University of Missouri-Columbia
A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want a large campus community. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $56,600 within 10 years; strong 76% graduation rate.
About This School
University of Missouri-Columbia is a public institution located in Columbia, Missouri with approximately 23,118 undergraduate students enrolled. University of Missouri-Columbia has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 77%. The average net price after financial aid is $19,889 per year. The graduation rate is 76%, and the typical graduate earns $56,600 within 10 years of enrollment.
The University of Missouri is a public land-grant research university in Columbia, Missouri, United States. It is Missouri's largest university and the flagship of the four-campus University of Missouri System. Founded in 1839, MU was the first public university west of the Mississippi River. It has been a member of the Association of American Universities since 1908 and is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity."
Missouri's flagship has real strengths: a 91% freshman retention rate signals students generally find their footing, and median debt of just $16,500 at graduation is genuinely low for a research university of this size. The 76% graduation rate is decent but not exceptional, so it's worth asking what academic support looks like for your intended major — particularly if you're not someone who thrives in a large, decentralized campus environment. At roughly $20K/year after aid with median earnings of $56,600 a decade out, the return on investment is solid, making this a smart choice for in-state students who want a research university experience without the price tag of more selective schools.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Will This School Pay Off?
Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.
Student Body
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (23,118 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Official Links
Other Schools in Missouri
Missouri State University-Springfield
Springfield, MO · Public
Saint Louis Community College
Bridgeton, MO · Public
Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City
Kansas City, MO · Public
Ozarks Technical Community College
Springfield, MO · Public
Washington University in St Louis
Saint Louis, MO · Private nonprofit
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, MO · Private nonprofit
Sources & Methodology
Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
- Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
- Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
- Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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