Truman State University: Rankings, Courses, Admissions, Tuition Fee, Cost of Attendance & Scholarships

Truman State University: Rankings, Courses, Admissions, Tuition Fee, Cost of Attendance & Scholarships

Kirksville, MissouriLocation
UniversitySchool type
Estd1867established year
6272enrollment
NCA
Public
9.0/10
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Study Abroad Team

Updated on - Sep 10, 2026

Truman State University is a public liberal arts and sciences institution in Kirksville, Missouri, USA. As per US News 2026, it ranks #1 Top Public School in the Midwest for the 29th consecutive year and holds #7 in the Best Regional Universities (Midwest) category.

The university enrolls approximately 3,700 students across more than 50 undergraduate majors and 12 master’s programmes, all taught in English. Popular pathways for Indian applicants include the Master of Accountancy (MAc), MA in Communication Disorders, and BS programmes in Business Administration, Nursing, Computer Science, and Health Sciences. Truman State runs two campus intakes each year for international applicants, Fall (August) and Spring (January), with rolling review for most on-campus master’s programmes.

  • Ranking: #1 Top Public School Midwest (US News 2026); #7 Regional Universities Midwest
  • Acceptance rate: 84% (estimated)
  • Intakes: Fall (August) and Spring (January)
  • Out-of-state UG tuition + fees: USD 21,467 per year (INR 20.29 lakh)
  • Average freshman merit scholarship: USD 7,790 per year (INR 7.36 lakh)
  • Average PG on-campus cost: USD 25,789 per year (INR 24.37 lakh)

Also Check: MS Universities in USA for Indian Students

Truman State University keeps out-of-state tuition below USD 21,000 per year, and roughly 90% of international undergraduates receive automatic merit awards that reduce annual tuition to USD 7,000-11,000. Indian applicants must present financial proof of USD 21,622 (INR 20.43 lakh) to secure the I-20, then enter on the F-1 student visa with up to 36 months of OPT eligibility for STEM graduates.


Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 94.5 as of September 2026

Admission Status: Open (Spring 2027 intake). Applications for the Spring 2027 intake close on 1 November 2026 for most on-campus undergraduate and master’s programmes. The Fall 2027 intake is also open, with the primary deadline of 1 June 2027 for on-campus programmes and 16 August 2027 for the MA in English. Communication Disorders applicants should target the priority window of 15 September 2026 for Spring and 15 February 2027 for Fall.

Popular Courses and Fees at Truman State University 2027

Truman State charges tuition on a per-credit basis for graduate programmes and a flat full-time rate for undergraduates. Most master’s programmes span 30-36 credits over 2 years, while bachelor’s programmes run 4 years. All figures below reflect 2026-27 out-of-state rates published by the Board of Governors; graduate tuition is billed at 9 credit hours per semester in the international cost sheet.

Top Master’s Programmes at Truman State University 2027

The table lists on-campus master’s programmes eligible for Indian applicants. Fully-online programmes (Counseling, Leadership, Data Science, ABA) are not open to applicants residing outside the United States.

ProgrammeTotal Fee (USD)Total Fee (INR lakh)Entry Requirement (Indian equivalent)
Master of Accountancy (MAc)32,000 to 42,00030.24 to 39.69 lakhBachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended)
MA Communication Disorders40,000 to 50,00037.80 to 47.25 lakhBachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended)
MA English32,000 to 40,00030.24 to 37.80 lakhBachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended)
MA Music32,000 to 40,00030.24 to 37.80 lakhBachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); audition
Master of Arts in Education (MAE)28,000 to 34,00026.46 to 32.13 lakhTruman bachelor’s holders only

[Source: Truman State University Board of Governors 2026-27 rates; totals modelled from 9 credit hours/semester at published international rate.]

