St. Louis Community College Meramec
St. Louis Community College Meramec: General Information
About (Overview)
St. Louis Community College Meramec (often styled STLCC-Meramec or Meramec campus) is one of the primary campuses of the STLCC system, located in Kirkwood, Missouri. As a public community college, Meramec offers associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs, serving as a bridge for students entering four-year institutions or workforce pathways. The Meramec campus occupies around 78 acres and hosts specialized facilities including a greenhouse, horticulture labs, fine arts studios, and a theater, integrating both academic and hands-on learning.
The campus has undergone renovation and expansion under the “STLCC Transformed” initiative, adding centers for emerging technologies and finance education, designed to support modern curricula and collaborative learning. Athletics (baseball, softball, volleyball, and women’s soccer) are hosted at Meramec as part of the unified STLCC system. As the largest community college campus in Missouri by student count (approximately 12,000 at Meramec), it draws students from across the St. Louis metro area and emphasizes accessibility, affordability, and pathways to career and further education. It supports commuter and nontraditional students while maintaining vibrant student life through arts, athletics, and campus resources.
Contact Information
Address: 11333 Big Bend Road, Kirkwood, Missouri 63122
Phone: 314-984-7500
Email: Use the STLCC general or Meramec campus email systems (admissions or campus info addresses)
School Facts — St. Louis Community College Meramec
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Campus Establishment Year | 1972 for Meramec campus (within overall STLCC system established 1962) |
| Type | Public community college (two-year) |
| Motto | “Expanding Minds. Changing Lives.” |
| Campus Size | ~78 acres |
| Colors | Navy and Silver |
| Sports Nickname | Archers (system-wide) |
| Student Population (Meramec) | ~12,000 students |
| Parent System | St. Louis Community College (STLCC) |
St. Louis Community College Meramec Rankings
As a community college campus, Meramec does not appear in many global or national ranked lists, but here is a comparative snapshot:
| Metric / Ranking | Value / Note |
|---|---|
| Mid-Size Community College Ranking | Considered among leading community college campuses in Missouri for transfer and career programs |
| Net Price Comparisons | Net cost after aid approx. $7,173 (for STLCC system median) |
| Student Satisfaction & Reviews | Rated ~3.76 / 5 on college review platforms |
| Acceptance Rate / Admission Selectivity | Open admissions model, essentially accepting all qualified applicants |
St. Louis Community College Meramec Academics
St. Louis Community College Meramec Faculties / Departments
Although STLCC operates under a system model rather than rigid colleges, Meramec’s academic structure includes multiple program units or disciplinary areas. Key departments or academic units include:
- Arts & Fine Arts (studio art, performance, visual technologies)
- Horticulture / Plant Science / Environmental Studies
- Business, Accounting & Finance
- Health Professions / Allied Health
- Social Sciences / General Education
- Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM)
- Transfer & Liberal Arts Division
- Workforce & Career Programs
These units coordinate courses, labs, faculty, and student pathways aligned with system-wide standards and local campus specializations.
St. Louis Community College Meramec Courses and Programs / Majors
Meramec offers a broad array of programs including associate degrees, transfer tracks, and certificates. Some representative offerings include:
- Associate of Arts / Associate of Science (general transfer)
- Associate of Applied Science (various fields)
- Certificates in Automotive Technology, Welding, Health Information Technology, Diagnostic Imaging, etc.
- Fine Arts and Visual Technologies (graphic design, photography, media arts)
- Horticulture, Landscaping & Plant Science
- Business, Accounting, Finance, Supply Chain
- Health professions (nursing, diagnostic imaging, clinical lab)
- Allied health support programs
- General education core courses to support transfer
Online Learning
STLCC offers hybrid and online courses across many of its programs, allowing students to mix remote and in-person instruction based on program requirements. Especially general education, foundational courses, and some certificate modules are available online. However, many lab, studio, and applied courses (science labs, horticulture, health diagnostics) require in-person attendance. The system-wide online offerings complement the Meramec campus and provide flexible pathways for students who must balance work or commuting constraints.
