University of Missouri-Columbia admits 77% of applicants, meaning roughly 3 in 4 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places the institution in the Open Access category, indicating relatively accessible admission standards for a major public research university. The peer median admission rate of 78.1% shows University of Missouri-Columbia aligns closely with similar public institutions nationwide, accepting students at rates typical for comprehensive state universities. This level of accessibility means that most academically prepared students have reasonable chances of admission, though meeting minimum academic standards remains important. Students should still demonstrate college readiness through coursework rigor and standardized test performance, as the university maintains quality standards despite open admission policies. For Missouri residents particularly, University of Missouri-Columbia represents an accessible pathway to research university education with strong post-graduation outcomes. Applicants should focus on presenting their best academic credentials while understanding that admission is generally achievable for students meeting basic eligibility requirements. The combination of accessibility with strong outcomes makes University of Missouri-Columbia an attractive option for students seeking comprehensive university education without extremely competitive admission pressures.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at University of Missouri-Columbia typically score between 1150-1330 on the SAT, with a median score of 1247 representing the middle of the enrolled student range. SAT Math scores range from 570-660, while SAT Verbal scores span 580-670, indicating balanced preparation across both sections. ACT scores range from 23-29 with a median of 27, demonstrating solid academic preparation among enrolled students. These test score ranges place University of Missouri-Columbia significantly above peer institutions, with SAT scores averaging 49 points higher than the peer median of 1198 and ACT scores 2 points above the peer median of 25. Most enrolled students score within these middle 50% ranges, though students scoring below 1150 on the SAT or 23 on the ACT are admitted in smaller numbers. The 25th percentile represents the lower quarter of enrolled students, not minimum requirements, while the 75th percentile reflects the upper quarter rather than maximum scores. Students scoring within or above these ranges demonstrate academic competitiveness for admission, while those scoring below should consider retesting or highlighting other application strengths. The strong test score performance relative to peers indicates University of Missouri-Columbia attracts academically prepared students despite maintaining open admission policies, creating a supportive academic environment for enrolled students.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
University of Missouri-Columbia enrolls 20.1% Pell-eligible students and 20.1% first-generation students, indicating moderate socioeconomic diversity within the student body. These shares are typical for public research universities, reflecting the institution's role in serving both traditional college-bound students and those from families with limited higher education experience. Transfer students comprise 19.1% of enrollment, demonstrating the university's commitment to providing pathways for students beginning at community colleges or other institutions. The student composition suggests University of Missouri-Columbia attracts a mix of Missouri residents and out-of-state students seeking comprehensive research university education at accessible admission rates. First-generation students should know that one in five enrolled students shares their background, while students from lower-income families will find meaningful representation among their peers. The transfer pathway represents a viable option for students beginning their higher education journey elsewhere, with nearly one in five students having transferred from other institutions. This composition creates an environment where students from diverse educational and economic backgrounds learn alongside each other, contributing to the university's ability to serve Missouri's comprehensive educational needs while maintaining quality academic standards.
Given University of Missouri-Columbia's 77% acceptance rate, most academically prepared students should view this as an accessible option rather than a reach school.
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University of Missouri-Columbia demonstrates solid retention and completion outcomes that exceed peer institution performance. 91.3% of freshmen return for sophomore year, substantially higher than the peer median of 83.7%, indicating strong first-year support and student satisfaction. Six-year graduation rates reach 76.2%, well above the peer median of 65.9%, showing the university's effectiveness in supporting students through degree completion. Pell-eligible students graduate at 62.8%, creating a 13.4 percentage point gap compared to overall completion rates. This gap is significant and indicates challenges for lower-income students, though it reflects patterns common across higher education rather than unique institutional issues. Students who gain admission can expect strong institutional support for academic success, with retention rates suggesting most freshmen find the environment conducive to continued enrollment. The graduation rate advantage over peers indicates University of Missouri-Columbia provides effective degree completion support once students are enrolled. Lower-income students should weigh the completion gap when considering this institution, while also noting that nearly two-thirds of Pell-eligible students do successfully graduate. These outcomes suggest that students who engage with university resources and maintain academic standing have strong prospects for degree completion.
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