Best Online Liberal Arts Programs in Rolla, MO (2026)
Rolla, Missouri has a population of about 20,144. The city’s median household income is $42,518 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 35.5% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Rolla, with tuition ranging from $30,730 to $49,218 per year. In Missouri, the top-earning liberal arts-related role is Management Analyst at a median $95,830 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Liberal Arts Schools to Rolla
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer liberal arts programs. Distances are calculated from Rolla city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri University of Science and Technology | Rolla, MO | 0.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| University of Missouri-Columbia | Columbia, MO | 75.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Maryville University of Saint Louis | Saint Louis, MO | 83.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Webster University | Saint Louis, MO | 88.8 mi | $30,730 - $49,218 | – |
| University of Missouri-St Louis | Saint Louis, MO | 95.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Missouri schools on the Missouri liberal arts page.
Liberal Arts Wages Near Rolla
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (Missouri, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $62,230 |
| Management Analyst | $95,830 |
| Technical Writer | $81,150 |
| News Analyst, Reporter, or Journalist | $44,270 |
| Editor | $58,740 |
| Training and Development Specialist | $58,120 |
| Human Resources Specialist | $62,710 |
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.
Rolla at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 20,144 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $42,518 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 35.5% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
Other Rolla-Area Cities With Liberal Arts Programs
- Jefferson City, MO – 48.5 mi away (58,439 pop)
- Farmington, MO – 73.5 mi away (44,494 pop)
- Wildwood, MO – 73.6 mi away (35,756 pop)
- Columbia, MO – 75.7 mi away (138,675 pop)
- Wentzville, MO – 77.2 mi away (37,395 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited liberal arts programs are near Rolla, MO?
Our directory lists 5 liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Rolla. The closest is Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, MO (0.9 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is University of Missouri-St Louis (95.3 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying liberal arts roles in Missouri?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying liberal arts-related roles in Missouri are: Management Analyst ($95,830), Technical Writer ($81,150), Human Resources Specialist ($62,710). Wages for Rolla workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Jefferson City instead of Rolla?
Jefferson City, MO is 48.5 miles from Rolla 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 Rolla an affordable place to study liberal arts?
Rolla’s median household income of $42,518 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Rolla 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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