Deciding between two universities can be a challenging process, especially when the schools in question offer similar programs and experiences. In this comparison, we will examine the University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou) and Missouri State University-Springfield (MSU) in terms of costs, admissions, academics, diversity, student life, and outcomes to help prospective students make an informed decision.
University of Missouri-Columbia Overview
The University of Missouri-Columbia, also known as Mizzou, is a public research university located in Columbia, Missouri. It was established in 1839 and is the flagship campus of the University of Missouri System. Mizzou is a member of the Association of American Universities and is classified as a Doctoral University with Very High Research Activity. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields, including business, engineering, health sciences, and humanities.
University of Missouri-Columbia Costs & Tuition
Tuition and fees at Mizzou for in-state undergraduate students are approximately $10,477 per year, while out-of-state students pay around $28,348. Room and board costs are an additional $10,994 per year. Financial aid is available for eligible students in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs.
University of Missouri-Columbia Admissions
The University of Missouri-Columbia has a moderately selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 78%. Prospective students are required to submit their high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores, as well as a personal statement and a list of extracurricular activities. The middle 50% of admitted students have an ACT score between 22 and 29, and an SAT score between 1100 and 1300.
University of Missouri-Columbia Degrees Offered
Mizzou offers over 300 degree programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across a variety of fields. Popular undergraduate majors include business administration, journalism, health professions, engineering, and biological sciences. In addition to traditional degree programs, the university also offers online and distance education programs for students who require greater flexibility.
University of Missouri-Columbia Academics
Academic life at Mizzou is characterized by a diverse range of courses, research opportunities, and experiential learning options. The university boasts a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1, allowing for personalized attention and support from faculty members. The campus is home to numerous research centers and institutes, providing students with ample opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research and collaborate with faculty experts.
University of Missouri-Columbia Diversity
Mizzou is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The university offers a variety of resources and support services to promote the success of students from diverse backgrounds, including the Multicultural Center, the Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center, and the LGBTQ Resource Center. The student body is comprised of individuals from all 50 states and over 100 countries, providing a rich and diverse learning environment.
University of Missouri-Columbia Students
Mizzou has a student population of over 30,000, including both undergraduate and graduate students. The campus offers a vibrant student life experience, with more than 600 student organizations and clubs, including fraternities and sororities, cultural and academic organizations, and sports clubs. There are also numerous recreational facilities and services available to students, including a state-of-the-art recreation center, outdoor spaces, and intramural sports programs.
University of Missouri-Columbia Campus
The University of Missouri-Columbia campus spans over 1,200 acres and features a mix of historic and modern buildings. The campus is known for its picturesque setting, including the iconic Columns and the Francis Quadrangle. In addition to academic facilities, the campus is home to several residence halls, dining options, and recreational spaces, providing students with a comfortable and engaging living and learning environment.
University of Missouri-Columbia Alumni
Mizzou has a strong alumni network, with over 320,000 living alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include journalist Sam Walton, actress Sheryl Crow, and politician Claire McCaskill. The university’s alumni association offers resources, events, and networking opportunities for graduates to stay connected to their alma mater and fellow alumni.
University of Missouri-Columbia Rankings
The University of Missouri-Columbia is ranked #124 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report, and #58 among Public Universities. The university’s journalism program is consistently ranked among the top programs in the nation, and the College of Education is also highly regarded.
University of Missouri-Columbia Outcomes
Mizzou boasts a strong record of student success, with a six-year graduation rate of 69%. The average starting salary for Mizzou graduates is around $45,000, with alumni working in a variety of fields, including business, healthcare, education, and technology.
Missouri State University-Springfield Overview
Missouri State University-Springfield (MSU) is a public university located in Springfield, Missouri. Established in 1905, the university offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs across several fields, including business, health professions, education, and the arts. With a commitment to public affairs, MSU seeks to develop educated citizens who are engaged in their communities and prepared for successful careers.
Missouri State University-Springfield Costs & Tuition
In-state undergraduate students at MSU can expect to pay around $7,588 in tuition and fees per year, while out-of-state students pay approximately $15,898. Room and board costs an additional $9,436 per year. Financial aid options include grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities for eligible students.
