
230 Jesse Hall, Columbia, MO 65211, USA


University of Missouri-Columbia holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, which is a recognized regional accrediting agency for institutions in the central United States. This accreditation ensures that the university meets established standards of quality and integrity regarding its academic programs, faculty qualifications, and administrative processes.
Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission is particularly important for students because it validates that degrees earned from University of Missouri-Columbia are recognized by employers and other educational institutions. It also plays a critical role in eligibility for federal financial aid programs.
In addition to institutional accreditation, many individual colleges and programs within the university have received specialized accreditations from their respective professional organizations, confirming the quality and rigor of their specific disciplines. This layered accreditation approach helps assure prospective students that both the overall university and their chosen field of study adhere to high educational standards.
Admission to the University of Missouri-Columbia requires completion of secondary school credentials, with a General Educational Development (GED) certificate accepted as an alternative. Applicants must also have completed a college program. While the university does not mandate a computer for admission, it does offer computer lease options. Submission of a secondary school academic record is required, though specific grade point average or class rank data are not disclosed.
Prospective students must provide TOEFL scores to demonstrate English proficiency. Other standardized tests are recommended but not mandatory. The university maintains a selective admissions process without an open admission policy. Advanced Placement (AP) credits are accepted to fulfill certain academic requirements, but dual credit and other forms of credit are not recognized.
The University of Missouri-Columbia emphasizes strong academic qualifications among its admitted students. The average SAT score is 1240, with separate math and writing scores of 615 and 625 respectively, all positioned within the top 30 percentile nationally. The mean ACT score stands at 27, which is also in the top 30 percentile. The acceptance rate is approximately 77%, reflecting moderate selectivity, while enrollment rates indicate a high yield of admitted students.
The University of Missouri-Columbia requires prospective students to pay an application fee as part of the admissions process. This fee covers administrative costs associated with processing each application.
For students who may face financial hardships, the university provides application fee waivers. These waivers are typically available to applicants who meet certain eligibility criteria, such as participation in fee waiver programs or demonstration of need. This ensures that financial barriers do not prevent qualified students from applying.
To request a fee waiver, applicants usually need to submit appropriate documentation or complete designated forms as part of their application package. The university encourages students to inquire about eligibility early in the admissions process to facilitate timely consideration of their request.
The University of Missouri-Columbia hosts an ROTC branch unit on its campus, providing students access to military training programs. This presence allows prospective students interested in pursuing a career through the Reserve Officers' Training Corps to engage in leadership development and military education directly where they study.
University of Missouri-Columbia welcomes transfer applicants for all academic terms, including fall, winter, spring, and summer semesters. The institution accepts transfer credits from other colleges and universities, facilitating academic progression for students relocating or seeking a new educational experience.
Prospective transfer students can utilize credit earned through both CLEP subject and CLEP general examinations, which allows for potential acceleration of their degree programs based on prior proficiency. Additionally, the university considers recommendation letters as part of the transfer application process, providing applicants an opportunity to support their candidacy through endorsements from previous instructors or relevant authorities.
University of Missouri-Columbia offers a diverse array of study abroad opportunities designed to accommodate a wide range of academic interests and durations. The programs include faculty-led short-term trips, semester exchanges with partner institutions, and full academic year programs, providing flexibility for students to choose an experience that aligns with their academic schedules and personal goals.
The university maintains partnerships with numerous international universities across Europe, Asia, Latin America, and other regions, enabling students to immerse themselves in different cultural and educational environments. These exchange programs typically allow students to take courses that count toward their degree requirements at Missouri-Columbia, facilitating smooth academic credit transfer.
In addition to traditional exchanges, University of Missouri-Columbia promotes participation in faculty-led summer or winter term trips. These programs are generally shorter, ranging from a few weeks to a couple of months, and are often centered on specific themes or disciplines, such as business, language acquisition, or environmental studies. This structure offers an accessible option for students who may not be able to commit to longer periods away from campus.
Further opportunities include collaborative research and internship placements abroad, which provide practical international work experience in various professional fields. These experiential learning components enhance the academic curriculum by integrating real-world application and cross-cultural competency.
Overall, the study abroad programs at University of Missouri-Columbia cater to students seeking both cultural immersion and academic advancement, offering multiple pathways to gain international experience during their college education.
Median composite SAT score
1240Median composite ACT score
27Percent of students submitting ACT scores
60%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
10%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
Data not availableSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
Data not availableFormal demonstration of competencies
Data not availableAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit on campusStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer