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 22, 2026

Truman State University, in Kirksville, Missouri, is the state’s designated public liberal arts and sciences university. It has ranked #1 among Top Public Schools in the Midwest by US News for 29 consecutive years through 2026. Founded in 1867, Truman State offers 139 undergraduate programmes, 14 graduate degrees, and 12 online options taught fully in English. Popular choices for Indian students include the Master of Accountancy, MS Data Science and Analytic Storytelling, and MA in Communication Disorders. Around 377 international students study on campus across programmes in business, sciences, education, and the arts, and Truman State sits among the more affordable universities in USA for Indian families.

  • US News Regional Universities Midwest 2026: #7 overall, #1 Top Public (29 consecutive years)
  • Acceptance rate: 84% (US News 2026)
  • Intakes: Fall (August), Spring (January)
  • Graduate tuition 2026-2027: USD 21,168/year (INR 20.0 lakh)
  • Undergraduate cost of attendance: USD 36,422/year (INR 34.4 lakh)
  • International aid: Over 90% of international undergraduates receive scholarships

Also Check: MS Universities in USA

Truman State publishes flat international tuition without hidden mark-ups, and over 90% of international undergraduates receive scholarships based on academic record. Indian students enter on an F-1 visa, which allows 12 months of Optional Practical Training (36 months for STEM majors) after graduation. Kirksville is a small college town in northeast Missouri, so day-to-day living costs sit well below larger US metro averages, which shapes the total investment for anyone planning to study in USA on a tight budget.

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

Admission Status: Open (Spring 2027 and Fall 2027 intakes). Truman State University runs rolling international admissions with no fixed close date; Indian applicants for Spring 2027 must submit English proficiency scores by 15 November 2026, and Fall 2027 applicants by 15 June 2027. Programme starts are January 2027 (Spring) and August 2027 (Fall).

Popular Courses and Fees at Truman State 2027

Truman State University charges tuition per credit hour, with a standard full-time graduate load of 9 credits per semester and an undergraduate load of 15 credits per semester. Graduate tuition in 2026-2027 is USD 1,176 per credit hour, which works out to USD 21,168 per academic year for a two-semester, 18-credit schedule. Undergraduate full-time tuition is USD 20,297 per year. Most master’s degrees run 1.5 to 2 years, and bachelor’s degrees run 4 years, so total programme cost scales with duration.

Top Postgraduate Programmes at Truman State University 2027

The eight master’s programmes below are available to Indian applicants without a Truman undergraduate degree. Per-year tuition assumes 18 credit hours across two semesters at the 2026-2027 rate.

ProgrammeTotal Fee (USD/year)Total Fee (INR lakh)Entry Requirement (India equivalent)
Master of Accountancy (MAc)21,16820.0 lakhBachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); GMAT required
MS Data Science and Analytic Storytelling21,16820.0 lakhBachelor’s in computing or analytics with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended)
MA Communication Disorders21,16820.0 lakhBachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); GRE required
MA Counseling21,16820.0 lakhBachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); 3 LORs
MA English21,16820.0 lakhBachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); GRE required
MA Leadership21,16820.0 lakhBachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); GRE required
Master of Music21,16820.0 lakhBachelor’s in music with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); GRE plus audition
Master of Athletic Training21,16820.0 lakhBachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); science prerequisites

[Source: Truman State University International Graduate Costs 2026-2027]

Top Undergraduate Programmes at Truman State University 2027

Undergraduate international tuition is uniform across majors at USD 20,297 per year for a full-time 30-credit schedule. Total four-year cost is around USD 81,188 or INR 76.7 lakh before scholarships.

