Blue Springs, Missouri, and its surrounding areas are home to several respected public and private colleges and universities. While Blue Springs itself is a suburban community, its proximity to Kansas City provides residents excellent access to higher education in various fields including healthcare, business, technology, and liberal arts.
Top Public Colleges & Universities in Blue Springs
University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC) – Located just minutes from Blue Springs, UMKC is a leading public research university known for its strong programs in health sciences, business, law, and the performing arts.
Metropolitan Community College – Blue River – Situated directly in Blue Springs, this two-year public college offers affordable associate degrees and certificates in fields like criminal justice, general studies, and fire science.
University of Central Missouri (UCM) – Located about 45 miles southeast in Warrensburg, UCM provides high-quality education in nursing, aviation, education, and technology with a focus on hands-on learning.
Missouri State University – While located in Springfield, Missouri State serves students across the state with strong distance learning options and is known for its education, hospitality, and public affairs programs.
Northwest Missouri State University (Kansas City Campus) – This satellite campus offers graduate and undergraduate programs in business, education, and computer science geared toward working professionals in the Blue Springs and Kansas City areas.
Top Private Colleges & Universities in Blue Springs
Rockhurst University – A respected private Jesuit institution in nearby Kansas City, Rockhurst is known for its programs in physical therapy, nursing, and business with a strong emphasis on ethics and leadership.
Avila University – Located in south Kansas City, Avila offers undergraduate and graduate programs in education, healthcare, business, and the arts, with small class sizes and a focus on community service.
Benedictine College – Just over an hour away in Atchison, Kansas, Benedictine is a Catholic liberal arts college known for its residential campus, theology programs, and strong leadership development offerings.
Park University – Based in Parkville near Kansas City, Park University provides flexible learning options and is known for its global outreach and programs in business, homeland security, and information technology.
Calvary University – Located in Kansas City, this Christian university offers programs in ministry, biblical studies, education, and business, appealing to students seeking a faith-based curriculum rooted in Scripture.