Cox College
Acceptance rate
100.0%
2025
Peer median 83.3%
Tuition per year
$14,822
$28,486 with room and board
Peer median $18,677
Undergraduates
541
Student-faculty ratio 8:1
Peer median 11 : 1
Graduation rate
50.0%
4-year; 6-year rate 100.0%
Peer median 47.8%
“Peers” are all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Cox College, located in Springfield, Missouri, is a distinguished institution known for its commitment to health sciences and allied health education. Established in 1907, the college has a rich history and a strong reputation for producing highly skilled professionals in various fields, including nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and medical imaging. The college's mission emphasizes the importance of compassionate care and the provision of quality healthcare services, aligning with its motto, "Educating the Heart, Mind, and Hands." This holistic approach to education fosters not only academic excellence but also a strong sense of empathy and community service among its students.
The campus of Cox College is equipped with modern facilities that enhance the learning experience. Students benefit from state-of-the-art laboratories, simulation centers, and clinical practice environments that prepare them for real-world healthcare settings. The college also boasts a diverse and experienced faculty, many of whom are practitioners in their respective fields. This not only enriches the academic experience but also provides students with valuable networking opportunities. Furthermore, Cox College emphasizes a supportive and inclusive environment, encouraging student engagement in various extracurricular activities, including student organizations and community service initiatives. With a focus on professional development and a commitment to student success, Cox College continues to be a leading choice for those pursuing careers in healthcare.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Midsize city
- Nearest major city
- Fayetteville, about 90 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Tulsa International Airport (TUL), about 160 mi
- Also known as
- Lester L Cox College of Nursing and Health Sciences
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Dr. Sonya Hayter (President)
- Phone
- 4172693401
- City
- Springfield, Missouri
- Address
- 1423 N Jefferson, Springfield, MO 65802-1917
Rankings & Admission
Peer median 83.3% · all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.
Data insights
Analysis of Admission Trends at Cox College
The admission data for Cox College over the years presents a fascinating picture of shifting trends in both acceptance rates and enrollment figures. The statistics indicate a significant fluctuation in the acceptance rates for both male and female applicants. For instance, in 2009, the male acceptance rate was approximately 55.2%, while the female acceptance rate was notably higher at 92.8%. This disparity in acceptance rates reflects broader trends in higher education, where institutions often exhibit varied levels of selectivity based on gender.
Throughout the years, the college experienced a peak in enrollment during 2014, with 294 students admitted. However, a stark contrast is observed in 2015 and 2016, where the number of enrolled students plummeted to just 5 and 7, respectively. This sharp decline raises questions regarding the institution's recruitment strategies and market positioning during those years.
Interestingly, the data reveals a consistent trend of high female acceptance rates, with several years showing 100% acceptance for female applicants. This could signify a strategic focus on attracting female students, aligning with the ongoing discussions in education about gender parity in various fields.
Moreover, the number of applicants denied admission fluctuated, with a notable peak in 2013 when 260 applications were denied. This suggests a competitive admission process during that period, which may have been influenced by the college's efforts to enhance its academic reputation.
Overall, the data from Cox College highlights the complexities of admission trends, influenced by gender dynamics, institutional strategies, and external educational trends. As colleges and universities continue to adapt to changing demographics and societal expectations, monitoring these trends will be crucial for understanding future enrollment patterns.
Test Scores
SAT/ACT scores required for admission IPEDS (US Department of Education) has no SAT/ACT data for students admitted in 2025.
Data insights
Analysis of Admission Data Trends at Cox College
The admission data from Cox College reveals interesting trends over the years, particularly in standardized testing scores and submission rates. From 2007 to 2013, the college primarily reported data on ACT participation, with a consistent percentage of about 31% for that period. This suggests a stable interest and performance in the ACT among applicants, which is significant given the competitive nature of college admissions.
Starting from 2014, the college began to provide more comprehensive data regarding SAT and ACT scores, indicating a more diverse applicant pool. The introduction of specific SAT reading and math scores, along with the ACT composite, highlights the college's effort to present a clearer picture of student capabilities. Notably, the SAT scores range from 380 to 680, reflecting a broad spectrum of academic preparedness among admitted students.
Moreover, the percentage of students submitting SAT scores has remained low, with only 5% of applicants in recent years, which raises questions about the emphasis placed on SAT performance in the admission process. This trend aligns with national conversations about the value of standardized testing in college admissions, especially as many institutions are moving towards test-optional policies.
In conclusion, while Cox College has maintained a steady rate of ACT submissions and has begun to diversify its academic performance metrics, the low percentage of SAT submissions points to a shift in applicant strategies and possibly a broader trend in higher education towards holistic admissions processes that prioritize a wider array of student achievements beyond standardized test scores.
