University of Missouri-Columbia
University of Missouri-Columbia has an acceptance rate of 78.5%, annual tuition of $14,837, average net price of $20,268, and a national rank of #183 (Grade A-), with a 74.9% graduation rate within 150% of normal time, about 23,929 undergraduates, and median earnings of $69,651 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
University of Missouri-Columbia is a public university in Columbia, MO. Students most often pursue Industrial Engineering and Computer Engineering.
Academically, students benefit from a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, and 92.7% first-year retention. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 76.1%, roughly 26.2 points higher than typical outcomes. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is University of Missouri-Columbia Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of Missouri-Columbia graduates 74.9% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 73.0% and keeps 92.7% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University of Missouri-Columbia's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $14,837 |
| Books and Supplies | $950 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $13,700 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,558 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $31,713 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 20.1% of University of Missouri-Columbia students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $13,841 to $26,304 depending on family income. Use University of Missouri-Columbia's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $19,762/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $26,304/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $69,651
- 10-Year Median Earnings $63,403
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $20,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 70.0%
- Employment Rate 93.1%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of Missouri-Columbia graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
University of Missouri-Columbia vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of Missouri-Columbia's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of Missouri-Columbia's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: University of Missouri-Columbia graduates earn $69,651 median four years after graduation, +15% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 580-670
- SAT Math 570-660
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 23-30
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 23,929
- Full-Time Students 96.0%
- Part-Time Students 4.0%
- Retention Rate 92.7%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 74.9%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 73.0%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 17:1
How to Get Into University of Missouri-Columbia
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of Missouri-Columbia requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 78.5%, University of Missouri-Columbia is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 78.5% acceptance rate, University of Missouri-Columbia is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1150 and 1330 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of Missouri-Columbia undergraduates. Business/Commerce, General, Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, Gen, and Journalism draw the most students.
- Business/Commerce, General 12.5%
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, Gen 8.5%
- Journalism 8.0%
- Psychology, General 4.9%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 3.8%
- Communication and Media Studies 3.4%
See more majors
- Biology, General 3.4%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 3.3%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Industrial Engineering $96,907
- 2. Computer Engineering $96,583
- 3. Accounting and Related Services $96,383
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $95,739
- 5. Computer and Information Sciences, General $93,018
- 6. Mechanical Engineering $92,736
- 7. Chemical Engineering $91,298
- 8. Business/Commerce, General $80,927
- 9. Civil Engineering $80,460
- 10. Biological/Biosystems Engineering $77,295
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Medicine (First Professional Degree) $158,239
- 2. Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degree) $123,517
- 3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degree) $120,764
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degree) $114,498
- 5. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degree) $112,520
- 6. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $110,845
- 7. Chemistry (Doctoral Degree) $104,095
- 8. Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degree) $101,542
- 9. Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other (Master's Degree) $96,696
- 10. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $93,114
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Industrial Engineering grads earn $96,907—25% more than Biological/Biosystems Engineering ($77,295). Graduate: Medicine programs lead with $158,239 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of Missouri-Columbia. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, 1,218 graduates)
- Journalism (Bachelor's Degree, 451 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 189 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 187 graduates)
- Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degree, 179 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (62 programs)▼
- Journalism
- Biology, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Mechanical Engineering
- Accounting and Related Services
- Political Science and Government
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Civil Engineering
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Economics
- Animal Sciences
- Area Studies
- Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Mathematics
- Chemical Engineering
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Industrial Engineering
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Statistics
- History
- Housing and Human Environments
- Biological/Biosystems Engineering
- Agricultural Mechanization
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Plant Sciences
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Special Education and Teaching
- Social Work
- Chemistry
- Music
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Physics
- Computer Engineering
- Geography and Cartography
- Anthropology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Philosophy
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Agriculture, General
- Forestry
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Food Science and Technology
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Archeology
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
- Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
- Public Administration
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
Online Master's Degrees (49 programs)▼
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Journalism
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Statistics
- Physics
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Animal Sciences
- Sociology
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Medical Illustration and Informatics
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Plant Sciences
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Engineering, General
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Philosophy
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Geography and Cartography
- Chemical Engineering
- Applied Mathematics
- Food Science and Technology
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Anthropology
- Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations
- Mathematics
- History
- Chemistry
- Biology, General
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Political Science and Government
