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Off-Campus Housing Near Missouri State University
About Off-Campus Housing Near Missouri State University
Missouri State University is a large public university enrolling approximately 27,000 students in Springfield, Missouri, the third-largest city in the state. Founded in 1905 and originally established as a regional teachers college, MSU now offers more than 200 degree programs across colleges including business, health and human services, arts and letters, natural and applied sciences, and education. The university's main campus is located on the south side of Springfield, a city of about 170,000 people with a diverse economy spanning healthcare, retail, education, and logistics. Springfield's size means students have access to a wide range of neighborhoods, employment opportunities, and amenities beyond what a typical college town provides. The off-campus rental market near MSU is robust, with apartment complexes, houses, and mixed-use buildings concentrated in areas south of campus and along the major corridors heading into downtown Springfield. Students enjoy relatively affordable rents compared to many other large public universities, and Springfield's urban infrastructure makes car-free living more feasible in certain neighborhoods than in smaller college towns.
Missouri State University Housing Requirements
Freshman Live-On Requirement
Missouri State University requires all first-year students who have fewer than 30 college credit hours and who are 20 years of age or younger to live in university residence halls during their first academic year. Students who reside with a parent or legal guardian within 60 miles of campus, who are married, who have dependents in their care, or who meet other specific criteria may apply for an exemption from the live-on requirement.
Off-Campus Eligibility
Students who have completed at least 30 credit hours, are 21 years of age or older, or have fulfilled their required year of on-campus living are eligible to lease off-campus housing in Springfield. The city's large and competitive rental market offers a wide variety of options across multiple neighborhoods at different price points. Many landlords and property management companies in the areas surrounding MSU are accustomed to student tenants and offer lease structures that align with the academic year.