Northwest Missouri State University

International students reach their highest potential at Northwest Missouri State University. Guided by highly qualified faculty, they can explore their passions, develop their skills, and experience profession-based learning.

Established in 1905, Northwest Missouri State University is located in Maryville, Missouri. All learners at Northwest are ‘Bearcats' and instantly become members of the friendly and safe local community.

The university offers over 125 undergraduate majors and programs, as well as 5 on-campus master's programs. Departments include agriculture, business, education, and computer science and information systems, where students have many exciting study options to pick from. The Career Services hosts an Exploring Majors fair which helps students decide what program of study is best for them.

International students benefit from:

• 96% graduate prospects rate
• 200+ clubs and organizations
• Average of USD 5,848 in financial aid
• Savings of USD 7,200 through the textbook and laptop program.

International students benefit from extensive support throughout their studies, including academic advising, counseling, and wellness services. They can also utilize the university's sports and fitness facilities and enjoy various delicious food options. Several accommodation options are available, ensuring all international students find their ideal home away from home.

Northwest Missouri State University programs are career-focused, meaning students gain the skills and experiences required to have a competitive edge in the tough graduate job market.

Schools and departments at Maryville:

Agricultural Sciences

Students explore their interests in the agriculture, food, and fiber industries, with a focus on current and emerging technologies.

Booth School of Business

Programs equip learners with critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills while preparing them for careers in international business, marketing, finance, economics, accounting and management.

Communication and Mass Media

Northwest's campus radio and television stations allow students in these majors to apply classroom learning before starting careers in entertainment, video, radio, online arts, and recording industries.

Computer Science and Information Systems

Hands-on programs prepare students for professional leadership roles in computer programming, cyber and information systems.

Education

With an on-site lab school, the department prepares students for careers in all areas of education, from Early Childhood through Secondary, including Ed Leadership and Special Education.

Fine and Performing Arts

Performance, classroom, and industry opportunities are available for future professionals in art, music, and theatre.

Health Science and Wellness

There are many health and wellness fields to explore, including recreation, nutrition, counseling, physical education, and psychology.

Humanities and Social Sciences

Students can access a broad and liberal education through areas such as Emergency and Disaster Management, Political Science, Geography, and Criminology.

Language, Literature, and Writing

Programs prepare students for careers that involve innovative and critical thinking, effective communication and cultural understanding.

Mathematics and Statistics

Learners are able to gain skills essential for careers utilizing mathematics and statistics while being taught by mathematicians.

Natural Sciences

With access to fully equipped labs, BA students work closely with professors, gaining research skills in biology, geology, chemistry, physics, and nanoscale science.

To apply and be admitted to Northwest Missouri State University, international students need to supply the following by the application deadline:

• Application fee of USD 75
• Official academic transcripts from all secondary and post-secondary institutions
• Passport copy
• Bank statement
• Northwest statement of support form
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Transfer recommendation form (if a transfer student)
• GRE score reports (for certain graduate programs)
• ACT or SAT scores (not required for admissions; only for UG Merit Scholarship consideration).

Non-native English speakers must submit an English language test score, which must meet the following minimum requirements (or equivalent):

• TOEFL – 61 undergraduate, 71/79 graduate
• IELTS – 5.5 undergraduate, 6.0/6.5 graduate
• PTE – 44 undergraduate, 53 graduate
• C1 Advanced – 162 undergraduate, 169/176 graduate
• Duolingo – 90 undergraduate, 95/100 graduate.

Several scholarships are available for international students at Northwest, and are renewable annually based on Northwest grade point average. Northwest does not have an early scholarship deadline. Northwest offers the following international awards:

Northwest International Achievement Scholarship

Undergraduates may be eligible for a renewable award of USD 6,950 per year, based on the English Proficiency Exam score for non-English speakers or high school GPA for native English speakers. They must have graduated from a non-English speaking school and have an English language proficiency of:

• TOEFL – 65
• IELTS – 6.0
• PTE – 50
• C1 Advanced – 169
• Duolingo – 95
• TOEIC – 624
• GTEC – 1119
• iTEP – 3.7

Northwest Academic Merit Scholarship

The Northwest Merit Scholarship is available to first-time freshmen who have achieved certain SAT/ACT scores and high school grade point average. Award levels are:

• Distinguished Scholar – USD 4,000
• Academic Excellence – USD 3,000
• Tower Scholar – USD 2,000
• University Scholar – USD 1,500
• Northwest Merit – USD 1,000

Transfer scholarships

Transfer students may be eligible for the Northwest International Achievement Scholarship (NIAS) and Transfer Merit Award, a total of USD 8000-10,500, if they meet the transferable credit and GPA requirements.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Scholarship

First-time freshmen may be eligible for an award of USD 1,000 in recognition of an IB Diploma.

International Graduate Achievement Scholarship for CS/IS Students

A first-term award of USD 500 given to all MS-ACS and MS-IS students. Non-renewable.

Academic support

Located in the Library, the Student Success Center is where all students can access support for their learning and academic growth. Services include in the following areas:

• Academic advising and success coaching
• Individual or group tutoring
• Orientation
• Retention
• Academic recovery
• First-year experience.

International Center & Support

There's plenty of support for international students at Northwest. Northwest's International Involvement Center (IIC) staff supports students throughout their time with Northwest — from the application and orientation process, advising and campus activities to the OPT application process. Additionally, Friends of International Students (FIS) matches students with a local family, which gives them support when moving to a new country and settling into a new culture. The IIC also advises and supports several student organizations, plans campus events throughout the year, hosts the First Friday Culture Talks, and holds the international coffee hour, where Northwest students, faculty, and staff enjoy coffee, international teas, and cookies every other Wednesday.

Wellness services

The university's wellness service provides high-quality care through services such as:

• Health education
• Counseling
• Outpatient clinical services
• Public health services
• COVID testing and vaccines.

Northwest's main campus is based in Maryville, which was named one of the top 25 safest college towns in America by SafeWise.

The university's police department works hard to ensure the campus community is kept safe. It's made up of highly-trained officers who work 24 hours a day, every day throughout the year. They work closely with other departments and university offices, as well as local law enforcement agencies.

Safety services include:

• Emergency phone system – university police handle both emergency and non-emergency calls
• Safe Ride Home program – a transportation service within Maryville that students can use to get around the local area safely
• Late-night taxi service – for students who feel unsafe traveling after dark
• Crisis Manager Mobile App – a smartphone app that informs the community if there is a crisis and gives advice for emergency situations.

New Agricultural Learning Center

It's an exciting time for students in the School of Agricultural Sciences. Northwest Missouri State University is now home to a USD 11.4 million Agricultural Learning Center, a 29,000 square foot facility equipped with:

• Laboratory
• Kitchen
• Exposition space
• Classrooms
• Offices

The center will provide more opportunities for enrollment and program growth, as well as research and scholarly activities. It will also host public and private functions, industry meetings, workshops, career events, and shows. It's part of the Forever Green campaign.

COVID-19 response

Northwest's priority during the coronavirus pandemic is ensuring that all students, staff, and visitors are safe. New students can feel confident that the university has been following health advice and robust plans are in place to ensure campus safety. Students can find information via the university's coronavirus FAQs.