University of Missouri

Sept. 25, 2024
Contact: Deidra Ashley, ashleyde@missouri.edu  
Photo by Nic Benner

1. The University of Missouri delivers exceptional value and shapes future leaders.

At Mizzou, students delve into their curiosities, discover new possibilities and gain valuable skills that prepare them to make a meaningful impact on society. The best part? They’re getting a great value for their money.

In this year’s U.S. News and World Report rankings, Mizzou’s rank as Best Value among flagship universities increased from No. 7 to No. 4, a measurement that considers a university’s cost and the quality of education. Mizzou’s Best Value rank among flagship universities is No. 1 among SEC, Big 10, Big 12 and PAC-12 institutions. MU’s score increased 24 spots from last year among all universities included in the category. Across the board, Mizzou’s ranking improved in 16 out of 18 evaluated areas — including retention and graduation rates.

And, in addition to financial value, Mizzou students are also gaining recognition for their leadership potential — Mizzou was named No. 10 among all flagship universities on Time magazine’s Best Colleges for Future Leaders list.

2. The numbers speak for themselves.

This year, more than 33,000 prospective students applied to join Mizzou — the highest number of applicants in the university’s 185-year history. This overwhelming interest reflects the university’s growing reputation as a top destination for higher education.

Campus has never been more vibrant. This semester, we welcomed more than 9,200 new students — which includes a 16% increase in freshmen enrollment, making this one of the largest incoming classes ever. And students aren’t just choosing Mizzou — they’re thriving here.

• We are experiencing a record-high retention rate of nearly 93%.
• Our graduation rate is 75% —12 percentage points above the national average and the highest among all public universities in Missouri.
• More than 95% of Tigers are employed, enrolled in graduate school or fulfilling critical service roles within six months of earning a degree — one of the highest in the country.

3. Top students choose to be Tigers.

We value the uniqueness of every individual because intellectual pluralism helps us achieve excellence in learning, research and engagement. Not only are these foundations of our land-grant mission; they help us move our state — and the world — forward.

Our campus attracts the very best students, and we’ve got the people and programs to support their success. Here are just a few examples of trailblazing Tigers:

• John Henry Williams: a 16-year Army veteran with three deployments to Afghanistan who is now a third-year medical student in the Rural Medicine Track. John credits the Veterans Center for making Mizzou a place of belonging.
• Janet Musangali: a sophomore STAMPS Scholar and Honors College student who is studying lipoproteins in the lab of Zachary Berndsen, an assistant professor of biochemistry.
• Grant Norfleet: an agricultural education major from Mexico, Missouri, and the current FFA national secretary.

4. We’re driving growth across Missouri.

Mizzou’s impact goes far beyond campus and touches every corner of the state. From MU Health Care locations in central Missouri and beyond to research farms in each region of the state and MU Extension offices in every county — we are proud to make a difference and to touch lives throughout the Show-Me State.

5. MizzouForward has incredible momentum.

The MizzouForward initiative focuses on faculty excellence, infrastructure growth and student success to ensure we are providing world-class education and conducting cutting-edge research. We are only in year three of a 10-year, $1.5 billion effort, but we’re already ahead of schedule and seeing transformational results.

Since 2022, we’ve made investments in new classrooms, new programs, new advisors, new research fellowships and so much more — supercharging our support for students starting the moment they walk on campus. And, on the faculty side, we’ve hired 73 researchers from some of the best universities in the world. They are joining our already accomplished faculty who are working to help change the world.

6. Our investments and fueling lasting growth.

Strategic investments are changing the face of campus. Perhaps the most visible proof of our progress is the Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health building. Since opening in October 2021, NextGen researchers have received more than $200 million in grants and funded projects, and the total value of their grant proposals is more than $700 million.

Other important investments include the South End Zone facility, Stephens Indoor Practice facility, East Campus Plant Growth facility, Jeanne and Rex Sinquefield Music Center, School of Nursing Building and MU Health Care’s Children’s Hospital.

7. Our faculty and staff are the heartbeat of our university and student success.

Our dedicated faculty and staff do so much for the university. They play a primary role in ensuring the success of our students, and their efforts are integral to our success.

From advising teams who help students navigate their coursework to career services professionals who help connect students to employers, we support Tigers throughout their academic careers and beyond.

One program celebrating a milestone this year is the Freshman Interest Group (FIG) initiative. For 30 years, faculty and staff have helped students find their place on campus and forge lifelong friendships. And, thanks to MizzouForward, we will offer even more FIGs in the future.

8. We’re building a Championship Culture.

In addition to academic success, we also celebrate the success of our student-athletes. Across all programs — track and field, swimming and diving, golf, gymnastics, wrestling, basketball, softball, baseball and so many others, Tigers are ready to bring home championships.

Our student-athletes and fans deserve the very best. That’s why, with the strong leadership of the Board of Curators, we’re investing in Memorial Stadium. We’ve made great progress reimagining the North End Zone while still preserving beloved Mizzou traditions.

In addition to representing black and gold across the state, Mizzou students are competing on the biggest stages in the world including the recent Paralympics in Paris. Mizzou senior Lee Melymick and alumnus Colin Higgins advanced to the bronze medal match for men’s wheelchair basketball, and former Mizzou coach Scott Meyer was on the coaching staff of the gold medal U.S. men’s wheelchair basketball team. While at Mizzou, all three trained under our legendary wheelchair basketball coach Ron Lykins.​

9. World-class research happens at Mizzou.

Our momentum isn’t limited to athletics. We’ve also made incredible progress in our research mission. For more than a decade, Mizzou has seen research expenditures rise each year —reaching a record $485 million last year. Our faculty are capturing more of the market share and out-competing other universities while tackling some of the biggest challenges facing society.

10. Our progress can’t be tamed.

We are making an impact through our people, through our research and through our strategic investments in facilities that build the future. Mizzou’s faculty, staff, students, alumni and fans are exceptional. And the university is prepared to provide the facilities and resources they need to make a difference in Missouri and around the globe.

Our ambitious plans leverage existing strengths and position us to do more — and deliver results faster than ever before. Our campus has changed in the last few years, and here’s a preview of what’s to come:

*Pending Board approval