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Truman State University

Kirksville, Missouri · Public

Ranked #7 US News
$12k/yearCost after aid

FindU Grade

B+Value
N/ACampus
A-Academics
CAdmissions
B-Student Life
B+Overall

About

Truman State University is located in Kirksville, Missouri. It is a public institution. The university enrolls approximately 2,666 students.

truman.edu

Cost and aid

True cost

Great value
$12kper year

Compared to $17k national average

Cost breakdown

In-state tuition$9,470
Out-of-state tuition$17,870
Room & board$10,701
Avg aid package$10,904
Students receiving aid15%
Pell grant recipients15%

Truman State University offers a high-quality education at an accessible and affordable price, with over half of its students graduating debt-free. The university is consistently recognized in national publications for its value, and 99% of students receive financial aid. As of 2025, U.S. News & World Report ranked Truman #11 in Best Value Schools among Midwest Regional Universities.

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Admissions

Test scores

SAT · middle 50%1126–1318
4001600
ACT · middle 50%23–29
136

Application info

Acceptance rate80%
Average GPA3.76
Student–faculty ratio12:1
Test optionalYes
Common AppYes
Application fee$0

Truman State University employs a holistic review process for freshman admission, considering academic record, standardized test scores (optional), a mandatory application essay, resume, and extracurricular record. The university has a selectivity rating of 90 out of 99, with an 80% acceptance rate. Successful applicants typically have a strong high school GPA and a well-rounded profile.

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Academics

Graduation rate70%
Retention rate84%
Student–faculty ratio12:1
Full-time faculty85%

Truman State University distinguishes itself with a public liberal arts and sciences curriculum designed to uncover students' passions and unlock their potential. The university combines foundational principles with dynamic experiential learning to develop multidimensional professionals. With a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio and 67% of classes having fewer than 20 students, Truman offers a personalized academic experience.

Outcomes

Median earnings (10 yrs)$56,280
Avg starting salary$58,200
Job placement rate97%
Earn more than HS grad78%
Economic mobility75%
Loan default (3 yr)3%
Loan repayment (3 yr)77%

Truman State University prepares students for meaningful careers and fulfilling lives, emphasizing a liberal arts and sciences curriculum. The Career Center assists students and alumni with career exploration, skill development, and connecting with employers. Graduates are well-equipped to step into full-time and internship positions across diverse academic fields.

Student life

Demographics

Small School
2,666Student size

Compared to 5,382 national average

More femaleGender ratio
Female 59%Male 41%
79% WhiteRacial diversity
White 79%Hispanic 3%Asian 2%Black 2%Other 14%
Greek lifeYes
Campus housingYes

Truman State University offers a vibrant and diverse campus community with over 200 clubs and organizations. Students enjoy a close-knit environment where they are accepted for who they are and challenged to become the person they want to be. Greek life is also a prominent feature, with approximately 20% of students affiliated with a social Greek organization.

Student reviews

Campus and vibes

Freshman

My experience at Truman State hasn’t been great so far. When you look at the education versus cost, it’s actually pretty affordable for what you get. But honestly, the mental health of a lot of students is really struggling, and the campus feels like it's full of depression, anxiety, and other issues. There's this vibe where students act all high and mighty, constantly putting each other down.

Senior

Coming to Truman was the best decision I have ever made. It has helped me grow as a person and a leader tremendously and has given me a great education. The staff here wants to see you succeed and is always willing to lend a helping hand. Truman’s smaller campus creates a homey feeling, everything is also super close to each other so it’s maybe a 10 minute MAX walk across campus.

Sophomore

I have been able to be successful and comfortable here. Everybody is accepted. My professors help me daily to be successful. The campus is beautiful and there are always things to do. I'm from out of state and being able to be accepted and to fit in has been great.

Sophomore

I like the committees I've been able to join. The dorms and residence halls have helped me meet many people. There is always something good in the dining hall to eat. The hours of professors has been to access and they never stop trying to support me.

Student

Truman State is a small liberal arts college that is what you make of it. It has great opportunities for student involvement including greek life, service and faith based organization. It is a very safe school and town that has the ability to make anyone feel at home.

Cost and value

Senior

If you are looking at going to an affordable school and getting a quality education I would recommend getting a campus tour. The tour guides are awesome and really helped solidify my decision to come to Truman.

Student

Its academic capacity is also very good for its relatively low price.

About Truman State University

Truman State University provides a safe campus environment with various security measures in place. The university offers 24-hour security patrol, campus emergency phones, and a mobile campus emergency alert system. While specific details on crime statistics vary across sources, Truman is generally considered a safe school and town.

Truman State University offers an Honors Scholar Program designed for students seeking depth, breadth, and academic rigor in the liberal arts and sciences. The program requires completing five approved courses in mathematics, science, humanities, and social science, with a minimum GPA of 3.5 in these courses. Departmental Honors are also available in several disciplines for outstanding majors.

Truman State University welcomes students from across the nation and internationally, representing 49 countries. The university recognizes outstanding academic performance and extracurricular involvement by offering a significant scholarship program for international students. International students contribute to the campus's diverse community and benefit from a supportive environment.

Endowment$62,112,973
Avg faculty salary$89,472

Truman State University FAQ

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Truman State University admits about 80% of applicants. But your real odds are personal. They depend on your grades, scores, and story. Answer a few quick questions and FindU calculates your match.

76%Your chances
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Your SAT 1380Admit range 1230–1480
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