The Vibe
Spacious, scenic, SEC dream
What it Feels Like to Go Here
Mizzou mixes modern elements and old school charm. The school consists of old elements like the iconic columns that sit in the middle of the quad, but also new buildings and expansions constantly coming up across campus. Off-campus students can indulge in the downtown city element or nature trails for running or biking. The University of Missouri campus embodies a little bit of everything. Mizzou’s entire campus is also a botanical garden so campus teems with beautiful flowers and scenery campus-wide. Go visit the iconic Columns on the Quad to see people throwing a Frisbee in good weather, reading under a tree or sitting on the Columns enjoying ice cream.
Where We Hang
Mizzou sits right on Downtown Columbia, bursting with opportunity for activities. On the weekends you can find people hanging out at Campus Bar & Grill or Fieldhouse for a drink. During the week, Memorial Union is a hot spot for students doing homework and a great place to grab a coffee with the prime Starbucks location inside. The Pinnacles remains popular among Mizzou students as a famous hiking trail featuring a river and steep cliffs that makes for good exercise and great time.
Awesome Alumni
Can I just say Brad Pitt? Yes, it’s true. Even though he never officially graduated, Mizzou Tigers still claim him as their own. Other famous names include Jon Hamm, the Mad Men legend, singer and songwriter Sheryl Crow, who performs in downtown Columbia every now and then, and David Koechner AKA Todd Packer from The Office. Mizzou’s famous alum aren’t all chilling out in Hollywood, though. William F. Baker, credited with the development of the buttressed core system for the tallest man-made structure in the world, earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at Mizzou. In 1956, science-legend James Fergason graduated from Mizzou and went on to discover the first practical uses of liquid crystals.
Q&A
1. How much are students partying?
“During ‘syllabus week’ I think students party substantially more than normal, but then after that week I’d say one to three times a week would be average for most students,” sophomore Rachel Spenner said.
2. What will you get in trouble for at your school?
“I’ve seemed to see a lot of people get away with a lot of pretty terrible things. I was an RA. And it was almost impossible for someone actually get in trouble for things like drinking, partying in their rooms, etc. It takes a lot and almost video evidence for the university or residential life to take action. Not to mention it takes a long time,” junior Chelsea Branscum said.
3. How much sex are students having?
“On a scale of one to 10, I’d say around a 6.5 as in more than needed because it is a college town, but you know, some students can find their niche without hooking up, so the number is not too high,” sophomore Ezra Solidum said.
4. What would you tell incoming freshmen about school?
“Nobody knows what they’re doing! We’re all faking it! Acting like you’re okay all the time benefits absolutely nobody and least of all you!” sophomore Gabrielle Hesse said.
5. What was your favorite activity to get involved in?
“I was always told to get involved in at least three things and go to them regularly: one within your major, one (still somewhat educational) outside your major and one just for fun. I’m a part of the Entrepreneurship Alliance within my major and it’s been a super good way to network and brainstorm alongside really brilliant people. Outside of my major, I participated in the dance marathon on my campus. It was so great to learn about the kids and the families that we were helping,” junior Chelsea Branscum said.
Student Reviews
1. “College is really hard, really great and really stupid and really rewarding and it’ll make you the best you yet.” –Gabrielle Hesse, Class of 2019
2. “There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t recognize how lucky I am to attend such a great university. I’ve met people that I can’t imagine life without, I’ve joined campus organizations and gotten involved, I’ve pushed myself to be the student I didn’t know I was and I’ve had more fun than I thought possible.” –Rachel Spenner, Class of 2019
3. “College is an exciting place to figure out who you want to be, and I have been fortunate to have had a number of great experiences.” –Joy Wilbourn, Class of 2019
4. “One year in, and college has already been the best time of my life. I met best friends, entered a relationship, gained inspiration for the future and grew an intense amount of pride for my school.” – Megan Bartolac, Class of 2019
5. “Mizzou has been a place full of learning, self-discovery and friendships to last a life time.” –Callie Bassett, Class of 2018
Top 3 Majors
1. Business
2. Journalism
3. Health Services
Top 3 most popular student organizations
1. Greek Life
Over 5,000 students (or about 20 percent) participate in Greek life at the University of Missouri. The Greek community includes 52 chapters. “I have met tons of best friends through it,” sophomore Megan Bartolac said. Fraternities and sororities dominate the homecoming scene from the parade to their house decorations. During the three-week period of Greek Week, fraternities and sororities celebrate Greek life with some friendly competition like volleyball or swimming, all while attempting to benefit local and national organizations that need funding. Last year’s Greek Week raised $75,000.
2. Campus Ministry
Campus ministry aims to help students grow deeper in their faith. The campus ministries at Mizzou include the Christian Campus House, the Rock Campus Church, Veritas, Cru and Chi Alpha. Students and faculty can choose from over 60 religious organizations. “It’s a good way to meet new people that have similar interests as you without committing a lot of money,” sophomore Brianne Arnett said. At the beginning of this year, the Rock Campus Church gave out free Chick-fil-A to students across campus to promote joining their church.
3. ROTC
The ROTC at Mizzou instructs future leaders of the United States Army and inspires the youth to become better citizens. “I love AFROTC because here at the University of Missouri we have a veteran staff of cadre officers and POC cadets who prepare us as college students for commissioning as Second Lieutenants with the appropriate training and education required for our respective branch of the military. Through integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do—Detachment 440 has challenged me to be the best cadet, student, son, brother, friend and Christian that I can be,” sophomore Caleb Dahlgren said. After completing the ROTC program, you can pursue careers such as Nursing, Finance, Combat Arms specialties and Aviation.
Getting in
To get into Mizzou, you need to whip out your wallet and grab 50 dollars for that application fee and make sure you have at least a 24 on the ACT or an 1160 on the SAT. The best part? No essay required. But you do need specific high school credits finished before applying. Specifically, 17 units of English, fine arts, foreign language, math, science and social studies. Since you don’t need interviews and essays for admission to Mizzou, you really need to focus on the test scores and make them high to land those killer scholarships.
Stats
Location: Columbia, MO
Tuition: $10,716 (in-state), $25,998 (out-of-state)
Total Cost on Campus: $21,274 (in-state), $36,556 (out-of-state)
Undergrads Enrolled: 27,654
Total enrollment: 35,411
Acceptance percentage: 77.7%
Percentage of Male Students: 48%
Percentage of Female Students: 52%
Percentage Receiving Financial Aid: 76%
Percentage Receiving Federal Grants: 76%
Percentage Receiving Federal Loans: 55%