Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Springfield, Missouri
71.4% Acceptance Rate
Cox College — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
71.4%Acceptance Rate
$56,867Grad Salary
34.9%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
71.4%
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
-40–30
Need-Based Aid
34.9% receive Pell
Cox College is a private, specialized institution in Missouri dedicated to healthcare education, particularly in nursing and diagnostic imaging. Known for its rigorous academic curriculum and clinical excellence, the college prepares students for successful and impactful careers in the healthcare sector. Its focus on hands-on learning, professional development, and student success makes it a highly effective and pragmatic choice for those seeking a direct and professional path to success in nursing.
Cox College Acceptance Rate
Cox College is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Cox College is 71.4%. This means that 71 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 71.4% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Lester L Cox College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Cox College's verified institutional data
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Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Cox College (Lester L Cox College of Nursing and Health Sciences) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into Lester L Cox College of Nursing and Health Sciences Without SAT or ACT?
Cox College requires test (SAT/ACT) scores to determine the merit for admission. It means that students will not be allowed to apply without test scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below. Normally, students may appear in the test multiple times to improve their scores.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Lester L Cox College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Lester L Cox College of Nursing and Health Sciences is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
This Institution Is in Active Teach-Out and No Longer Admitting Students
Cox College (Springfield, Missouri) announced in 2023 that it would cease new enrollment after spring 2025, and its own admissions page now states: "Cox College is no longer admitting students and plans to cease operations at the end of Summer 2027 to allow current students to finish their intended plan of study." The institution is not closed ? it is actively teaching out its remaining enrolled students ? but no new applicants can enroll. Programs are being transitioned to the Alliance for Healthcare Education, a partnership among CoxHealth, Missouri State University, Ozarks Technical Community College, and Springfield Public Schools.
Program Transition Details for Prospective Students
Associate-level health sciences programs are moving to Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC). Bachelor's and graduate programs ? including nursing ? are transitioning to Missouri State University under the Alliance. The Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program anticipates its final graduation in May 2027, setting the outer boundary for Cox College's formal operations. Interested students who were planning to apply to Cox College should instead contact Missouri State University or OTC depending on their program level. The Alliance for Healthcare Education will be housed at the former Cox College facility at Cox North in Springfield.
Records, Accreditation, and Transcripts
Cox College holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. Credits earned at Cox College from accredited programs are generally transferable to other HLC-accredited institutions, though individual nursing and allied health programs may require clinical hour review by the receiving institution's credentialing bodies. Former students needing official transcripts should contact Cox College directly while the institution remains operationally active through Summer 2027; after final closure, contact the Higher Learning Commission or the Missouri Department of Higher Education for records repository guidance.
For Students Interested in Health Sciences in Southwest Missouri
The Alliance for Healthcare Education is designed to be the successor to Cox College's healthcare education mission. For students interested in nursing, occupational therapy, diagnostic imaging, or related health science fields in the Springfield region, the Alliance's partners ? Missouri State University for bachelor's and graduate programs, and Ozarks Technical Community College for associate programs ? are the current admission pathways. Both MSU and OTC actively admit students. The Alliance aims to become the largest producer of health sciences professionals in the Midwest.
Expert Insight:
Cox College's own website still hosts content that may appear to reflect active enrollment operations ? academic calendars, program pages, and faculty profiles ? because the institution is actively teaching out existing students through Summer 2027. Any College Portal data showing Cox College as a viable enrollment option for new applicants is stale. The institution should be flagged to prevent prospective students from submitting applications or FAFSA designations to an institution that will not admit them. Inquiries should be redirected to Missouri State University or Ozarks Technical Community College.
Lester L Cox College of Nursing and Health Sciences Profile
Full Name
Cox College (Lester L Cox College of Nursing and Health Sciences)
City
Springfield
State
Missouri
ZIP Code
65802-1917
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a Lester L Cox College of Nursing and Health Sciences Degree Worth It?
Getting into Lester L Cox College of Nursing and Health Sciences can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Lester L Cox College of Nursing and Health Sciences offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Lester L Cox College of Nursing and Health Sciences is $48,200 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.16%.
34.9% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 74.1 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Lester L Cox College of Nursing and Health Sciences and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Cox College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Lester L Cox College of Nursing and Health Sciences as your choice in the form.
How much does a Lester L Cox College of Nursing and Health Sciences Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $56,867. An average Lester L Cox College of Nursing and Health Sciences graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Degree Programs at Lester L Cox College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Bachelor Degree Programs
Masters Degree Programs
Post-baccalaureate Certificate Programs
Associate Degree Programs
UG Certificate or Diploma Programs
Professional Certificate Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Lester L Cox College of Nursing and Health Sciences Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $56,867 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
34.9% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of Cox College is 71.4% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.