The University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou) is a prestigious public research university located in Columbia, Missouri. Founded in 1839, it was the first university established west of the Mississippi River and has a rich history that contributes to its vibrant campus culture today. Mizzou is known for its commitment to academic excellence, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields of study, including health sciences, journalism, engineering, business, and agriculture. The university’s strong emphasis on research innovation has led it to be recognized as an R1 research institution, the highest classification for doctoral universities in the United States.

One of the defining features of Mizzou is its diverse and inclusive campus environment, fostering a sense of community among students from all backgrounds. The university's motto, "The Truth Shall Make You Free," reflects its dedication to fostering critical thinking and the pursuit of knowledge. In addition to its academic programs, Mizzou boasts excellent campus facilities, including state-of-the-art laboratories, libraries, and recreational spaces, promoting both academic and personal well-being. The school's various student organizations, athletic teams, and cultural events contribute to a lively campus life, encouraging students to get involved and form lasting connections. Mizzou also has a strong athletic tradition, particularly in football and basketball, which brings the student body and alumni together in support of their teams, further enhancing the sense of community on campus.

Trends in Tuition Fees, Graduation Rates, and Student Retention at the University of Missouri-Columbia

Over the past decade, the University of Missouri-Columbia has experienced notable trends in several critical areas, particularly tuition fees, graduation rates, and student retention.

Firstly, there has been a significant increase in tuition fees for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students. In 2014, in-state tuition was $9,415, which has risen sharply to $14,130 by 2024, reflecting a staggering increase of approximately 50%. Similarly, out-of-state tuition has seen a rise from $23,764 to $34,338 over the same period, indicating a need for prospective students to consider the financial implications of their education more seriously. This upward trend in costs can be linked to broader national concerns about college affordability, which has sparked ongoing discussions regarding the sustainability of higher education finance.

In terms of student outcomes, the graduation rates also display an encouraging upward trajectory, with the on-time graduation rate increasing from about 44.8% in 2014 to 51.5% in 2024. This improvement suggests that the university is enhancing its support systems and resources to help students complete their degrees in a timely manner. Concurrently, the extended graduation rate within 150% of the program time shows a similarly positive trend, indicating that the university’s efforts in educational retention strategies may be yielding results.

Moreover, the retention rates for undergraduate students have consistently improved, rising from approximately 83.5% in 2014 to about 91.3% in 2024. This substantial growth reflects a strong commitment to student satisfaction and support, likely contributing to enhanced graduation rates as students feel more secure and engaged in their academic environment.

In summary, while the increasing tuition poses challenges for affordability, the university's improving graduation and retention rates may signal effective measures in academic support and student engagement strategies. These developments are crucial in understanding the overall educational landscape at the University of Missouri-Columbia and the evolving dynamics in higher education nationally.

Analysis of Graduation Data from University of Missouri-Columbia

The graduation data from the University of Missouri-Columbia for the year 2023 highlights significant trends in fields of study. Notably, the Health Services and Allied Health sectors produced the highest number of graduates at 528 bachelor’s degrees, with an additional presence of international students, albeit minimal. This aligns with the growing demand for healthcare professionals, exacerbated by the ongoing global health scenarios. Similarly, Psychology saw a robust output with 358 bachelor graduates, indicating the field's increasing relevance in addressing mental health issues.

Interestingly, areas traditionally associated with lower enrollment, such as General Studies, managed to yield respectable numbers with 121 graduates. This reflects an increasing trend where students opt for a broader educational experience, perhaps driven by the diverse job market demanding adaptable skill sets.

The absence of master’s and doctorate graduates across most disciplines reveals a potential area for growth. As the workforce increasingly values higher qualifications, the university may need to assess its graduate program offerings to attract more students pursuing advanced degrees.

The data also indicates a stark gap in certain areas such as law and foreign languages, which produced no graduates. This could point to a need for better recruitment efforts or curriculum restructuring to attract student interest.

Overall, the findings underscore the university's strengths in undergraduate programs, particularly in health-related fields, while simultaneously shedding light on areas needing attention to ensure a balanced academic environment. The institution's ability to adapt to these trends will be critical in addressing the evolving educational and professional landscape.

