University of Missouri-Columbia
About University of Missouri-Columbia
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Mizzou is a public flagship research university in Columbia, Missouri. It is the oldest state university west of the Mississippi and is known for its journalism school, the first in the world, alongside strong programs in business, engineering, and health sciences.
Founded
1839
Location
Columbia, Missouri
Students
31,023
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
78.5%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
74.9%
Near national average
In-State Tuition
$14,837
Out-of-state: $36,056
Avg Net Price
$20,268
After financial aid
SAT Average
1247
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$63,403
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$55
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
University of Missouri-Columbia accepts the majority of applicants at 78.5%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1247/ 1600
ACT Scores
27/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
74.9% complete their degree within six years
Retention
92.7%
4-Year Grad
52%
6-Year Grad
73%
Teaching Quality
18:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
78.8%
$/Student
$13.7K
Class Size
Medium
While 52% finish in 4 years, 92.7% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$14,837
In-State
$36,056
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$13,700
Books & Supplies
$950
Total Cost of Attendance
$31,713
After Financial Aid
$20,268
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$13,841
Receive Grants
20.1%
Take Loans
35.3%
The full cost of attendance is about $31,713/yr for in-state students, including $13,700 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $20,268. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $36,056.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at University of Missouri-Columbia fund their education.
While in School
20.1%
Get Grants
Free money
35.3%
Take Loans
Must repay
$76,951
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$20,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$217/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 35.3% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $20,500. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends University of Missouri-Columbia.
Gender
55%
Female
45%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
23,929
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
7,094
Graduates
20.1%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
3.4%
Age 25+
Men make up the majority at 45% of the student body. 20.1% are first-generation college students.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Midsize
Campus Quick Facts
23,929
Students
public
Institution
Large
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
University of Missouri-Columbia fields 12 varsity teams with 685 student athletes, about 3% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
Southeastern
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
12
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
685
3% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
59% / 41%
401
Men
284
Women
7
Men's Teams
9
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of University of Missouri-Columbiaearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$63,403
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business/Commerce, General
$56K
792 grads
1yr Earnings
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
$39K
528 grads
1yr Earnings
Journalism
$44K
461 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$34K
358 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$37K
281 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$72K
247 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $53K at six years, $50K at eight, and $63K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about University of Missouri-Columbia
What is the acceptance rate at University of Missouri-Columbia?▾
How much does University of Missouri-Columbia cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at University of Missouri-Columbia?▾
How much do University of Missouri-Columbia graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.