Admit rate has ranged 61%–76% over the last 5 years — notably volatile. 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-Kansas City (UMKC) is a public urban research university that thrives on its midwestern practicality and Kansas City’s cultural energy. With a 72% acceptance rate and a focus on accessibility, UMKC attracts a diverse student body—many of whom commute—while offering standout programs in health professions, business, and the arts. Its tight-knit academic environment and strong local industry ties make it a pragmatic choice for students seeking affordability and career-ready degrees.
Admission requirements
Test-optional — scores considered if submitted
Required
High school transcript
Grade point average
College-prep program
TOEFL (non-native English)
Considered (not required)
Class rank
Letters of recommendation
Test scores (SAT/ACT)
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
More details
Undergrad enrollment
6,817
In-state tuition
$12,587
Out-of-state tuition
$30,227
Notable Fact
No. 1 in Missouri for Cardiovascular Systems research
Acceptance Rate
72.2%
Most Popular Majors
Business, Health Professions, Computer Science
4-Year Graduation Rate
35%
Full-Time Students Living On-Campus
7%
Median Salary 6 Years After Graduation
$50,298
Outcomes & value
Outcomes & value
Median earnings (10 yr)
$59,637
Value (earnings ÷ net price)
4.5×
Median debt at graduation
$18,750
Graduation rate
55%
First-year retention
75%
Reducing loan balance (3 yr)
56%
Pell (lower-income) share
61%
First-generation share
34%
Endowment / student
$31,286
Top-earning majors
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering$71,015
Mechanical Engineering$65,920
Computer Science$65,871
Computer and Information Sciences, General$63,005
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions$60,399
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Campus & location
Campus safety
On-campus violent crimes (2024)
8
Per 1,000 students
1.17
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.
Climate
Pleasant days / yr
73
Summer high
88°F
Winter low
26°F
Annual rain
48.2"
Annual snow
18.9"
Natural-hazard risk
Relatively High
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.
Deep dive — research, future-scholar output & economic mobility▾
Research output
Institutional h-index
447
Scholarly works
39,746
Institutional research volume and impact from OpenAlex. The h-index reflects large research universities and will be low for teaching-focused liberal-arts colleges — not a measure of undergraduate quality.
Quick answers
What is the acceptance rate at University of Missouri-Kansas City?
University of Missouri-Kansas City's acceptance rate is approximately 72% (Kansas City, MO), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
What SAT score do you need for University of Missouri-Kansas City?
Admitted students at University of Missouri-Kansas City typically score 1290–1550 on the SAT (the middle-50% range). Scores outside this band are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
How much does University of Missouri-Kansas City cost?
At University of Missouri-Kansas City, the average net price (after aid) is about $13,310 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend University of Missouri-Kansas City?
University of Missouri-Kansas City enrolls approximately 6,817 undergraduate students.
Where is University of Missouri-Kansas City located?
University of Missouri-Kansas City is located in Kansas City, MO.
Admissions
UMKC maintains a moderately selective admissions process with a 72.2% acceptance rate, making it accessible to a broad range of students. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1290–1540 on the SAT or 20–28 on the ACT, though applicants with a 2.75+ core GPA can often bypass standardized test requirements (except for the competitive B.A./M.D. program). The university operates on rolling admissions, with a final deadline of August 15 for fall enrollment. Notably, only 3% of admitted students submitted SAT scores in recent years, reflecting UMKC’s Test-optionalA policy where you choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. If you don't, the rest of your application carries more weight. lean.
UMKC’s academic strengths lie in its health professions (ranked No. 1 in Cardiovascular Systems in Missouri), , and , which collectively enroll the largest share of undergraduates. The university emphasizes and hands-on learning, with a curriculum designed to align with Kansas City’s job market—think internships at Cerner or Sprint. Unique offerings include a and robust arts degrees tied to the city’s jazz and theater scenes. Students praise the , though some note limited graduate program visibility compared to flagship campuses.
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.
$59,872
Civil Engineering$55,547
Accounting and Related Services$54,543
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.
Life at UMKC skews commuter-heavy—93% of students live off-campus—which can dampen traditional college vibes but fosters independence. The campus compensates with 200+ clubs, from salsa dancing to robotics, and a diverse student body (international students form tight-knit groups). Social hubs include the Student Union and nearby Westport bars, though students note it’s ‘not a big sports school.’ The university leans into Kansas City’s cultural assets, offering free tickets to the Nelson-Atkins Museum and jazz festivals. One quirk: the library’s 24/7 ‘Roo Bot’ snack delivery service for late-night cramming.
UMKC graduates report a median salary of $50,298 six years post-graduation, with stronger earnings in health and tech fields. The four-year graduation rate sits at 35% (below national averages), partly due to its many part-time and working students, but the six-year rate climbs to 55%. The university touts ‘social mobility’ rankings, with many First-generation (first-gen)A student who would be the first in their immediate family to earn a four-year college degree. Many colleges consider this in context. students landing jobs at local employers like Children’s Mercy Hospital or Hallmark. Alumni networks are Kansas City-centric, offering solid regional connections but less national reach than Mizzou.
UMKC’s average net price is $6,668–$19,712 annually after aid, making it one of Missouri’s more affordable public options. Automatic scholarships range up to $5,000 for freshmen (based on GPA) and $3,500 for transfers. In-state tuition is roughly half the cost of private competitors like Rockhurst University, though out-of-state students pay a premium. The financial aid office emphasizes work-study partnerships with local employers, and 60% of students receive some form of aid. One caveat: living costs in Kansas City can add up for off-campus students.
UMKC’s edge is its urban integration—it feels less like a cloistered campus and more like a launchpad into Kansas City’s economy. The Health Sciences District (shared with Children’s Mercy) provides clinical opportunities rare for undergrads, while the Conservatory of Music and Dance taps into the city’s jazz LegacyAn applicant whose parent (or sometimes other close relative) attended the college. Some schools give a small edge to legacy applicants.. It’s a school for pragmatists: students who want professors who know their names, tuition that won’t bury them in debt, and a degree that plays well in the Midwest. Just don’t expect Big 10 football tailgates—here, the vibe is ‘work hard, explore the city, land a job.’
University of Missouri-Kansas City logo · sourceMaps - About - Home Suite | University of Missouri-Kansas City · sourceMaps - About - Home Suite | University of Missouri-Kansas City · sourceUniversity of Missouri--Kansas City (UMKC) - Profile, Rankings and Data | US News Best Colleges · source
