University of Missouri-Columbia vs. University of Missouri-Kansas City

Comparable Facts

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

University of Missouri Columbia is larger than University of Missouri-Kansas City based on total student enrollment (31,543 students vs. 14,732 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Missouri Columbia is located in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting); University of Missouri Kansas City is in Kansas City, MO (Large City setting).
• University of Missouri Columbia is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Missouri Kansas City is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Missouri Columbia 17:1; University of Missouri Kansas City 13:1.

University of Missouri-Columbia vs. University of Missouri-Kansas City Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Missouri-Columbia or University of Missouri-Kansas City? 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 University of Missouri Kansas City than University of Missouri-Columbia ($14,748 vs. $22,169).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Missouri Columbia are 11.3% lower than at University of Missouri Kansas City ($13,700 vs. $15,452).
• University of Missouri Columbia is 17.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Missouri-Kansas City (about $2,250 more per year; $14,837.00 vs. $12,587.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.3% higher at University of Missouri-Columbia than at University of Missouri Kansas City (about $5,829 more per year; $36,056.00 vs. $30,227.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Missouri Columbia than at University of Missouri Kansas City (95% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Missouri Columbia students is 20.2% larger than aid received by University of Missouri Kansas City students ($13,203 vs. $10,982).

University of Missouri-Columbia vs. University of Missouri-Kansas City Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Missouri-Columbia or University of Missouri-Kansas City? 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 University of Missouri-Kansas City and University of Missouri-Columbia.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Missouri Kansas City (1420) is 180 points higher than at University of Missouri-Columbia (1240).
• Incoming University of Missouri-Columbia students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 24 at University of Missouri-Kansas City).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Missouri Columbia 1150/1330; University of Missouri Kansas City 1290/1550.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Missouri Columbia 23/30; University of Missouri Kansas City 20/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Missouri-Columbia - Test optional; University of Missouri-Kansas City - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Missouri-Kansas City Jun 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Missouri-Columbia students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at University of Missouri-Kansas City (3.54).
• University of Missouri-Columbia has a higher acceptance rate (78.5%) than University of Missouri-Kansas City (72.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31% at University of Missouri-Columbia vs. 30.1% at University of Missouri-Kansas City.

University of Missouri-Columbia vs. University of Missouri-Kansas City Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Missouri-Columbia and University of Missouri-Kansas City? 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 University of Missouri Kansas City's (41%).
• Graduates from University of Missouri Kansas City earn a median of about $900 more per year than University of Missouri-Columbia graduates about ten years after starting college ($55,100 vs. $54,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Missouri Kansas City graduates have a $883 lower median loan debt than University of Missouri-Columbia graduates ($21,000 vs. $21,883).
• Among borrowers, University of Missouri-Kansas City graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Missouri-Columbia graduates ($217 vs. $226).
• More University of Missouri-Columbia graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Missouri-Kansas City students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 55%)

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.