer support services, scholarships, and on-campus work opportunities.

Can I Earn a Bachelor’s Degree at Missouri Community Colleges?

No, but you can earn an associate degree and then transfer to a university through articulation agreements to complete your bachelor’s.

Which Missouri Community Colleges Have the Highest Job Placement Rates?

Job placement rates vary by program and region, but schools like Ozarks Technical Community College and State Fair Community College have strong industry partnerships that lead to excellent career outcomes.