Analysis of University of Missouri-Columbia Admissions Trends

The trends over the years at the University of Missouri-Columbia reveal a fluctuating trajectory in terms of both rankings and admissions rates. Between 2010 and 2025, the university saw its ranking improve from 102 to 109 in the latest 2025 data, indicating a small but positive shift in its national standing. This could be attributed to various initiatives and efforts by the university to enhance educational quality and student experience. On the admissions front, the acceptance rates for both male and female applicants have shown volatility, with overall acceptance rates hovering around 74% to 82% during the earlier years and dropping to 74% for males and 79% for females in 2024. This trend suggests increased competitiveness, possibly due to a rise in the number of applications or changes in the applicant pool's profile. The significant number of students being denied admission each year—often exceeding 4,500—points to a high demand for limited slots, which can reflect the institution's desirability. Furthermore, the number of students enrolling has generally fluctuated between 4,100 and over 6,500, with noticeable declines in certain years. This indicates that while the university continues to attract a significant number of applicants, maintaining enrollment numbers remains a challenge, possibly linked to market conditions and shifting student preferences. The combination of improved rankings and shifting admission rates reflects Missouri-Columbia's evolving position within the landscape of higher education. These changes highlight the ongoing challenges and opportunities for growth as the university adapts to the needs of prospective students.

Trends in Admission Scores at the University of Missouri-Columbia

The admission data from the University of Missouri-Columbia over the years reveals several noteworthy patterns in standardized test scores and the number of applicants submitting these scores. Historically, the range of SAT reading and math scores has shown a slight upward trend, with the interquartile spread remaining relatively stable. For example, the 25th and 75th percentiles for SAT reading have consistently reflected rigorous academic standards, indicating that the university attracts and admits academically capable students.

The percentage of applicants submitting SAT scores has fluctuated significantly, notably dipping as low as 7% in recent years, while the number of ACT submissions has also shown varying degrees of participation. This decline may be attributable to shifting attitudes towards standardized testing across the nation, driven by a growing trend among universities to adopt more holistic admission processes.

Overall, while the average scores on both tests have fluctuated, the overall trend indicates the institution's commitment to maintaining high academic standards. Data from 2020 to 2024 suggests that the university's acceptance of a broader range of scores could reflect an evolving understanding of student potential beyond just raw test numbers and the focus on fostering diversity within its student body.

As we analyze these shifts, it is essential to keep in mind that standardized test scores are just one component of a multifaceted admission process, and their declining submission rates highlight a crucial shift in paradigms among both students and educational institutions.

Analysis of Student Demographics at University of Missouri-Columbia for 2024

The data for the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2024 highlights a diverse student body across various categories. The total number of first-time undergraduates is 5,139, indicating a significant influx of new students. Among recent trends in higher education, the proportion of female students remains noteworthy, as women account for 57.4% of first-time undergraduates, signaling a continued trend of greater female enrollment in colleges.

In the upperclassman category, there are 16,815 students, with a slight male predominance at 45.9%. Meanwhile, transfer students total 1,164, showcasing a balanced gender ratio of 48.6% male and 51.4% female. This suggests that transfer students may represent a more equitable demographic compared to their peers, reflecting broader societal trends toward inclusivity in higher education.

The graduate student body consists of 7,400 individuals, with females significantly outnumbering males at a ratio of 62.6% to 37.4%. This disparity could be indicative of increasing female participation in advanced studies, which has been reinforced by numerous initiatives aimed at empowering women in academia.

While the data provides valuable insights into gender distributions, it is essential to further explore the racial and ethnic diversity among these groups to better understand the complete landscape of the student body. This analysis is particularly pertinent as institutions strive to create inclusive environments amid ongoing discussions about diversity and representation in higher education. Overall, the University of Missouri-Columbia demonstrates a commitment to providing diverse educational opportunities as it navigates the evolving needs of a dynamic student population.

Age Composition of Students at the University of Missouri-Columbia (2024)

The age distribution of students at the University of Missouri-Columbia reveals interesting trends about the demographics on campus. A significant majority of students fall within the traditional undergraduate age range, particularly the 18-19 and 20-21 categories, which together account for over 60% of the total student population. This is indicative of the university's appeal to younger, freshman-level students who are transitioning directly from high school into higher education.

