University of Missouri-Kansas City admits 75.0% of applicants, meaning roughly 3 in 4 applicants receive an offer of admission. This moderately selective admission rate places UMKC significantly more accessible than the typical four-year institution, with a peer median admission rate of 84.6%. The 9.6 percentage point difference below peer median indicates that UMKC maintains somewhat higher admission standards than similar public universities. This level of selectivity creates a balanced environment where qualified students have reasonable admission prospects while the university maintains academic standards. For prospective applicants, this admission rate suggests that students with solid academic credentials should have good chances of acceptance, though preparation and a well-rounded application remain important. Students should approach UMKC as a match or safety school rather than a reach, depending on their academic profile. The moderately selective nature means applicants should still demonstrate academic readiness and fit with the university's programs. Building a balanced college list that includes both UMKC and institutions with higher acceptance rates provides students with multiple pathways to achieving their educational goals.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students to UMKC typically demonstrate strong academic preparation, with SAT scores ranging from 1150 at the 25th percentile to 1540 at the 75th percentile, yielding a midpoint of 1230. The middle 50% of enrolled students fall within this range, though students scoring outside these bounds are admitted in smaller numbers. SAT Math scores span from 580 to 790, while SAT Verbal scores range from 570 to 750, indicating balanced strength across both sections. ACT scores range from 21 at the 25th percentile to 29 at the 75th percentile, with a midpoint of 26. These test score ranges place UMKC 140 SAT points and 4 ACT points above peer median performance, demonstrating that the university attracts academically capable students despite its moderate selectivity. Students scoring within or above these ranges can feel confident about their academic competitiveness for admission. Those scoring below the 25th percentile should not be automatically discouraged, as approximately 25% of enrolled students score in this range, but they should strengthen other aspects of their application. For context, these scores represent performance typical of students who have taken challenging coursework and demonstrated consistent academic achievement throughout high school. Applicants should consider whether their academic profile aligns with this range when building their college list and determining application strategy.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
UMKC enrolls a diverse student body that reflects both academic achievement and varied backgrounds. The university serves 25.0% Pell-eligible students, indicating that one in four enrolled students comes from families with demonstrated financial need. First-generation college students represent 33.7% of the student body, meaning roughly one in three students is the first in their family to attend college. Transfer students make up 44.0% of enrolled students, reflecting UMKC's significant role in providing pathways for community college graduates and other transfer students. This composition suggests that UMKC values both traditional college-bound students and those taking alternative paths to higher education. The substantial transfer population indicates that the university has developed systems to support students transitioning from other institutions. For prospective applicants, these demographics suggest that UMKC welcomes students from diverse educational and economic backgrounds. First-generation students should know that more than one-third of their peers share their background, potentially creating supportive peer networks. Students from lower-income families can expect to find substantial representation among their classmates, along with institutional experience in serving students with financial need.
Given UMKC's 75% acceptance rate, most qualified applicants should gain admission. However, students seeking backup options or different institutional characteristics have several alternatives worth considering.
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Students who enroll at UMKC demonstrate varied success patterns depending on their background and preparation. Overall, 77.5% of freshmen return for sophomore year, which exceeds the peer median retention rate of 73.2% by 4.3 percentage points, indicating above-average first-year support and student satisfaction. The six-year graduation rate reaches 55.9%, compared to a peer median of 49.3%, representing a 6.6 percentage point advantage over similar institutions. Pell-eligible students graduate at a rate of 48.5%, creating a 7.4 percentage point gap compared to the overall completion rate. This gap indicates that lower-income students face additional challenges in degree completion, though UMKC's overall Pell completion rate still exceeds many peer institutions. Students who gain admission can expect an environment where the majority of peers persist and graduate, with institutional support systems that generally perform above average. Prospective students should view these retention and graduation rates as indicators of the academic environment and support they can expect to experience. The relatively strong performance compared to peer institutions suggests that UMKC provides effective student services and academic support, though individual success ultimately depends on student engagement and preparation.
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