University of Missouri-Columbia vs. Missouri University of Science and Technology

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Missouri Columbia in Columbia, MO with Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Missouri Columbia is larger than Missouri University of Science and Technology based on total student enrollment (31,543 students vs. 7,154 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Missouri Columbia is located in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting); Missouri University of Science and Technology is in Rolla, MO (Remote Town setting).
• University of Missouri Columbia is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Missouri University of Science and Technology is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Missouri Columbia 17:1; Missouri University of Science and Technology 17:1.

University of Missouri-Columbia vs. Missouri University of Science and Technology Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Missouri-Columbia or Missouri University of Science and Technology? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Missouri University of Science and Technology than University of Missouri-Columbia ($17,366 vs. $22,169).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Missouri University of Science and Technology are 6.1% lower than at University of Missouri Columbia ($12,862 vs. $13,700).
• Missouri University of Science and Technology is 1% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Missouri-Columbia (about $147 more per year; $14,984.00 vs. $14,837.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.4% higher at University of Missouri-Columbia than at Missouri University of Science and Technology (about $2,808 more per year; $36,056.00 vs. $33,248.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Missouri University of Science and Technology than at University of Missouri Columbia (98% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Missouri University of Science and Technology students is 8.2% larger than aid received by University of Missouri Columbia students ($14,289 vs. $13,203).

University of Missouri-Columbia vs. Missouri University of Science and Technology Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Missouri-Columbia or Missouri University of Science and Technology? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Missouri University of Science and Technology and University of Missouri-Columbia.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Missouri University of Science and Technology (1310) is 70 points higher than at University of Missouri-Columbia (1240).
• Incoming Missouri University of Science and Technology students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 26 at University of Missouri-Columbia).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Missouri Columbia 1150/1330; Missouri University of Science and Technology 1190/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Missouri Columbia 23/30; Missouri University of Science and Technology 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Missouri-Columbia - Test optional; Missouri University of Science and Technology - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Missouri University of Science and Technology Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Missouri University of Science and Technology students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.81) than students at University of Missouri-Columbia (3.61).
• University of Missouri-Columbia has a higher acceptance rate (78.5%) than Missouri University of Science and Technology (72.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31% at University of Missouri-Columbia vs. 20.9% at Missouri University of Science and Technology.

University of Missouri-Columbia vs. Missouri University of Science and Technology Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Missouri-Columbia and Missouri University of Science and Technology? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of Missouri Columbia's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than Missouri University of Science and Technology's (67%).
• Graduates from Missouri University of Science and Technology earn a median of about $14,200 more per year than University of Missouri-Columbia graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,400 vs. $54,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Missouri Columbia graduates have a $2,680 lower median loan debt than Missouri University of Science and Technology graduates ($21,883 vs. $24,563).
• Among borrowers, University of Missouri-Columbia graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Missouri University of Science and Technology graduates ($226 vs. $253).
• More Missouri University of Science and Technology graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Missouri-Columbia students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 73%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.