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Truman State University

Kirksville, MO

publicgraduate

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, fostering intellectual growth and career success.

Truman State University stands as Missouri's only statewide public liberal arts and sciences university, offering a unique educational experience rooted in its rich history and commitment to academic excellence. Founded in 1867 as a normal school, Truman has evolved significantly, broadening its mission from regional teacher training to a comprehensive liberal arts institution serving students across the state and beyond. This transformation was cemented in 1996 with its renaming to Truman State University, reflecting its dedication to a rigorous liberal arts curriculum.

Prospective students will find a vibrant academic environment organized into three distinct schools: Arts and Humanities, Science and Mathematics, and Business and Professional Studies. These schools house a wide array of departments, offering diverse undergraduate and graduate degrees ranging from Creative Writing and Computer Science to Nursing and Business Administration. Truman is particularly noted for unique offerings like Missouri's only undergraduate interdisciplinary degree in Mathematical Biology and its highly-ranked accounting program, which boasts impressive CPA passage rates.

Beyond the classroom, Truman fosters a strong sense of community. The historic Quad, once a lake, now serves as a central gathering place for students, hosting events, study sessions, and social interactions. With a focus on critical thinking, interdisciplinary learning, and professional preparation, Truman State University prepares its graduates to excel in their chosen fields, as evidenced by its consistent recognition in national rankings. It's an ideal destination for those seeking an engaging, challenging, and supportive academic journey.

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.
  • Ranked 12th among master's universities nationwide by Washington Monthly in 2024.
  • Offers Missouri's only undergraduate interdisciplinary degree program in Mathematical Biology.
  • Master of Accountancy program ranked 3rd in the nation for CPA passage rates.
  • AACSB accredited Business program, ensuring high standards of business education.
  • Manages an endowment of $0.1 billion, supporting institutional growth and student opportunities.

Timeline

1867
Founded by Joseph Baldwin as the 'North Missouri Normal School and Commercial College'.
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
Old Baldwin Hall and the library destroyed by fire; The Quad, previously a lake, was pumped dry.
1968
Renamed 'Northeast Missouri State College' to reflect a broader mission.
1972
Renamed Northeast Missouri State University (NMSU).
1985
Designated as Missouri's only statewide public liberal arts and sciences university by Governor John Ashcroft.
1996
Renamed 'Truman State University', effective July 1, coinciding with the tenth anniversary of its mission change.
🏛️
159 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

3 notable schools within Truman State University

🎭

School of Arts and Humanities

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

🔬

School of Science and Mathematics

Includes departments of Agricultural and Biological Sciences, Computer and Data Sciences, Health Science, and Physical Sciences. Offers degrees in Agricultural Science, Biochemistry, Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, and Physics, including Missouri's only interdisciplinary Mathematical Biology program.

💼

School of Business and Professional Studies

Houses departments for Business and Economics, Communication Disorders, Education, Exercise Science, and Nursing. Offers AACSB-accredited Business Administration degrees, highly-ranked Accounting programs (BS and MAcc), and graduate degrees in Athletic Training, Communication Disorders, and Counseling.

Leadership

Susan L. Thomas
President
Tim Walston
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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