Average Test Scores (SAT, ACT, GRE, etc.)
| Test | Typical Requirement / Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SAT | Not required | Community colleges like STLCC generally do not mandate SAT |
| ACT | Not required | Applicants are often admitted without standardized test scores |
| GRE | Not relevant | Graduate testing not applicable at associate or certificate levels |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Retention and graduation rates at Meramec reflect typical challenges in community college contexts. System-wide, completion within “normal time” is modest. For example, STLCC supports many students transferring or continuing beyond the two-year mark. Exact published retention for Meramec-specific cohorts is limited, but the system’s strategies include advising, support, and flexible program design to improve persistence and completion of associate or certificate credentials.
St. Louis Community College Meramec Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Meramec campus follows an open admissions policy, which means no fixed minimum GPA is required for many programs and standardized test scores (SAT, ACT) are not mandatory. Applicants with diverse academic backgrounds may be accepted, focusing more on readiness and program prerequisites where needed.
St. Louis Community College Meramec Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Essentially 100% | Under the open admissions model, most applicants who meet baseline criteria are admitted |
St. Louis Community College Meramec Application Requirements
Prospective students must complete the STLCC application form and indicate Meramec campus. Applicants must provide proof of high school graduation or equivalent (GED). If transferring, prior college transcripts are required. Some programs may require placement testing in reading, writing, or math. Immunization/health documentation may be required. Students may also need to attend orientation and participate in academic advising sessions. The process is designed to reduce barriers and accommodate diverse learners.
Application Process
- Submit STLCC system application, specifying Meramec campus
- Provide high school diploma, transcript, or GED verification
- Submit any prior college transcripts if transfer
- Complete placement assessments or diagnostics if required
- Attend orientation or advising session at Meramec
- Register for courses through the campus advising and scheduling system
St. Louis Community College Meramec Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Term / Program | Deadline / Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Often in summer (July) | Students should apply early to secure seats in high-demand courses |
| Spring Semester | Late fall (December) | Transfer and continuing students follow internal deadlines |
| Rolling Admissions | Many programs admit year-round | Some certificate start dates are flexible |
| Orientation & Registration | Shortly before term begins | New students orient and register before classes start |
Essay Prompt
STLCC Meramec generally does not require a formal essay for admission. If a short personal statement is requested, it may ask students to articulate their academic goals, interest in a program, or how Meramec fits into their longer-term career or transfer plans.
St. Louis Community College Meramec Scholarships
Meramec students are eligible for STLCC system scholarships, grants, and federal/state aid (Pell, state grants). Merit-based, need-based, and campus scholarships are available. Scholarship applications typically require FAFSA and additional forms. Because of the open admissions model, many students rely on institutional aid to reduce cost burdens. The campus may also have specific departmental or program awards for academic performance or community engagement.
St. Louis Community College Meramec Tuition and Fees
| Cost Type | Amount / Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| In-State / Missouri Resident Tuition | ~$3,690 per year (as per recent rates for STLCC) | Rate for full-time in-state students |
| Out-of-State Tuition | ~$4,740 per year | Higher rate applied to non-residents |
| Net Price After Aid | ~$7,173 | Median net cost after scholarship/grant aid (system-wide figure) |
| Fees / Institutional Charges | Included in published tuition estimates | Students should check campus fee schedules |
| Books & Supplies | ~$1,000/year | Typical estimate for instructional materials |
These figures reflect system-wide data applied to Meramec; program-based costs may vary depending on specialized courses, labs, or materials.
St. Louis Community College Meramec Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics (Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity)
Across STLCC, the student demographic breakdown indicates broad diversity. In 2023, the system-wide student population was approximately 49.2% White, 31.8% Black or African American, 5.41% Hispanic/Latino, 5.31% two or more races, 4.64% Asian, with small proportions of Native American and other categories. Approximately 65.3% of degrees were awarded to women, 34.7% to men, reflecting a gender tilt toward female enrollment. At Meramec, student age distribution per campus data suggests that ~39% of students are 18-19, ~31% are 20-21, ~13% are 22-24, and ~17% are over 25, consistent with broader community college age diversity. This mix includes traditional-age students and significant representation of older, nontraditional learners.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
As a public community college, Meramec serves many students from low- and moderate-income backgrounds. A significant share of students receive financial aid, grants, and scholarships to reduce educational costs. The campus provides student services such as disability access, accommodation support, tutoring, advising, and resource centers to support students with disabilities in accessing coursework, labs, and campus facilities. The mission of STLCC emphasizes removing barriers and supporting under-resourced student populations.
