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69.5%Acceptance
$11,988Tuition
6,618Students
56%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$59,637Earnings
#14 in MissouriPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of Missouri-Kansas City

UMKC has built its reputation around health sciences education, particularly its medical and dental programs that attract students nationwide. The university enrolls 6,618 students in Kansas City's urban setting. Notable graduates include acclaimed film director Robert Altman and former U.S. Congressman Dennis Moore. Business programs complement the strong health sciences foundation at this public research institution.

Students pay an average net price of $12,837 after financial aid, making this university accessible for most families. Graduates earn a median of $59,637 ten years after starting college. Monthly loan payments average just $199, reflecting the relatively modest median debt of $18,750. The employment rate reaches 95.7%, suggesting strong job prospects for graduates. This combination of reasonable costs and solid earnings makes UMKC a practical choice for career-focused students.

The student body leans heavily female at 60.32%, reflecting the health sciences emphasis. About 71% of students come from Missouri, creating a regional feel despite the urban location. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio allows for meaningful professor interaction. Athletics compete at the Division I level in The Summit League, though the Roos field only 10 varsity sports with 223 total athletes.

Academics & Faculty

UMKC operates as a public research university with particularly strong health sciences programs. The school's medical and dental programs draw students nationwide, while its business school maintains solid regional recognition. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive more personalized attention than at larger state universities. However, the 56% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees on time. The university's research focus means undergraduates can access faculty-led projects, especially in health sciences and medicine. UMKC's location in Kansas City provides internship opportunities in healthcare systems and business, though students need strong self-direction to navigate the urban campus environment successfully.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
14:1
Full-Time Faculty
64.3%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
56.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
55.9%
Retention Rate
77.5%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$59,637
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral University (R2)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Master $176,087
Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences. Certificate $144,240
Dentistry. Doctoral $131,319
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. Doctoral $124,023
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Master $98,345
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Master $97,959
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. Doctoral $82,440
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. Master $77,213
Business/Commerce, General. Master $75,330
Finance and Financial Management Services. Master $71,575

View all 166 programs →

Campus Life

Kansas City's urban campus sits right in the heart of Missouri's second-largest city, giving students immediate access to internships, jobs, and cultural attractions. With housing capacity for just 1,114 students and total enrollment of 6,618, only about 17% of students live on campus. Most commute from apartments throughout the metro area or live at home since 70.73% come from in-state.

The Roos compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 223 student-athletes across 10 varsity sports, though the athletic culture remains low-key compared to major state universities. Kansas City's four distinct seasons mean you'll need both winter coats for snowy January days and shorts for humid summers reaching the 90s. Students often head to the Power & Light District downtown for nightlife or catch Royals and Chiefs games. The medical and dental programs create a pre-professional atmosphere where many students focus heavily on academics and clinical rotations. Weekend life revolves more around the city's offerings than traditional campus activities, reflecting UMKC's role as an urban commuter school serving working professionals and local students.
Setting
City-Large
Housing Capacity
1,114 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available

Campus Safety (2023)

55 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Motor Vehicle Theft 25 0 0 4
Burglary 9 0 0 0
Aggravated Assault 2 1 0 4
Stalking 4 0 0 0
Dating Violence 1 1 0 0
Domestic Violence 1 0 0 0
Fondling 1 0 0 0
Rape 1 0 0 0
Robbery 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
22°–39°F
July Avg
71°–90°F
Annual Precipitation
38.1"
Annual Snowfall
11.0"

Student Demographics

UMKC draws students primarily from Missouri and surrounding states, with 71% coming from in-state. Women make up 60% of the student body, reflecting the university's strong emphasis on health sciences and education programs where women traditionally enroll in higher numbers. The diverse campus includes significant Black, Hispanic, and Asian populations alongside white students. About a quarter of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves many first-generation and working-class families from the Kansas City metro area who value accessible professional training in medicine, dentistry, and business.
Men
39.7%
Women
60.3%
White
48.0%
Black
13.7%
Hispanic
16.2%
Asian
10.8%
In-State Students
70.7%
Pell Grant Recipients
25.0%

Location

The University of Missouri-Kansas City sits in Missouri's largest metropolitan area, home to over 2 million people. Kansas City straddles the Missouri-Kansas border and serves as a major Midwest center for business, healthcare, and culture. The city's barbecue scene, jazz heritage, and fountains give it distinctive character beyond typical college towns. UMKC's urban campus puts students at the heart of a working city rather than an isolated academic bubble. The location offers internships and job prospects that smaller college towns cannot match. With 70.73% of students coming from in-state, many choose UMKC for its combination of city opportunities and Missouri affordability. Students considering colleges in Missouri may also compare UMKC with similar schools in the region.
Address
Kansas City, Missouri 64110
UMKC Nima 25
UMKC Nima 25
UMKC Nima 31
UMKC Nima 31
TRUMAN 58-766-06
TRUMAN 58-766-06

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$59,637
Median Earnings (5 years)
$61,974
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$44,400
Loan Repayment Rate
56.5%
Monthly Loan Payment
$199/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,750

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Missouri-Kansas City?

UMKC accepts 69.48% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a public research university. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1245-1550 on the SAT, reflecting the school's focus on health sciences and professional programs that attract academically prepared students.

How much does University of Missouri-Kansas City cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $12,837 after aid, with families earning under $30,000 paying just $9,214. The relatively low debt burden of $18,750 at graduation makes UMKC an affordable option for students pursuing expensive professional degrees in medicine and dentistry.

What is University of Missouri-Kansas City known for academically?

UMKC operates as a research university with nationally recognized medical and dental schools that drive much of its academic reputation. The student-faculty ratio of 14:1 supports hands-on learning in health sciences, where clinical training opportunities abound in Kansas City's medical corridor.

What are the job prospects after graduating from University of Missouri-Kansas City?

Graduates achieve a 95.7% employment rate and earn a median salary of $59,637 ten years after graduation. The strong outcomes reflect UMKC's emphasis on professional programs that lead directly to careers in healthcare, business, and other in-demand fields.

Where do University of Missouri-Kansas City students live?

Campus housing accommodates 1,114 students at $12,118 for room and board, though many of the 6,618 enrolled students live off-campus in Kansas City. The urban setting provides internship and job opportunities that complement classroom learning, especially for students in professional programs.

Does University of Missouri-Kansas City have strong athletic programs?

The Roos compete in NCAA Division I with 10 varsity sports and 223 total athletes supported by $4.6 million in athletic scholarships. While athletics take a backseat to academics at this research university, the teams provide school spirit and recreational opportunities for the diverse student body.