About University of Missouri-Columbia
Mizzou dominates journalism education and agricultural research across its sprawling campus in mid-Missouri. The flagship university enrolls 23,118 students in Columbia, a college town that pulses with Tiger pride. The School of Journalism practically invented broadcast news education, while the College of Agriculture ranks among the nation's top programs. Notable graduates include actors Brad Pitt and Jon Hamm, plus Walmart founder Sam Walton.
Students pay an average net price of $19,889 after aid, making this flagship surprisingly affordable. Graduates earn a median of $63,403 ten years after graduation, nearly triple their typical debt load of $20,500. Monthly loan payments average just $217. Low-income students pay only $13,599 net price, while even wealthy families pay $24,637 for a top public education.
The Tigers compete in the SEC across 16 varsity sports, bringing major college athletics to the heart of Missouri. Students maintain a 91.31% retention rate, and 76.20% graduate within six years. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio keeps classes manageable despite the university's research focus. With 79.73% of students from Missouri, Mizzou feels distinctly regional while offering strong programs that launch careers nationwide.
Students pay an average net price of $19,889 after aid, making this flagship surprisingly affordable. Graduates earn a median of $63,403 ten years after graduation, nearly triple their typical debt load of $20,500. Monthly loan payments average just $217. Low-income students pay only $13,599 net price, while even wealthy families pay $24,637 for a top public education.
The Tigers compete in the SEC across 16 varsity sports, bringing major college athletics to the heart of Missouri. Students maintain a 91.31% retention rate, and 76.20% graduate within six years. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio keeps classes manageable despite the university's research focus. With 79.73% of students from Missouri, Mizzou feels distinctly regional while offering strong programs that launch careers nationwide.
Academics & Faculty
This flagship research university built its reputation on journalism and agriculture, with the Missouri School of Journalism being the world's first. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means classes can get large at this research-focused institution of 23,118 students. Mizzou offers the full breadth of programs you'd expect from a major public university, from business to engineering to veterinary medicine. The 76% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenge many students face navigating such a large academic environment. As a research university, undergraduates can access faculty conducting modern work, though they'll need to be proactive about seeking mentorship. The journalism program remains a crown jewel, while agriculture and life sciences continue strong traditions.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 77.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 75.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 76.2%
- Retention Rate
- 91.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $63,403
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $100,008 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $89,564 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $81,210 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $80,628 |
| Veterinary Medicine. | Doctoral | $78,768 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $74,953 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,897 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,338 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $67,101 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,004 |
Campus Life
Columbia sits 120 miles from both Kansas City and St. Louis, creating a true college town atmosphere where Mizzou dominates the landscape. With housing capacity for 6,530 students in a total enrollment of 23,118, about 28% of students live on campus, though many upperclassmen crowd into apartments near the historic downtown district. Missouri weather demands both winter coats for snowy January days and shorts for steamy August move-in, with four distinct seasons keeping students prepared for anything.
Football Saturdays transform Columbia into a sea of black and gold as Tigers fans pack Faurot Field, part of Mizzou's 16-sport Division I program in the SEC. The rivalry with Kansas runs deep, especially during basketball season. Students flock to the bars and restaurants on Ninth Street, while The Columns and Jesse Hall anchor a campus known for its red-brick Georgian architecture. With 71% of students coming from Missouri, the vibe feels authentically Midwestern. The journalism school's legacy and agriculture programs reflect the state's character, while Greek life and student organizations provide plenty of weekend activities beyond the famous Shakespeares Pizza runs.
Football Saturdays transform Columbia into a sea of black and gold as Tigers fans pack Faurot Field, part of Mizzou's 16-sport Division I program in the SEC. The rivalry with Kansas runs deep, especially during basketball season. Students flock to the bars and restaurants on Ninth Street, while The Columns and Jesse Hall anchor a campus known for its red-brick Georgian architecture. With 71% of students coming from Missouri, the vibe feels authentically Midwestern. The journalism school's legacy and agriculture programs reflect the state's character, while Greek life and student organizations provide plenty of weekend activities beyond the famous Shakespeares Pizza runs.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 6,530 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
123 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 26 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 18 | 10 | 2 | 0 |
| Rape | 14 | 11 | 4 | 0 |
| Fondling | 5 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 6 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 4 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Burglary | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 22°–39°F
- July Avg
- 69°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 44.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 17.4"
Student Demographics
Mizzou draws students who want a classic Big Ten experience at SEC prices. The student body is 71% in-state, reflecting the university's role as Missouri's flagship campus where local families send their kids for a quality education. Women make up 55% of enrollment, drawn by strong programs in journalism, education, and health sciences. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, showing the school serves working-class Missouri families alongside more affluent students. The mix creates a down-to-earth campus culture where future farmers study alongside aspiring journalists.
- Men
- 45.3%
- Women
- 54.7%
- White
- 79.7%
- Black
- 5.1%
- Hispanic
- 5.7%
- Asian
- 2.8%
- In-State Students
- 71.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 20.1%
Location
Columbia sits in central Missouri about 120 miles west of St. Louis and 130 miles east of Kansas City. The city of 126,000 revolves around the university, creating a classic college town atmosphere in the heart of the Show-Me State. Rolling hills and farmland stretch in every direction from this Midwestern center. Downtown Columbia buzzes with student life along Broadway, while the nearby Missouri River adds natural beauty to the prairie landscape. The campus anchors a community where 23,118 students make up nearly 20% of the local population. Students considering colleges in Missouri may also compare University of Missouri-Columbia with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Columbia, Missouri 65211
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $63,403
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $65,749
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $42,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 70.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $217/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Missouri-Columbia?
Mizzou accepts 79% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a flagship state university. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1140-1340 on the SAT, with an average of 1240.
How much does University of Missouri-Columbia cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $19,889 annually after aid. In-state students face tuition of $14,130 while out-of-state students pay $34,338, though only 20% receive Pell Grants indicating a relatively affluent student body.
What is University of Missouri-Columbia known for academically?
The university operates as Missouri's flagship research institution with nationally recognized journalism and agriculture programs. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio serving 23,118 students, Mizzou balances research opportunities with accessible undergraduate education.
What are the graduation rates at University of Missouri-Columbia?
Mizzou graduates 76% of students within six years, which is solid for a large public university. Graduates earn a median of $63,403 ten years after enrollment, with a strong 97% employment rate and manageable debt loads averaging $20,500.
Where is University of Missouri-Columbia located and what is campus life like?
The university sits in Columbia, a mid-sized college town in central Missouri with 23,118 total students. Housing capacity reaches 6,530 students, and the Tigers compete in 16 NCAA Division I sports in the SEC conference.
Does University of Missouri-Columbia have famous alumni?
Mizzou has produced notable graduates including actors Brad Pitt and Jon Hamm, Walmart founder Sam Walton, and singer Sheryl Crow. The university's strong journalism program and broad liberal arts education have created successful alumni across entertainment, business, and media industries.