ProgrammeTotal Fee (USD/year)Total Fee (INR lakh)Entry Requirement (India equivalent)
BS Accounting20,29719.2 lakhClass 12 with 65% to 80% (recommended)
BS Business Administration20,29719.2 lakhClass 12 with 65% to 80% (recommended)
BS Biology20,29719.2 lakhClass 12 with 70% (recommended); PCB subjects
BS Data Science20,29719.2 lakhClass 12 with 70% (recommended); Mathematics required
BSN Nursing20,29719.2 lakhClass 12 with 70% (recommended); IELTS 7.0 required

[Source: Truman State University International Undergraduate Costs 2026-2027]

Insider note: Indian applicants cluster heavily around the Master of Accountancy and MS Data Science programmes. Both draw strong Big Four and analytics recruiter interest and both accept applicants without a Truman undergraduate background.

Read More: Truman State Fees and Cost of Living Guide


Truman State University Admission 2027

Truman State University runs two intakes each year and operates rolling admissions, meaning international applications are reviewed as they arrive rather than in fixed batches. Fall (August) is the primary intake for Indian students, while Spring (January) is open across most programmes.

Truman State University Admission Dates 2027

The table below reflects the deadline structure published by Truman’s international admission office for the current cycle. Rolling admission means a completed application submitted well before the English score deadline improves scholarship consideration.

MilestoneDateNotes for Indian Applicants
Spring 2027 English score submission deadline15 November 2026Applies to TOEFL, IELTS, PTE and Duolingo scores for the January 2027 start
Fall 2027 English score submission deadline15 June 2027Applies to all English test scores for the August 2027 start
Credential verification (WES or ECE)Start 8 to 12 weeks before deadlineThird-party evaluation must reach Truman before file is reviewed
Spring 2027 programme startJanuary 2027Orientation held one week before classes
Fall 2027 programme startAugust 2027Fall orientation is mandatory for all new international students

Planning note: Because Truman uses rolling review, Indian applicants who file three to four months before the English score deadline see faster I-20 turnaround and stronger scholarship packages than those filing at the wire. Applications are decided within four weeks of a complete file.

Read More: Truman State Admissions Guide for Indian Students


Truman State University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027

Indian applicants must clear a small set of academic, language, and financial requirements before a Truman State University offer is confirmed.

Postgraduate Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree: Three or four-year degree with 55% aggregate or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended baseline; programme-specific thresholds may be higher)
  • English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 81 (0-120 scale) or 4.5 (1-6 scale), IELTS 6.5, PTE Academic 58, Duolingo 120
  • Credential evaluation: WES or ECE course-by-course report sent directly to Truman State
  • Standardised test: GMAT for the Master of Accountancy; GRE for Communication Disorders, English, Leadership and Music

Undergraduate Requirements

  • Class 12 completion: CBSE, ICSE or State Board with 65% aggregate (recommended); Nursing requires 70% in science subjects
  • English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 81, IELTS 6.5 (7.0 for Nursing), PTE 58, Duolingo 120
  • Financial documentation: Bank statements within 90 days showing balance for at least one academic year of expenses

Key insight: Truman State University accepts SAT Reading and Writing 560 or ACT Reading and English 22 as an English proficiency substitute, and also honours IB English A grade 5. Indian applicants from CBSE with strong English marks should ask the international office about waiver documentation before booking IELTS or TOEFL.


Truman State University Acceptance Rate 2027

Truman State University holds an 84% acceptance rate per US News 2026 admissions data, making it a moderately selective public university. IPEDS federal data reports a lower figure of 45.1% for the same cycle, reflecting differences in how applicants are counted. The higher US News figure is the standard cited across international admission summaries and is treated as the working reference below.

YearAcceptance RateSource
202684%US News Best Colleges 2026
2026 (IPEDS)45.1%US Department of Education, updated April 2026

The middle 50% of admitted students reported SAT 1170 to 1370 or ACT 25 to 31. For Indian applicants, this means a competitive but attainable target range on either test, though Truman’s holistic review also weighs Class 12 grades and English proficiency.

Reality check: Truman State’s high headline rate does not mean automatic admission. Indian applicants with strong Class 12 grades (75% plus) and IELTS 7.0 clear the bar comfortably; borderline files (60-65%) are usually admitted conditionally, requiring ESL coursework before full academic enrolment.