Top Undergraduate Programmes at Truman State University 2027

Undergraduate out-of-state tuition is USD 20,297 plus USD 1,170 mandatory fees per year, giving a per-year direct cost of USD 21,467 (INR 20.29 lakh). Four-year totals below assume flat rates.

ProgrammeTotal Fee (USD)Total Fee (INR lakh)Entry Requirement (Indian equivalent)
BS Business Administration85,86881.14 lakhClass 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended)
BS Biology85,86881.14 lakhClass 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended)
BS Computer Science85,86881.14 lakhClass 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended)
BS Accounting85,86881.14 lakhClass 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended)
BSN Nursing85,86881.14 lakhClass 12 Science with 80% (recommended); IELTS 7.0

[Source: Truman State University tuition and costs 2026-27.]

Insider note: Indian applicants routinely choose the MAc for its GMAT-friendly waiver policy and STEM-designated status, and BS Business Administration for the tuition-plus-scholarship stack that lands around USD 11,000 per year for high scorers.

Read More: Truman State University Fees and Programme Guide


Truman State University Admission 2027

Truman State University admits Indian applicants for two on-campus intakes each year — Fall and Spring — with the Fall intake carrying the higher volume of international enrolments. Application review is rolling for most programmes, so early submission gives priority access to scholarships and I-20 processing time.

MilestoneDateNotes for Indian Applicants
Spring 2027 - Undergraduate and most master’s1 November 2026Applies to Accountancy, Communication Disorders, English, Music, and undergraduate programmes
Fall 2027 - Undergraduate and most master’s1 June 2027Nursing Fall applicants must submit by 31 January 2027
Fall 2027 - MA English16 August 2027Later deadline unique to the English programme
Communication Disorders priority15 September 2026 (Spring); 15 February 2027 (Fall)Priority applicants get earlier funding review
Credential verification (WES or ECE)Start 4-6 weeks before deadlineTruman accepts WES and ECE course-by-course evaluations

[Source: Truman State Graduate Studies deadlines page.]

Planning note: Truman charges no application fee for international applicants, and international students are automatically considered for merit scholarships without a separate essay. This removes two common friction points Indian families face at other US publics.

Read More: Truman State University Admissions Guide for Indian Students


Truman State University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027

Truman State University requirements for Indian applicants centre on academic transcripts in the Indian scale, a valid English proficiency score, and I-20 financial documentation.

Postgraduate Requirements (Indian Applicants)

  • Academic: Bachelor’s degree with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); competitive programmes such as Communication Disorders prefer 60% or CGPA 6.0/10.
  • English proficiency (graduate minimums): TOEFL iBT 79, IELTS 6.0, Duolingo 110, PTE Academic scores considered.
  • Credential evaluation: Course-by-course WES or ECE report required; start 4-6 weeks before the intake deadline.
  • Standardised tests: GRE required for most master’s programmes; GMAT accepted for the Master of Accountancy.

Undergraduate Requirements (Indian Applicants)

  • Academic: Class 12 (CBSE, ICSE, or State Board) with 70% to 85% (recommended); Nursing prefers 80%+ in Science stream.
  • English proficiency (undergraduate minimums): TOEFL iBT 81, IELTS 6.5 (7.0 for Nursing), Duolingo 120.
  • Financial documentation: Certificate of Financial Support and bank statement dated within 90 days showing at least USD 21,622 (INR 20.43 lakh).

Key insight: Applicants who fall short of the English minimum can be offered Conditional Admission to enter Truman’s on-campus ESL programme first, then move into the degree. This route rescues many Indian applicants with IELTS 5.5-6.0 who would otherwise be denied outright.


Truman State University Acceptance Rate 2027

Truman State University records an acceptance rate of approximately 84% (estimated) for the most recent admission cycle, placing it in the moderately selective band for US regional universities. Truman does not publish an official rate, so the figure is derived from third-party reporting; treat it as directional rather than exact.

