The University of Missouri-Columbia, often referred to as Mizzou, is a prominent public research university located in Columbia, Missouri. Established in 1839, it is the first public university west of the Mississippi River and has a rich history of academic excellence. Mizzou's campus is known for its beautiful architecture and vibrant atmosphere, featuring over 700 student organizations that foster a diverse and inclusive community. The university’s motto, "The Truth Shall Make You Free," reflects its commitment to academic integrity and the pursuit of knowledge.

Mizzou offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with particular strengths in journalism, business, agriculture, and veterinary medicine. The School of Journalism is especially notable, being one of the oldest in the United States and consistently ranked among the best in the nation. The university also boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including modern laboratories, libraries, and recreational centers that enhance the student experience. With a strong emphasis on research, Mizzou provides its students with ample opportunities to engage in innovative projects and collaborate with leading faculty members. Additionally, Mizzou's athletic teams, known as the Tigers, compete in the NCAA Division I Southeastern Conference, fostering a spirited campus culture centered around sports and community engagement. Overall, the University of Missouri-Columbia is a distinguished institution that prepares its students for successful futures while encouraging personal growth and lifelong learning.

Trends in Tuition, Enrollment, and Graduation Rates at the University of Missouri-Columbia

The University of Missouri-Columbia has exhibited significant trends in tuition costs, enrollment figures, and graduation rates over the past decade. From 2014 to 2024, in-state undergraduate tuition has surged from $9,415 to $14,130, marking a staggering increase of approximately 50%. This sharp rise in tuition can be concerning for prospective students and their families, especially given the broader context of rising student debt in the United States. For out-of-state undergraduates, tuition escalated from $23,764 to $34,338, highlighting the growing financial burden on non-resident students.

In terms of student enrollment, there has been a noticeable decline in the number of undergraduate students, decreasing from around 26,960 in 2013 to approximately 23,745 in 2023. This downward trend may reflect broader demographic shifts, increased competition from other institutions, or perhaps dissatisfaction with rising costs. Conversely, the enrollment of graduate students has remained relatively stable, suggesting that graduate programs may be less affected by the rising costs or may offer better return on investment.

Another positive indicator is the graduation rate, which has shown improvement over the years. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates rose from approximately 43.1% in 2013 to 50.4% in 2023. This increase may reflect enhanced academic support services, effective retention strategies, or a more engaged student body. The retention rate has also been strong, hovering around 88.6% in 2023, indicating that once students enroll, they are likely to remain.

Overall, while rising tuition poses challenges, improvements in graduation rates and a relatively stable graduate enrollment suggest that the university is making strides in supporting student success amidst changing educational landscapes.

Analysis of Graduation Data at University of Missouri-Columbia

The graduation data from the University of Missouri-Columbia for 2023 reveals significant trends across various academic disciplines, particularly in the health sciences and psychology fields. Notably, the Health Services and Allied Health programs produced the highest number of bachelor's degrees, with 528 graduates, illustrating the growing demand for professionals in this sector. This aligns with the increasing emphasis on healthcare and wellness in contemporary society, especially in light of the ongoing global health challenges, which have highlighted the critical need for skilled healthcare practitioners.

In contrast, disciplines such as Elementary Education and Teaching, and General Studies exhibited lower graduation numbers, with 122 and 121 graduates, respectively. This may reflect a broader trend in education, where candidates are increasingly opting for specialized fields that promise better job prospects and higher income potential. The absence of international students in master's and doctoral programs across nearly all disciplines indicates a potential area for growth for the university in attracting diverse talent, especially in a post-pandemic world where online learning has become more prevalent.

Interestingly, psychology also showed a modest number of graduates, with 358 bachelor's degrees awarded, suggesting sustained interest in mental health awareness and the importance of psychological services. This is particularly relevant given the increasing focus on mental health in public discourse, emphasizing the need for trained professionals to address these issues.

Overall, the data illustrates a clear alignment with current job market demands and societal needs, particularly in health-related fields, while also indicating potential areas for development in attracting international students and diversifying academic offerings.

