Colleges & Universities in Lee’s Summit, Missouri

Lee’s Summit is a city in the state of Missouri located about 20 miles southeast of downtown Kansas City. With a population of over 100,000 residents, Lee’s Summit is home to a few colleges and satellite campuses. Here is an overview of the higher education options available in and around Lee’s Summit.

University of Central Missouri – Lee’s Summit Campus

The University of Central Missouri operates a satellite campus in Lee’s Summit, providing bachelor’s and master’s degree programs to area residents.

Overview

• Type: Public university campus
• Established in 2007
• Located at 909 NE Douglas St, Lee’s Summit, MO 64086

Academics

The Lee’s Summit campus offers undergraduate and graduate programs focused on business, education, health professions, and more. Students can complete full degree programs locally or take courses to transfer back to the main UCM campus.

Popular majors include:

• Business Administration
• Elementary Education
• Nursing
• Criminal Justice
• Accounting
• Master of Business Administration

The campus has daytime, evening, and online course options to accommodate working schedules. Students have access to UCM’s full library resources, advising services, and student organizations.

Student Profile

As of Fall 2022, the Lee’s Summit campus serves over 600 students. The student body is made up primarily of non-traditional and transfer students. Many students balance work, family life, and academics while pursuing their degrees.

Metropolitan Community College – Longview

Metropolitan Community College (MCC) is a public community college system in Missouri with a campus located north of Lee’s Summit in Longview.

Overview

• Type: Public community college
• Located at 500 SW Longview Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO 64081
• Offers associate degrees and vocational certificates

Academics

MCC-Longview offers over 45 degree and certificate programs in fields such as:

• Liberal arts
• Nursing
• Business
• Computer technology
• Construction and electrical trades
• Early childhood education
• Criminal justice
• Paralegal studies

Many MCC graduates transfer to complete bachelor’s degrees at state universities. The campus provides tutoring services, academic advising, disability accommodations, and other support services. Classes are available days, evenings, weekends, and online.

Student Profile

MCC Longview has an annual enrollment of around 2,500 students. The average student age is 28. Notable demographics include:

• 60% female students
• 45% part-time enrollment
• 36% racial/ethnic minority students

University of Missouri – Kansas City Lee’s Summit Campus

The University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC) has a satellite location in Lee’s Summit focused on continuing and professional education.

Overview

• Type: Public university extension campus
• Located at 1400 SE Fleming Ct #10, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
• Provides non-credit and professional development courses

Programs

The UMKC Lee’s Summit campus offers short-term training and certification programs for professionals, including:

• Project management
• Six Sigma
• Leadership development
• Lean and quality processes
• Technical writing
• Paralegal certification

Many classes and workshops are approved for professional continuing education units (CEUs). UMKC also coordinates customized on-site training for local businesses and organizations.

Vatterott College – Lee’s Summit

Vatterott College is a for-profit career college with a location in Lee’s Summit. It offers vocational programs at the certificate and associate degree levels.

Overview

• Type: Private for-profit college
• Founded in 1969
• Located at 4131 NE Port Drive, Lee’s Summit, MO 64064

Academics

Vatterott Lee’s Summit offers career-oriented programs in fields such as:

• Heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration (HVAC-R)
• Medical assisting
• Medical billing & coding
• Dental assisting
• Information technology & computer programming
• Business administration & accounting

The programs blend classroom instruction with hands-on training. Most programs take 1-2 years to complete and lead to immediate employment.

Student Profile

Vatterott has a diverse student population made up mainly of vocational and technical students. Many students qualify for federal financial aid and career training grants. The Lee’s Summit campus has an annual enrollment of around 500 students.

For a mid-sized suburban community, Lee’s Summit has a decent selection of higher education options. Residents can pursue vocational certificates, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and even graduate programs at campuses within driving distance. The area schools attract a mix of traditional college students, working adults, and career changers.