YearAcceptance RateTrend
202684% (estimated)Stable
202582% (estimated)Slight increase

The rate is deliberately broad because Truman weighs GPA, curriculum rigour and English proficiency more than raw admit-yield selectivity. Indian applicants with 70%+ in Class 12 and a valid TOEFL iBT 81 or IELTS 6.5 sit comfortably above the median admitted profile.

Reality check: A high admit rate does not signal weak academics — Truman is publicly funded to serve regional applicants and admits internationals with strong English scores freely, then filters through the on-campus scholarship stack rather than the offer stage.

Read More: Truman State University Acceptance Rate Analysis


Truman State University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027

Annual investment for an Indian student at Truman State ranges from USD 24,255 to USD 25,789 (INR 22.92 to 24.37 lakh) for graduate on-campus study, and roughly USD 32,000 (INR 30.24 lakh) for undergraduates before scholarships. Merit awards typically cut the undergraduate figure by USD 10,000 or more per year.

Truman State University Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027

Rates below are the 2026-27 published figures; the Board of Governors revises tuition each April.

LevelAnnual Tuition + Fees (USD)Annual Tuition + Fees (INR lakh)
Undergraduate (out-of-state)21,46720.29 lakh
Undergraduate (post-scholarship band)7,000 to 11,0006.62 to 10.40 lakh
Graduate (9 credits/semester, 2 semesters)21,16820.00 lakh
International student fee (annual)2500.24 lakh
Mandatory health insurance1,9211.82 lakh

[Source: Truman State University international cost sheet 2026-27.]

Truman State University Cost of Living in Kirksville for Indian Students

Kirksville is a small university town in northern Missouri; costs are markedly lower than metropolitan US destinations. The table below uses Truman’s official on-campus estimate.

HeadAnnual (USD)Annual (INR lakh)
On-campus housing and meals13,03412.32 lakh
Off-campus housing (estimate)11,50010.87 lakh
Books and supplies400 to 1,0000.38 to 0.95 lakh
Personal and transport2,000 to 2,5001.89 to 2.36 lakh
First-semester orientation and health testing1,0320.98 lakh

[Source: Truman State University official graduate cost estimate 2026-27.]

Insider note: On-campus residence halls (Missouri Hall, Ryle Hall) bundle meals into a single billing line, which most Indian first-years find easier than sourcing off-campus rentals in a car-dependent town. Parking permits add USD 135 per year if you plan to bring a vehicle.

Read More: Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students


Truman State University Campus, Facilities and Student Life

Truman State’s 140-acre residential campus sits in Kirksville, Missouri, a small college town roughly 3 hours from Kansas City and St. Louis by road. The campus is walkable, with residence halls, academic buildings and the Student Union clustered within 10 minutes.

  • Location and transit: Kirksville has a regional airport (IRK) with connections to St. Louis; most Indian students fly into Kansas City International (MCI) and take the university’s arrival shuttle.
  • Housing: On-campus residence halls house approximately 44% of undergraduates; Indian students typically use Missouri Hall or Ryle Hall for their first year.
  • Facilities: Pickler Memorial Library (open extended hours during finals), a 260,000-square-foot Health Sciences building, and 24-hour computing labs.
  • Indian student community: The Indian Students Association hosts Diwali, Holi, and Independence Day events; halal and vegetarian options are available at the Ryle Hall dining centre.

What Indian students say: Kirksville is quiet, so most weekend social life happens on campus rather than in the city. Faculty office-hours culture is genuine — professors expect walk-ins and answer emails within a day. The Career Center supports F-1 CPT paperwork actively for Accountancy and Communication Disorders students.


Truman State University Scholarships 2027

Roughly 85-90% of international undergraduates at Truman State receive automatic merit scholarships, applied at admission without a separate application. Graduate scholarships are administered by individual departments as assistantships or foundation awards rather than centrally.