Analysis of University of Missouri-Columbia Admission Data

The University of Missouri-Columbia has shown a fluctuating trend in its national ranking over the years, with the latest ranking for 2025 indicating a significant improvement to 109, compared to the lower rankings observed in the recent past. This upward shift could reflect the university's efforts to enhance its academic programs, campus facilities, and overall student experience. Examining the admission rates, we notice an interesting dynamic in the acceptance of male and female applicants. The male acceptance rate has generally hovered around the mid-70% range, while the female acceptance rate has been slightly higher, often in the upper 70% to low 80% range. In 2023, the male acceptance rate stood at approximately 77%, while the female rate was around 81%. This consistent trend suggests that the university may be actively working to maintain gender balance in its admissions process. Furthermore, the total enrollment figures have varied, with a peak of over 6,000 students in some years. However, the number of denials also remains high, indicating a competitive admissions environment. For instance, in 2023, the university denied over 4,200 applicants, showcasing the demand for spots at the institution. Overall, as the University of Missouri-Columbia moves forward, its improved ranking and relatively stable admission rates could attract more prospective students. This transformation may not only enhance its reputation but also contribute positively to the university community.

Trends in Admission Test Scores at University of Missouri-Columbia

Over the years, the University of Missouri-Columbia has shown a notable trend in both enrollment and standardized test scores. The data indicates a gradual decline in the percentage of admitted students who submitted SAT scores, dropping from 15% in 2007 to around 9% in recent years. This decline could reflect broader national trends where students increasingly opt for test-optional admissions policies, particularly accelerated by the pandemic's impact on standardized testing accessibility.

The SAT reading and math scores have fluctuated within a relatively stable range, with the 25th percentile scores ranging from 510 to 580 in reading and 640 to 670 in math over the years. The 75th percentile scores also show a slight upward trend, reaching 650 in reading and peaking at 670 in math recently. This stability in scores suggests that while the number of students submitting scores may be decreasing, the academic caliber of those who do submit remains competitive.

Interestingly, the ACT composite scores have also remained consistent, indicating that students who choose to submit these scores are maintaining a strong performance. As the university continues to adapt to changing admission landscapes, it seems crucial for prospective students to focus not only on test scores but also on other aspects of their applications, such as extracurricular involvement and personal statements, which can play a significant role in the admissions decisions. Overall, the data reflects the university's ongoing commitment to academic excellence amidst evolving educational norms.

Student Demographics at University of Missouri-Columbia in 2023

The student body at the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2023 presents a diverse demographic profile. Among the undergraduate freshmen, there are 4,983 students, with a gender distribution indicating that 43.2% are male and 56.8% are female. This trend is consistent across other categories, such as undergraduate juniors and graduate students, where female representation remains higher than that of males. For instance, the graduate student population consists of 7,559 individuals, with 38.4% male and 61.6% female.

The majority of undergraduate juniors, numbering 16,962, also reflect a balanced gender ratio with 46% male and 54% female. Interestingly, the transfer student population shows a similar trend with 1,261 students, where males account for 46.6% and females for 53.4%.

Regarding racial and ethnic diversity, while specific breakdowns are not provided for all categories, it is noteworthy that the largest demographic among freshmen is white students, comprising a significant portion of the overall student body. This demographic insight highlights ongoing discussions about representation and inclusivity within higher education.

The increase in female enrollment across various student categories may indicate broader societal trends towards women's educational attainment. As universities continue working towards enhancing diversity, the University of Missouri-Columbia’s efforts to maintain an inclusive environment will be crucial in attracting a broader range of students from different backgrounds. Overall, these trends reveal important patterns that can inform future policies and initiatives aimed at fostering an inclusive campus culture.

Age Composition of Students at University of Missouri-Columbia in 2023

The age distribution of students at the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2023 reveals a predominance of younger individuals, particularly those aged 18-21. This demographic cohort accounts for a significant portion of the student body, with over 77% of total male students and 82% of total female students falling within the 18-21 age range. Such a youthful demographic is common in universities across the United States, reflecting trends where higher education institutions attract recent high school graduates.

