Best Online Liberal Arts Programs in Joplin, MO (2026)
Joplin, Missouri has a population of about 52,218. The city’s median household income is $51,154 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 26.4% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 2 accredited liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Joplin, with tuition ranging from $9,024 to $24,022 per year. In the Joplin, MO-KS metro area, the top-earning liberal arts-related role is Management Analyst at a median $90,390 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Liberal Arts Schools to Joplin
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer liberal arts programs. Distances are calculated from Joplin city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri Southern State University | Joplin, MO | 3.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Missouri State University-Springfield | Springfield, MO | 67.8 mi | $9,024 - $24,022 | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Missouri schools on the Missouri liberal arts page.
Liberal Arts Wages Near Joplin
Joplin is part of the Joplin, MO-KS metro area (BLS area code 27900). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Missouri statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $49,660 | Joplin, MO-KS | $57,946 |
| Management Analyst | $90,390 | Joplin, MO-KS | $105,473 |
| Technical Writer | $81,150 | MO statewide | $94,691 |
| News Analyst, Reporter, or Journalist | $44,270 | MO statewide | $51,657 |
| Editor | $58,740 | MO statewide | $68,541 |
| Training and Development Specialist | $58,070 | Joplin, MO-KS | $67,760 |
| Human Resources Specialist | $57,530 | Joplin, MO-KS | $67,130 |
Source: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
Joplin at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 52,218 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $51,154 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 26.4% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 85.7 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
Other Joplin-Area Cities With Liberal Arts Programs
- Pittsburg, KS – 25.7 mi away (23,069 pop)
- Bella Vista, AR – 44.0 mi away (28,406 pop)
- Bentonville, AR – 51.9 mi away (47,093 pop)
- Rogers, AR – 55.9 mi away (65,021 pop)
- Siloam Springs, AR – 61.7 mi away (21,136 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited liberal arts programs are near Joplin, MO?
Our directory lists 2 liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Joplin. The closest is Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, MO (3.5 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Missouri State University-Springfield (67.8 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying liberal arts roles near Joplin?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying liberal arts-related roles near Joplin are: Management Analyst ($90,390), Technical Writer ($81,150), Editor ($58,740). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Missouri statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Pittsburg instead of Joplin?
Pittsburg, KS is 25.7 miles from Joplin and has its own set of local liberal arts programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Joplin an affordable place to study liberal arts?
Joplin’s median household income of $51,154 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Joplin while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Missouri public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
How do I verify a program is accredited?
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.
Related Resources
- Online Liberal Arts Programs in Missouri
- Main Liberal Arts Degree Guide
- Liberal Arts Programs by State
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