Freshman Admission

First Time In College (First-time Freshmen)

Step 1: Apply for admission. 

Step 2: Send high school transcript (or HiSET/GED results) to Missouri Western State University. High school transcripts should include a minimum of six semesters of work (a final copy is required after graduation). 

Step 3: Optional: Send official ACT/SAT results (ACT code: 2344, SAT code: 6625) to Missouri Western State University. The results must be directly from your high school or ACT/SAT. ACT/SAT test results are no longer required for admission but may be used for automatic scholarships and course placement. If you do not have ACT/SAT scores, placement tests may be required in some subjects. 

Step 4: Send official college transcripts for ALL dual enrollment/dual credit courses taken in high school. Transcripts must be sent from the college/university through which credit was granted. Transcripts must include all semesters attended and each course attempted with associated grades.

Automatic, Full-time Admission Criteria

Regular admission will be granted to first-time students who have a 2.5 high school GPA on a 4.0 scale.

Applicants who don't meet the 2.5 high school GPA may be granted regular admission if they meet the requirements in the following sliding scale:

  • 18 or Higher ACT (960 or Higher SAT1) AND 2.00 GPA or higher.
1

SAT based on sum of math and evidence-based reading and writing scores

Students 20 Years or Older

Applicants who meet one of the following criteria will be granted automatic, regular admission to the University:

  • High school graduate with 2.0 GPA or higher
  • 75 HiSET or higher
  • 680 GED or higher (no sub score lower than 150)
  • 21 ACT (1060 SAT*) or higher

Griffon Pathways Students

Freshman applicants who fall below automatic admission guidelines may be admitted as a Griffon Pathways student. The Griffon Pathways program is designed to help students strengthen academic skills needed for success at Missouri Western. Griffon Pathways students will receive specialized advising during Griffon Orientation, free tutoring, and multiple check-ins from staff.

High School Core Classes

Missouri Western State University wants students to succeed, so students need to prepare themselves academically for college and university level classes. Data demonstrates that students who have completed the following high school program are more likely to succeed in college. Listed below are the high school courses highly recommended for college-bound students:

  • 4 units of English, one of which may be speech or debate; two units must emphasize composition or writing.
  • 4 units of mathematics, including Algebra I, II and Geometry.
  • 3 units of sciences, including at least one lab science.
  • 3 units of social sciences.
  • 1 unit of visual/performing arts.
  • 3 units of electives, selected from foreign language and combinations of the above courses. Two units of foreign language are strongly recommended.

First-Year Housing Requirement

To enhance academic success, Missouri Western requires students who have not previously attended this University and are taking 12 or more credit hours to reside in University housing their first two semesters unless they meet at least one of the following criteria for exception:

  • Are living with a parent, grandparent or legal guardian within a 50 mile radius of St. Joseph.
  • Are 21 years of age by the beginning of the academic year for which they are enrolling.
  • Are a military veteran.
  • Have completed more than 30 credit hours (not including high school classes taken for college credit).
  • Are married and/or reside with dependent children.

All first-year students must have either a housing contract or a granted waiver request on file with the Office of Residential Life. Failure to have a granted housing waiver on file will result in a room charge being placed on the student's account.

Misrepresenting or Falsifying Information

Any student who misrepresents, falsifies or withholds required information will be referred to the Admissions and Graduation Committee for review and appropriate action. Such action may result in being denied admission to Missouri Western or immediate dismissal from Missouri Western. The University reserves the right to investigate and review the records of any prospective student to determine the applicant's eligibility to enroll.