Best Colleges in Southern Missouri?

Just starting my college search journey. I'm particularly interested in staying in southern Missouri as it's close to home and family. Any specific colleges that you guys would recommend there? Major is undecided as of now so all recommendations would be appreciated!

Certainly! Southern Missouri offers a range of colleges that could align with your preferences. Here are three institutions you might want to consider:

1. Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) in Joplin - MSSU offers over 140 academic programs in a wide array of disciplines, making it a great option if you're still discovering your interests. Also, MSSU emphasises international study, which could expose you to a wealth of diverse experiences even while you're studying close to home.

2. Drury University in Springfield - This private liberal arts college provides a comprehensive approach to education, combining the liberal arts and sciences, and pre-professional programs. Drury has a unique program called "Your Drury Fusion" that blends professional learning, life skills, and intellectual interests to prepare students for various careers or graduate studies.

3. Missouri State University in Springfield - As one of the largest universities in the state, Missouri State offers a great variety of academic programs to explore which is useful for students who haven't decided on a major yet. This school also has numerous opportunities for student involvement on campus, which can further enrich your college experience.

Remember, choosing a college requires considering various factors beyond location – affordability, academic programs, campus culture, student life, etc. So, I highly recommend visiting these mentioned colleges, exploring their academic programs and financial arrangements, and interacting with students and staff if possible. This will give you a good feel of which environment will be the best fit for you.