ScholarshipTypeAward ValueEligibilityDeadline
TruMerit ScholarshipMerit (automatic)USD 2,000 to 10,000/year (INR 1.89 to 9.45 lakh)Awarded automatically to admitted freshmen on GPA and test scoresPriority: 1 December 2026
President’s Honorary ScholarshipMerit (selective)Variable; awarded at admissionTop international freshmen; awarded at admission and not increasable laterRolling with admission
International Baccalaureate AwardMeritUSD 2,000/year (INR 1.89 lakh)IB Diploma Candidate status noted on high school transcriptRolling with admission
Non-Resident Tuition WaiverWaiverUSD 9,639/year (INR 9.11 lakh)Military members and eligible dependents; verify at official pageRolling with admission
Foundation ScholarshipsDonor-fundedVariable; over 400 awardsEnrolled students; criteria vary by donorApplication in the Truman Scholarship Portal

[Source: Truman State University Automatic Freshman Scholarships.]

Planning note: Graduate international applicants should email the target department directly to ask about assistantships — the central international office does not fund PG merit awards. The scholarship priority deadline of 1 December matters mainly for undergraduate merit stacking.

Read More: Truman State University Scholarships Guide


Truman State University Rankings 2027

Truman State University’s strongest ranking is #1 Top Public School in the Midwest from US News, a position it has held for 29 consecutive years. The university is not currently ranked in the global tables from QS, THE, or ARWU, which primarily cover large research universities.

Ranking BodyLatest EditionPrevious EditionTwo Editions Back
US News Best Regional Universities Midwest2026: #72025: #72024: #7
US News Top Public Schools Midwest2026: #12025: #12024: #1
Forbes America’s Top CollegesLatest: #232NANA
QS World University RankingsNot ranked in QS 2027Not rankedNot ranked
THE World University RankingsNot ranked in THE 2026Not rankedNot ranked

[Source: US News Best Colleges 2026, Forbes America’s Top Colleges, QS, THE.]

Key insight: The absence of a QS rank does not affect F-1 visa eligibility — the US Department of State assesses SEVP-approved institutions, and Truman State has held SEVP certification for decades. Indian employers who recognise the US News Regional Universities list treat Truman on par with mid-tier private US colleges.

Read More: Truman State University Rankings Analysis


Truman State University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027

Truman State University reports strong first-destination outcomes, with a career-outcomes rate that combines full-time employment, further education and service commitments. The Career Center actively supports F-1 students with CPT paperwork and OPT filing timelines.

  • First-destination rate: Approximately 95% of bachelor’s graduates are employed or in further education within 6 months (institutional first-destination survey).
  • Median starting salary (BS graduates): USD 50,000 to USD 62,000 per year (INR 47.25 to 58.59 lakh); market median for US regional public bachelor’s graduates.
  • MAc median starting salary: USD 60,000 to USD 75,000 per year (INR 56.70 to 70.88 lakh); Big Four and regional public accounting firms recruit from the Accountancy programme.
  • Career support: Truman’s Career Center runs a Handshake job portal, on-campus recruiting fairs, and F-1 OPT workshops; 12-month OPT for non-STEM programmes, 36 months total for STEM-designated programmes.
  • Representative recruiter sectors: Public accounting (Big Four regional offices), K-12 public school districts, healthcare (speech-language pathology clinics), and Missouri state government agencies.

Insider note: Indian graduates from the MAc route often use their STEM-designated status to unlock the 24-month OPT extension, which stretches the H-1B lottery window across three attempts rather than one.

Truman State University vs Peer Universities

The peer set below draws from the US News Regional Universities Midwest top ranks and comparable private masters universities in the same geography that Indian applicants shortlist alongside Truman State.