Student Body — St. Louis Community College Meramec
| Category | Number / Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Students (Meramec) | ~12,000 | Campus population size |
| Full-Time Undergraduates | ~5,547 | Reported for Meramec from Niche |
| Part-Time Undergraduates | ~5,646 | Also reported at Meramec |
| Acceptance Rate | ~100% (open admissions) | Open-door policy |
| Degrees Awarded (System-wide recent year) | ~2,179 | STLCC system total degrees in 2023 |
University Diversity
Meramec campus, as part of STLCC, embodies diversity in many dimensions: racial/ethnic, age, socioeconomic background, and life circumstances. Students come from various ZIP codes, neighborhoods, and backgrounds across St. Louis County and beyond, enriching classroom interaction with multiple perspectives. The campus environment includes cultural programming, student clubs, art exhibitions, and theater productions that reflect diverse heritage and interests. Because Meramec is commuter-oriented, students who are balancing work, family, or community obligations bring maturity and life experience into peer learning. The institution supports inclusive practices via counseling, financial aid, access services, and flexible scheduling. Diversity is not solely demographic but also intellectual; students include fresh high school graduates, adult learners returning to education, and those seeking career shifts. This blend fosters a learning environment where difference becomes an asset and community is built around shared goals of upward mobility, skill development, and academic success.
Average Earnings
Graduates from Meramec (or from STLCC system) typically enter fields aligned with their degree or certificate—business, nursing, allied health, technical trades, and public service. Because many transfer to four-year colleges, earnings trajectory can rise further with bachelor’s credentials. For graduates entering directly into the workforce, starting salaries depend heavily on program: health science and technical graduates often command higher wages than general transfer graduates. The affordability of STLCC ensures lower student debt, which amplifies net income post-graduation. Over time, alumni who persist into supervisory, management, or specialized roles may see significantly higher earnings. Data modeling for the system suggests that for every dollar invested in STLCC education, students receive $4.70 in increased lifelong income—a reflection of strong return on investment.
St. Louis Community College Meramec Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Meramec campus employs faculty (full- and part-time) across academic disciplines, labs, arts, health, and technical programs. Staff support includes academic advising, student services, library services, campus security, facilities, admissions, and financial aid offices. The Meramec campus is led by a campus president / chief academic officer local to Meramec under the broader STLCC leadership.
Faculty Profiles (Expertise, Achievements)
Faculty at Meramec are credentialed instructors, many holding terminal degrees or professional certifications in their fields, and they often engage in both teaching and applied or scholarly work. In arts and horticulture, faculty may lead shows, exhibitions, greenhouses, or community projects. In technical disciplines, instructors often maintain industry engagement to remain current. Some faculty contribute to curriculum development, accreditation tasks, research, and community partnerships. Because of the relatively smaller campus scale compared to large universities, faculty-student interaction tends to be more personalized, enabling mentoring, close guidance, and better feedback loops.
St. Louis Community College Meramec Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Meramec is primarily a commuter campus and does not offer traditional student housing. Most students live in the surrounding St. Louis metropolitan area and travel to campus. Campus life is centered around facilities such as the Meramec Theatre, art gallery, fitness center, student clubs, theater productions, gallery events, and campus green spaces (notably horticulture gardens). The campus hosts student orientation, lectures, film screenings, and arts performances. While not residential, Meramec fosters a strong sense of campus community through events, student organizations, cultural programming, and athletics participation under the STLCC system.
Transportation
Meramec is located in a suburban area in Kirkwood, Missouri, accessible by roads and local transit. Students largely commute by car, carpool, or public transit if available in their area. The campus provides parking, pedestrian walkways, bicycle access, and internal connectivity between buildings. For those attending hybrid or occasional in-person labs, transit flexibility is important. Overall, transportation is a practical consideration for many Meramec students, with infrastructure oriented to support commuting.