Truman State University
U.S. News Liberal Arts 2027
#138
Acceptance rate
83.8%
2025
Peer median 85.8%
Out-of-state tuition
$18,566
In-state $9,838
Peer median $18,658
Undergraduates
3,265
Student-faculty ratio 12:1
Peer median 16 : 1
Graduation rate
59.3%
4-year; 6-year rate 71.0%
Peer median 29.5%
“Peers” are all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Truman State University, located in Kirksville, Missouri, is recognized as a leading public liberal arts and sciences university. Founded in 1867, it offers a rigorous academic environment that emphasizes critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and community engagement. As Missouri's only public liberal arts university, Truman State is committed to fostering a well-rounded education through its diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university is particularly known for its strong emphasis on the liberal arts, which cultivates a broad educational foundation that prepares students for various professional paths. With a student-faculty ratio of 13:1, the university ensures personalized attention and mentorship, allowing students to thrive academically and personally.
The university's campus is vibrant, characterized by a strong sense of community and student involvement. The campus hosts numerous student organizations and extracurricular activities, promoting a well-rounded student life. Additionally, Truman State emphasizes the importance of service and leadership, encouraging students to engage in community service and leadership development. The university's commitment to academic excellence is reflected in its consistently high rankings among public universities in the Midwest. Graduates from Truman State are well-prepared for the job market, with many finding success in various fields, including education, business, and health care. The school's motto, "The Truman Experience," encapsulates its mission to provide an enriching educational journey that extends beyond the classroom, ensuring that students are not only equipped with knowledge but also with the skills and experiences necessary for lifelong success.
Trends in Tuition, Enrollment, Graduation Rates, and Retention at Truman State University
Truman State University has experienced significant changes in several key metrics over the past decade, particularly in tuition costs, student enrollment, graduation rates, and retention. The tuition for in-state undergraduate students has increased from approximately $7,368 in 2014 to about $9,014 in 2023, reflecting a rise of 22.3%. For out-of-state students, the increase is even more pronounced, climbing from $13,240 to $17,036, a staggering 28.3% increase. This escalation in costs may pose challenges for prospective students and their families, especially in the wake of rising living expenses and student debt concerns.
The student enrollment figures reveal a troubling trend. The total number of undergraduate students dropped from 5,898 in 2014 to just 3,622 in 2023, marking a decline of 38.6%. This decline in enrollment could be attributed to various factors, including increasing tuition costs, demographic shifts, and possibly the university's appeal compared to other institutions.
Despite these challenges, graduation rates have shown some stability. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates improved from around 51.2% in 2013 to 60.9% in 2023. This increase indicates that the university has potentially enhanced its academic support systems, enabling more students to complete their degrees within the traditional timeframe. However, the 150% graduation rate saw a slight decrease from 74.8% in 2020 to 74.7% in 2023, hinting at possible challenges for some students in completing their degrees.
Retention rates also present a mixed picture, with a decline from approximately 88.9% in 2013 to 80.7% in 2023. This drop could raise concerns about student satisfaction and the university's ability to support students throughout their academic journeys.
In summary, while Truman State University has made strides in improving graduation rates, the significant rise in tuition and the decline in enrollment and retention rates present critical challenges that the institution must address to ensure its long-term viability and appeal to prospective students.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Remote town
- Nearest major city
- Des Moines, about 110 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Des Moines International Airport (DSM), about 110 mi
- Also known as
- Truman
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Dr. Susan Thomas (President)
- Phone
- 6607854000
- City
- Kirksville, Missouri
- Address
- 100 E Normal Avenue, Kirksville, MO 63501-4221
Rankings & Admission
Peer median 85.8% · all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Acceptance rate by gender, 2025
In 2020: men 58.7%, women 65.5%.
