The power of a Mizzou education

Mizzou’s fall 2025 admissions process is open. Here are five things we want prospective Tigers to know.

Collage of Mizzou students

Aug. 5, 2024
Contact: Janese Heavin, heavinj@missouri.edu

They say college isn’t worth the cost. That institutions of higher learning haven’t kept up with the times. That you don’t need a degree.

“They” haven’t been to the University of Missouri.

Welcome to Mizzou, a training ground for explorers, innovators and world-changers.

Here, you’ll delve into your curiosities, discover new possibilities and gain valuable skills that will prepare you to make a meaningful impact on society.

But we’re from the Show Me State, so we’ll show you. As this year’s senior class begins to consider college choices, here are five ways a degree from Mizzou will change your life.

1. You’ll learn by doing.

At Mizzou, you won’t just learn, you’ll do. Our students are professional journalists at award-winning news outlets. Musicians writing original compositions. Engineers programming robots and building electric cars. Our students are working alongside teachers, farmers and healthcare professionals. Launching their own businesses. Conducting game-changing research and more.

It’s called the Missouri Method, a teaching style that allows you to combine classroom learning with practical experiences to prepare you for the workforce. And you’ll only find it here.

2. You’ll reap the benefits fast.

When you graduate from Mizzou, the odds are good you’ll see quick results.

In fact, more than 95% of Mizzou graduates have jobs, enroll in graduate school or fill critical service positions within six months of graduating. Not only that; you’ll continue to see success throughout your career. That’s one of the reasons Time magazine recently named Mizzou one of the top public universities for future leaders.

3. You’ll get your money’s worth … and then some.

If you’re looking for an affordable college degree that will pay off, you’ve come to the right place. Mizzou is ranked No. 7 for best value among all flagship institutions. The majority of our students receive grants and scholarships to help pay for college, and nearly half of our students graduate debt-free.

And after college? The Wall Street Journal ranks Mizzou as one of the best universities for impact on salaries. While there are a lot of factors that go into your paycheck, such as your industry and location, studies show a college degree pays off. Across the nation, those with a bachelor’s degree earn about $1.2 million more over their lifetimes than those who only have a high school diploma.

4. You’ll be part of a vibrant campus.

More than 600 student organizations. Next-generation technology and equipment. Internationally renowned faculty. Access to MizzouRec, the MU Student Center, libraries and study spaces. Venues to perform in. Stadiums to cheer in. Opportunities to travel the world.

Seriously, Mizzou has it all. Campus even doubles as a botanic garden, so, no matter where you go, inspiration is all around. And if you’re from Missouri, Columbia is just a short drive away from family and friends.

5. You’ll be Mizzou Made for life.

At MU, you’ll find your community and peers who will become friends for life. And with more than 362,500 alumni around the world, you’ll have connections to Mizzou Tigers working in every industry. Pulitzer-prize-winning journalists and Oscar-winning actors. CEOs, presidents and C-suite executives at top companies. Professionals shattering expectations and glass ceilings.  

The Tiger bond is strong, too. Just ask the thousands of Mizzou alumni who return to campus year after year to celebrate one of the largest — and oldest — Homecoming celebrations in the nation.

Of course, there are more benefits to a Mizzou education, but we know you’re busy. Our students are, too. They’re busy exploring their interests, gaining real-world experience and challenging the status quo as they work toward solving real-world problems and improving the lives of those around them.

Ready to roar?

APPLY TODAY

Subscribe to

Show Me Mizzou

Stay up-to-date with the latest news by subscribing to the Show Me Mizzou newsletter.

Subscribe