Top 15 Military Friendly Colleges in Missouri

1Park University
8700 NW River Park Dr | Parkville, MO 64152

Park University, as a military-friendly college in Missouri, provides numerous scholarship opportunities tailored for military members and veterans. Additionally, the university extends special tuition rates to both undergraduate and graduate students with military affiliations.

Participating actively in the Yellow Ribbon Program, Park University offers an unlimited maximum contribution per year to 20 students.

Veterans enrolled at Park University have the chance to receive transfer credit for their military training. The retention rate for full-time students receiving military benefits stands at 72%, while part-time students maintain a retention rate of 65%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $6,336
Grad: $5,485

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 1,322
Grad: 275

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 72%
Part Time: 65%

2Webster University
470 E Lockwood Ave | Saint Louis, MO 63119

Webster University is a proud leader in supporting military students in Missouri. With over 1,000 students using GI Bill benefits, the university is committed to helping Veterans and their families succeed.

As part of the VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC) program, Webster provides resources to help Veterans and their dependents thrive in their academic journey. The university also participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, offering unlimited financial support each year for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students.

Military students at Webster can also earn transfer credit for their military training, making it easier to advance their education. Plus, with a 75% retention rate for full-time students using military benefits, Webster is dedicated to their continued success.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $9,510
Grad: $4,660

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 117
Grad: 860

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 75%
Part Time: N/A

3Columbia College
1001 Rogers Street | Columbia, MO 65216

Columbia College (CCIS) is a proud military-friendly institution with a strong commitment to supporting Veterans, service members, and their families. Through the Ousley Family Veterans Service Center, the college provides a solid support system to help military-affiliated students transition into college life.

As a Yellow Ribbon Program participant, CCIS offers unlimited financial contributions each year to an unlimited number of students. Veterans may also be eligible to transfer credits based on their military training, making it easier to advance their education.

CCIS maintains a 73% retention rate for full-time military benefit recipients, while part-time students have a 55% retention rate, reflecting the school’s dedication to military student success.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $5,839
Grad: $4,400

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 1,021
Grad: 61

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 73%
Part Time: 55%

4Washington University in St Louis
1 Brookings Drive | Saint Louis, AL 63130

Washington University in St Louis (WUSTL) is committed to the success of all military connected students. The school helps them build the attitudes and skills of lifelong learning and leadership. Its Office of Military & Veteran Services aids veterans and current service members. The office also helps dependents and survivors seeking educational benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). There are several Student Veteran Associations on campus.

WUSTL participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. It offers an unlimited number of undergrad students an unlimited max contribution per year. Grad students may get various other contribution amounts, depending on the division or school.

Veterans are eligible for transfer credit of military training. The retention rate for full time students who receive military benefits is 50%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $38,312
Grad: $24,862

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 35
Grad: 67

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 50%
Part Time: N/A

5Lindenwood University
209 S Kingshighway St | Saint Charles, MO 63301

Lindenwood University prioritizes veterans and active military members through its dedicated Veterans Affairs Center. The institution also provides an exclusive course solely accessible to veterans of the U.S. armed services. This course is designed to bolster academic success among student veterans and enhance retention rates.

Participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program, Lindenwood University extends an unrestricted maximum contribution per year to an unlimited number of students. Veterans enrolled at Lindenwood are eligible for transfer credit based on their military training.

The retention rate for full-time students receiving military benefits stands impressively high at 92%, while part-time students maintain a retention rate of 50%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $10,756
Grad: $7,550

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 167
Grad: 41

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 92%
Part Time: 50%

6Saint Louis University
1 North Grand Blvd | Saint Louis, MO 63103

Saint Louis University (SLU) recognizes the contributions of active duty and student veterans. The Student Veterans Association (SVA) helps veterans transition into academic life and civilian careers. It does so by providing a social network and support system on campus. The school participates in SALUTE Veterans Honor Society and has a campus chapter.

SLU participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program by offering 80 students up to $14,000 each, per year.

Veterans are eligible for transfer credit of military training. The retention rates for full time students who receive military benefits is 57%, while the rate for part time students is 50%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $13,799
Grad: $12,245

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 169
Grad: 58

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 57%
Part Time: 50%

7University of Missouri-Columbia
105 Jesse Hall | Columbia, MO 65211

University of Missouri Columbia (Mizzou) Veterans Center helps students and university employees who have served in the armed forces. The goal is for them to make a smooth transition to civilian college life. Mizzou also takes part in the Green Zone initiative.

This school participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. They offering an unlimited number of undergrad, graduate, and doctoral students an unlimited max contribution per year. An unlimited number of students at the College of Veterinary Medicine, the Law School, and the School of Medicine get help. They’re offered up to $2,000 each, per year.

Veterans are eligible for transfer credit of military training. The retention rate for full time students who receive military benefits is 100%, while the rate for part time students is 75%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $10,256
Grad: $10,645

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 281
Grad: 97

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 100%
Part Time: 75%

8Missouri State University-Springfield
901 S National Avenue | Springfield, MO 65897

Missouri State University Springfield (MSU) offers priority registration for veterans and military students. The school’s Veteran Student Organization (VSO) helps veterans, military, and dependents connect with each other. The Veteran Student Lounge is equipped with comfortable furniture, a kitchen area, free coffee, computers, and more.

