About

See what students say:

Academics

Southeast Missouri State University offers “small class sizes,” “personal attention,” and “a wide range of majors.” “The education program is awesome,” and business and nursing programs also receive high praise. A new and “really, really nice” River Campus for theater, music, and art boasts “absolutely breathtaking” views of the mighty Mississippi. However, “the best thing about SEMO is the fact that it is so cheap.” A textbook rental program reduces costs even further and “scholarships are quite generous.” Professors are decidedly “hit and miss,” though. There are “amazing professors” who are “very enthusiastic” and “encourage you to come see them in their offices.” “What I really like about my professors is that they actually know who I am,” says an education major. “They go out of their way to commend students who work hard and produce quality work.” There are also some professors who “lack the ability to get information across.” “I have taken some courses and learned absolutely nothing,” laments a marketing major. Some students call the administration “pretty reliable” and approachable. “They try to make everybody feel welcome,” asserts a history major, “from the 18-year-old freshman to the 45-year-old nontraditional student.” Detractors say that the administration is overly concerned with “building the brand” and “needs to rethink some of their priorities,” Also, despite SEMO’s affordability, some students are “less than satisfied” with the handling of financial aid paperwork.

Student Body

Ethnically, it’s mainly white students here along with a rapidly growing international student population. Southeast is home to “a lot of St. Louis suburbanites” who “wanted to go to Mizzou but either didn’t have the grades or the money to get in.” Many students from Missouri’s Bootheel choose SEMO because it’s “affordable and close to home.” There are also commuters and nontraditional students from Cape Girardeau “who work outside of school.” They “just go to class and that’s it.” Students describe themselves as “friendly and energetic.” Many are “hardworking” and “diligent” while others are “average” academically and “just go through the motions” when it comes to coursework.

Campus Life

“There is an insane amount of clubs on campus,” says a sophomore, “and it’s not too difficult to get involved in whatever it is that interests you.” There’s “a big crowd” of people involved in music and theater. Also, the Student Activities Council “works really hard to bring entertainment to campus.” Athletic events are sparsely attended, though intramurals are popular and the recreation center is impressive. SEMO’s strong commuter aspect is the biggest social limitation. “We are still a suitcase campus,” counsels a senior. “A lot of local students from small towns don’t stay to get involved.” Students who stick around “party a lot and are extremely social.” They frequent the “many bars” and very tasty local eateries in the “great small town” of Cape Girardeau. “There are some good parties,” too, and “Greek life is a very big deal.” Complaints here include the parking situation and a few “really run-down” dorms. Also, be warned: this campus is “beyond hilly.” Climbs can be steep.

Contact & Visit

Campus Visits Contact

Contact
Casey Hohler
Senior Admissions Counselor

Address
Admissions, MS-3550
One University Plaza
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

Phone
573-651-2590

Email
tours@semo.edu

Experience College Life

Most Popular Places On Campus
River Campus (Visual/Performing Arts)
Student Recreation Center & Aquatic Center
Kent Library Information Commons
The University Center
Academic Hall

Most Popular Places Off Campus
Historic Downtown Cape Girardeau
West Park Mall
Trail of Tears State Park
Views of the Mississippi River
Bollinger Mill
Bill Emerson Bridge, Old St. Vincent's Church, Red House Interpretive Center, Oliver House sites (in Cape and Jackson), Glenn House www.visitcape.com www.jacksonmo.com

Campus Tours

Campus Visiting Center
Monday - Saturday (select)
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sat.
573-651-2590

Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Average Length: Varies

On Campus Interview

Campus Interviews
No

Information Sessions
Not Available

Times

Faculty and Coach Visits

Dates/Times Available
Year-round

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Advance Notice
2 weeks

Contact Email Address for Visit
admissions@semo.edu

Class Visits

Dates/Times Available
Year-round

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Overnight Dorm Stays

Overnight Dorm Stays
Not Available

Transportation

Types of Transportation Available to Campus
Bus -- Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority CarGO (ride sharing) Taxi Southeast Shuttle Service -- When In Need Go Shuttle Bootheel Area Rapid Transportation (BART) Greyhound Bus Service Cape Girardeau Regional Airport Amtrack Train

Driving Instructions to Campus
From the North (St. Louis): Take I-55 South to Exit 96 (Cape Girardeau/Gordonville), turn left at the top of the ramp onto William (Rt. K). Continue on William, turn left onto West End Blvd. Turn right onto Normal and then right onto Henderson. A visitor parking lot is located at the corner of Henderson and Normal. The Office of Admissions is located in 100D Academic Hall. From the East (Illinois): Arriving on Illinois Route 146, cross the Mississippi River Bridge, and continue straight on Hwy 74, turn right on Sprigg Street. Turn left on Normal Avenue. Turn left on Henderson. A visitor parking lot is located at the corner of Henderson and Normal. The Office of Admissions is located in 100D Academic Hall. From the West (Southwest Missouri): Travel Missouri Route 60 east to Interstate 55. Take I-55 North to Exit 96 (Cape Girardeau/Gordonville), turn right on William (Rt. K). Continue on William, turn left onto West End Blvd. Turn right onto Normal and then right onto Henderson. A visitor parking lot is located at the corner of Henderson and Normal. The Office of Admissions is located in 100D Academic Hall.

Local Accommodations
America's Best Value Inn...573-339-0808 Auburn Place...573-651-4486 Budget Inn...573-334-2828 Candlewood Suites...573-334-6868 Courtyard by Marriott...573-240-9420 Drury Plaza...573-334-7151 Drury Suites...573-339-9500 Hampton Inn...573-651-3000 Holiday Inn Express & Suites...573-334-4491 Pear Tree Inn...573-334-3000 Town House Inn...573-335-2700

Admissions

Applicants: 4,638
Acceptance Rate: 84%
Average HS GPA: 3.47






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