About Joplin

Missouri Southern State University – a great place to live and learn.

Missouri Southern serves over 6,200 students studying from more than 140 academic programs and is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Top 10 universities in the nation for out-of-state tuition affordability. This fall, enrollment records were set in the number of out-of-state students, graduate students and international students. The university also recorded its second-largest freshman class of all time.

Students can enjoy our outstanding athletics programs, award-winning internationally themed semesters, a variety of performers and guest lecturers, and enriching cultural events in theater, art and music – both at the university and in Downtown Joplin.

The campus is located in Joplin, Mo. – a community of more than 50,000 people with a service area of 400,000. Missouri’s fourth-largest metropolitan area, Joplin is located only two hours from Kansas City, Tulsa, Springfield, Fayetteville and Branson – cities that offer a plethora of entertainment and recreation opportunities.

Joplin is also a great place to live if you love the outdoors. We’re close to Missouri’s famous Ozark Mountains, as well as numerous rivers, lakes, parks and hiking trails. There are a number of outdoor, sporting and family activities to enjoy in this part of the country.

We hope you’ll consider making Joplin your home and becoming part of the innovative Yours to Lose program.

Your medical school career is just a few years away, so apply today – and prepare for your tomorrow.

Explore Joplin!

MSSU’s spacious 365-acre campus is located on the northeast side of Joplin, Missouri. MSSU’s campus is just walking distance from Northpark Mall and a short drive from a rejuvenated and remodeled downtown.

There are plenty of things to do beyond the borders of campus:

Join in walking downtown Main Street every month for a culture fair called “Third Thursday”
Attend concerts, art showings, live theater and movies
Get involved and volunteer in the Joplin community
Enjoy go-karts, batting cages, painting classes, bowling alleys, mini golf, hiking and bike trails, skating and more!
Attend professional and pre-professional sporting events in town by watching the Joplin Crusaders (football) or Joplin Demize (American Soccer)

There’s always something fun to do!

From franchises and big-name stores to independently owned restaurants and shops – Joplin has hundreds of options for you!

Campus Life

Missouri Southern offers a variety of housing options for students interested in living on campus.

Private-style rooms, apartment units, suites and traditional-style accommodations are available. The Quads – the new residence hall complex which opened in Fall 2015 – offers four-bedroom configurations in each of the 51 student apartments.

All residence options include cable, internet, heating and air, twin XL beds, desks and chairs. Laundry facilities are located in the Mayes Student Life Center, Blaine Hall, McCormick Hall and Stegge Hall at no charge – just bring your university ID for access. The Quads come equipped with a washer and dryer.

For more information about housing, visit www.mssu.edu/residence-life.

Students are also offered plenty of activities and programming to stay active. The Residence Hall Association offers a number of fun events throughout the year, from Super Bowl and holiday celebrations to water wars, skate nights and more. The Campus Activities Board brings in a variety of entertainers each semester, such as magicians, comedians and music acts.

The beautiful Beimdiek Recreation Center, located in Billingsly Student Center, provides 71,000-square feet of exercise space, including weight and cardio exercise areas, an elevated walking/jogging track, multi-purpose hardwood courts, aerobic workout rooms and modern locker rooms.