Data insights
Analysis of Truman State University's Admission Trends
Truman State University has experienced fluctuations in its admission rates and overall enrollment numbers over the years. The data reveals a notable decline in acceptance rates, particularly for the year 2023, where the male acceptance rate dropped to approximately 44%, and the female acceptance rate to about 46%. Such steep declines in acceptance rates could indicate an increase in applications, possibly due to the university’s growing reputation or external factors influencing higher education choices.
Interestingly, the number of students enrolled also saw variations, peaking in earlier years like 2011 with 1,417 enrollments and then gradually decreasing to 699 in 2023. This trend suggests that despite a competitive admission environment, the university may not be attracting as many students, which could be a concern for its future growth and diversity.
Moreover, the figures show a significant increase in the number of applicants denied admission, with a staggering 2,699 denials in 2023. This raises questions about the university’s capacity and its strategic focus on maintaining or improving the quality of its student body.
The changing dynamics reflect broader trends in higher education, where selective admissions are becoming the norm, and institutions are continuously adapting to meet changing demographics and expectations. As competition escalates, it will be crucial for Truman State University to address these trends to not only attract a diverse student body but also to maintain its academic integrity and institutional reputation.
School and Program Rankings
U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking
Undergraduate Rankings · 2027 edition
Social Sciences and Humanities1 programs—
Graduate Rankings · 2026 edition
Health Specialty1 programs—
Business School1 programs—
Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition
Test Scores
2025 admitted students, 25th–75th percentile · 5% submitted SAT, 43% submitted ACT · SAT/ACT optional: considered if submitted
Data insights
Analysis of Admission Test Scores at Truman State University
The data from Truman State University over the years reveals a notable trend in the submission rates and performance of standardized test scores among applicants. Starting from 2007, the number of students submitting SAT scores has gradually decreased, hitting a low of just 46 submissions in 2022, which accounted for only 7% of the admitted students that year. This decline in submission numbers may reflect a broader national trend where fewer students are opting to submit standardized test scores as part of their college applications, potentially influenced by the growing number of institutions adopting test-optional policies.
In terms of score performance, the range for SAT reading and math scores has shown some variability, with the 25th percentile to 75th percentile range indicating a competitive profile among admitted students. For instance, in 2018, the SAT reading scores ranged from 605 to 705, suggesting that the university continues to attract academically strong candidates. However, over the years, there has been a fluctuation in the score ranges, indicating possible changes in the applicant pool's academic preparedness.
Furthermore, the ACT scores present a similar narrative, with a consistent number of submissions but also a varied performance range. The overall trend shows that while fewer students are submitting scores, those who do tend to have competitive academic credentials, which is essential for maintaining the university's standards of excellence.
Overall, as higher education institutions continue to adapt to changing admissions landscapes, it will be interesting to see how Truman State University navigates these trends while ensuring they attract and retain high-quality students.
How Hard Is It to Get In
about 8 in 10
2,883 applicants in 2025, 83.8% admitted
2,415 admitted 468 not admitted Yield 25.9%
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Accounting · Master's24 (8% international)
- Education/Teaching of the Gifted and Talented · Master's23 (0% international)
- Data Science, General · Master's17 (0% international)
- Communication Sciences and Disorders, General · Master's16 (0% international)
- English/Language Arts Teacher Education · Master's14 (0% international)
- Elementary Education and Teaching · Master's13 (8% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data at Truman State University
The graduation data from Truman State University for 2023 reveals intriguing trends across various disciplines. Business Administration and Management stands out as the leading program, producing 103 graduates at the bachelor's level, with a notable 22% of them being international students. This indicates a robust demand for business education, reflecting the globalized nature of the economy and the importance of business skills in today's job market.
Psychology and Biology also demonstrate substantial graduation numbers, with 72 and 71 bachelor's degrees conferred, respectively. These programs attract a significant number of domestic students, highlighting the enduring popularity of these fields in higher education. Interestingly, the absence of master's or doctoral graduates in these areas suggests that students are primarily pursuing undergraduate studies, potentially to enter the workforce sooner or to continue their education elsewhere.
