The University of Missouri is the flagship public research university of the state, founded in 1839 as the first public university west of the Mississippi River. Mizzou is best known for the Missouri School of Journalism, the world's first dedicated journalism school (founded 1908), which remains the gold standard for the profession. The university also offers strong programs in education, business, health sciences, and agriculture within a vibrant college-town setting in Columbia.
Mascot: Tiger
Notable Alumni
Brad Pitt (Oscar-winning actor)•Sheryl Crow (Grammy-winning singer-songwriter)•Jon Hamm (Emmy-winning actor, Mad Men)
At a Glance
Cost
Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.
Top Programs & National Ranking
Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.
Highlights
Campus Experience
Mizzou has one of the largest Greek systems in the country — nearly 27% of undergrads participate, and the system is a culturally visible social force, especially around football tailgates and homecoming. Greek life doesn't fully dominate but it's the loudest current. Columbia also has a charming downtown bar scene on Broadway, and the SEC move has amplified the already-strong football social culture.
The historic Francis Quadrangle with its iconic Columns, red-roofed brick buildings, and Jesse Hall dome form an attractive traditional campus core. Mature trees and well-maintained grounds throughout give Mizzou a classic Big Ten-caliber look, though peripheral areas are less distinguished.
Based on Niche reviews, Princeton Review surveys, student forums, and institutional data.
Safety
MUPD provides 24/7 patrols with a sworn police force, blue-light emergency phones, and a campus escort service. Violent crime on campus is relatively low, though alcohol and drug-related incidents are more common.
Columbia is a mid-sized college town that is generally safe, though some areas north and east of campus have higher property crime rates. The downtown and campus-adjacent neighborhoods are well-trafficked and reasonably safe.
Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.
Plan Your Visit
Schedule: Monday-Friday year-round; Meet Mizzou Days (large open house events) in fall and spring
Duration: About 2 hours (admissions overview + 90-min walking tour)
Begins with an admissions presentation covering applications, costs, scholarships, housing, and dining. Meet Mizzou Days include a complimentary lunch and departmental fair. Confirmation packet includes parking pass and directions. Contact: 573-882-6333 or visitus@missouri.edu.
Book a TourFour self-guided botanical garden trails showcase hundreds of tree species and seasonal blooms across Mizzou's official botanic garden campus. A new 'Healing Hike' trail co-created with MU Health Care supports wellness through nature.
Tour ResourcesSeptember through October when campus is at peak energy with football Saturdays (Mizzou is SEC!) and the botanic garden campus is ablaze with fall color. Spring (April-May) is also wonderful. Meet Mizzou Days fill up fast -- register early. Avoid winter break and the hottest summer weeks.
Visitor parking at Hitt Street Lot (north of MU Student Center), Memorial Union Lot (east of Memorial Union via University Ave), and Lot CG17 (Rollins & Tiger Ave) -- all have Parkeon kiosks. Admissions visits include a virtual parking pass in confirmation packet. Columbia Regional Airport (COU) is nearby; Lambert-St. Louis (STL) is 2 hours east; Kansas City (MCI) is 2.5 hours west.
Location
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