Universities & Colleges

Area Colleges andUniversities

Springfield is a Higher-ed hub

Eagles and Panthers and Bears, oh my! Not to mention Bearcats, Bobcats and Valor! Some of the best higher education institutions in the Midwest are in the Ozarks, each offering something unique for students and the communities they call home. Public or private, large or small, colleges and universities in the Ozarks bring over 40,000 students to the region annually who, along with their campuses, add to the fabric of the area.

Photo courtesy of Missouri State University

Missouri State University

In downtown Springfield, you’ll notice Bears and maroon thanks to Missouri State University. The largest four-year university in the region abuts downtown, where many students live, adding vibrancy to the scene. The campus’ large trees and fountains make for a gorgeous stroll where famous alumni, like John Goodman, once walked. Those fountains are a mustsee, and each spring, “Fountain Day” is celebrated with the ceremonial turning on of the water. Along with the scenery, there is an abundance of arts and athletics opportunities from Broadway shows at Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts to cheering on the Bears in sports.

Drury University

At Drury University you’ll find tree-lined pathways, two Civil War-era cannons and a campus history that runs deep, with the first graduates being five women in 1875. If you hear cheering while you’re on the 90-acre campus, it’s likely coming from the O’Reilly Family Event Center where the Panthers play basketball to enthusiastic crowds. (The Lady Panthers are ranked second for the 2020-21 season!) A university with a rich tradition of service, the roughly 3,200 students are dedicated to volunteering within the community.

Ozarks Technical Community College

For over 30 years, Ozarks Technical Community College has provided affordable education and workforce training to students of all ages. Serving over 200,000 students since its inception, OTC is a launching point for individuals who choose to pursue higher education or enter the workforce. The third-largest community college in Missouri is constantly evolving to meet the needs of its ever-changing student population.

Photo courtesy of OTC

Evangel University

Valor represents the values instilled in each of the 2,300 students enrolled annually at Evangel University. This Assemblies of God university has a beautifully landscaped campus featuring 9,000 tulips that bloom—and draw in visitors—each spring. On campus, you’ll find theatre, events and sports, with “Carl the Clocktower” at the center!

Photo courtesy of Evangel College

Southwest Baptist University

The Southwest Baptist University Bearcats are racking up the honors as a College of Distinction, one of America’s Best Christian Colleges and one of America’s 100 Best College Buys. SBU in Bolivar enrolls 1,600 on-campus and 1,000 off-campus students annually. The main campus is 152 acres with a beautiful Ozarks backdrop, and other campus sites are in Springfield, Salem and Mountain View.

College of the Ozarks

On your day trip to Branson, stop at College of the Ozarks to learn why it’s dubbed “Hard Work U.” C of O at Point Lookout provides opportunities for students to work on campus to pay for education, with the remainder of tuition covered by scholarships. Enjoy a student-prepared meal at the award-winning Dobyns Dining Room, stop by the bakery and mill for student-made items, and check out the Ralph Foster Museum showcasing memorabilia from around the Ozarks.

FIND YOUR FUSION

Drury University, a small private university located in Springfield, Missouri, offers students a bold new academic experience – one that breaks the mold of single majors and rigid formulas. Your Drury Fusion is our innovative academic program, fusing students’ professional goals and personal passions through practical, real-world experiences, hands-on learning, holistic advising, and pragmatic professional and life credentials. It empowers students to go beyond anything they’ve ever done. Yet.

Learn more at drury.edu/fusion

Universities and Colleges

College of the Ozarks

100 Opportunity Ave., Point Lookout (800) 222-0525 cofo.edu C of O is a liberal arts college that aims to develop citizens of Christ-like character who are well-educated, hardworking and patriotic.

Drury University

900 N. Benton Ave., Springfield (417) 873-7879 drury.edu Drury University, a small private university, is committed to student success with a bold new academic program called Your Drury Fusion.

Evangel University

1111 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield (417) 865-2815 evangel.edu A private, Christian university of arts, sciences and professions. Schedule a visit today!

Missouri State University

901 S. National Ave., Springfield (417) 836-5000 missouristate.edu A comprehensive institution with a statewide mission in public affairs. Our purpose is to develop global citizen scholars.

Ozarks Technical Community

College

1001 E. Chestnut Expwy., Springfield (417) 447-7500 otc.edu As Missouri’s third-largest community college, OTC offers more than 60 degree programs and 40 certificate programs.

Southwest Baptist University

1600 University Ave., Bolivar (800) 526-5859 sbuniv.edu A distinctively Christian private university offering more than 100 areas of study on four campuses and online.