The health-related programs, particularly Registered Nursing, produced 55 bachelor’s graduates, underscoring the increasing demand for healthcare professionals. With the ongoing global health crises, the importance of such programs cannot be overstated. Additionally, the presence of international students in nursing education is crucial, as diversity enriches the learning environment and prepares graduates to work in multicultural settings.
Meanwhile, the data indicates a potential gap in graduate offerings in fields such as Computer Science and Education, which produced fewer bachelor's graduates than expected given their significance in today's job landscape.
Overall, Truman State University appears to effectively cater to popular fields such as business and healthcare, yet there may be opportunities to enhance and promote programs in STEM and education to meet evolving workforce demands.
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 | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | $56,522 | ||
| Organizational Leadership. | $56,522 | ||
| Accounting. | $56,963-$64,094 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Communication Sciences and Disorders, General. | $53,428 | ||
| Athletic Training/Trainer. | - | ||
| Mental Health Counseling/Counselor. | - | ||
| Public Health Education and Promotion. | $45,995 | ||
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $69,575 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Education and Teaching, General. | - | ||
| Education/Teaching of the Gifted and Talented. | - | ||
| Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services. | - | ||
| Elementary Education and Teaching. | $41,256 | ||
| English/Language Arts Teacher Education. | $40,954 | ||
| Foreign Language Teacher Education. | $40,954 | ||
| Mathematics Teacher Education. | $40,954 | ||
| Music Teacher Education. | $40,954 | ||
| Physical Education Teaching and Coaching. | $40,954 | ||
| Science Teacher Education/General Science Teacher Education. | $40,954 | ||
| Social Science Teacher Education. | $40,954 | ||
| Speech Teacher Education. | $40,954 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | $33,683 | ||
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | - | ||
| Applied Behavior Analysis. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General. | - | ||
| Art/Art Studies, General. | $36,444 | ||
| Fine/Studio Arts, General. | $36,444 | ||
| Music, General. | - | ||
| Music Performance, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | $39,042 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General. | $28,615 | ||
| Creative Writing. | $23,319 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Econometrics and Quantitative Economics. | - | ||
| Political Science and Government, General. | - | ||
| Sociology, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Science, General. | - | ||
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $71,066 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics, General. | - | ||
| Statistics, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign Languages and Literatures, General. | - | ||
| Linguistics. | - | ||
| Applied Linguistics. | - | ||
| Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| History, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Safety Studies. | $38,497 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speech Communication and Rhetoric. | $41,345 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemistry, General. | - | ||
| Physics, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science. | - |
Students
3,664 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 40:60 · Freshman retention 84.7%
- Continuing undergraduates 1,814
- First-year undergraduates 622
- Graduate students 399
- Transfers and others 829
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (3,265)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Graduate students
Data insights
Demographic Overview of Truman State University Students in 2023
In 2023, Truman State University exhibited a diverse student population across various classifications. The largest group, comprising undergraduate freshmen, consisted of 699 students, with a gender distribution of approximately 40.5% male and 59.5% female. This trend of higher female representation is consistent with many colleges across the United States, reflecting broader societal shifts toward increased enrollment of women in higher education.
Undergraduate juniors formed the second largest group, with 2,158 students, maintaining a similar gender ratio of 39.6% male and 60.4% female, once again highlighting the ongoing trend of female dominance in college attendance. The inclusion of undergraduate transfer students and graduate students, though smaller with 63 and 338 individuals respectively, also showed a notable gender disparity, with graduate students featuring only 27.8% male and an impressive 72.2% female representation.
In terms of racial demographics, while specific data for the undergraduate juniors and graduate students is not available, the freshmen and transfer students indicate a significant proportion of white students, alongside representation from Asian, Latino, and other minority groups. The presence of international students is also noteworthy, emphasizing the university's commitment to fostering a multicultural environment.