Whether starting or advancing a career, there are flexible course delivery formats like online, evening, and weekend classes. Lee’s Summit students also have access to in-state tuition rates, financial aid, and scholarships to help fund their education. The local colleges and universities provide academic, career development and support services to help students succeed.

List of Colleges and Universities in Lee’s Summit

Here is a quick list of all the colleges and universities located in or near Lee’s Summit, Missouri:

• University of Central Missouri – Lee’s Summit Campus
• Metropolitan Community College – Longview
• University of Missouri – Kansas City Lee’s Summit Campus
• Vatterott College – Lee’s Summit
• University of Missouri – Kansas City (main campus in Kansas City)
• Longview Community College (main campus in Lee’s Summit)
• Cleveland University – Kansas City Campus
• Rockhurst University – Kansas City Campus
• DeVry University – Kansas City Campus
• Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences
• Midwest Institute (vocational college in Kansas City)
• Blue River Community College (main campus in Independence)
• Park University (main campus in Parkville)
• William Jewell College (main campus in Liberty)

Higher Education Opportunities in Lee’s Summit

Lee’s Summit offers several options for higher education within the city or in nearby Kansas City:

4-Year Universities

• University of Central Missouri – Lee’s Summit Campus – Public state university offering bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
• University of Missouri – Kansas City Lee’s Summit Campus – Satellite campus providing continuing education and professional development.
• Cleveland University – Private chiropractic college with a campus in Kansas City.
• Rockhurst University – Private Jesuit university with a satellite campus in Kansas City.

2-Year Colleges

• Metropolitan Community College – Longview – Public community college granting associate degrees and certificates near Lee’s Summit.
• Vatterott College – Lee’s Summit – For-profit career college awarding certificates and associate degrees in vocational fields.

Graduate Programs

• University of Central Missouri – Masters in business, education, health, etc at Lee’s Summit campus.
• University of Missouri – Kansas City – Variety of masters and doctoral programs at main campus.
• Cleveland University – Doctor of Chiropractic program.

Online Programs

Many schools offer online degrees that can be completed from Lee’s Summit:

• University of Central Missouri
• University of Missouri – Kansas City
• Park University
• William Jewell College
• Rockhurst University
• Central Methodist University

Benefits of Attending College in Lee’s Summit

Pursuing higher education in Lee’s Summit offers many benefits:

Convenience

• Multiple campuses within driving distance
• Online programs allow studying close to home
• Evening and weekend classes for scheduling flexibility

Lower Costs

• Save money by living at home and commuting
• In-state tuition rates at Missouri public universities
• Employer tuition reimbursement opportunities

Strong Job Prospects

• Education feeds talent pipeline for major area employers
• Career services and internships lead to local job placement
• Build network in community you want to work in

Support Systems

• Stay close to family and friends while in school
• Access familiar community resources and services
• Get support from people who know you best

Familiarity

• Know the area well, less stress in new environment
• Comfortable in community you already live in
• Enjoy extracurriculars and entertainment in a familiar place

Lee’s Summit provides a supportive environment to help students succeed in college while staying in a community they know and love.

Requirements for Admission to Local Colleges

Students planning to apply to Lee’s Summit area colleges should prepare by meeting typical admission requirements:

High School Transcripts

• Official transcript showing coursework, GPA, class rank, etc.
• Competitive GPA varies by college, minimum around 2.0-2.5

Standardized Test Scores

• ACT or SAT scores
• Not required by all colleges like community colleges

Application

• Application form and any application fees
• Essays, short answer questions
• Activity list, letters of recommendation

Interview

• May be required by some private or professional programs

Auditions

• For arts or performance programs

Meeting deadlines and submitting all required materials is essential. The specific admission criteria vary between colleges and programs. Reaching out early to target schools can clarify expectations.

