About University of Central Missouri
The University of Central Missouri builds careers through hands-on education that puts graduates to work. This full public university enrolls 5,653 students in the small town of Warrensburg and has earned its reputation through strong teacher education programs and practical career preparation. Notable alumni include NFL Hall of Fame running back Gale Sayers and actor-director Dick Powell, reflecting the school's track record of developing talent across fields.
Students pay an average net price of $15,336 after financial aid, making UCM one of Missouri's more affordable options. Graduates earn a median of $49,560 ten years after graduation while carrying typical debt loads of $21,000. The math works in students' favor, with monthly loan payments averaging just $223. In-state students pay $9,739 in tuition, while the school keeps costs reasonable for everyone.
The Mules and Jennies compete in 13 NCAA Division II sports with over $3.3 million in athletic scholarships available. Campus housing accommodates 2,859 students, creating a close-knit community where 87% of students come from Missouri. The 70% retention rate and 19:1 student-faculty ratio reflect an environment where students get personal attention. With a 97% employment rate, UCM delivers on its promise of education for service.
Students pay an average net price of $15,336 after financial aid, making UCM one of Missouri's more affordable options. Graduates earn a median of $49,560 ten years after graduation while carrying typical debt loads of $21,000. The math works in students' favor, with monthly loan payments averaging just $223. In-state students pay $9,739 in tuition, while the school keeps costs reasonable for everyone.
The Mules and Jennies compete in 13 NCAA Division II sports with over $3.3 million in athletic scholarships available. Campus housing accommodates 2,859 students, creating a close-knit community where 87% of students come from Missouri. The 70% retention rate and 19:1 student-faculty ratio reflect an environment where students get personal attention. With a 97% employment rate, UCM delivers on its promise of education for service.
Academics & Faculty
The University of Central Missouri built its reputation on teacher education and practical career preparation programs. Students benefit from a 19:1 student-faculty ratio that provides reasonable access to professors. The school's 51% four-year graduation rate reflects the working-class student body that often balances jobs with coursework. UCM operates as a full public university focused on applied learning rather than research. The aviation program ranks among Missouri's best, while business and criminal justice attract many students. Career services emphasize job placement over graduate school preparation. With 87% of students coming from Missouri, the university serves as an affordable pathway to middle-class careers for first-generation college students throughout the state.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 19:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 99.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 51.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 49.4%
- Retention Rate
- 70.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,560
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $98,137 |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. | Master | $72,762 |
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $65,573 |
| Engineering Technology, General. | Bachelor | $59,937 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Bachelor | $59,124 |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $58,402 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,131 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $57,860 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $57,318 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $55,512 |
Campus Life
Warrensburg sits 50 miles southeast of Kansas City, giving students access to internships and jobs without big-city distractions. About 51% of UCM's 5,653 students live on campus, creating a close-knit community where you'll recognize faces walking between classes. Winters require heavy coats and snow boots, while humid summers mean plenty of air conditioning breaks between outdoor activities.
The 1,561-acre campus feels spacious but walkable, anchored by the massive Student Recreation and Wellness Center where students blow off steam between studying. With 87% of students from Missouri, weekends often involve trips home or exploring Kansas City's barbecue scene. Greek life draws a modest following, while the Mules and Jennies athletic teams compete in Division II with 502 total athletes bringing energy to campus events. Students gravitate toward the Elliott Student Union for meals and socializing, especially during Missouri's unpredictable weather. The small-town setting means most entertainment happens on campus, fostering the kind of college friendships that last well beyond graduation.
The 1,561-acre campus feels spacious but walkable, anchored by the massive Student Recreation and Wellness Center where students blow off steam between studying. With 87% of students from Missouri, weekends often involve trips home or exploring Kansas City's barbecue scene. Greek life draws a modest following, while the Mules and Jennies athletic teams compete in Division II with 502 total athletes bringing energy to campus events. Students gravitate toward the Elliott Student Union for meals and socializing, especially during Missouri's unpredictable weather. The small-town setting means most entertainment happens on campus, fostering the kind of college friendships that last well beyond graduation.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 2,859 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1871
Campus Safety (2023)
35 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 3 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| Stalking | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Domestic Violence | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Aggravated Assault | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Burglary | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 18°–39°F
- July Avg
- 66°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 42.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
UCM draws primarily from Missouri and surrounding states, with nearly 9 in 10 students coming from in-state. The school serves a solidly middle-class student body, reflected in its affordable tuition and practical focus on career preparation. Women slightly outnumber men, which aligns with the university's reputation as a top teacher preparation institution. The student body is predominantly white but includes meaningful diversity. Students here value accessible education that leads directly to employment, making UCM a popular choice for first-generation college students seeking reliable career paths.
- Men
- 46.7%
- Women
- 53.3%
- White
- 75.7%
- Black
- 8.7%
- Hispanic
- 6.9%
- Asian
- 1.2%
- In-State Students
- 87.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 25.7%
Location
Warrensburg sits in west-central Missouri, about 50 miles southeast of Kansas City. The town of roughly 20,000 residents becomes more active when UCM's 5,653 students arrive each fall. This classic college town atmosphere means local businesses cater heavily to student needs and budgets. The surrounding region features rolling farmland and small communities typical of rural Missouri. Downtown Warrensburg maintains its historic charm while providing essential student services within walking distance of campus. The 70.40% retention rate suggests students appreciate the close-knit community feel that comes with small-town college life. Students considering colleges in Missouri may also compare University of Central Missouri with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Warrensburg, Missouri 64093
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,560
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $52,640
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $35,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 52.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $223/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Central Missouri?
UCM accepts 71% of applicants with an average ACT score of 21. The university focuses on accessible education and practical career preparation rather than being highly selective.
How much does University of Central Missouri cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $15,336 annually. In-state tuition runs $9,739 while out-of-state students pay $18,064, making UCM one of Missouri's more affordable public universities.
What is University of Central Missouri known for academically?
UCM built its reputation on strong teacher education programs with a 19:1 student-faculty ratio. The university emphasizes practical career preparation with their motto 'Education for Service' guiding program development.
What are the graduation outcomes at University of Central Missouri?
UCM graduates 51% of students within four years and maintains a 97% employment rate. Alumni earn a median salary of $49,560 ten years after graduation with typical student loan debt of $21,000.
Where is University of Central Missouri located and what's campus life like?
The campus sits in Warrensburg, a small college town with housing for 2,859 students. About 88% of the 5,653 enrolled students come from Missouri, creating a close-knit community atmosphere.
Does University of Central Missouri have notable athletic programs?
The Mules and Jennies compete in NCAA Division II with 502 total athletes across 13 varsity sports. The university awards $3.3 million in athletic scholarships annually, including support for students following the legacy of NFL Hall of Famer Gale Sayers.
Similar Schools
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Kansas City, Missouri
Northwest Missouri State University
Maryville, Missouri
Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
McNeese State University
Lake Charles, Louisiana
Ramapo College of New Jersey
Mahwah, New Jersey
Purdue University Northwest
Hammond, Indiana