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U.S. News #184 Public, 4-year

Harris-Stowe State University

Saint Louis, Missouri · www.hssu.edu

中文

U.S. News Liberal Arts 2027

#184

Out-of-state tuition

$11,640

In-state $7,008

Peer median $17,955

Undergraduates

1,002

Student-faculty ratio 12:1

Peer median 14 : 1

Graduation rate

10.0%

4-year; 6-year rate 20.1%

Peer median 26.9%

“Peers” are all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU) is a historically black public university located in St. Louis, Missouri. Established in 1857, it has a rich history and commitment to providing quality education to students from diverse backgrounds. The university's mission emphasizes the importance of academic excellence, cultural diversity, and community engagement. With a strong focus on liberal arts education, HSSU offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as business, education, and professional studies. The faculty at HSSU is dedicated to fostering a supportive learning environment, providing students with personalized attention and guidance to help them succeed academically and professionally.

The campus culture at Harris-Stowe State University is vibrant and inclusive, with numerous student organizations and activities that encourage student involvement and social interaction. The university’s commitment to community service is evident through various initiatives and partnerships that aim to enhance the local community. In addition to academics, HSSU promotes a well-rounded student life, offering various athletic programs and recreational activities that encourage physical fitness and teamwork. Graduates of Harris-Stowe State University are well-prepared for the workforce, with many finding successful careers in their chosen fields, reflecting the university's strong emphasis on employability and real-world readiness.

Analysis of Key Data Trends at Harris-Stowe State University

Harris-Stowe State University, a public institution, shows significant trends in tuition, student retention, and gender ratio among undergraduate students over the years.

Tuition fees for in-state undergraduate students have seen a steady increase from $5,220 in 2014 to $6,442 in 2024, reflecting a rise of approximately 23.3%. The out-of-state tuition has followed a similar trajectory, increasing from $9,853 to $11,074 during the same period. This upward trend in tuition can pose challenges for potential students, especially given the rising cost of living and the increasing burden of student debt in the United States.

In terms of student retention, the university reports a notable improvement. Retention rates have surged from approximately 44.2% in 2013 to about 67.5% in 2023. This increase indicates that more students are continuing their education at Harris-Stowe, which is a positive sign of student satisfaction and institutional support. Effective retention strategies may be contributing to this improvement, suggesting that the university is enhancing its academic and social support services.

Furthermore, the gender ratio among undergraduate students has demonstrated a stable trend, with the proportion of male students decreasing slightly from approximately 35% in 2013 to around 30% in 2023. This shift indicates a growing female enrollment, which aligns with national trends in higher education, where female students are increasingly outnumbering male students.

Overall, the data highlights both challenges and advancements at Harris-Stowe State University. While tuition increases may deter some prospective students, the improvements in retention rates and gender diversity present a more optimistic outlook for the institution's future.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Large city
Nearest major city
In St. Louis
Nearest international airport
St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL), about 10 mi
Saint Louis, Missouri
Also known as
Harris-Stowe State College
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Dr. LaTonia Collins Smith (President)
Phone
3143403366
City
Saint Louis, Missouri
Address
3026 Laclede Ave, Saint Louis, MO 63103-2136

Rankings & Admission

U.S. News Liberal Arts Colleges · last 10 years
#184Ranked #184 every year from 2027 to 2027

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Bachelor's19118 international (9.4%)
Top 10 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Business Administration and Management, General
33
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
27
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies
26
Biology/Biological Sciences, General
19
Psychology, General
13
Political Science and Government, General
10
Computer and Information Sciences, General
8
Early Childhood Education and Teaching
8
Education, General
7
Mathematics, General
6

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at Harris-Stowe State University

The graduation data from Harris-Stowe State University reveals interesting trends in various fields of study. Notably, the Business Administration and Management program graduates the highest number of students at the bachelor's level, with 31 graduates, of which 16% are international students. This aligns with the increasing demand for business professionals in today's globalized economy, where diverse perspectives can enhance problem-solving and innovation.

The Biology program also shows a considerable output, with 59 graduates, though the number of international students is relatively low at 3.4%. This might indicate a lesser appeal among international students in the biological sciences, possibly due to competitive programs in more renowned institutions or perceived career opportunities.

Education programs, particularly Early Childhood Education, and Elementary Education, show modest graduation numbers, which may reflect a growing need for educators in these foundational stages of learning. Given that education is a critical pillar of societal development, it is essential to encourage more students to pursue these paths, especially considering the impact of the ongoing teacher shortages across the United States.

Moreover, it is intriguing to note that there are no graduates reported at the master's and doctorate levels in most disciplines. This lack of advanced degrees might suggest a gap in the progression of students seeking higher education, which could be a significant area for the university to address to foster academic growth and research capabilities.

Overall, the data reflects key insights into student preferences and the university's strengths in certain academic areas while highlighting opportunities for growth in graduate programs and international student recruitment.