Overall, Truman State University appears to be aligned with national trends in higher education, marked by a predominance of female students and efforts to embrace diversity. As higher education evolves, it will be crucial for institutions to continue addressing the needs and experiences of all student demographics to promote an inclusive academic culture.
Analysis of Student Age Composition at Truman State University
The age distribution of students at Truman State University reveals significant insights about the demographic makeup of the student body. The data indicates a predominant presence of younger students, particularly in the 18-19 and 20-21 age brackets, which account for nearly 77% of the total male students and about 84% of the total female students. This trend mirrors national patterns where traditional-age students (18-22 years old) make up the majority of undergraduate populations in universities across the United States.
Interestingly, the representation of graduate students is relatively modest, especially in the older age categories. For instance, only a small fraction of graduate males and females fall within the 22-24 age range, and the numbers drop significantly for older age groups. This suggests that Truman State University has a strong focus on undergraduate education, potentially attracting younger individuals directly from high school.
Furthermore, the data shows a notable gender disparity in certain age brackets. For example, in the 20-21 category, there are 507 male undergraduates compared to 835 female undergraduates, highlighting a gender imbalance that may prompt discussions on recruitment strategies and gender inclusivity in programs.
As universities strive to adapt to changing demographics and educational needs, understanding the age composition of students is crucial. This analysis not only helps in tailoring academic programs and support services but also informs strategic marketing efforts aimed at attracting a diverse student population, including non-traditional students who may be looking to return to education later in life.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
251 in 2025 · 6.9% in 2016
16 in 2025 · 3.9% in 2016
Data insights
Analysis of International Student Trends at Truman State University
The data from Truman State University reveals a notable trend in the enrollment of international students over the years. From 2004 to 2023, the percentage of international undergraduate students has shown an overall increasing trend, rising from 4.65% in 2004 to 7.76% in 2023. This increase is indicative of the university's growing appeal to a global audience, possibly due to enhanced academic programs and support services tailored for international students.
However, the graduate student statistics tell a different story. The proportion of international graduate students has fluctuated significantly, peaking at 5% in 2017 and then declining to 3.55% by 2023. This drop may reflect broader trends in higher education, such as changes in visa policies, economic factors affecting students' ability to study abroad, or heightened competition from other institutions that could attract potential graduate students.
The overall decline in total student enrollment, particularly from 2020 onward, mirrors a national trend where many universities faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to decreased enrollment numbers. Despite these challenges, the university has managed to maintain a relatively stable number of international undergraduates, pointing to a potential resilience in attracting this demographic.
In conclusion, while Truman State University has been successful in increasing its international undergraduate enrollment, it faces challenges in maintaining graduate student numbers. Understanding the factors influencing these trends is crucial for the university to adapt its strategies for future recruitment and support of international students.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$29,694
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $18,566
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $9,838
- Room and board
- $11,128
- Graduate tuition
- $12,168
Peer median tuition + room and board $31,000 · all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Tuition rose 36% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 31%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$119M
Expenses$97.5M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · Great Lakes Valley Conference
Great Lakes Valley Conference: football, basketball, baseball, cross country
| NCAA Division II with football | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 83 | 92 |
| Football | 94 | - |
| Soccer | 34 | 33 |
| Swimming | 20 | 20 |
| Basketball | 17 | 17 |
| Baseball | 30 | - |
