The University of Missouri, known as Mizzou, is based in the picturesque city of Columbia and represents the very best in academic creativity, research, and lifestyle. It's a long history that dates back to 1839 - it is the oldest public university west of the Mississippi River - and it continues to attract students from every background and every career pivot. Whether you are drawn by the University of Missouri programs or excellent faculty, the University is a place that helps students develop and succeed both personally and academically. The University of Missouri campus combines traditional campus charm with modern facilities; this means students have many opportunities for learning and exploring. Their principles of affordability, accessibility, and academic excellence have consistently placed them in the top tier of public research universities in the country. The University of Missouri course catalog is as broad in its offerings as is the possible flexibility of University of Missouri programs; online programs, either as core degree programs or supplementary add-ons, can also help orient students toward their goals and interests.
What Makes the University of Missouri a Top Choice?
The University of Missouri combines academic excellence, experiential opportunities, and a positive campus environment. As the state’s largest public research university, Mizzou attracts students who demand a serious academic experience, while also developing a well-rounded college experience. Graduating students have received outstanding instruction from renowned faculty, have received impressive research funding, and are well-prepared with both theoretical and practical skills through industry partnerships. From the University of Missouri course catalog to the campus experience itself, every student experience is designed to cultivate growth, curiosity, and success.
So, why Mizzou?
1. Research As Real-World Learning
- R1 Carnegie Classification: The University of Missouri has the highest research activity classification under the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, making it an innovative and research-intensive institution.
- Research as Early as First-year: Students are able to participate in research faculty-led projects and research as early as the freshman year level in from a variety of University of Missouri programs.
- Collaboration Across Disciplines: If your area of interest includes journalism, health sciences, engineering, or anything else, the university encourages students to participate in cross-departmental projects to emulate the way in which real-world problem solving takes place.
2. A Truly Global and Inclusive Campus
- International Cohort of Students: The University of Missouri campus includes students from over 100 countries who come from and represent a variety of cultures and ideologies.
- Global Opportunities for Growth and Learning: Students have access to study abroad opportunities while the University of Missouri continues to grow its list of online programs, which allows students to manifest their own learning in a very literal sense while enjoying the world.
- Environmental Support: Mizzou offers advising, cultural programming, and academic services that make it their priority to ensure students have everything they need to thrive and feel comfortable in their home away from home.
3. Location and Career Access
- Columbia, Missouri Advantage: Columbia is situated perfectly halfway between Kansas City and St. Louis, giving students a great balance of college-town atmosphere and career access.
- Strong Employer Network: Mizzou is very connected to the best employers and government agencies, which directly helps students find valuable internships and secure their first jobs.
- Top Notch Career Services: Mizzou's career center offers resume workshops, career fairs, and personal services to get their graduates employed.
The University of Missouri offers everything from global opportunities to experiential learning, which combine to give a rewarding academic and personal experience, equating to a competitive University of Missouri acceptance rate and high satisfaction among students.
University of Missouri Ranking
The University of Missouri ranking shows a strong outlook on academic reputation, research performance, and student performance. As the first public university west of the Mississippi River, the University of Missouri continues to rise in national and worldwide rankings in multiple categories.
The listed rankings show the University of Missouri is amid the national movement of academic excellence, as well as the institution's tireless pursuit of meeting the needs of its students, along with meeting the standards of the world.
University of Missouri Admissions Process
The University of Missouri admissions process is created to be simple and supportive to allow the student to spend more time on planning their future than on red tape. Whether you are a first-year student, a transfer student, or an international student, Mizzou will offer clear pathways and helpful resources to guide you as you move through the process.
Here is an overview in step-by-step format:
Step 1: Choose Your Program
Take the time to explore the University of Missouri course catalog to find the degree that fits your interests and career aspirations.
Step 2: Review Admission Requirements
Mizzou assesses a combination of GPA, standardized test scores (i.e., ACT/SAT), and high school coursework. Some degrees within the University of Missouri may have additional admission requirements.
Step 3: Apply
Apply online through the University of Missouri's application portal or the Common App. Make sure you upload your transcripts and test scores.
Step 4: Submit the Application Fee
The application fee is $55 for domestic students and $65 for international students. Applications may also apply for a fee waiver, if applicable.
Step 5: Monitor your Application
You may monitor your application through the student portal after you apply.
