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How to use the Study Abroad Cost Calculator
- 1Choose a country. For the US, pick the state, city and type of university (community college, public or private).
- 2Choose your level of study, lifestyle and number of years.
- 3Enter the tuition from your offer letter or I-20 if you have it, and review the yearly cost, the likely range and the total.
Tuition in Missouri for international students
International students pay the out-of-state (non-resident) rate at public universities. In Missouri that averages $28,850 a year in 2025-26, compared with $13,090 for state residents. The national average is $31,880.
Fees differ widely between universities: flagship and research universities usually charge more than regional campuses, so check each university's own cost of attendance.
| Type of university | Typical tuition per year |
|---|---|
| Community college (international rate) | about $10,000 |
| Public university, out-of-state (Missouri average) | $28,850 |
| Private nonprofit university (US average) | $45,000 |
Yearly budget to study in Missouri
Tuition plus 12 months of living costs and health insurance (about $2,500 a year). Budget = sharing with two other students; average = sharing with one; comfortable = your own apartment.
| University type | Budget | Average | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community college | $26,004 | $29,849 | $37,387 |
| Public university | $44,854 | $48,699 | $56,237 |
| Private university | $61,004 | $64,849 | $72,387 |
Living costs in Missouri
Across Missouri's metro areas, a typical home rents for about $1,130 a month (Zillow), so a student sharing with one other person pays around $565 a month for housing. Food, transport, books and personal costs add about $881 a month; prices in Missouri are 9.2% below the US average.
In total, expect about $1,446 a month for an average student lifestyle.
Missouri vs neighboring states
A year at a public university (out-of-state tuition, average lifestyle, 12 months):
| State | Out-of-state tuition | Living per month | Total per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | $23,910 | $1,504 | $44,464 |
| Oklahoma | $25,310 | $1,429 | $44,960 |
| Kansas | $26,070 | $1,394 | $45,304 |
| Kentucky | $26,970 | $1,463 | $47,025 |
| Arkansas | $27,630 | $1,417 | $47,133 |
| Tennessee | $26,700 | $1,578 | $48,141 |
| Missouri ★ | $28,850 | $1,446 | $48,699 |
| Iowa | $31,510 | $1,421 | $51,064 |
| Illinois | $30,770 | $1,536 | $51,696 |
Cost of studying in each US state
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost an international student to study in Missouri?
About $48,699 a year at a public university (out-of-state tuition $28,850, living about $17,349, insurance $2,500). A private university is closer to $64,849 and a community college about $29,849. That makes Missouri the 15th cheapest of the 50 states and DC for a public-university year.
How much money do I need to show for an F-1 visa?
Your university's I-20 lists the estimated cost for one academic year (tuition plus living costs), and you must show funds to cover at least that amount, usually with bank statements, a sponsor letter or a scholarship letter.
Can I work while studying in the US?
On an F-1 visa you can work up to 20 hours a week on campus during term and full time in breaks. Off-campus work is only allowed through CPT or OPT, so plan to cover your costs without relying on a job.
