Rankings and Recognition

A Reputation for Learning Excellence

Truman has a longstanding reputation for providing an exceptionally high-quality education paired with an outstanding return on investment. As a result, Truman consistently appears in the most respected annual listings of the nation’s best colleges and universities.

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No. 1 public school in the Midwest region for 28 years running. More»
—U.S. News & World Report “Best Colleges” (2025)

One of the top 10 public schools named as a “Best Buy” based on academic quality and affordability. More»
Fiske Guide to Colleges (2024)

Featured among the “Best Colleges for the Money.” More»
—University Magazine (2024)

30 Best Colleges, Only Public University

The only public university listed on the 30 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in the Midwest. More»
—Great Value Colleges (2023)

Ranked as one of the nation’s best institutions for undergraduates to earn their college degree. More»
—Princeton Review College Guide (2024)

Named among top colleges in Missouri.” More»
—Intelligent.com (2024)

Named one of the Top 30 Best Value Colleges in the U.S. More»
—KnowInsiders.com (2023-24)

No. 12 best master’s university in the nation. Truman was the only state school to be included in the top 300. More»
—Washington Monthly (2024)

Ranked No. 3 on list of Best Value Colleges and Universities. More»
—College Consensus (2023)

One of the Best Values for High-Quality Academics

Named among 209 schools with highest return on investment (ROI). More»
—Princeton Review, Best Value Colleges (2023)
Missouri’s “Hidden Gem.” More»
—College Raptor (2024)
Ranked among colleges with best value for your money. More»
—CollegeFactual.com (2023)

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Many high school guidance counselors recommend Truman for our student engagement, quality of teaching, vibrant community, and success of graduates. More»

—Colleges of Distinction (2022-2023)

Academically Talented Student-Athletes

Presidents’ Excellence Honor from NCAA
Truman Athletics has been recognized by the NCAA with the Presidents’ Award for Academic Excellence for Division II schools that have achieved an Academic Success Rate (ASR) of 90% or higher. For Division II student-athletes, the federal rate is 60%, while the general student body federal rate is 52%. More>

Academic All-Americans
Truman has been a national leader in producing Academic All-Americans, a program that recognizes outstanding academic and athletic achievements. To be nominated, student-athletes must have a minimum 3.50 grade-point average.
—College Sports Communicators (formerly College Sports Information Directors of America), academicallamerica.com