As students progress in age, there is a noticeable decline in the number of undergraduates, particularly in the 22-24 and 25-29 age groups. For instance, while there are still over 2,700 students aged 22-24, this number diminishes significantly as students continue their education or enter the workforce. The graduate student demographics show a healthy representation, especially among males aged 25-29 and 30-34, indicating the presence of mature students seeking advanced degrees.

Furthermore, the gender distribution highlights a consistent trend: females outnumber males in almost every age category. This pattern is particularly pronounced among undergraduates aged 18-19, where there are almost 1.4 females for each male. As universities increasingly promote inclusive and supportive environments, these numbers reflect broader societal trends of women pursuing higher education at higher rates than men.

In conclusion, the age and gender data from the University of Missouri-Columbia underscores a youthful and diverse student body, with a significant inclination toward traditional-aged students and a welcoming atmosphere for graduate learners of varying ages. As higher education trails through evolving economic landscapes, such demographic insights are vital for understanding student needs and institutional strategies moving forward.

Analysis of International Student Trends at the University of Missouri-Columbia

The data on international students at the University of Missouri-Columbia reveals significant trends over the years, particularly in undergraduate and graduate enrollment. From 2005 to 2024, the number of international undergraduate students has experienced modest growth, increasing from 317 to 277, while the proportion of international undergraduates peaked at 3.59% in 2015, but has since declined to approximately 1.17% in 2024. This decline may be influenced by various factors, including increased competition from other institutions and changing immigration policies that affect student mobility.

In contrast, the graduate student demographics present a more optimistic view. The total number of international graduate students has generally fluctuated but shows a recovery trend in recent years, with the percentage rising to about 15.62% by 2024 after experiencing a low of 12.85% in 2021. This suggests that the university remains an attractive option for graduate students, possibly due to the positive reputation of its advanced degree programs, faculty expertise, and research opportunities.

Additionally, the dip in international enrollment during 2020 can likely be correlated to the global pandemic, which disrupted educational systems and international travel. Many universities faced challenges in maintaining their student populations during this unprecedented period. As global conditions stabilize, there may be an opportunity for universities like Missouri-Columbia to revitalize their international recruitment strategies, enhancing support systems for international students and focusing on creating a more inclusive environment to attract diverse talent.

Overall, while there have been fluctuations, the challenges and opportunities presented by global trends and local strategies will continue to shape the landscape of international education at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Here are some notable universities near the University of Missouri-Columbia:

1. The Washington University in St. Louis is ranked 21st in the 2025 US News rankings and is known for its strong research and diverse academic programs.

2. Saint Louis University, ranked 105th, offers a comprehensive education with a focus on service and community engagement.

3. University of Kansas, which ranks 152nd, is recognized for its strong emphasis on research and liberal arts education.

4. Grinnell College, a highly respected liberal arts college, ranks 19th and is known for its rigorous academics and commitment to social justice.

5. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is ranked 33rd and is famous for its extensive research opportunities and a vibrant campus community.

These institutions offer a rich variety of academic programs and vibrant campus environments, making them excellent options for students in the region.

Crime Trends at the University of Missouri-Columbia (2013-2023)

The data from the University of Missouri-Columbia reveals notable trends in crime rates over the past decade. From 2013 to 2023, the average number of criminal incidents reported per 1,000 students indicates a gradual decline in overall campus safety. In 2013, the campus recorded a rate of approximately 23.28 incidents per 1,000 students, peaking at 24.63 in 2014 before witnessing a steady decrease to 16.83 in 2023, representing a decrease of about 27.67%.

This downward trend is particularly encouraging, as it suggests that the university’s efforts to enhance safety protocols and raise awareness about preventing crime may be having a positive impact. Among the various crime categories, incidents related to firearms and alcohol arrests were relatively common. In 2016, for example, the campus saw a significant drop in such events, potentially reflecting both improved safety measures and community engagement initiatives.

However, while the overall decline in crime rates is promising, vigilance is still essential. The presence of violent offenses like domestic violence and rape underscores the ongoing need for comprehensive support systems for affected individuals and educational programs aimed at prevention. Educational institutions, including the University of Missouri-Columbia, must continue to prioritize student safety and well-being, adapting strategies as necessary to maintain a secure environment for all students.

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