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

Businesshas 37 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnder
Business Administration and Management, General.$44,190
Finance, General.-
Marketing/Marketing Management, General.-
Educationhas 30 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnder
Education, General.-
Elementary Education and Teaching.-
Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education and Teaching.-
Secondary Education and Teaching.-
Early Childhood Education and Teaching.-
Liberal arts has 27 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnder
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.-
Homeland security has 26 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnder
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.$43,719
Biologyhas 19 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnder
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.$39,470
Social sciencehas 14 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnder
Political Science and Government, General.-
Sociology, General.$37,086
Psychology has 13 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnder
Psychology, General.-
Computer and information sciencehas 8 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnder
Computer and Information Sciences, General.-
Health professionshas 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnder
Health/Health Care Administration/Management.-
Mathmatics and statistics has 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnder
Mathematics, General.-
Communication has 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnder
Communication, General.-

Students

1,002 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 33:67 · Freshman retention 68.4%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,002)

Black
821 · 81.9%
International
61 · 6.1%
Two or more races
35 · 3.5%
White
29 · 2.9%
Hispanic
26 · 2.6%
Unknown
25 · 2.5%
Asian
2 · 0.2%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
3.8%
18–19
34.6%
20–21
27.5%
22–24
19.0%
25 and over
15.1%

Data insights

Student Demographics at Harris-Stowe State University in 2023

The student population at Harris-Stowe State University reflects a diverse and dynamic academic community. In 2023, the university welcomed 235 new undergraduate students, with a noteworthy gender distribution showing 33.2% male and 66.8% female students. The presence of female students is significant, indicating an encouraging trend towards gender diversity in higher education.

Continuing undergraduate students numbered 773, with a slightly lower male proportion at 27.8% compared to 72.2% for females. This pattern suggests that female students are continuing their education at a higher rate than their male counterparts, which is consistent with national trends where women are increasingly outperforming men in college enrollment and graduation rates.

Transfer students represent a smaller segment, with 70 individuals enrolled. Here, the gender ratio is more balanced, with 44.3% males and 55.7% females. This could indicate that transfer pathways are appealing across genders, providing opportunities for students who wish to continue their education in a different environment.

Additionally, the enrollment data showcases a variety of ethnic backgrounds among students. Although detailed information on the demographic breakdown is not available for all categories, previous data indicates that institutions like Harris-Stowe are making strides in inclusivity, aiming to provide a supportive environment for students from various ethnicities.

Overall, the data from Harris-Stowe State University highlights important trends in gender representation among students, which can play a crucial role in shaping campus culture and academic experiences. As the university evolves, monitoring these demographics will be vital to ensure that it meets the needs of its diverse student body.

Age Composition of Students at Harris-Stowe State University

The age composition of students at Harris-Stowe State University reveals a significant trend towards younger demographics, particularly in the 18-21 age range, which is indicative of a traditional college atmosphere. The data shows that students aged 18-19 constitute approximately 23.7% of the total student population, while those aged 20-21 represent about 31.4%. This trend aligns with national patterns in higher education, where younger students are increasingly enrolling in colleges and universities.

Interestingly, there is a notable absence of graduate male students across all age categories, suggesting either a lack of enrollment in graduate programs or a shift in focus towards undergraduate studies. Additionally, the gender disparity is evident, particularly in the younger age brackets where female students significantly outnumber male students. For instance, in the 18-19 age group, females account for about 75% of the total students.

The data also highlights the representation of older students, with only a small proportion of students aged 30 and above, particularly in the 25-29 and 30-34 age ranges, making up just 5.6% and 1.5% of the total student body respectively. This could reflect broader societal trends as younger generations prioritize higher education earlier in life, while older individuals may face barriers to returning to school.

In conclusion, the age demographics at Harris-Stowe State University showcase a youthful and predominantly female student body, reflecting broader trends in higher education that could be influenced by economic factors, societal norms, and the evolving nature of the workforce.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates6.1%

61 in 2025 · 0.4% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.4%2017: 0.3%2018: 1.5%2019: 1.2%2020: 1.5%2021: 1.5%2022: 3.1%2023: 3.9%2024: 4.7%2025: 6.1%
2016Peer median 1.4%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Harris-Stowe State University

The data on international student enrollment at Harris-Stowe State University reveals significant fluctuations over nearly two decades. In the early years, particularly from 2004 to 2011, the percentage of international students in the undergraduate population was notably low, peaking at just 1.00% in 2005. However, this trend shifted dramatically in the following years, especially from 2018 onward, where percentages began to rise sharply.

By 2022, international students constituted 3.14% of the undergraduate population, an impressive increase compared to earlier years. This rise continued into 2023, reaching 3.87%. Such growth can be attributed to various factors, including the university's initiatives to attract a more diverse student body, enhanced global outreach, and potentially the increasing appeal of U.S. higher education among international students.

