Springfield, Missouri, is a hub for education in the Ozarks, home to several higher education institutions.

This article provides a detailed comparison of three prominent universities: Missouri State University, Drury University, and Evangel University, highlighting their founding backgrounds, major programs, student populations, tuition, and living environments.

Missouri State University (MSU)

Founded in 1905, Missouri State is the largest university in Springfield, with an enrollment of approximately 23,000 students. The campus spans about 225 acres and is located south of downtown Springfield. MSU is recognized as the second-largest public university in Missouri and is unique in its official mission focused on public affairs. As a result, it has strong programs in political science, public administration, sociology, and global studies. Additionally, it comprises seven colleges, including the College of Business, College of Education, College of Nursing, College of Engineering, and College of Arts, offering over 200 majors. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the annual tuition and fees for in-state undergraduate students are approximately $8,800, while out-of-state students pay around $19,000. The total cost, including housing and meals, is about $21,000 per year for in-state residents.

Drury University

Established in 1873, Drury is a small private liberal arts college located north of downtown Springfield. With an enrollment of around 4,000 students, it is much smaller than MSU, but it offers a low student-to-faculty ratio of about 12:1, allowing for personalized education. Drury is particularly known for its architecture program, which features a nationally recognized curriculum.

Other strong programs include business, communication, education, and health-related majors. The pre-med program is popular among students preparing for medical school, with acceptance rates reportedly higher than the national average. Annual tuition is in the low $30,000 range, but the net price after scholarships varies significantly by student. It is a non-denominational Christian school that welcomes all students regardless of their religious background.

Evangel University

Founded in 1955 by the Assemblies of God denomination, Evangel is a small private Christian university with an enrollment of about 1,800 students.

It is based on an educational philosophy that integrates faith and academics, with theology and ministry majors at its core, but it also offers a variety of secular majors, including education, communication, business, nursing, music, and sports management. Annual tuition is approximately $28,000, and it provides various scholarships for students from Christian families. The campus is located near Glenstone Avenue in north Springfield, and there is a strong culture of encouraging dormitory living. As a member of the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics), it operates various sports teams, with its basketball team known as a strong contender in national competitions.

Key criteria to consider when choosing among these three universities include major fields, school size, tuition and scholarships, and faith environment. If you want to study a wide range of majors at an affordable tuition, MSU is the best option.

If you aim for a small environment with in-depth education in architecture or pre-med, Drury is a strong choice. For those who wish to experience college life within a Christian community, Evangel provides the most suitable environment.

Springfield offers the advantage of being close to all three universities, allowing students to enjoy both the college atmosphere and urban infrastructure. Near MSU, there are student apartments, cafes, and restaurants, creating a vibrant college town atmosphere, while the area around Drury is a safe environment that blends middle-class residential areas with commercial spaces. Due to Springfield's lower-than-average living costs, students face relatively less financial burden. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is about $700 to $900, which is significantly cheaper compared to college towns in larger cities.