Read More: Truman State University Acceptance Rate


Truman State Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027

Total annual cost for an Indian undergraduate at Truman State University is USD 36,422 or INR 34.4 lakh, while a graduate student on campus pays USD 25,789 or INR 24.4 lakh. These figures include tuition, mandatory fees, housing, meals and health insurance, before any scholarship reduction.

Truman State Fees for Indian Students 2027

The table below breaks down 2026-2027 billed costs for international students living on campus.

ComponentUG (USD/year)UG (INR lakh)PG (USD/year)PG (INR lakh)
Tuition20,29719.2 lakh21,16820.0 lakh
Mandatory fees1,1701.10 lakh2500.24 lakh
Housing and meals13,03412.32 lakh13,03412.32 lakh
Health insurance1,9211.82 lakh1,9211.82 lakh
Total billed36,42234.42 lakh36,37334.37 lakh

[Source: Truman State University International Costs 2026-2027]

Monthly Cost of Living in Kirksville for Indian Students

Kirksville is a small college town of roughly 17,000 residents, so day-to-day expenses sit well below larger US markets. The estimate below spreads on-campus billed items across a 9-month academic year.

CategoryMonthly (USD)Monthly (INR lakh)
Accommodation (on-campus room and meals)1,4481.37 lakh
Health insurance2130.20 lakh
Books and supplies1110.10 lakh
Personal expenses (estimated)1500.14 lakh (estimated)
Transportation (estimated)500.05 lakh (estimated)
Total monthly1,9721.86 lakh
Total annual (9 months)17,75016.77 lakh

[Source: Truman State University official cost estimate 2026-2027; personal and transport lines estimated for Kirksville, MO]

Insider note: Off-campus rent in Kirksville ranges from USD 400 to USD 700 per month for a shared apartment, cutting yearly housing outlay by 30% to 40% compared with the on-campus rate. Most Indian students move off campus after their first year.

Read More: Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students


Truman State University Campus, Facilities and Student Life

The 140-acre Truman State University campus sits in Kirksville, a walkable college town in rural northeast Missouri.

  • Location and access: Kirksville Regional Airport connects to St. Louis; the town centre is a 10-minute walk from campus and Kansas City is roughly 3 hours by car
  • Housing: Six residence halls plus one apartment complex; on-campus housing is guaranteed for first-year international students, with roommates deliberately drawn from different countries
  • Academic facilities: Pickler Memorial Library holds 500,000 volumes and Magruder Hall’s science labs support the BS Biology and BS Data Science tracks
  • Indian community: The Indian Students Association hosts Diwali and Holi events on campus; Kirksville has one Indian grocery and two South Asian dining options

What Indian students say: Class sizes stay small because of the 12:1 student-faculty ratio, so professors know applicants by name early in the semester. Kirksville feels quiet after Delhi or Mumbai, but the low cost of living and easy library access make focused study manageable.


Truman State University Scholarships 2027

Truman State University confirms that over 90% of international undergraduates receive scholarship aid, cutting the effective sticker cost sharply. Two named awards drive most of that support, and one is open specifically to new international freshmen.

ScholarshipTypeAward ValueEligibilityDeadline
President’s Honorary ScholarshipMerit (automatic)Up to 50% of tuition or moreNew international undergraduate freshmen with strong academic recordAwarded at admission (rolling)
Truman Foundation Scholarships (400+)Merit and departmentalVaries by fundEnrolled Truman students; departmental criteria varyRolling per fund; verify at official page

[Source: Truman State University International Scholarships office]

With scholarship stacking, high-achieving incoming international freshmen at Truman State pay average net annual tuition between USD 7,000 and USD 11,000 (INR 6.6 to 10.4 lakh). Scholarships are renewable for up to four years subject to Truman’s Scholarship Renewal Guidelines.

Planning note: Scholarship consideration happens automatically from the free international application, so there is no separate form. Indian applicants who submit strong optional materials (essays, awards, portfolios) with the initial file tend to unlock larger President’s Honorary awards than those who leave those sections blank.