The recent surge in international student numbers may also reflect a broader trend observed across many U.S. universities, where institutions recognize the benefits of a diverse student community, not only in cultural exchange but also in academic collaboration. The increase in enrollment during a challenging global context, like the COVID-19 pandemic, suggests that Harris-Stowe is successfully positioning itself as an attractive option for international students.

Overall, the data indicates a promising trajectory for international student enrollment at Harris-Stowe State University, suggesting ongoing efforts to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for students from around the world. This trend is critical for enhancing the university's global presence and enriching the campus experience for all students.

Cost

2025 cost per year (out-of-state)

$22,368

Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
$11,640
Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
$7,008
Room and board
$10,728
Out-of-state tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $29,573 · all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Tuition rose 18% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 16%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$42.5M

Government grants and contracts
$29.7M69.8%
Auxiliary enterprises
$5.2M12.2%
Tuition and fees
$4.1M9.6%
Gifts and private grants
$1.9M4.6%
Investment return
$1.1M2.6%
Other
$500K1.2%

Expenses$45.6M

Instruction
$12.1M26.7%
Institutional support
$11.4M25.0%
Scholarships
$5.8M12.7%
Auxiliary enterprises
$5.5M12.2%
Student services
$3.3M7.2%
Academic support
$3.1M6.8%
Public service
$782K1.7%
Research
$5K0.0%
Other
$3.5M7.8%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

All faculty
$49,169peers $72,709
Professor
$61,637peers $91,112
Associate professor
$52,659peers $77,091
Assistant professor
$45,141peers $65,783
Instructor
$40,803peers $53,527

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NAIA · American Midwest Conference

American Midwest Conference: basketball, baseball, cross country

2025
NAIA Division I MENWOMEN
Soccer4020
Basketball1415
Baseball27-
Volleyball-18
Track and Field (Outdoor)125
Softball-16
2024
NAIA Division IMENWOMEN
Soccer4021
Basketball1814
Baseball28-
Track and Field (Outdoor)812
Volleyball-18
Softball-16
2023
NAIA Division IMENWOMEN
Soccer2123
Baseball26-
Basketball115
Volleyball-12
Softball-9
Track and Field (Outdoor)62
Track and Field (Indoor)42

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable universities near Harris-Stowe State University:

  1. Washington University in St Louis - Ranked 24th in the 2024 US News rankings, this prestigious institution is known for its strong emphasis on research and a diverse range of programs across various fields.

  2. Saint Louis University - With a rank of 105, this comprehensive university offers a rich tradition of education and is recognized for its commitment to community service and global engagement.

  3. University of Missouri-St Louis - Ranked 260th, this university provides a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs and is located in the vibrant city of St. Louis.

  4. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - As a highly regarded institution with a rank of 35, it is known for its rigorous academic programs and vibrant campus life.

  5. Purdue University-Main Campus - Ranked 43rd, Purdue is renowned for its engineering and technology programs, attracting students from around the globe.

Each of these institutions contributes to a dynamic educational landscape in the area, offering various opportunities for students seeking higher education.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 4.9 · all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Drug referrals
24
Liquor referrals
16
Drug arrests
13
Burglary
12
Weapons arrests
12
Fondling
7

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Campus Crime Rates at Harris-Stowe State University

The crime statistics at Harris-Stowe State University over the past decade reveal a concerning trend, particularly in the years 2018 and 2019, where the average crime rate per 1000 students peaked significantly. In 2020, the average crime rate reached an alarming 71.41 incidents per 1000 students, indicating a serious escalation in campus safety issues. This surge in crime rates may correlate with broader societal challenges, including increased tensions and incidents related to civil unrest, which were prominent during that period.

Notably, the types of offenses recorded highlight a worrying prevalence of gun-related arrests, alongside drug and alcohol-related arrests. The data suggests that as the student population grows, so does the potential for crime, necessitating a proactive approach to campus safety. The fluctuations seen in the subsequent years, particularly the drop in crime rates in 2022, indicate that intervention measures may have been effective, but the spike in 2023 raises questions about the sustainability of these efforts.

As universities strive to provide safe environments for their students, the importance of comprehensive safety programs cannot be overstated. This includes not only law enforcement presence but also educational initiatives aimed at prevention and awareness. The increasing rates of domestic violence and assaults also emphasize the need for targeted support services for students.

In conclusion, while there have been fluctuations in crime rates at Harris-Stowe State University, the upward trends in certain years highlight an urgent need for continued vigilance and effective crime prevention strategies on campus.

For more information on crime rate calculations, visit: Crime Rate Calculation.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of Harris-Stowe State University include Cori Bush (Former U.S. representative from Missouri, nurse and activist), Roscoe Robinson, Jr. (First African American four-star general in US Army) and Charles Alexander Shaw (US federal district judge in Eastern Missouri).

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.