Show-Me State Times

Enrollment numbers are on the rise at the University of Missouri as more students discover the transformative power of the Missouri Method. This hands-on approach is not just about learning but also about launching careers.

At Mizzou, students gain real-world experience, develop leadership skills, and build confidence to face challenges.

Preliminary first-day figures indicate an increase in total enrollment to over 31,000. Notable figures include 5,983 freshmen (up 16.1% from last year) and 1,238 transfer students (up 6.8% from last year).

“We are thrilled to welcome so many exceptional students to our community,” said Mun Choi, president of the University of Missouri. “Mizzou is one of America’s leading research universities, and it’s our land-grant mission to educate the next generation of leaders improving lives in Missouri, the U.S., and the world.”

The university's retention rate for first-year students stands at nearly 93%, significantly higher than the national average of 68.2%, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.

“Our students continue to recognize the value of receiving a world-class education at Mizzou,” said Matthew Martens, provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs for the University of Missouri. “Our vibrant campus community, internationally renowned faculty and hands-on learning opportunities are all reasons students are proud to choose Mizzou.”

Mizzou was recently named by Time Magazine as one of America's top institutions. The university attracts a diverse student body from all 50 states and more than 100 countries.

Today's Tigers represent a dynamic community committed to making a difference. The average freshman ACT score at Mizzou is 26.2, compared to state and national averages of 20.8 and 20.7 respectively.

More than 95% of Mizzou graduates find employment or enroll in graduate school within six months of earning their degree. The university offers over 300 degree programs and 192 online options with an 18:1 student-faculty ratio.

“Our high first-year retention rate reflects the positive experiences students are having on campus,” said Jim Spain, vice provost for undergraduate studies at the University of Missouri. “They are thriving both inside and outside the classroom thanks to the people and resources on our campus who are dedicated to helping them succeed.”

Students also participate in over 600 clubs and organizations while contributing significantly to local communities through service activities.