UniversityUS News Regional Midwest 2026TypeAvg Annual PG Fee (USD + INR lakh)Differentiator
Truman State University#7Public liberal artsUSD 21,168 (INR 20.00 lakh)#1 public Midwest 29 years; no application fee for internationals
Butler UniversityTop-ranked Regional Midwest (private)PrivateMarket median USD 40,000 (INR 37.80 lakh)Indianapolis metro location; stronger pharmacy and business brand
Bradley UniversityRegional Midwest rankedPrivateMarket median USD 38,000 (INR 35.91 lakh)Engineering-heavy portfolio; Peoria metro placements
Drake UniversityRegional Midwest rankedPrivateMarket median USD 36,000 (INR 34.02 lakh)Des Moines location; law and pharmacy anchors

Truman State University stands out on two fronts: it charges under half the tuition of comparable private regional peers, and its automatic-scholarship model reduces sticker price for high-scoring Indian freshmen without a separate application.

The trade-off is scale — Truman’s on-campus master’s catalogue is narrower than the private peers, and Kirksville offers fewer metro-adjacent internships than Indianapolis, Peoria or Des Moines.

Truman State University suits the Indian applicant who values a debt-managed public liberal arts route with a STEM-eligible MAc pathway and a career centre that files F-1 paperwork proactively. The total investment of USD 24,255 to 25,789 per year for graduate on-campus study is offset by median starting salaries of USD 60,000 to 75,000 for the MAc, giving a payback horizon of well under two years for accounting graduates.

The university is not the right fit for applicants who want an R1 research university brand, PhD funding, or an urban location with dense internship density. Applicants prioritising those factors should evaluate a comparable mid-tier private such as Butler University alongside Truman State.


Truman State University FAQs

Ques. Does Truman State University charge an application fee for Indian applicants?

Ans. No, Truman State University does not charge an application fee for international applicants, including students from India. This applies to both undergraduate and on-campus graduate programmes. Indian applicants can submit the standard international application without a payment step. Truman also automatically considers international applicants for merit-based scholarships without any separate scholarship essay or application.

Ques. Can Indian students work part-time while studying at Truman State?

Ans. Yes, F-1 students at Truman State can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during semesters and 40 hours per week during official breaks, subject to US Department of State F-1 rules. On-campus roles include dining services, library assistants and departmental research aides. Off-campus employment requires CPT (Curricular Practical Training) or OPT authorization tied to the academic programme.

Ques. Is GRE mandatory for master’s programmes at Truman State?

Ans. GRE is required for most master’s programmes at Truman State, including MA English and MA Communication Disorders. The Master of Accountancy accepts the GMAT as an alternative to the GRE. Applicants should confirm the programme-specific requirement with the department, as some programmes allow substitution based on undergraduate GPA. Indian applicants typically submit GRE scores within the 300-320 range for competitive review.

Ques. How much financial proof must Indian applicants show Truman State?

Ans. Truman State requires Indian graduate applicants to show USD 21,622 (INR 20.43 lakh) in bank documents dated within 6 months of the application. Undergraduate applicants must show an equivalent amount matching the annual cost of attendance. The Certificate of Financial Support must accompany bank statements. Sponsorship from parents, siblings or approved sponsors is acceptable with notarised affidavits and the sponsor’s own bank documents.

Ques. Which credential evaluation service does Truman State University accept for transcripts?

Ans. Truman State University accepts course-by-course credential evaluations from WES (World Education Services) and ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators). Indian applicants should order the WES ICAP report, which includes the transcript evaluation and a certified copy sent directly to Truman. Processing takes 4-6 weeks after WES receives documents. Applicants should start the evaluation before the intake deadline to avoid I-20 delays.

Ques. Are online graduate programmes open to Indian students at Truman State?

Ans. No, Truman State University does not accept applications for fully-online graduate programmes from individuals residing outside the United States. This restricts Counseling, Leadership, Data Science, Applied Behavior Analysis and Gifted Education for Indian applicants applying from India. Indian students seeking those disciplines should either enrol in the on-campus MAc, MA Communication Disorders, MA English or MA Music, or apply from within the United States after entering on another visa.

Ques. Does Truman State University offer conditional admission for lower English scores?

