
Admit rate has ranged 77%–82% over the last 5 years. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
The University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou) is a flagship public research university with a sprawling campus and a reputation for strong journalism, agriculture, and health sciences programs. Known for its spirited Greek life and SEC sports culture, Mizzou balances big-school energy with a surprisingly tight-knit community, offering over 300 degree programs and robust undergraduate research opportunities. Its 77% graduation rate leads Missouri’s public universities, and 95% of graduates land jobs or further education within six months.
Test-optional — scores considered if submitted
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
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Outcomes & value
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Campus & location
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Mizzou is moderately selective, with a 78% acceptance rate (per recent data), making it accessible but not a slam-dunk. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 23–30 on the ACT or 1150–1370 on the SAT, with an average high school GPA of 3.6. Homeschooled applicants need at least a 24 ACT or 1160 SAT to qualify. Notably, Mizzou doesn’t require essays or letters of recommendation for most applicants, streamlining the process.
Mizzou’s academic breadth is staggering: 300+ degree programs, from East Asian Studies to Quantitative Economics, with particular strengths in journalism (home to the Missouri School of Journalism, the world’s first) and agriculture. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio belies its size, fostering mentorship opportunities, especially in research—undergrads frequently collaborate on projects with faculty. Flexible exploration is encouraged, with resources like the 'What Can I Do With My Major' tool helping students align interests with careers.
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
Mizzou’s campus pulses with SEC school spirit (think tailgates and Tiger pride) and a vibrant Greek scene (though avoidable if not your vibe). Beyond athletics, students dive into 600+ clubs, from cultural festivals to professional networks. The sprawling campus—often described as 'large and spacious'—houses community-focused residence halls and dining hubs. Instagram-worthy events (@mizzoulife) range from mental health workshops to art gallery openings, while the town of Columbia (a 'cool college town') offers coffee shops, music venues, and a low cost of living.
Mizzou’s 77% graduation rate tops Missouri’s public universities, with 56% finishing in four years. Career outcomes are stellar: 95% of graduates secure jobs or grad school placements within six months, per university surveys. Median earnings six years post-graduation hover around $52,756, though this varies by major. The journalism school’s alumni network is particularly formidable, with grads at major outlets like the New York Times and ESPN.
After aid, the average net price is $19,889, with 44% of students receiving financial aid. Mizzou offers automatic scholarships like the Mizzou Scholars Award (for high-achieving students) and need-based grants. The Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. Calculator helps estimate costs, though out-of-state students should budget significantly more. Notably, Mizzou’s tuition is competitive for the region, and Columbia’s affordability (compared to coastal cities) eases living expenses.
Mizzou blends big-school resources (a top-tier research library, NCAA Division I athletics) with unexpected intimacy (approachable professors, undergrad research opportunities). Its journalism program is legendary, but strengths span health sciences, agriculture, and business. The campus culture—equal parts homecoming parades and activist energy—reflects Missouri’s political diversity, while Columbia’s indie vibe (think: record stores and farm-to-table cafes) offers respite from textbook fatigue. For students seeking a classic Big Ten-esque experience at an SEC price, Mizzou delivers.