Truman State University (Truman)

Truman State University is Missouri's premier liberal arts and sciences university and the only highly selective public institution in the state. As one of the very few publicly funded liberal arts schools in the nation, Truman successfully combines affordability with the type of education and personal attention typically only offered at a private institution.

Truman has established an impeccable reputation in the Midwest and throughout the nation for the high-quality undergraduate programs offered. In fact, for more than two decades, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Truman State University as the number one master's level public institution in the Midwest. A commitment to student achievement and learning is the focus of the University.

With approximately 250 student organizations to choose from, encompassing service, Greek, honorary, professional, religious, social, political and recreational influences, Truman students have tremendous opportunities to become involved on campus and in the Kirksville community. Truman student organizations sponsor a number of events throughout the year, such as Truman Live, International Idol, guest speakers, poetry slams, musical performances, dance recitals, volunteering events, and ever-popular food nights.

The Kohlenberg Lyceum Series also provides a variety of cultural programs that interest students throughout the year. Past programs have included brilliant performances by the Peking Acrobats, American Shakespeare Center, Vocalosity, and the Russian Festival Ballet.

Truman's Student Activities Board sponsors a variety of entertainment events. Recent SAB concerts include Andy Grammer and Sara Bareilles. Comedic acts and speakers like Donald Glover, Adam DeVine, and John Oliver have also come to Truman's campus in recent years.

Motivated students will do well here as Truman is "a collective place for ambitious individuals." The "majority of students here are focused on their academic studies" and are "driven, smart individuals who also value community." Although the school "is not racially diverse," there are "quite a few international students," as the overall population comes from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds. "Many work a required campus job necessary for scholarships, along with taking heavy class loads, and being involved in multiple extracurriculars." Whether or not you're one of the "mainly liberal students" the atmosphere seems to be one where we are "all in this together."

Making your own fun is a real thing in the small town of Kirksville, but "students here know how to make the most out of it." And because "Truman offers so many clubs and activities, that between those and classes and homework, you'll probably never get truly bored." In fact, Truman has well over 230 clubs and organizations, so it makes sense that "student organizations are the main source of socialization here." The Student Activities Board also provides events and entertainment for the students, including a Mario Kart tournament, entertainers like Josh Peck, and even bringing hot air balloons on campus. The university promotes school spirit with weekly events like Purple Friday, where faculty, students, and staff are encouraged to wear school colors, and there are activities and events in the student union and on the Mall. Not all entertainment is school-related; students also note that there is a "great Greek life" for those that want to partake.

When students need some downtime, there is "a state park close to Kirksville where you can go hiking and go to the lake," and "when the weather is nice it's such a mental health support being able to just sit on the Quad." There are various housing options for students, including the Living Learning Communities for students that want to share living space with others with similar academic interests. Kirksville is a college town, so every year the school has a community service day called The Big Event, and students show their appreciation of the surrounding community by performing volunteer services such as cleanup and maintenance tasks.

The school encourages high-impact learning experiences such as internships, research, and study abroad (more than 500 study abroad programs are available in over 60 countries). Numerous school-sponsored (and even paid) internships are available both on-campus and around the world, including the Truman in Washington program. This program offers “work-experience opportunities in such areas as foreign affairs/diplomacy, government affairs, [and] criminal justice,” among others. One student shares, “The Missouri Government Internship had me work full-time in Jefferson City and the Missouri Capitol; it was quite a great experience.” The Career Center has plenty of resources for those looking for these types of experiences and opportunities. The center also provides career coaching, biannual Career & Grad School Weeks (including expos), résumé critiques, and an Alumni Mock Interview Day in which students can practice with alums from across a range of industries. And since nearly 40 percent of graduating seniors enter graduate or professional school, the center keeps a robust library of guides and test prep books. According to PayScale.com, 48 percent of Truman State alums report that they derive a high level of meaning from their careers, and graduates earn a median starting salary of $57,100.