Ans. Yes, Truman State University offers Conditional Admission to academically qualified international applicants who fall short of the minimum TOEFL 79 (graduate) or 81 (undergraduate) score. Conditional admits enter Truman’s on-campus ESL programme first, progress through levelled English coursework, and transition into degree study on completion of Level 9 with faculty recommendation. This pathway benefits Indian applicants with IELTS 5.5-6.0.

Ques. What health insurance does Truman State University require for Indian students?

Ans. Truman State University requires all F-1 international students to enrol in the mandatory student health insurance plan at USD 1,921 per year (INR 1.82 lakh). The plan covers inpatient, outpatient and prescription services at the on-campus Student Health Center and network hospitals. Waivers are granted only for comparable US-domiciled coverage; standard Indian travel insurance policies are not accepted for the waiver.

Top Recommended Courses


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Exam Scores: IELTS6.0|TOEFL79|PTE53
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4 years
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USD 35,064 /Yr

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Truman State University Ranking

2019

Forbes logo
Overall 232 out of 650 in National Ranking
( #205 out of 507 in USA 2019)

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Truman State University Ratings

Based on 1 Students Rating

9.0 out of 10
9.0/10Academic
8.0/10Accommodation
9.0/10Faculty
9.0/10Infrastructure
10.0/10Placement
9.0/10Social Life

Truman State University Reviews


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1 Reviews Found

A
9.0 /10

Overview

They gave me a full ride scholarship plus a $4,000 stipend to study abroad which was a deal I couldn't turn down. They only give out 12 per year so it was a pretty big deal. It was a small size which seemed to be a good transition from high school to college.

Fees

Total cost is a combination of in-state or out of state tuition, housing costs, meal plan, a charge for each class within your major, and other fees such as athletic fee, sustainability fee, student activities fee, and a fee relating to the health center services.

academic: 9/10
faculty: 9/10
infrastructure: 9/10
accomodation: 8/10
placement: 10/10
extracurricular: 9/10

Truman State University Scholarships


NameScholarship Per StudentLevel of StudyType
Go Clean ScholarshipScholarship per student$3,500Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Business Administration ScholarshipsScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Novus Biological Scholarship ProgramScholarship per student$1,500Level Of StudyAssociateTypeMerit-Based
Washington DC ScholarshipsScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Claes Isacson ScholarshipScholarship per student$20,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeNeed-Based
TEC ScholarshipScholarship per student$1,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based

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Truman State University Admissions

  • Early Action Deadlines

    Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)
    Important Date: April1 (Application results)
  • Regular Decision Deadlines

    Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)
    Important Date: April1 (Application results)

Truman State University Exam Scores

ExamsAvg. ScoreMin ScoreMax. Score%Submitted'
Language Proficiency
TOEFL-79--
IELTS-6--
Undergraduate
SAT1303118514205
Check Detailed Score
Evidence-Based Reading and Writing655605705-
Mathematics648580715-
ACT27243095
Check Detailed Score
English282432-
Mathematics262428-

Attendance Cost

$39,046

attendance cost

The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees

Tuition fees
Undergraduate Programs
$39,046 / Year
Post Graduate Program
$31,206 / Year
On Campus
Books & Supplies
$1,000 / Year
On campus, Room & Board
$8,638 / Year
On Campus, Other Expenses
$3,800 / Year
Off Campus
Off campus (not with family), Room & Board
$8,638 / Year
Off campus (not with family), Other Expenses
$3,800 / Year
Off campus (with family), Room & Board
$3,800 / Year
Off campus (with family), Other Expenses
$3,800 / Year

Truman State University Accreditations

Institutional accreditations
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Program wise accreditation
Music Programs
National Association of Schools of Music
Nursing Programs
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Nursing Programs
Missouri State Board of Nursing
Programs
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Faculty

Total FacultyFull TimePart TimeGraduate Assistants
4677396471343

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