University of Missouri-Columbia
The Vibe Check
The University of Missouri-Campus buzzes with the energy of a major research institution while maintaining a welcoming, Midwestern friendliness. Walking across the columns campus, you feel the deep traditions of a school that is both a land-grant university and a major SEC sports powerhouse. It’s a place where you can feel the pulse of a vibrant urban college town that still offers a strong sense of community.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
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⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
Mizzou is an R1 research university with renowned programs in journalism, business, and health professions. Students benefit from hands-on learning opportunities through the Mizzou Advantage program and access to state-of-the-art facilities like the Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders. The large class sizes in introductory courses are balanced by dedicated faculty in upper-level seminars and research labs.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Columbia
Columbia offers a classic college town atmosphere with a vibrant downtown district filled with local coffee shops, restaurants, and live music venues. Students can explore the extensive Katy Trail for biking and running or catch a show at The Blue Note, a famous local music venue. On game days, the city transforms into a sea of gold and black as fans flock to Faurot Field for SEC football action.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($63,403):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The University of Missouri has a comprehensive campus security program with 24/7 patrols and a well-lit campus, though students should remain vigilant in the surrounding downtown areas. Columbia is generally considered a safe college town, but like any urban setting, it is important to practice standard safety precautions, especially at night.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Top-tier research opportunities for undergraduates in fields like engineering and life sciences.
- ✓ Strong SEC athletics culture that creates a spirited and unified campus community.
- ✓ Affordable tuition and high value for in-state students with solid post-graduation earnings.
- ✓ Large alumni network and strong career placement in the Midwest and beyond.
Cons
- ✗ Large class sizes, especially in introductory courses, can make it difficult to connect with professors.
- ✗ Out-of-state tuition is significantly higher, diminishing the value proposition for non-residents.
- ✗ The urban setting can feel sprawling, and some students find the campus distance from major coastal cities isolating.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Mizzou is widely known for its world-class journalism school, the Missouri School of Journalism, which operates real-world media outlets. It is also a powerhouse in agriculture, engineering, and business, and is famous for its strong affiliation with the SEC and its research-intensive status as an R1 university.
No, the University of Missouri-Columbia has a relatively high acceptance rate of 77.02%, making it accessible to a broad range of students. While admission is not highly selective, the university does look for a solid academic record, with the middle 50% of admitted students typically having a GPA of 3.5 or higher (test-blind for 2025).
Campus life is vibrant and heavily influenced by school spirit and athletics, with a 'sea of gold' on football game days. Students can join over 600 student organizations, participate in Greek life, or enjoy the recreational facilities. The campus is walkable but large, and the surrounding city of Columbia provides ample dining and entertainment options.
For in-state students, the answer is a resounding yes, given the low net price and strong median earnings of $63,403 ten years after graduation. For out-of-state students, the value is less clear due to the much higher tuition, but the degree still holds significant weight, especially for those pursuing careers in the Midwest or in specific fields like journalism and agriculture.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Public
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 25,276
- In-State Tuition $14,130
- Out-of-State $34,338
- Zip Code 65211
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
For in-state students, Mizzou offers an exceptional return on investment, with a net price under $20,000 and median earnings of $63,403 after graduation. Out-of-state students pay a premium, nearly double the in-state rate, so they should carefully weigh the cost against the academic and career benefits. Overall, the combination of manageable debt loads and strong post-graduation earnings makes it a financially sound choice, particularly for Missouri residents.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.