University of Missouri-Kansas City logo

University of Missouri-Kansas City

Accept Rate
74.99%
Grad Rate
56%
Enrollment
6,618
Avg SAT
1230
Tuition
$11,988
Median Salary
$59,637
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
B
Value
C
Admissions
A
Diversity
B
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

UMKC feels like an urban campus where students are grounded in real-world learning, with a diverse and commuter-heavy student body. There's a strong sense of practicality and focus, blending the energy of Kansas City with a tight-knit academic community.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

74.99%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 123075th Pctl
11501540
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2675th Pctl
2129
1122436

Admissions Tips

Highlight your interest in urban engagement and specific professional programs in your application, as the university values community connection. Strong performance in high school science and math courses is crucial for competitive majors like biology and engineering.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1230
40080012001600
School range: 1150โ€“1540

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

The university is strong in professional schools, especially health professions and law, with robust research opportunities in the biomedical sciences. Teaching quality is a priority, and students benefit from the university's integration with the Kansas City medical and business communities.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
18.7%
Health Professions
12%
Biology & Biomedical
10.4%
Engineering
7.5%
Social Sciences
6.7%
Psychology
6.4%
Visual & Performing Arts
6.2%
Computer Science
6.1%
Physical Sciences
5.1%
Communications
3.3%
Education
2.7%
English & Literature
2.2%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

56%
Graduation Rate
77.5%
Retention Rate
6,618
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$11,988
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$12,837
After financial aid
Total Cost
$24,645
Cost of attendance/year
25%
Receive Pell Grants
24.3%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Kansas City

Students enjoy access to Kansas City's vibrant arts scene, including the Crossroads Arts District, and the famous Power & Light District for dining and nightlife. The city offers a rich cultural experience with world-class BBQ, jazz history, and professional sports, all accessible via the city's streetcar line.

Local Rent Check

$1,098 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Kansas City
Explore Kansas City

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$47,952
$0Est. 4 Years: $47,952

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($59,637):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in an urban setting, so students should be aware of their surroundings, especially at night. The university has its own campus police force and provides safety escorts, but standard city precautions are recommended.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Strong professional programs in law, medicine, and dentistry
  • โœ“ Affordable in-state tuition and good financial value
  • โœ“ Prime urban location provides extensive internship and job opportunities
  • โœ“ Notable research programs, especially in health and biomedical fields

Cons

  • โœ— Graduation and retention rates are lower than national averages
  • โœ— Campus life can feel less traditional due to a high percentage of commuter students
  • โœ— Urban setting requires students to be proactive about personal safety

Notable Alumni

Paul Rudd
Hollywood actor known for his roles in Ant-Man and Clueless.
Jean Peters
Golden Globe-winning actress and former wife of Howard Hughes.
Satchel Paige
Legendary Hall of Fame baseball pitcher who played for the Kansas City Monarchs.

Frequently Asked Questions

UMKC is particularly well-known for its professional schools, including the UMKC School of Medicine and School of Law. It has strong research programs in health professions, biology, and biomedical sciences, and is recognized for its urban engagement and community partnerships in Kansas City.

No, UMKC is not highly selective. With an acceptance rate of approximately 75%, most applicants are admitted. However, competitive programs like medicine and certain STEM fields will have higher standards. An average SAT score of 1230 is a good benchmark for competitive applicants.

Campus life at UMKC is urban and diverse. Many students commute, so the traditional residential college feel is less pronounced. Student engagement happens through various clubs, NCAA Division I athletics (the Kangaroos), and utilizing the resources of the surrounding city for internships, dining, and entertainment.

For in-state students, UMKC presents a strong financial case. With an average net price under $13,000 and 10-year median earnings close to $60,000, the return on investment is favorable. For out-of-state students, the value proposition is less clear and warrants careful financial consideration.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Children's Mercy Hospital Saint Luke's Health System Commerce Bank Burns & McDonnell Cerner
Smart Start Score
62

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Public
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 11,472
  • In-State Tuition $11,988
  • Out-of-State $28,788
  • Zip Code 64110

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 39.7% โ™€ 60.3%

The Money Talk

With a lower in-state tuition and a strong average graduate earnings figure of nearly $60,000, the university offers a solid return on investment, especially for Missouri residents. The net price is relatively affordable, making it a financially sound choice for students seeking a quality education without overwhelming debt.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $11,988
Housing (12 mo) $13,176
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $32,364
With avg financial aid:
$12,837/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.