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Northwest Missouri State University is a regional public university located in Maryville, Missouri, in the far northwest corner of the state about 45 miles north of St. Joseph. Founded in 1905, Northwest enrolls approximately 7,000 students and offers more than 140 undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its colleges of arts and sciences, business and professional programs, education, and graduate and extended learning. The Maryville campus spans about 370 acres and includes modern academic buildings, residence halls, and a full range of student services. Northwest is a member of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association and competes in NCAA Division II athletics. The university is known for its strong teacher education program and has built a regional reputation for quality undergraduate instruction at an affordable price point. Maryville itself is a small city of roughly 12,000 residents where the university is the dominant economic and cultural force. The surrounding community is quiet and close-knit, with a historic downtown square, affordable cost of living, and the rural character typical of northwest Missouri.
Northwest Missouri State University requires all first-year, full-time students to live in university residence halls for their first academic year. Students who are 21 years of age or older, married, or living with a parent or legal guardian within a defined commuting distance may request an exemption. The university enforces this policy through its housing contract, which must be completed before enrollment is finalized.
Students who have completed their freshman year or who qualify for a live-on exemption are free to seek off-campus housing in Maryville. The off-campus rental market in Maryville is compact, with most available inventory located within a mile or two of the NWMSU campus. Sophomores and upperclassmen make up the vast majority of the off-campus tenant population in the city.
Because Maryville is a small town and the rental inventory is limited, the best off-campus units near NWMSU go quickly. Landlords typically begin advertising available units for the next fall semester in November and December. Students who want the widest selection should start searching by January and aim to have a lease signed no later than early spring to avoid being left with limited options.
Housing policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Northwest Missouri State University before signing a lease.
In a small college town like Maryville, early action is especially important because the overall inventory of rentals is limited. Students who begin searching in November or December of their freshman year will have the best pick of houses and apartments within walking distance of the NWMSU campus. Reaching out directly to local property management companies and checking community bulletin boards are effective strategies since few Maryville landlords advertise on national platforms.
The core leasing period in Maryville runs from January through March, when most upperclassmen are securing housing for the following academic year. Because the total number of quality off-campus units is small relative to the student population, competition during this window can be significant for desirable properties near campus. Students actively searching in this period should be ready to sign quickly once they find a unit that meets their needs.
Students who find themselves looking in April, May, or summer will face a noticeably thinner market in Maryville than they would in a larger college town. Some larger complexes and landlords with multiple properties may retain available units through summer, and NWMSU's off-campus housing resources can help connect late searchers with remaining options. Roommate-matching services and student Facebook groups can also surface sublet and open-room opportunities closer to move-in.
The blocks immediately surrounding the NWMSU campus along College Avenue and the nearby side streets contain the highest concentration of student rental houses and small apartment buildings. Proximity to campus is the main draw, and many students walk to class from this area without needing a vehicle.
The blocks near Maryville's historic downtown square offer a handful of rental options above storefronts and in older converted homes. This area appeals to students who want to be close to the small-town amenities of downtown, including local restaurants, coffee shops, and the public library, while staying within biking distance of campus.
The quieter residential streets to the west of campus offer a mix of rental houses and duplexes that tend to attract upperclassmen and graduate students looking for a calmer environment. Rents in this part of Maryville are typically lower than in the blocks closest to campus, making it a good option for students on a tight budget.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
Maryville is one of the most affordable college towns in Missouri. Off-campus apartments near NWMSU typically rent for $450 to $750 per month for a one-bedroom. Shared houses and multi-bedroom units often bring the per-person cost down to $300 to $500 per month, making it possible for students to live comfortably on a modest budget.