Step 6: Apply for Financial Aid and Scholarships
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid, http://fafsa.ed.gov/) and University of Missouri scholarships provide the best chance to maximize your funding opportunity.
Step 7: Receive Admission Decision
Mizzou operates on a rolling admission, and you will typically hear back from us within a few weeks after you submit all required materials.
Step 8: Admission decision
The University of Missouri has a competitive, but relatively accessible acceptance rate for students who demonstrate academic potential and a love of learning.
University of Missouri Tuition Fees
It's important to understand how the University of Missouri tuition works to plan your education. Mizzou has clear pricing and is known for providing good value, especially with a variety of University of Missouri scholarships and financial aid.
Here is the breakdown of the tuition:
When you consider education quality, access to research, and on-campus resources, University of Missouri tuition has great ROI for in-state and out-of-state students.
Scholarships at the University of Missouri
Paying for college is a concern for many students, but the University of Missouri scholarship system is in place to alleviate their stress. Mizzou has merit-based, need-based, and departmental scholarships available to students from all walks of life in order to assist them in obtaining a world-class education.
The Types of Scholarships Offered:
1. Automatic Merit Scholarships:
Based on GPA and standardized test scores, and awarded on a basis that’s automatic when you apply.
2. Competitive Scholarships:
These scholarships require a separate application and award students based on academic excellence, leadership, and extracurricular commitment.
3. Departmental Awards:
These awards are provided by individual colleges for their programs or programs offered at the University of Missouri.
4. Diversity & Inclusion Scholarships:
These scholarships focus specifically on students from backgrounds that are underrepresented, supporting Mizzou’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment on campus.
Here’s a breakdown of major scholarships for undergraduates:
Whether you’re applying from Missouri or abroad, a variety of private scholarships are available to help reduce your education costs. Programs like AmberScholar offer additional funding opportunities for eligible students.
On-Campus Accommodation at the University of Missouri
Living on campus is an integral component of the Mizzou experience. The University of Missouri campus provides a combination of housing styles that are conducive to community, comfort, and convenience.
Residence Halls overview -
1. Traditional Halls
Double rooms with community bathrooms. Hatch, College Avenue, and Wolpers are examples of traditional halls.
2. Suite-Style Halls
For students who want more privacy, shared bathrooms are between the rooms. Brooks and Bluford Halls are examples of suite-style residence halls.
3. Apartments & Special Housing
Gateway Hall has apartments for upperclassmen, and there are themed learning communities for students with common interests.
Attributes of Living On-Campus:
- Fully furnished rooms with high-speed internet access
- Meal plans featuring a variety of dining options across campus
- 24/7 security and support services
- Community events, clubs, and academic support in housing units
Most first-year students are required to stay on campus, and we can see why - residential life at Mizzou sets you up for a great first year academically and socially.
Regardless of whether you are pursuing one of the many STEM-educated routes or one of the liberal arts-educated paths for your University of Missouri majors, your courses are designed with your experience in mind.
Off-Campus Housing Near the University of Missouri
Choosing the right off-campus housing can make a huge difference in your time spent at the University of Missouri. Whether you're searching for a quiet place to focus on academics, a student-oriented community, or a little of both, student housing near Columbia offers a number of great options that are so close to campus.
1. Coronado Place and Towers
2. City Lofts
3. The Standard
4. West Pine Lofts
5. Vandy House
Living off-campus near the University of Missouri allows students to pick a lifestyle that works for them. With good housing options like this, you’ll be near campus, part of a friendly community, and ready to do well in both school and social life.
Notable Alumni of the University of Missouri
The University of Missouri has a solid track record of producing leaders and innovators who have made a difference in various fields around the world. From journalism to politics, entertainment, and sports, Mizzou alumni are doing great things every day.
Here are the notable alumni:
- Brad Pitt – Before becoming a Hollywood star, he studied journalism at Mizzou for a bit.
- Sam Walton – The man behind Walmart and Sam’s Club got his economics degree here and changed the retail game.
- Sheryl Crow – This Grammy-winning artist, known for her diverse music and activism, graduated from Mizzou with a degree in music education.
- Chris Cooper – The Oscar-winning actor studied drama at Mizzou, where he really found his love for acting.
- Jon Hamm – He’s famous for Mad Men, but Hamm was also a student at the University of Missouri before his acting career took off.
From newsrooms to boardrooms, Mizzou grads show what a great education can do.