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Affordable, valuable and accessible – so you can be every you.
Affordable, valuable and accessible – so you can be every you.
We’ll help you understand tuition, scholarships, grants and loans, so you can access a college education as dynamic as you are.
Be every you.

Cost, Aid & Affordability of Northwest Missouri State University

Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to. Northwest can help you understand your costs and explore ways to offset them through scholarships, grants and financial aid.

Earn in-state tuition – even if you live out of state.

Earn in-state tuition – even if you live out of state.

Qualifying out-of-state students with a 2.75 GPA or higher may be eligible for in-state tuition through the Bearcat Advantage. See current eligibility details, award amount and renewal requirements.

Explore Bearcat Advantage Eligibility

Merit-Based & Test-Optional Scholarships

Merit-Based & Test-Optional Scholarships

Many first-time freshmen are automatically considered for merit scholarships when they apply. Award amounts vary by academic profile.

View First-Time Freshmen Scholarship Details

Northwest Promise

Northwest Promise

The Northwest Promise covers 100% of tuition and fees for eligible students from families with an income of $65,000 or less.

Check Northwest Promise Eligibility

It's FAFSA Time!

It's FAFSA Time!

Filing the FAFSA can help you access need-based aid, scholarships and federal loans. The 2025–26 FAFSA is now available – apply today.

View the FAFSA Guide

Tuition & Costs

Note: Tuition and fees vary by credit hours, academic program, and other factors. Figures shown here are estimates for the year. Northwest awards nearly $25 million in scholarships and grants each year.


While paying for college may be challenging, Northwest offers nearly $25 million in scholarships and grants.

Estimated Direct Expense for Undergraduate Students
(based on 30 credit hours)

In-State Out-of-State International
$25,545 $33,936 $34,716
See what’s included in this estimate

 

Tuition Fee based on the Graduate Program
(based on 18 credit hours)

Business Program CSIS Program Other Programs
$10,484 $10,443 $9,399

Compare graduate tuition rates by program

What do students pay on average?

What do students pay on average?

$14,197
First-year student net price (total for the whole year).

What's Net Price?

A net price is an estimate of the actual cost you and your family need to pay in a year to cover education expenses for you to attend a particular college or career school. It is the institution's cost of attendance minus any grants and scholarships for which you may be eligible. Your net price depends on your financial aid and scholarships. Use the calculator for a personalized estimate.

Estimate your net price

Explore Scholarships

Explore Scholarships

Scholarships that celebrate your hard work.

Find merit-based, need-based, and program-specific scholarships that can make Northwest more affordable.

Explore Scholarship Options

Textbooks & Laptop Included

Textbooks & Laptop Included

No need to buy, sell or rent textbooks. Eligible students receive textbooks and a laptop as part of the Northwest experience.

See what's included

What is a college degree worth?

Financially

A college degree can be worth millions throughout one’s career. For example, a study by the U.S. Census Bureau showed the lifetime earnings of someone with a high school degree topped out, on average, at $1.2 million. A bachelor’s degree secured an average lifetime earnings of $2.1 million.

Civic engagement

75% of bachelor’s degree holders vote compared to 52% of those with a high school diploma. Those with a bachelor’s degree are two times more likely to volunteer, and charitable contributions are 3.5 times higher than high school-educated peers.

Job security

People with degrees are more valued in their jobs than those who don't have one. If there is a need for a layoff, those with lower qualifications are targeted. Studies show during an economic recession, those with a high school diploma and fewer skills suffer job cuts.

Physical health

College graduates have better self-reported health than high school graduates. Individuals with more education are less likely to report heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, anxiety and depression. Furthermore, individuals with more education are more likely to exercise, drink less alcohol and seek preventive health care when needed.


Maximize Your Financial Aid