Costs of Attending Local Colleges

Here are typical tuition and fees for Lee’s Summit higher education institutions:

University of Central Missouri

Tuition:

• In-state: $258 per credit hour
• Out-of-state: $516 per credit hour
• Fees: $1,144 per semester

Room and board: $9,720 per year

Metropolitan Community College

Tuition:

• In-district: $114 per credit hour
• Out-of-district: $228 per credit hour
• Fees: $10 per credit hour

University of Missouri – Kansas City

Tuition:

• In-state: $364.80 per credit hour
• Out-of-state: $921.70 per credit hour
• Fees: $1,123.20 per semester

Room and board: $11,784 per year

Vatterott College

Tuition: $493 per credit hour

Total annual program cost ranges from $13,000 – $35,000

Financial aid and scholarships can help offset costs. In-state students at public colleges pay the lowest rates.

Financial Aid Options in Lee’s Summit

Paying for college is made easier through these financial aid opportunities:

• FAFSA – Federal student loans and grants, work-study funds
• MO Scholarships & Grants – Missouri higher education grants
• Institutional aid – College-specific scholarships and grants
• External scholarships – Through community groups, employers, etc.
• Payment plans – Interest-free monthly payment options
• Employer tuition reimbursement – Help paying tuition from your workplace
• GI Bill – For eligible military members and families
• Scholarships for transfers, adults, and other student groups

Start by submitting the FAFSA and contacting your target colleges’ financial aid offices to learn about aid options.

Top Degree Programs Offered in Lee’s Summit

Here are some of the top and most popular degree programs available through Lee’s Summit higher education institutions:

Bachelor’s Degrees

• Business Administration
• Nursing
• Elementary Education
• Accounting
• Criminal Justice

Associate Degrees

• Nursing
• Business Administration
• Liberal Arts
• Information Technology
• Criminal Justice

Certificates

• Medical Assisting
• HVAC-R
• Business Administration
• Information Technology
• Paralegal Studies

Master’s Degrees

• Business Administration (MBA)
• Education (MAT, MEd)
• Nursing
• Public Administration

Degree options cater to many career interests at the undergraduate and graduate level.

Job Outlook for Lee’s Summit Graduates

Major employers in the Lee’s Summit area include:

• Lee’s Summit R-7 School District
• Saint Luke’s Health System
• City of Lee’s Summit
• Summit Technology Academy
• American Family Insurance
• Burns & McDonnell

Graduates are hired for roles such as:

• Teachers
• Nurses
• Accountants
• IT professionals
• Business managers
• Police officers
• Engineers
• Sales representatives

Lee’s Summit benefits from a diverse mix of public sector, corporate, healthcare, education, and small business employers. College graduates can find openings matching many degree fields and skills locally.

Benefits of Earning a College Degree

Pursuing higher education yields many lifelong benefits:

• Higher earning potential – College graduates earn over $1 million more over a lifetime on average compared to high school graduates.
• In-demand skills – Gain knowledge and competencies for growing careers.
• Upward mobility – Degree can lead to more responsibility and leadership roles.
• Job stability – Unemployment rate is lower for bachelor’s degree holders.
• Intellectual development – Grow analytical and critical thinking abilities.
• Self-discovery – Explore interests and shape identity as a young adult.
• Expanded opportunities – More doors open across industries and locations.
• Network expansion – Meet diverse people and make professional connections.

A college degree offers both monetary and personal rewards that can transform graduates’ lives and careers.

Choosing the Right College in Lee’s Summit

Factors to consider when choosing a college in Lee’s Summit:

• Programs – Find a college matching your major/career goals.
• Location – Convenience of the campus to where you live and work.
• Cost – Balance affordability and value. Compare financial aid packages.
• Class format– Online, night, or traditional scheduling based on your needs.
• Student profile – Size and demographics of the student population.
• Culture– Ensure the vibe and values fit your personality.
• Graduation outcomes – Job placement rates and alumni satisfaction.

Prioritize what matters most to you. Schedule campus visits to get a feel for each one. Thorough research helps identify the best local match.

Lee’s Summit provides quality higher education options to meet diverse needs and goals. Anyone considering college has multiple pathways to success available right in their hometown community.