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Truman State University

Kirksville, MO

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Quick Facts

1867
Founded
Public liberal arts university
Type
2,666
Total Students
3,302
Undergrad
334
Graduate
$68M
Endowment
(2021)
$9K
Tuition (In-State)
$18K
Tuition (Out-State)
$12K
Avg Net Price
80%
Acceptance Rate
68%
Graduation Rate
6-year
84%
Retention Rate
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification
President: Susan L. Thomas

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Truman State University

Truman State: Missouri's Premier Public Liberal Arts University Driving Student Success.

Truman State University stands as a beacon of public liberal arts education, uniquely designated by the state of Missouri as its only statewide liberal arts and sciences institution. With a vibrant community of 3,636 students, Truman offers a rich academic experience that emphasizes critical thinking, interdisciplinary exploration, and a strong foundation in the arts, sciences, and professional studies. It's an ideal choice for students seeking a rigorous, engaging education with a focus on comprehensive personal and intellectual growth.

The university's journey began in 1867 as the "North Missouri Normal School and Commercial College," founded by educational pioneer Joseph Baldwin. It quickly evolved, becoming Missouri's first public teachers' college. Over the decades, the institution broadened its mission beyond teacher training, undergoing several name changes to reflect its expanding scope, culminating in its designation in 1985 as Missouri's public liberal arts and sciences university. This pivotal shift saw a deliberate focus on liberal arts, leading to the university's renaming as Truman State University in 1996, solidifying its commitment to this comprehensive educational model.

Academically, Truman State is organized into three distinguished schools: Arts and Humanities, Science and Mathematics, and Business and Professional Studies. The School of Business and Professional Studies, notably AACSB accredited, boasts an Accounting program ranked third in the nation for CPA passage rates, a testament to its excellence. The School of Science and Mathematics offers Missouri's only undergraduate interdisciplinary degree in Mathematical Biology, showcasing its innovative edge. With a wide array of degrees, from Criminal Justice Studies to Data Science, and unique interdisciplinary minors like Forensic Science and Cognitive Science, Truman provides diverse pathways for intellectual discovery and career readiness, preparing students for impactful futures.

Key Highlights

  • Designated as Missouri's only statewide public liberal arts and sciences university since 1985.
  • Ranked 5th among Midwest Regional Universities by U.S. News & World Report in 2024.
  • Accounting program is AACSB accredited and ranked 3rd nationally for CPA passage rates.
  • Offers Missouri's only undergraduate interdisciplinary degree program in Mathematical Biology.
  • A historic institution founded in 1867, with over 150 years of educational innovation.
  • Enrolls 3,636 students, fostering a close-knit and supportive learning environment.
  • Ranked No. 12 among master's universities nationwide by Washington Monthly.

Timeline

1867
Founded as the "North Missouri Normal School and Commercial College" by Joseph Baldwin.
1870
Designated by the Missouri General Assembly as the "First District Normal School," Missouri's first public teachers' college.
1919
Renamed "Northeast Missouri State Teachers College."
1924
A fire destroyed old Baldwin Hall and the library.
1968
Renamed "Northeast Missouri State College" reflecting its broadened mission.
1972
Renamed Northeast Missouri State University (NMSU).
1985
Designated by Governor John Ashcroft as Missouri's only statewide public liberal arts and sciences university.
1996
Officially renamed "Truman State University" by Governor Mel Carnahan.
🏛️
159 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

3 notable schools within Truman State University

🎭

School of Arts and Humanities

Home to departments such as Art and Design, Communication and Theatre Arts, English, Music, and Social Sciences. Offers degrees in subjects like Art, Classics, Communication, History, Political Science, and Theatre.

🔬

School of Science and Mathematics

Includes departments like Agricultural and Biological Sciences, Computer and Data Sciences, and Physical Sciences. Offers degrees in areas such as Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Health Science, and Missouri's only undergraduate interdisciplinary degree in Mathematical Biology.

💼

School of Business and Professional Studies

Houses departments including Business and Economics, Communication Disorders, Education, and Psychology. Offers AACSB-accredited degrees in Business Administration and Accounting (MAcc program ranked 3rd nationally for CPA passage rates), as well as graduate programs in Athletic Training and Counseling.

Leadership

Susan L. Thomas
President
Tim Walston
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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