Southeast Missouri State University has been named one of the Top 20 Most Affordable Colleges for Out-of-State Tuition, according to U.S. News and World Report. Even more notably, SEMO is the only institution in Missouri to make that list. So, what does this mean? SEMO is the most affordable choice in the state for out-of-state students.  

For the 2025-2026 academic year, SEMO’s out-of-state tuition and fees totals $10,194. While this rate is gaining national attention, affordability isn’t just about the sticker price. Here are some other ways SEMO brings value and accessibility for out-of-state students:  

• One-Rate Tuition Nationwide: SEMO has one-rate tuition for domestic undergraduate students, meaning out-of-state students pay the same tuition as in-state students.  

• President’s Scholarship: The President’s Scholarship is SEMO’s most prestigious scholarship for in-state or out-of-state students, awarding $8,000 annually for four years. This scholarship is available to any high school student with a 4.0 cumulative GPA and a 28 ACT or 1300 SAT score or higher.  

• Copper Dome Scholarship: The Copper Dome scholarship is available to any beginning first-year student, both in-state and out-of-state, with a 2.9 cumulative GPA or higher, making 85% of students eligible.  

• Endowed Scholarships: Endowed scholarships are created by donors for you to succeed. SEMO awards nearly 2,000 endowed scholarships each year, totaling more than $3.1 million. In-state and out-of-state students are automatically considered for most awards.  

• Textbook Rental: SEMO students pay a fixed rental fee of $35 plus tax per course. This fixed rental fee does not change, even if more than one book is required for the course, saving our students more than half the price of purchased textbooks!  

Did we mention that we have no application fee? That’s right! In addition to no application fee, there is also no separate scholarship application. You’ll be automatically considered for all eligible scholarships once you apply to SEMO. If you visit campus this fall, we’ll also waive your housing deposit.  

SEMO’s tuition also covers lots of perks and resources, meaning students pay nothing additional for:  

• Athletic events: Admission is always free for SEMO students, just show your student ID at the gate.   

• Counseling Services: The Center for Behavioral Health and Accessibility provides counseling sessions by licensed counselors for free and are completely confidential.  

• Academic Support Lab: Learning Assistance Programs (LAP) offers one-on-one and small group tutoring sessions, both in-person or virtually. Students can schedule appointments through SupportNET or attend Open Lab hours.  

• Redhawk Food Pantry: Students have access to food, hygiene products, and school supplies through the Redhawk Food Pantry. Accessing the pantry is completely anonymous.  

• Student Recreation Center (SRC): The Student Recreation Center, a.k.a. the Rec Center, is available for free to all students, just scan your student ID. Here, you can use the weight room, cardio machines, participate in group fitness classes, or join an intramural sports club.  

• Student Aquatic Center: The Aquatic Center is housed in the Student Recreation Center and offers students a leisure pool, featuring a bouldering wall, four waterfalls, a zip line, rope swing, and areas for water basketball and volleyball. There is also 25-yard lap pool with six lanes and a 12-person whirlpool spa.  

Why This Matters:  

When comparing in-state vs out-of-state tuition, SEMO stands out as an exceptional value. Choosing to attend college out of your home state often means higher tuition, but not at SEMO. You can get the academic quality you expect with a rate that’s so competitive, it’s nationally recognized—and in some cases, less expensive than universities in your state.   

This recognition reflects SEMO’s mission to empower students to pursue their goals and achieve their dreams through a supportive and high-quality educational experience. Every student, regardless of their home state, has the opportunity to succeed at SEMO.    

What Should You Do Next?  

If you’re an out-of-state student considering SEMO:  

1. Start your application for admission  
2. Review scholarship opportunities 
3. Use our True Cost calculator to estimate your net cost 
4. Visit campus 
5. Celebrate that you’re looking at the most affordable out-of-state tuition option in Missouri  

APPLY TO SEMO