Read More: Truman State University Scholarships Guide


Truman State University Rankings 2026

Truman State University’s strongest ranking is US News #1 Top Public School among Regional Universities in the Midwest, a position it has held for 29 consecutive years through the 2026 edition. It also sits at #7 overall in the Regional Universities Midwest category.

Ranking BodyLatest EditionNotes
US News Regional Universities Midwest2026: #7Overall rank across public and private institutions in the category
US News Top Public Schools (Midwest)2026: #129 consecutive years at the top of the public list
QS World University RankingsNot ranked in QS World 2027Truman is not a research-doctoral institution and does not appear in QS World
THE World University RankingsNot ranked in THE World 2026THE World rankings target research-intensive universities
ARWU Shanghai RankingNot ranked in ARWU 2026ARWU tracks research output, which Truman’s liberal-arts model does not chase

[Source: US News Best Colleges 2026; QS, THE and ARWU databases]

As per US News, Truman State also ranks #4 in Best Value Schools and #2 in Top Performers on Social Mobility within Regional Universities Midwest 2026.

Key insight: Truman State does not appear in QS or THE World rankings because it is a teaching-focused public liberal arts university, not a research-heavy institution. For an Indian student, the ranking to watch is US News Regional Midwest, since it drives US employer recognition and scholarship benchmarking in the Midwest region.

Read More: Truman State University Rankings Analysis


Truman State University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027

Truman State University does not publish a single centralised placement report for international students, but the university reports strong graduate school and employment outcomes for its flagship programmes.

  • Master of Accountancy outcomes: Consistently strong Big Four and regional accounting-firm placement; the programme ranks among the top public MAc programmes in the Midwest
  • Median starting salary: Not centrally disclosed; MAc and MS Data Science graduates typically report entry-level offers between USD 55,000 and USD 75,000 (INR 51.9 to 70.9 lakh) per market medians
  • Top recruiting sectors: Accounting and audit, healthcare and communication sciences, K-12 and higher education, non-profit management
  • Career services: The Career Center offers advising, mock interviews, resume review and an on-campus career fair each semester
  • Post-study work: Indian graduates use the F-1 student visa OPT allowance of 12 months, extendable to 36 months for STEM-designated majors like MS Data Science and Analytic Storytelling

Insider note: Big Four and Midwest regional CPA firms actively recruit from Truman’s Master of Accountancy cohort each fall. Indian applicants targeting a US audit career should apply at least six months before the intended intake so they can attend the on-campus recruiter events.

Truman State University vs Peer Universities

Truman State’s peer set is drawn from public and private universities in the same US News Regional Universities Midwest category, plus a nearby public STEM comparator.

UniversityUS News Category 2026TypeOne-line Differentiator
Truman State UniversityRegional Midwest #7 (#1 Top Public 29 years)Public liberal artsMissouri’s designated public liberal arts and sciences university, low sticker
Missouri University of Science and TechnologyNational UniversitiesPublic STEMRolla, MO; engineering research and strong industry pipeline
University of Northern IowaRegional MidwestPublic comprehensiveCedar Falls, IA; teacher education and business strength
Southern Illinois University EdwardsvilleRegional MidwestPublic comprehensiveEdwardsville, IL; STEM and health sciences focus

Truman State’s differentiator inside this set is scholarship depth: over 90% of international UG students receive aid, and named freshman scholarships reduce tuition by up to 50%. That combination keeps the net cost lower than nearly every peer public in the region.

Truman State University is the strongest fit for an Indian student who wants a small, teaching-intensive US degree at a genuinely public sticker price, with heavy scholarship stacking on top. Total four-year investment before scholarships is around INR 137.7 lakh, and mid-career MAc and Data Science outcomes place graduates comfortably in the USD 55,000 to USD 75,000 salary band, so the ROI stands up against much pricier private options.

