ST. LOUIS – Washington University in St. Louis topped the list of Missouri’s best colleges for 2026, according to new rankings from Niche.com, a site that compiles education data and student reviews to evaluate institutions nationwide.
The rankings are based on a “rigorous analysis” of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of student reviews. Niche evaluates schools across categories including academics, value, diversity, campus, athletics, professors and student life, assigning each an overall grade.
Here are the 10 best colleges in Missouri, according to Niche:
1. Washington University in St. Louis (WashU)
With an overall grade of A+, WashU claimed the top spot. The private research university is known for strong academics, world-class faculty and a vibrant student life with more than 450 clubs and organizations. WashU is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need without loans.
2. College of the Ozarks
Earning an A overall grade, College of the Ozarks is a small, private Evangelical school located in Oliver Township. Admissions are highly competitive, with only 15% of applicants admitted. Popular majors include business, psychology and animal sciences. The college is also known for its “Hard Work U” program, in which students work on campus to offset tuition.
3. University of Missouri (Mizzou)
The state’s largest university earned an A- overall. With more than 30,000 students, Mizzou offers extensive opportunities for research, student organizations, and athletics. It is a member of the Association of American Universities, a distinction shared by only 37 public universities in the U.S.
4. Saint Louis University (SLU)
Founded in 1818, SLU is among the nation’s oldest Catholic universities. With an A- grade overall, SLU offers programs on both its St. Louis and Madrid, Spain, campuses. The institution is known for rigorous academics, research and a mission rooted in service.
5. University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC)
UMKC, earning an A- overall, enrolls more than 10,000 students in a range of programs. The Kansas City campus is recognized for its diversity, professional schools and location in the heart of a major metropolitan area. Popular majors include business, biology and liberal arts.
6. Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T)
Located in Rolla, Missouri S&T scored an A- overall and is widely recognized for its engineering and technology programs. The school has about 5,500 undergraduates, with mechanical engineering, information science and civil engineering among the most popular majors.
7. Maryville University of St. Louis
Maryville, a private institution west of downtown St. Louis, earned a B+ overall. The university utilizes digital innovation and hands-on learning, offering a student-centered education with a strong focus on technology.
8. University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL)
UMSL also received a B+ grade. With nearly 15,000 students, it is Eastern Missouri’s largest public research university. The campus is known for diversity, community engagement and programs that serve as an economic driver for the region.
9. Drury University
The private university in Springfield earned a B+ overall. Rooted in its Calvinist/Reformed tradition, Drury enrolls about 1,350 full-time undergraduates. The school is best known for architecture, biology and psychology, with a graduation rate of 66%.
10. Rockhurst University
Also earning a B+, Rockhurst in Kansas City is a Jesuit institution offering more than 70 degree programs. The university emphasizes education of mind, body and soul, preparing students for leadership and service.