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Communication and Media Studies
- Archeology
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Computer Engineering
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
Online Doctoral Degrees (54 programs)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Mechanical Engineering
- English Language and Literature, General
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences
- Civil Engineering
- Biology, General
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Chemistry
- Plant Sciences
- Physics
- Sociology
- Political Science and Government
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Business/Commerce, General
- Biological/Biosystems Engineering
- Medical Illustration and Informatics
- Mathematics
- Journalism
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Statistics
- History
- Communication and Media Studies
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Archeology
- Public Administration
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Philosophy
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Music
- Industrial Engineering
- Anthropology
- Special Education and Teaching
- Social Work
- Nuclear Engineering
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Genetics
- Food Science and Technology
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Chemical Engineering
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Economics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Animal Sciences
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Accounting and Related Services
- Nutrition Sciences
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (22 programs)▼
- Public Health
- Taxation
- Geography and Cartography
- Marketing
- Medical Illustration and Informatics
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Social Sciences, Other
- Social Sciences, General
- Public Policy Analysis
- Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies
- Biology, General
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Special Education and Teaching
- Science, Technology and Society
- Music
- Gerontology
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Agricultural Mechanization
- Engineering-Related Fields
- Data Science
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (19 programs)▼
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Business/Commerce, General
- Political Science and Government
- Agricultural Mechanization
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Insurance
- Geography and Cartography
- Biological/Biosystems Engineering
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Agricultural and Domestic Animal Services
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Physics
- Philosophy
- Music
- English Language and Literature, General
- Apparel and Textiles
Online First Professional Degrees (4 programs)▼
- Veterinary Medicine
- Medicine
- Law
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 23,929
- Full-Time Students 96.0%
- Part-Time Students 4.0%
- Male Students 45.0%
- Female Students 55.0%
- Caucasian 79.2%
- Asian 2.7%
- Hispanic 6.2%
- Black 4.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients 20.1%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of Missouri-Columbia's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of Missouri-Columbia's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Missouri-Columbia support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Missouri-Columbia, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 79.2% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average. About 20.1% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Missouri-Columbia support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Missouri-Columbia, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
University of Missouri-Columbia serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #183 nationally with a 76.1% ROI, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $20,268 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $69,651 median earnings. The 74.9% graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 92.7% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: University of Missouri-Columbia's Strengths
Ranked #183 with a A- grade, University of Missouri-Columbia prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like University of Missouri-Columbia excel at providing affordable education ($20,268 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: University of Missouri-Columbia's 92.7% retention and 74.9% graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($69,651 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, University of Missouri-Columbia's 76.1% ROI and $20,268 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 74.9% graduation rate sits 12.4 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 92.7% first-year retention is 15.9 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 76.1% return on investment is 26.2 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $69,651 run about 15% higher than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $20,268 is roughly $189 higher than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 17:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 92.7% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 93.1% employment rate within three years sits 24.9 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $20,268 is about $189 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 20.1% trails the national share by 14.4 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Columbia, MO, University of Missouri-Columbia operates as a public university and receives a A- from EDsmart. It appears at #183 in EDsmart's national list Grades by category break down as Completion A-, Support B+, Career Outcomes A-, and Affordability B-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
92.7% of learners come back after year one while 74.9% graduate within 150% of normal time (73.0% within eight years). EDsmart calculates the ROI at 76.1%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $20,268 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $31,713.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $11,445 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $20,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 20.1% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $69,651 four years after graduation. Compared with the national median, that's 15% higher.
Roughly 93.1% of graduates are employed three years out.
EDsmart lists the ROI at 76.1%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
78.5% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of Missouri-Columbia admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is University of Missouri-Columbia's acceptance rate?
University of Missouri-Columbia's acceptance rate is 78.5%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does University of Missouri-Columbia cost?
At University of Missouri-Columbia, listed tuition and fees are $14,837 per year, and the average net price after aid is $20,268. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is University of Missouri-Columbia's ranking?
University of Missouri-Columbia ranks #183 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of A-, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is University of Missouri-Columbia's graduation rate?
At University of Missouri-Columbia, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 74.9% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), College Scorecard 8-year award rate is 73.0%, and first-year retention is 92.7%.
What are University of Missouri-Columbia's job outcomes?
Graduates of University of Missouri-Columbia report median earnings of $69,651 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is University of Missouri-Columbia's student population?
University of Missouri-Columbia enrolls about 23,929 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Columbia, MO 65211
- Website missouri.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$1.36B