How Hard Is It to Get In
about 10 in 10
1 applicants in 2025, 100.0% admitted
1 admitted 0 not admitted Yield 100.0%
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Occupational Therapy/Therapist · Master's21 (0% international)
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing · Master's15 (0% international)
- Family Practice Nurse/Nursing · Master's12 (0% international)
- Dietetics/Dietitian · Master's4 (0% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Trends in Health-Related Programs
The data from Cox College highlights notable trends in the graduation rates of various health-related programs in 2023. A significant observation is the dominance of the Registered Nursing program, which produced 128 bachelor's degree graduates. This underlines the increasing demand for nursing professionals, especially given the ongoing nursing shortages exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The emphasis on practical skills and immediate employment opportunities likely drives students toward this career path.
In contrast, other programs such as Occupational Therapy and Dietetics show a limited number of master's degree graduates, with only 26 and 8 respectively. This disparity suggests a potential imbalance in the job market, where certain fields may be underrepresented despite a critical need for professionals. The absence of international students in these master's programs could indicate a need for greater outreach and recruitment efforts, especially as the global healthcare landscape continues to evolve.
Moreover, the associate degree data reveals a modest number of graduates in Medical/Clinical Assistant and Radiologic Technology, with 1 and 18 respectively. These lower figures may reflect a shift in educational focus towards bachelor's and master's programs, potentially sidelining associate degree pathways.
Overall, the data underscores the importance of adapting educational offerings to meet the current and future needs of the healthcare sector. As healthcare continues to face challenges, educational institutions must remain agile, ensuring that their programs align with industry demands while also considering the diverse backgrounds of their student populations.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer. | $53,845-$67,566 | |||
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, Other. | $53,845-$67,566 | |||
| Occupational Therapy/Therapist. | $68,029 | |||
| Dietetics/Dietitian. | $55,268 | |||
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $67,404-$104,926 | |||
| Family Practice Nurse/Nursing. | $67,404-$104,926 | |||
| Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing. | $67,404-$104,926 |
Students
724 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 15:85
- Continuing undergraduates 531
- First-year undergraduates 1
- Graduate students 183
- Transfers and others 9
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (541)
Data insights
Student Demographics at Cox College in 2023
The student composition at Cox College in 2023 presents an intriguing picture of diversity and gender representation. Among the undergraduate newcomers, there is a notable presence of female students, comprising 100% of their demographic, highlighting an encouraging trend towards greater female enrollment in higher education. This stark contrast is particularly evident when examining the overall undergraduate and graduate populations, where male students represent a smaller fraction of the total, particularly among upperclassmen and transfer students, with males accounting for approximately 12.4% and 14.3% respectively.
The graduate student demographic follows a similar pattern with female students making up 87.4% of the population, which underscores the continuing trend of women pursuing advanced degrees. Such gender distributions reflect broader societal shifts towards gender equity in education, yet they also raise questions about the factors that contribute to lower male enrollment in these programs.
When considering the racial and ethnic breakdown of students, it’s clear that diversity remains a focal point. Data reveals a predominance of white students among all categories, but the absence of detailed figures for other racial categories prevents a comprehensive analysis. This demographic trend is reflective of national statistics, where institutions are increasingly striving to enhance diversity through targeted recruitment strategies.
As higher education institutions continue to evolve, Cox College's demographic trends will be essential for understanding broader patterns in student enrollment and retention. Addressing the gender imbalance and enhancing racial diversity will be critical for fostering an inclusive educational environment that prepares all students for a globalized society.
Analysis of Student Age Composition at Cox College
The age distribution of students at Cox College reveals notable trends in both undergraduate and graduate participation. The data shows a predominance of younger students, particularly in the 20-21 and 22-24 age brackets, which collectively account for over 70% of the total student population. This trend aligns with broader observations in higher education, where traditional-aged students (typically aged 18-24) make up a significant portion of enrollments.
Interestingly, the ratio of female to male students varies across different age categories. In the 20-21 age group, there are 16 females for every 16 males, indicating gender parity at this level. However, as we look at the 22-24 age group, the number of females (192) significantly surpasses that of males (29), reflecting a larger trend where women are increasingly pursuing higher education compared to their male counterparts.
The presence of older students, particularly those aged 30 and above, is less pronounced, representing only a small fraction of the overall population. This could suggest various factors, including career commitments or family responsibilities that may deter older individuals from pursuing or continuing their education.
Moreover, the data on graduate students shows a slightly higher female representation, especially in the 22-24 and 25-29 age groups, with females comprising a notable majority. This trend could highlight the evolving landscape of graduate education, where women are increasingly taking the lead in advanced studies.
