Acceptance Rate
72%
Avg. SAT
1550
75th percentile
“A dynamic urban university blending Midwest charm with a powerhouse focus on health sciences and arts.”
Kansas City, MO
Location
Large City
Campus Setting
Nestled in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri, the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) stands as a vibrant public institution founded in 1933. Born from a vision to bring higher education to the city’s growing population, UMKC has evolved into a key player in the University of Missouri System, often overshadowed by its larger sibling in Columbia but carving out a distinct identity. Its urban setting shapes its personality—think bustling streets, jazz heritage, and a gritty, real-world energy that seeps into campus life. You’ll find a student body that’s diverse in background and ambition, often drawn to the practical, hands-on learning UMKC champions.
This school shines for self-starters who crave a city vibe and aren’t afraid to hustle for opportunities. If you’re the type who thrives on forging your own path—whether through internships downtown or late-night study sessions in a lively coffee shop—UMKC will feel like home. However, if you’re seeking a traditional, insulated college town experience with sprawling quads and a tight-knit bubble, the urban sprawl and commuter-heavy feel might leave you wanting more. The campus, split between the Volker and Health Sciences districts, can also feel fragmented at times, requiring some effort to navigate.
Kansas City itself is a draw, with its blend of barbecue joints, historic neighborhoods like Westport, and a thriving arts scene rooted in institutions like the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. The city’s cost of living remains relatively affordable compared to other urban hubs, though public transportation isn’t always reliable, so having a car or patience for ride-sharing helps. UMKC’s connection to the city means you’re not just studying—you’re living in a place that pulses with culture and opportunity, if you’re willing to step out and grab it.
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
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Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Available Online
Degree Levels Offered
UMKC punches above its weight in health sciences and performing arts, with standout programs that draw students from across the region. The School of Medicine offers a unique six-year combined BA/MD program, one of the few of its kind, where you can fast-track into a medical career right out of high school with a tight-knit cohort. The Conservatory of Music and Dance also garners attention, producing graduates who perform on national stages, thanks to rigorous training and connections to Kansas City’s rich arts scene. Beyond these, business and engineering programs hold their own, often tying directly to local industry needs.
Classroom experiences vary widely here. Many introductory courses come with larger lecture halls, especially in popular fields like biology or business, so you might need to be proactive to connect with professors. Smaller, upper-level classes and specialized tracks, particularly in health sciences, offer more personal attention, and undergrads often get chances to assist in research, especially in medical and dental labs. The academic pace can be demanding in competitive programs, and some students find advising inconsistent, so staying on top of your own progress is key. If you’re driven and organized, though, UMKC’s practical focus and urban ties can open doors to internships and real-world projects that others only dream of.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
10,166 undergrad • 4,566 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
51%
Black / African American
10%
Hispanic / Latino
12%
Asian
9%
Other / Multi-racial
18%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Kansas City, MO
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus life at UMKC reflects its urban edge—less about rah-rah school spirit and more about a gritty, do-it-yourself vibe. Many students are commuters, so the social scene often spills into Kansas City’s coffee shops, music venues, and late-night diners rather than staying confined to dorms or frat houses. You can expect a mix of quiet weekdays focused on studies and weekends where you might catch a live jazz show downtown or cheer on the Roos, UMKC’s athletic teams, at a basketball game. Traditions like the annual Fall Fest bring students together with food trucks and local bands, though the campus doesn’t buzz with the constant energy of a residential-heavy school.
Housing can be a mixed bag—on-campus options are limited, and many students opt for nearby apartments, which means building a tight community takes extra effort. The Midwest weather swings from humid summers to icy winters, so you’ll need to brace for cold treks across campus. Still, the diversity of the student body and the city’s welcoming feel make it easy to find your niche, whether through student organizations or just exploring Kansas City’s hidden gems. If you’re looking for a non-stop party scene or a campus that feels like a bubble, this might not be your fit—but for those who love weaving city life into their college years, UMKC delivers.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
The Summit League
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
No
Air Force
No
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Recognized student veteran organization
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
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Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
75%
4 Years Graduation Rate
46%
6 Years Graduation Rate
60%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$59,637
75% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at University of Missouri-Kansas City and return in the fall. 46% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 60% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
46%
4-5 years
14%
6-8 years
1%
Non-grad
39%
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Key Statistics
Type
Public
Tuition
$9,999
Acceptance
72%
Undergrads
10,166
4-Year Grad Rate
46%
Endowment
$200M
Kansas City, MO 64110
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