Drury University

Key Highlights

• Private non-profit institution with strong academic tradition
• Mid-size city location with balance of urban amenities
• Research-intensive with extensive graduate programs
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Student life at Drury University creates lasting memories and deep friendships within an intimate campus community where every individual matters. With approximately 1,367 undergraduates, Drury offers the close-knit atmosphere of a small college while providing activities, organizations, and opportunities typically associated with larger institutions. The residential campus experience fosters belonging and personal growth, with most students living on campus in residence halls and university apartments that become homes away from home. The Breech Forum hosts distinguished speakers addressing topics from politics to arts to social justice, exposing students to leading thinkers and practitioners. Greek organizations provide social connections and leadership development for interested students, while independent alternatives offer community through residence life programming and student organizations. Drury's NCAA Division II athletic programs generate school spirit, with Panthers competing in the Great Lakes Valley Conference across multiple sports. Intramural athletics and recreational facilities encourage fitness and friendly competition among non-varsity students. Music, theater, and visual arts flourish through student ensembles, theatrical productions, and gallery exhibitions that showcase creative talent. Community service is deeply embedded in campus culture, reflecting Drury's heritage and commitment to engagement beyond the campus boundaries. The Findlay Student Center provides gathering space, dining options, and programming that brings the community together. Springfield's cultural and recreational amenities enhance student life, offering entertainment, outdoor adventure, and real-world experiences that complement academic pursuits.

Location & Surroundings

Springfield, Missouri provides Drury University students with the amenities of Missouri's third-largest city while maintaining the welcoming, community-oriented atmosphere that characterizes the Ozarks region. The urban campus occupies a historic neighborhood near downtown Springfield, providing walkable access to restaurants, coffee shops, cultural venues, and internship opportunities. Springfield's economy encompasses healthcare, education, manufacturing, and retail, with major employers including CoxHealth, Mercy Hospital, Bass Pro Shops headquarters, and numerous smaller enterprises that provide employment and experiential learning opportunities for students. The city's cost of living remains modest compared to larger metropolitan areas, allowing students to enjoy comfortable lives on student budgets. The Ozarks landscape surrounding Springfield offers exceptional outdoor recreation, from hiking and mountain biking at trails throughout the region to water sports at nearby Table Rock Lake and fishing on excellent area streams. Branson's entertainment venues and Silver Dollar City theme park provide entertainment options just an hour away. Springfield's active arts scene includes galleries, theaters, and music venues that showcase both professional and emerging artists. The city's diverse dining options reflect its position as a regional center, offering cuisines from around the world alongside distinctive Ozarks fare. Kansas City and St. Louis are accessible for day trips, professional sports, and cultural attractions, while Springfield's airport provides connections to major hubs. The city's college-town character, shaped by multiple higher education institutions, creates an environment that welcomes and supports students.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Drury University represents a significant educational investment that pays dividends through exceptional preparation for career success and personal fulfillment. Total annual costs including tuition, fees, room, and board compare favorably with peer private liberal arts institutions, and the university's commitment to accessibility ensures that financial circumstances do not prevent qualified students from attending. Approximately 99% of students receive some form of financial assistance, including merit scholarships, need-based grants, work-study employment, and loan programs. The university's endowment supports numerous named scholarships recognizing academic achievement, artistic talent, leadership, and service. Career preparation is integrated throughout the Drury experience, with the Center for Career Planning and Development providing counseling, internship connections, graduate school advising, and networking opportunities. Springfield's diverse economy provides abundant internship opportunities in healthcare, business, education, and nonprofit sectors. Drury's alumni network, while modest in size, demonstrates remarkable loyalty and willingness to mentor current students and assist with job placement. Graduates report strong employment outcomes across fields including business, education, healthcare, law, and nonprofit leadership. Graduate school placement rates are equally impressive, with Drury alumni attending top programs in medicine, law, business, and doctoral studies. The liberal arts foundation proves remarkably versatile, preparing graduates for initial careers while developing the adaptable skills that support career evolution over decades. Alumni consistently credit their Drury education with preparing them not just for first jobs but for lives of meaning and contribution.

Compare with Similar Universities