Missouri State University - Springfield

As with most things, you will get out of your education what you put in. If you breeze through to get out and get a degree with mediocrity, then that's what will meet you when you're done. At SMS, there are PLENTY of opportunities to gain experience and knowledge outside of the classroom that will put you ahead of the rest of the pack. For journalism students, there are opportunities with a student newspaper (which I did, which provided INVALUABLE experience!), a radio station, television station and magazine. The same is true for most other programs. SMS itself is a beautiful campus and there is ALWAYS something going on. Springfield is a great town, and although I've moved around several times in my life, I plan on moving back there very soon to possible settle down. I had no problems getting a job...as a matter of fact, I received three job offers before I had even graduated, and all the jobs were entry level journalist positions...I had my pick of three jobs!! Work hard, get involved and make the most of it! I did, and gained so much from my four years at SMS that I've now applied for grad school to go for a Master's Degree. Go Bears!

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000

SMSU is a well maintained campus with a majority of friendly, helpful, professors. The classes are not difficult, but are decent overall.

3rd Year Male -- Class 2004

Campus Aesthetics: A, Extracurricular Activities: C+

Make sure you know what professors you are taking for your classes or at least find out about them on the Rate Your Professor website. It will make your life so very much easier, because for most classes at SMSU there is at least one teacher that is very, very easy. Campus is nice, as are the facilities, but parking for off-campus students is a pain. Springfield can get very boring at times too.

4th Year Male -- Class 2002

Innovation: A+, Individual Value: F