| Softball | - | 20 |
| Volleyball | - | 16 |
| Tennis | - | 10 |
| Golf | - | 7 |
| NCAA Division II with football | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 65 | 67 |
| Football | 93 | - |
| Soccer | 33 | 34 |
| Baseball | 37 | - |
| Basketball | 15 | 16 |
| Swimming | 16 | 13 |
| Softball | - | 20 |
| Volleyball | - | 16 |
| Tennis | - | 10 |
| Golf | - | 5 |
| NCAA Division II with football | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 55 | 65 |
| Football | 101 | - |
| Soccer | 30 | 32 |
| Swimming | 19 | 16 |
| Baseball | 34 | - |
| Basketball | 20 | 14 |
| Softball | - | 19 |
| Volleyball | - | 14 |
| Tennis | - | 12 |
| Golf | - | 10 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
University of Missouri-ColumbiaColumbia · 86.9 mi
U.S. News #95
-
Grinnell CollegeGrinnell · 108.0 mi
Liberal Arts #16
-
Drake UniversityDes Moines · 112.5 mi
U.S. News #191
-
University of IowaIowa City · 115.5 mi
U.S. News #100
-
Knox CollegeGalesburg · 127.1 mi
Liberal Arts #85
-
University of Missouri--Kansas CityKansas City · 133.0 mi
U.S. News #250
-
Iowa State UniversityAmes · 138.6 mi
U.S. News #116
-
Augustana CollegeRock Island · 139.7 mi
Liberal Arts #91
-
Principia CollegeElsah · 146.5 mi
Liberal Arts #74
Data insights
Here are some notable universities near Truman State University:
-
University of Missouri-Columbia - Ranked 124 in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
-
Grinnell College - With an impressive rank of 11, this liberal arts college is known for its rigorous academic programs and a strong emphasis on social justice.
-
University of Iowa - Ranked 93, this comprehensive university is recognized for its research initiatives and diverse academic offerings.
-
Drake University - This comprehensive institution holds a rank of 178 and is known for its strong programs in law, business, and education.
-
Washington University in St Louis - A prestigious university ranked 24, it is well-known for its exceptional research and academic programs across various fields.
These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and are recognized for their academic excellence in the region.
Peer median 4.7 · all 238 public master's colleges and universities 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 Truman State University
The crime data from Truman State University provides a revealing look into the safety of the campus environment over the past decade. Notably, there has been a significant decrease in the average number of incidents per 1,000 students from 2013 to 2023, dropping from 8.69 to 4.95. This reduction signals a positive trend in campus safety, suggesting that efforts to enhance security and promote a safe atmosphere may be yielding results.
The figures indicate that arrests related to gun possession, drug offenses, and alcohol-related incidents have fluctuated over the years, with some years showing higher rates than others. For instance, 2015 recorded the highest average rate of 12.52 per 1,000 students, which coincided with a peak in overall crime as well. The subsequent decline in 2022 and 2023, with rates falling to 8.28 and 4.95, respectively, reflects a potential ongoing commitment to improving student safety, possibly through increased awareness programs or enforcement of campus regulations.
Moreover, the data reveals a concerning trend in specific crimes such as domestic violence and assault, which are critical issues facing universities nationwide. As higher education institutions continue to grapple with these challenges, it is imperative that they take proactive measures to ensure the well-being of their student populations.
Overall, while the downward trend in crime rates at Truman State University is encouraging, continued vigilance and proactive measures are essential to maintain and further enhance campus safety. For more on calculating crime rates, visit: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.
Notable Alumni
All 27Notable alumni of Truman State University include John J. Pershing (Commander of the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I), Kane (Professional wrestler, actor and politician) and Jenna Fischer (Actress, Pam Beesly on The Office).
-
John J. Pershing 1860–1948
Commander of the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I
-
Kane 1967–
Professional wrestler, actor and politician
-
Jenna Fischer 1974–
Actress, Pam Beesly on The Office
-
Ken Norton 1943–2013
Professional boxer and actor
-
Andrey Gyurov 1975–
Former Bulgarian caretaker prime minister and economist
-
Eric Schmitt 1975–
U.S. senator from Missouri
-
Hung Hsiu-chu 1948–
Former chair of the Kuomintang
-
Aven Nelson 1859–1952
Botanist and University of Wyoming founding professor
-
Brian Dzingai 1981–
Zimbabwean Olympic sprinter
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.