MSU participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program by offering 500 students an unlimited max contribution per year.

Veterans are eligible for transfer credit of military training. The retention rate for full time students who receive military benefits is 76%. For part time students, the rate is 50%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $6,599
Grad: $5,362

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 177
Grad: 32

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 76%
Part Time: 50%

9University of Central Missouri
108 W South Street | Warrensburg, MO 64093

University of Central Missouri (UCMO) has a wide array of clubs and organizations for military students and veterans. The goal is to help them plug into the community and build a network. The Student Veteran Organization (SVO) is a social and network building group open to current and future students. UCMO’s Military and Veterans Success Center provides a safe and supportive place for veterans transitioning to college life.

UCMO participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. It offers an unlimited number of undergrad students an unlimited max contribution per year. An unlimited number of grad students could get up to $10,000 each, per year.

Veterans are eligible for transfer credit of military training. The retention rate for full time students who receive military benefits is 58%, while the rate for part time students is 63%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $1,740
Grad: $1,178

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 693
Grad: 89

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 58%
Part Time: 63%

10Missouri University of Science and Technology
300 W. 13th Street | Rolla, MO 65409

Missouri University of Science and Technology (MST) welcomes military and veteran students. The Student Veterans of America (SVA) chapter gives military service members and veterans resources, support, and advocacy to reach their college and career goals. The Student Veterans Resource Center also supports college success.

Missouri S&T participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. It offers an unlimited number of undergrad, graduate, and doctoral students up to $10,000 each, per year.

Veterans are eligible for transfer credit of military training. The retention rates for full time students who receive military benefits is 69%. For part time students, the rate is 50%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $10,657
Grad: $7,525

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 105
Grad: 59

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 69%
Part Time: 50%

11University of Missouri-St Louis
1 University Boulevard | Saint Louis, MO 63121

Our last military friendly college in Missouri, University of Missouri St Louis (UMSL) participates in the Green Zone initiative. Its Military and Veterans Studies Program helps current and future veterans succeed on campus. The UMSL Student Veterans Association advances the interests of vets on campus. And, it builds a community of veterans who support each other.

UMSL participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. It gives an unlimited number of undergrad, graduate, and doctoral students up to $10,000 each, per year. Plus, an unlimited number of optometry students could get an unlimited max contribution per year.

Veterans are eligible for transfer credit of military training. The retention rate for full time students who receive military benefits is 100%, while the rate for part time students is 86%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $9,198
Grad: $6,991

# of Students

Undergrad: 130
Grad: 20

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 100%
Part Time: 86%

12Ranken Technical College
4431 Finney Ave | Saint Louis, MO 63113

Ranken Technical College knows returning to school after a career in the military is a big step. The school has a dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, service members, and their families.

Ranken participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program by offering 100 undergrad students up to $2,000 each, per year.

Veterans are eligible for transfer credit of military training. The retention rate for full time students who receive military benefits is 100%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $10,693
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 129
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 100%
Part Time: N/A

13University of Missouri-Kansas City
5100 Rockhill Rd | Kansas City, MO 64110

University of Missouri Kansas City (UMKC) is honored to welcome student service members, military veterans, and their families. The At Ease Zone is staffed by student veterans who provide referrals to campus and community resources. They also assist students with information about their GI Bill benefits. The chapter motto of the UMKC Student Veterans Organization (SVO) is “Never Alone.”

UMKC participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. It offers an unlimited number of undergrad and graduate students up to $10,000 each, per year. And, it offers other various awards to professional students in the School of Dentistry, School of Law, School of Medicine, and School of Pharmacy.

Veterans are eligible for transfer credit of military training. The retention rate for full time students who receive military benefits is 68%. For part time students, the rate is 58%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $8,503
Grad: $11,543

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 166
Grad: 85

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 68%
Part Time: 58%

14 Drury University-College of Continuing Professional Studies
900 N. Benton Ave | Springfield, MO 65802

Drury University has a long tradition of providing higher ed to active military, veterans, and their families. The school was also one of the first universities in Missouri to offer evening classes for adults.

Drury participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program by offering an unlimited number of undergrad and graduate students an unlimited max contribution per year. This is offered at all locations.

Veterans are eligible for transfer credit of military training. The retention rate for full time students who receive military benefits is 89%. For part time students, the rate is 57%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $6,951
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 41
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: N/A
Part Time: N/A

15Ozarks Technical Community College

1001 E. Chestnut Expressway, Springfield, Missouri 65802

Ozarks Technical Community College offers degree, non-degree and certificate programs in several areas and has online programs as well. Some of the choices are allied health, aviation, fire science, graphic design and diesel technology.

OTC is approved for certification of students eligible to receive educational assistance from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).
Students eligible to receive Veteran’s benefits must be enrolled in a program leading to one of the following:
Certificate, Associate of Arts, Associate of Science or an Associate of Applied Science degree.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $3,364
Grad: N/A

# of Students

Undergrad: 201
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 71%
Part Time: 27%