Missouri State University-Springfield Admissions
Missouri State University-Springfield has a selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of about 85%. Prospective students must submit their high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores, as well as a personal essay and information on extracurricular activities. The middle 50% of admitted students have an ACT score between 21 and 26, and an SAT score between 1060 and 1230.
Missouri State University-Springfield Degrees Offered
MSU offers over 170 degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, spanning a variety of fields such as business, education, health professions, and the arts. In addition to traditional degree programs, the university also offers online and distance education options for students who need greater flexibility in their studies.
Missouri State University-Springfield Academics
The academic experience at MSU is characterized by a wide variety of course offerings, research opportunities, and experiential learning options. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1, students can expect personalized attention and support from their professors. The university is home to numerous research centers and institutes, providing students with the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research projects and collaborate with faculty members.
Missouri State University-Springfield Diversity
MSU is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus environment. The university offers a range of resources and support services to promote the success of students from diverse backgrounds, including the Office of Multicultural Programs and the LGBTQ+ Resource Center. The student body is comprised of individuals from all 50 states and around 90 countries, providing a diverse and enriching learning experience for all students.
Missouri State University-Springfield Students
The student population at MSU is over 24,000, including both undergraduate and graduate students. The campus offers a vibrant student life experience, with more than 300 student organizations and clubs, including fraternities and sororities, cultural and academic organizations, and sports clubs. Recreational facilities and services are also available to students, including a recreation center, outdoor spaces, and intramural sports programs.
Missouri State University-Springfield Campus
The MSU campus spans 225 acres and features a mix of historic and modern buildings. In addition to academic facilities, the campus is home to several residence halls, dining options, and recreational spaces, providing students with a comfortable and engaging living environment. The campus is located near downtown Springfield, providing students with access to a variety of cultural, recreational, and entertainment opportunities.
Missouri State University-Springfield Alumni
Missouri State University-Springfield has a strong alumni network, with over 120,000 living alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include actor John Goodman, musician and composer David Glass, and politician Jason Smith. The university’s alumni association offers resources, events, and networking opportunities for graduates to stay connected to their alma mater and fellow alumni.
Missouri State University-Springfield Rankings
Missouri State University-Springfield is ranked #298-#389 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report, and #141-#176 among Regional Universities Midwest. The university’s College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), placing it among the top 5% of business schools worldwide.
Missouri State University-Springfield Outcomes
MSU has a six-year graduation rate of 54%. The average starting salary for MSU graduates is around $42,000, with alumni working in various fields such as business, healthcare, education, and technology.
University of Missouri-Columbia vs Missouri State University-Springfield Cost Comparison
Tuition and fees for in-state undergraduate students at Mizzou are approximately $10,477 per year, while at MSU, they are around $7,588. Out-of-state students can expect to pay around $28,348 at Mizzou and $15,898 at MSU. Room and board costs are similar, with Mizzou’s fees at $10,994 per year and MSU’s at $9,436 per year. Both universities offer financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs.
University of Missouri-Columbia vs Missouri State University-Springfield Admissions Difficulty
Both Mizzou and MSU have moderately selective admissions processes. Mizzou has an acceptance rate of 78%, while MSU’s acceptance rate is 85%. Mizzou’s admitted students typically have ACT scores between 22 and 29, while MSU’s admitted students have ACT scores between 21 and 26. SAT scores for Mizzou’s admitted students range from 1100 to 1300, while MSU’s range from 1060 to 1230.
University of Missouri-Columbia vs Missouri State University-Springfield Academic Difficulty
Mizzou and MSU both offer a range of challenging academic programs, with Mizzou being a larger research institution and MSU focusing more on public affairs and service. Both universities boast diverse course offerings and research opportunities, as well as experiential learning options. The student-to-faculty ratio at Mizzou is 17:1, while at MSU, it is 20:1.
University of Missouri-Columbia vs Missouri State University-Springfield Outcome Comparison
Mizzou has a six-year graduation rate of 69%, while MSU’s is 54%. The average starting salary for Mizzou graduates is around $45,000, compared to $42,000 for MSU graduates. Both universities have strong alumni networks and offer resources, events, and networking opportunities for graduates to stay connected to their alma mater and fellow alumni.