Overall, the age and gender composition at Cox College offers insights into current educational trends and may inform future recruitment strategies to ensure a diverse and inclusive student body. Understanding these dynamics is crucial as educational institutions continue to adapt to the changing demographics of their student populations.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.
0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016
0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016
Data insights
Commentary on International Student Trends at Cox College
Cox College has positioned itself as an appealing destination for international students over the past few years. Although the specific numbers for recent years are not available, the overall trend in higher education shows an increasing acceptance of diverse student populations across many institutions. The growing number of international students contributes not only to the cultural richness of the campus but also to the academic environment.
International students often bring unique perspectives and experiences, enriching classroom discussions and fostering a global mindset among the local student body. This exchange of ideas is crucial in today's interconnected world, where understanding and collaboration across borders are essential for both personal and professional growth.
Moreover, the presence of international students can have significant economic implications for institutions and local communities. They often contribute to the local economy through tuition fees and living expenses, which can support various services and businesses. As many institutions face challenges in attracting and retaining students, particularly amid the changing landscape of global education, Cox College's commitment to embracing international diversity could serve as a competitive advantage.
In light of the recent global events, including the COVID-19 pandemic and evolving immigration policies, it will be interesting to see how Cox College adapts and continues to attract international students in the coming years. Maintaining a welcoming environment and providing robust support systems for international students will be key in sustaining their numbers and ensuring a rich educational experience for all students involved.
Cost
2025 cost per year
$28,486
- Undergraduate tuition
- $14,822
- Room and board
- $13,664
- Graduate tuition
- $17,840
Peer median tuition + room and board $30,010 · all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.
Tuition rose 40% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 44%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$12.1M
Expenses$12.6M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
No athlete data available for 2025.
No athlete data available for 2024.
No athlete data available for 2023.
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
University of ArkansasFayetteville · 93.7 mi
U.S. News #191
-
Missouri University of Science and TechnologyRolla · 97.2 mi
U.S. News #191
-
University of Missouri-ColumbiaColumbia · 129.8 mi
U.S. News #95
-
University of Missouri--Kansas CityKansas City · 143.4 mi
U.S. News #250
-
Hendrix CollegeConway · 154.1 mi
Liberal Arts #100
-
University of KansasLawrence · 160.2 mi
U.S. News #148
-
Harding UniversitySearcy · 162.1 mi
U.S. News #276
-
University of TulsaTulsa · 164.7 mi
U.S. News #148
-
Washington University in St LouisSt. Louis · 189.8 mi
U.S. News #16
Data insights
Here are some notable schools located near Cox College:
-
University of Arkansas (Ranked 178) - A comprehensive university located in Fayetteville, Arkansas, known for its strong programs in business, engineering, and the arts.
-
University of Missouri-Columbia (Ranked 124) - This comprehensive university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is recognized for its research initiatives.
-
Washington University in St Louis (Ranked 24) - A prestigious private research university renowned for its medical school, business school, and law school.
-
Saint Louis University (Ranked 105) - A private Jesuit university that offers a diverse array of programs and has a strong focus on service and community engagement.
-
University of Kansas (Ranked 151) - Located in Lawrence, Kansas, this comprehensive university is known for its research, particularly in the fields of education and health.
-
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus (Ranked 185) - A public research university in Stillwater, Oklahoma, recognized for its agricultural and engineering programs.
These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and are well-regarded in their respective fields.
Peer median 0.0 · all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Rates at Cox College
The crime statistics at Cox College from 2013 to 2023 reveal a concerning trend in campus safety. Initially, the data indicates a virtually crime-free environment in 2013, with no recorded incidents. However, as the years progressed, there has been a significant increase in crime rates, particularly evident in the last two years. For instance, the average crime rate per 1,000 students surged to 55.16 in 2023, up from 21.54 in 2021 and 29.29 in 2022.
The rise in offenses, especially serious ones like drug and alcohol-related arrests, highlights the need for increased safety measures and preventive strategies on campus. The spike in domestic violence and assault cases illustrates a growing concern that cannot be overlooked. The increase in reported incidents may also reflect more students feeling empowered to report crimes rather than a mere rise in occurrences.
This situation calls for a comprehensive review of campus security protocols and the implementation of educational programs aimed at raising awareness about personal safety and crime prevention. Engaging students, faculty, and local law enforcement in collaborative efforts could foster a safer community. As educational institutions are responsible for the well-being of their students, it is crucial that Cox College takes proactive steps to address these alarming trends.
For more information on calculating crime rates, you can refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Methodology.
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.