About Missouri Western
- About Us
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A griffon is a mythical creature that is half lion and half eagle. It was chosen in 1918 as the mascot of St. Joseph Junior College, the institution which later became Missouri Western State University.
The Griffon was selected because it was considered a guardian of riches, and education is viewed as a precious treasure.
Its wings are spread in the shape of the state of Missouri to signify the union of the college with the state university system in 1977.
Missouri Western State University, located on more than 700 acres in St. Joseph, Mo., serves Missouri and surrounding states. Originally founded as St. Joseph Junior College in 1915, Missouri Western was transformed into a four-year college in 1969 and became a full member of the State of Missouri system in 1977. In 2005, Missouri Western received university designation and changed its name to Missouri Western State University.
Today, Missouri Western offers certificates, associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Student-centered, high-quality instruction emphasizes experience-based learning and community service.
KEY FACTS ABOUT MISSOURI WESTERN
- Nickname: Missouri Western
- Locations
- Main Campus: St. Joseph, MO [Map | Directions]
- Northland Campus [Directions]
- MCC-Penn Valley Campus [Directions]
- St. Joseph, MO Population: Approximately 76,000
- Academics
- Undergraduate Enrollment: (Fall 2012): 5,903
- Graduate Enrollment: (Fall 2012): 171
- Average ACT Score: 20.2
- Average Class Size: 25
- Student/Faculty Ratio: 18:1
- Freshman Retention Rate: 61.9%
- Degree programs: 75
- Majors: 94 Minors: 41
- Academic departments/schools: 18
- Degrees & Certificates Granted for 2011-12: 819
- Faculty & Staff
- Full-Time Employees (Benefit-Eligible): 505
- Faculty with Terminal Degree: 86.5%
- Accreditation
- Western is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and is an AQIP Participant. Also see Program Accreditations
- 2013-2014 Cost
- Undergraduate Tuition/Fees:
In-State, $4,983/year | Out-of-State, $9,776/year
(Based on 24 credit hours/year - 12 hours/semester) - Graduate Tuition/Fees:
In-State, $5,922/year | Out-of-State, $10,579/year
(Based on 18 credit hours/year - 9 hours/semester) - Room and Board: With seven residence halls, various options are available. Visit Housing Fees for specifics.
- Campus Life
- Number of Student Organizations/Clubs: 77
- Students living on campus: 23%
- Alumni
- More than 22,000 alumni around the world.
- Athletics
- NCAA Division II
- Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association
- Ten intercollegiate men’s and women’s athletic teams
- Mascot: Max the Griffon
- Colors: Black and Gold
- More than 20 intramural sport activities
- Library
- Western's library holds approximately 226,000 volumes, 1,150 journals, state government documents & over 70 electronic databases. Access is also available to 1.5 billion items held by other libraries.
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