9 Best Colleges and Universities Near Lee's Summit, MO

Do you live in Lee's Summit, Missouri? Are you looking to enroll in a college that's close to home? If so, this article is for you.

Keep reading as we take a look at the top colleges and universities in Lee's Summit and surrounding communities and answer related questions you may have about attending college.

Featured Colleges Near Lee's Summit, MO

The area around Lee's Summit has some of the best universities in the state. Here are some great options for students looking to study in Missouri.

1. University of Central Missouri - Lee's Summit

The University of Central Missouri is a public school.

Its main campus is located in Warrensburg, but it has an additional campus in Lee's Summit.

The school offers a variety of academic programs in various disciplines such as technology, social sciences, education, healthcare, and pre-law.

Bachelor's degree completion and master's degree programs are available, along with various certificate programs. Many of these programs can be completed online.

2. Metropolitan Community College - Longview

Metropolitan Community College is a public junior college.

It has five campuses in the greater Kansas City area, including one in Lee's Summit known as the Longview campus.

The most common programs are transferable associate degrees and career-focused certificate programs.

Workforce development, community education, and dual enrollment courses are also available.

Students complete their degrees in person or a hybrid format, as they have the opportunity to take some courses online.

3. Avila University

Avila University is located on the south side of Kansas City. It is a private Catholic school enrolling around 1,500 students.

This school offers more than 60-degree programs and provides both graduate and undergraduate degrees.

Special international student programs are also available.

Students can complete their degree on campus, online, or in a flexible hybrid format.

4. Rockhurst University

Rockhurst University is a private school located in downtown Kansas City. It enrolls around 3,000 students.

More than 50 bachelor's degree programs are available, including various pre-professional programs such as:

• Pre-medicine
• Pre-veterinary medicine
• Pre-occupational therapy
• Pre-law
• Pre-pharmacy

Graduate degrees are also available. Regardless of your degree level, many programs can be completed entirely online.

5. University of Missouri - Kansas City

The University of Missouri-Kansas City is a public school with an enrollment above 16,000. It is one of four campuses in the University of Missouri System.

This school has a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs and works to match students with the best program for them.

Various undergraduate research opportunities are available, helping students explore the world and prepare for graduate school.

Study-abroad opportunities are also available.

6. Calvary University

Calvary University is a very small Christian school in Kansas City. It enrolls fewer than 500 students.

Despite its small size, it offers both graduate and undergraduate degrees in various areas, including ministry, social sciences, education, technology, fine arts, and business.

Students can choose to complete their degree either online or in person, with remote students receiving the same high-quality education as campus-based students.

7. Graceland University

Graceland University is a small private college in Independence. The school's main campus is located in Iowa; the Independence location is a branch campus.

The school provides undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing, education, seminary, and business fields.

Some of the degree programs, primarily graduate degrees, can be completed entirely online.

8. Aviation Institute of Maintenance

The Aviation Institute of Maintenance is a trade school providing specialized education for those hoping to become aviation mechanics. It has various locations, including one in Kansas City.

Students can complete an aviation maintenance technician training program and complete certificates in unmanned aircraft systems and professional aviation maintenance.

The second of those certificate programs can be completed online; the other two programs must be completed in person.

9. Concorde Career College

Concorde Career College is a vocational school with numerous locations throughout the United States. Two of these locations are in Kansas City.

The programs available at the Kansas City campuses focus on short-term training programs for healthcare support careers. These include:

• Dental Hygiene
• Medical Assisting
• Respiratory Therapy
• Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• Phlebotomy

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is available; all other programs are associate degrees or certificate or diploma programs.

Other College Available

Here is a great option for students looking to study further out from the Lee Summit area.

Columbia College

Columbia College has its headquarters in Columbia, but it operates a total of 34 campuses throughout the U.S. One of these locations is in Kansas City.

The school offers various degree programs in business, social science, education, technology, arts, sciences, and more.

Students can choose to complete many of the available degree programs either online or on campus.

What Is the Biggest School Near Lee's Summit, MO?

As a whole, Metropolitan Community College enrolls around 15,700 students; however, it's unclear how many of those students attend classes at the Longview campus.

The largest school near Lee's Summit, therefore, is the University of Missouri - Kansas City, which enrolls more than 16,000 students.

How to Choose the Right College Near Lee's Summit, MO

Choosing the right college is all about knowing your priorities and determining what's most important to you in a school.

If you know what you plan to major in, for example, you'll want to choose a school with your desired degree program.

If you're not sure about your major just yet, you may be more interested in finding a school you can afford or easily commute to.

Make a list of the factors that are most important to you, and then use this list to narrow down schools that aren't a good fit.

This will help you choose a school that's right for you.

Paying for Your Degree Near Lee's Summit, MO

When it's time to start applying for colleges, it's also a good idea to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

This form will show whether you are eligible to receive financial aid from the government.

Scholarships can also relieve some of your financial burden. They are often offered by schools and various organizations.

Those with a military history may be able to receive tuition waivers or discounts.

Employees sometimes receive tuition assistance from their employers, and schools commonly offer work-study programs that enable students to work off their debts throughout the school year.

Start Your Degree Near Lee's Summit, MO Today

If you're ready to start your degree path, check out the schools above. With any luck, you'll find a program that fits into your lifestyle and budget.