Truman State is not the right fit for applicants chasing a QS or THE World top-200 brand, doctoral research training, or a large metro campus with heavy internship density. Indian applicants prioritising those factors should look at Missouri University of Science and Technology or a larger flagship public with a wider graduate research footprint.


Truman State University FAQs

Ques. How many hours can Indian students work at Truman State?

Ans. F-1 international students at Truman State University may work up to 20 hours per week on campus during fall and spring semesters, and full-time during official breaks. Off-campus work requires CPT or OPT authorisation from the Designated School Official. Indian students should confirm eligibility with the International Student Services office at intladmit@truman.edu before accepting any paid role on or off campus.

Ques. Does Truman State University waive the GRE for Indian applicants?

Ans. GRE requirements at Truman State vary by graduate programme. The Master of Accountancy requires GMAT, while Communication Disorders, English, Leadership and Music programmes typically require GRE scores. MS Data Science and Analytic Storytelling may allow standardised test waivers based on prior GPA and coursework. Indian applicants should email intladmit@truman.edu with their transcripts to check waiver eligibility before paying the test fee.

Ques. What is the application fee at Truman State University?

Ans. Truman State offers a free online application for international students through international.truman.edu, so Indian applicants pay no fee to submit their file. This waiver applies to both undergraduate and graduate tracks. However, credential evaluation services such as WES or ECE charge separately, typically between USD 100 and USD 200. Applicants should also budget for TOEFL or IELTS score-reporting fees to Truman.

Ques. Can Indian students without English scores study at Truman State?

Ans. Yes, Truman State University offers conditional admission to Indian applicants who cannot submit qualifying TOEFL, IELTS, PTE or Duolingo scores. These students complete Level 9 English at The Language Company on the Truman campus or an approved ESL programme in the United States before academic enrolment. Conditional admission requires the same academic transcripts and financial documents and adds one to three semesters of language study.

Ques. Which Indian banks offer education loans for Truman State?

Ans. Truman State University is recognised by major Indian education lenders including HDFC Credila, ICICI Bank, SBI, Axis Bank, Avanse and Prodigy Finance. Indian students typically borrow USD 25,000 to USD 40,000 per year to cover tuition and living costs. Public sector banks require collateral for loans above INR 7.5 lakh, while NBFCs may offer unsecured loans up to INR 40 lakh subject to co-applicant income and credit history.

Ques. Does Truman State University accept WES evaluations for Indian transcripts?

Ans. Yes, Truman State accepts credential evaluations from WES, ECE and other NACES members. Indian applicants must submit their Class 10, Class 12 and bachelor’s degree transcripts to the evaluator, who sends a course-by-course report directly to Truman. Processing takes four to six weeks, so start the WES process at least three months before the intended application deadline to avoid delays.

Ques. Can Indian spouses accompany Truman State students on F-2 visas?

Ans. Yes, spouses and unmarried children under 21 of Truman State F-1 students can apply for F-2 dependent visas. Dependents cannot work in the United States on F-2 status, though spouses may enrol in vocational or recreational study part-time and children may attend K-12 schools full-time. The primary F-1 holder must show additional funds of roughly USD 6,000 per dependent per year on the Certificate of Financial Support.

Ques. What is the refund policy for withdrawing from Truman State?

Ans. Truman State University follows a standard tuition refund schedule tied to the semester week. Students who withdraw during the first week typically receive a 100% refund on tuition and fees, dropping to 75% by week two, 50% by week three and 25% by week four. After the fifth week, no refund is issued. Room and board refunds are prorated separately, and international students should confirm current terms with the Bursar’s Office.

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
BeArt Presets-Academic ScholarshipScholarship per student$2,500Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial ScholarshipScholarship per student$1,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Jagdish Bhagwati FellowshipScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyBachelorTypeCollege-Specific
Bharat Petroleum ScholarshipScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyMasterTypeMerit-Based
Comindware ScholarshipScholarship per student$4,000Level Of StudyApprenticeshipTypeMerit-Based
Forktip Women’s- Innovation ScholarshipScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyBachelorTypeCollege-Specific

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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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