Higher Education

Jefferson City is a hub of higher education, offering diverse opportunities for academic and professional growth. The city takes pride in its institutions, which cater to a broad spectrum of interests and career aspirations.

Associates Degree or Higher, Age 25+ (2017-2021, Census Bureau)

Bachelor's Degree or Higher, Age 25+ (2017-2021, Census Bureau)

approximate number of students enrolled annually

amount Missouri students were awarded grants and scholarships during 2021-22 (MO DHEWD)

begin or continue your education here

Jefferson City stands as a vibrant center for higher education, offering a diverse array of programs and institutions that empower individuals to achieve their academic and professional aspirations. Whether starting a new academic journey or advancing a career, the city provides a welcoming environment for educational growth and success.

Colleges & Universities

Lincoln University

Lincoln University is a prestigious institution of higher education with a rich history dating back to 1866. The university’s mission is to empower its students through more than 40 undergraduate and nine graduate degree programs that prepare them for success in an ever-changing world. A diverse and welcoming campus community with an enrollment around 1,800 students promotes a multicultural learning environment. In fulfilling its land-grant mission, the university is committed to research and innovation that contributes to advancements in food safety, plant and animal sciences, and multiple other fields. Extension sites in St. Louis, Kansas City, and Southeast Missouri provide programming for underserved populations in those areas. Beyond academics, Lincoln University provides a vibrant and engaging backdrop for students to tailor their college experience to their individual needs and aspirations.

Learn more about Lincoln University ↗

colleges & Universities

state fair community college

State Fair Community College (SFCC), voted the Best Technical College in Missouri, has more than 50 degree and certificate options and provides relevant and responsive learning experiences that empower our students and communities to prosper.

Whether you are looking for a certificate or degree in the Health Sciences or Technical Careers, or you want to earn an associate degree that transfers your credits to a four-year college or university, SFCC is where you can do that!

In addition to online programs, SFCC has campuses in Boonville, Clinton, Eldon, Lake of the Ozarks, Sedalia, and Whiteman Air Force Base. Now, with the Connect Blue program, SFCC is available to students in Jefferson City at Lincoln University (LU).

Jefferson City area students enrolled in Connect Blue can enroll in courses at LU and State Fair Community College concurrently. This means that students who want to earn an associate degree from SFCC can transfer to a bachelor’s degree program at LU as a student enrolled at both institutions – students can work toward an associate degree and a bachelor degree at the same time.

State Fair Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. All campus locations are smoke- and tobacco-free.

Learn more about SFCC ↗

Colleges & Universities

Columbia College

Columbia College has been helping students advance their lives through higher education for more than 170 years. As a private, nonprofit institution founded in Columbia, Missouri, the college takes pride in its small classes, experienced faculty and quality educational programs. Students can enroll in Day, Evening or Online classes, or at locations nationwide, including in Jefferson City. A proud part of the community, Columbia College-Jefferson City has offered convenient courses to civilians and military learners for nearly 50 years, utilizing its national network and robust Online Program. The venue provides unique educational opportunities to working adults through its diverse degree offerings and eight-week course format. Columbia College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees and certificates that prepare students for meaningful careers. The college educates more than 9,000 students each year overall and has more than 97,000 alumni worldwide.

Learn more about Columbia College ↗

Colleges & Universities

William Woods University

William Woods University (WWU) is a private, liberal arts institution that delivers quality education to its students. Founded in 1870, WWU is located in Fulton, Missouri on a scenic campus of 225 acres with two lakes and abundant greenery. “The Woods” offers a variety of academic programs, from certificates to doctoral degrees, with specializations in equestrian studies, American sign language, education, and business. In addition, our Woods Global Online campus offers industry relevant certificates and more than 30 fully online programs, from associate to doctoral degrees. The University welcomed the largest incoming class of new students in its 153-year history in 2023, and currently has an overall enrollment of just over 1,500 students.

Dedicated to collaborating with organizations and communities to meet the workforce demands and challenges of the 21st century, William Woods can help you reach your goals, whether you are seeking a new occupation, career advancement, or a lifelong learning opportunity. At WWU, you will experience a student-centered environment that promotes personal growth, academic excellence, and professional development.

With more than 40 on-campus programs, students enjoy a comprehensive campus experience with more than 26 NAIA sports, seven nationally recognized fraternities and sororities, and our acclaimed LEAD program.

Learn more about William Woods University ↗

technical colleges

state technical college of Missouri

Why State Tech? Because, State Tech is “the Employers’ Choice.”

State Tech has a 99% job placement rate, and did you know, that 10 years into their career, a State Tech graduate will have a higher salary than graduates from most regional 4-year universities?

State Technical College of Missouri is Missouri’s Premier Technical College, where we are proud to be known as “The Employers’ Choice.”

State Tech has more than 50 labs across campus, including: computer labs, a golf course, machine shops, an aviation hangar, automotive service bays, agricultural farms and health science labs. This is where State Tech excels, providing our students with a hands-on education you can’t get anywhere else. These are all reasons why we like to say “From the Classroom to Your Career, We are the Employers’ Choice… We are State Tech!”

Learn more about State Tech ↗

Technical colleges

Ranken Technical college

Ashland, MO is now home to Ranken Technical College’s newest facility, Ranken-Central Missouri, where students can learn skills in Welding, Carpentry, IT, Industrial Engineering and more. Here, students learn by doing, spending 75% or more of their class time learning skills through practical work rather than through textbooks and lectures.

As a private, non-profit technical college, Ranken specializes in hands-on training in the areas of Automotive, Construction, Electrical, IT, and Manufacturing. Ranken’s main location in St. Louis, MO was founded in 1907 and has been a mainstay in technical education throughout the Midwest for more than a century. Since then, 4 new locations have been added throughout Missouri: Ranken-Southeast in Perryville, Ranken-West in Troy and Wentzville, and Ranken-Central MO in Ashland.

Through a robust network of employer partners, Ranken works to ensure that students are being trained on the exact skills that companies are hiring for. These partnerships have resulted in a 98% job placement rate, with many students securing their first job before they even graduate.

Learn more about Ranken Technical College ↗

ADDITIONAL Nearby ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS

University of Missouri – Columbia, MO
Merrell University of Beauty Arts & Science – Jefferson City, MO
Westminster College – Fulton, MO
Central Methodist University – Fayette, MO
Missouri University of Science and Technology – Rolla, MO