Feb. 5, 2026
Contact: Janese Heavin, heavinj@missouri.edu
The University of Missouri is asserting itself on the global stage. In TIME magazine’s newly released list of the World’s Top Universities, Mizzou ranks 13th among U.S. flagship universities and No. 2 among public universities in the Southeastern Conference. Out of 500 universities worldwide, Mizzou placed 124th — firmly in the top quarter globally. Other universities of note include Washington University at 109, Georgetown University at 117 and the University of Florida at 134.
TIME’s methodology zeroes in on what matters most: extraordinary student outcomes. Graduates who become industry leaders. Innovators who patent new technologies. Problem-solvers who take on society’s biggest challenges — and win.
“Mizzou is proud to be recognized as a world-class institution with a total commitment to excellence,” University of Missouri President Mun Choi said. “Our high ranking demonstrates that we are a global leader that makes a difference for our students and all society.”
To identify the world’s top universities, TIME analyzed the long-term outcomes of millions of graduates, measuring how institutions translate education into real-world impact. By that measure, Mizzou stands out.
Mizzou graduates don’t just enter the workforce; they build it. Tigers have gone on to become business owners, CEOs and C-suite executives across industries. Recent alumni founded companies such as Zapier, a global software platform, and Printerior, an innovative 3D-printing business — both now multimillion-dollar enterprises.
The TIME ranking is the latest validation of Mizzou’s accelerating momentum. The university is ranked No. 4 best value among flagship universities according to the latest U.S. News & World Report data. Mizzou is also the No. 1 online college in the nation according to Niche, a leading college search platform.