Interestingly, the number of students aged 22-24 starts to decline, suggesting a potential trend of students either entering the workforce or opting for alternative pathways after their undergraduate studies. Meanwhile, the representation of students aged 25 and older remains relatively low, with only about 6% of male students and 9% of female students belonging to this age bracket. This could indicate a shift in the educational landscape where younger students are more inclined to pursue degrees immediately after high school.

In light of recent discussions around student debt and the importance of timely graduation, these age trends raise questions about the support systems available for non-traditional students. The growing presence of graduate students in their late twenties and thirties suggests that while younger students dominate, there is also a segment of returning learners seeking advanced degrees.

Overall, as universities continue to adapt to the changing educational environment, the age composition data from the University of Missouri-Columbia serves as a valuable indicator of the institution's student demographic trends and potential areas for growth in supporting diverse student populations.

International Student Trends at the University of Missouri-Columbia

The data on international students at the University of Missouri-Columbia reveals significant trends in both undergraduate and graduate populations over the years. Notably, the percentage of international undergraduates has seen a gradual increase from 1.55% in 2004 to a peak of 3.94% in 2016, but has since declined to 1.16% in 2023. This fluctuation may reflect broader trends in international student mobility, influenced by global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and changing immigration policies.

In contrast, the graduate student population has consistently had a higher percentage of international students compared to undergraduates, with a peak of 21.32% in 2005 and a gradual decline to 14.57% in 2023. This suggests that graduate programs at the university are more appealing to international students, which aligns with national trends where many international students opt for advanced degrees in the United States.

The overall decline in international student enrollment in recent years raises concerns about the attractiveness of U.S. institutions for foreign students. Factors such as geopolitical tensions, increased competition from universities in other countries, and stringent visa regulations may have contributed to this downturn.

Furthermore, the decrease in international student numbers could have broader implications for the university's cultural diversity and financial health, as international students significantly contribute to tuition revenue and campus vibrancy. It will be crucial for the University of Missouri-Columbia to adapt its strategies to attract and retain international students in the coming years, ensuring it remains a competitive choice in the global education landscape.

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

1. Washington University in St Louis - Ranked 21st in the US News 2025 rankings, this is a prestigious private research university known for its strong programs in various fields including medicine, law, and business.

2. Saint Louis University - With a rank of 105, this is a private Catholic university that offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing a commitment to social justice and community service.

3. University of Kansas - Ranked 152nd, this public research university is well-known for its programs in education, engineering, and the sciences.

4. University of Iowa - With a rank of 98, it is recognized for its strong writing program and diverse academic offerings.

5. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - Ranked 33rd, this major public research university offers a wide variety of programs and is known for its research contributions and vibrant campus life.

These institutions provide a rich academic environment and diverse opportunities for students in the region.

Analysis of Crime Rates at the University of Missouri-Columbia

The crime data from the University of Missouri-Columbia reveals notable trends over the past decade. From 2013 to 2023, the average crime rate per 1,000 students has shown a general decline, dropping from 23.28 in 2013 to 16.83 in 2023. This decline signifies a decrease of approximately 27.66%, which is a positive indicator for campus safety.

In terms of specific crime categories, incidents related to gun arrests have been consistently present, although the total numbers have varied each year. The most concerning offenses, such as assault and dating violence, also remain part of the campus crime landscape, highlighting ongoing challenges in ensuring student safety and well-being. The recorded incidents of drug and alcohol-related arrests reflect broader societal issues, as substance abuse remains a pressing concern within college environments.

The significant drop in overall crime rates in recent years could be attributed to various factors, including enhanced campus security measures, increased awareness programs, and community engagement initiatives aimed at fostering a safer environment for students. Nonetheless, the presence of violent crimes, including rape and robbery, continues to necessitate vigilance and proactive strategies from university authorities and local law enforcement.

This data underscores the importance of ongoing crime prevention efforts and support services on campus, ensuring that students can pursue their education in a secure and supportive atmosphere. For further information on calculating crime rates, you can refer to this link: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.