Acceptance Rate
63%
Avg. SAT
1290
75th percentile
“A dynamic urban campus in St. Louis blending affordability with research and community impact.”
Saint Louis, MO
Location
Large Suburb
Campus Setting
Nestled in the heart of St. Louis, Missouri, the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) stands as a vital part of the city’s fabric, founded in 1963 as a public institution to expand access to higher education in the region. It’s the largest university in the St. Louis area by enrollment, with over 15,000 students, and serves as a hub for working-class and first-generation students seeking a practical, career-focused education. UMSL’s personality is grounded and unpretentious—think of it as a place where grit meets opportunity, with a diverse student body reflecting the city’s blend of cultures and backgrounds.
This campus suits students who are self-motivated and comfortable in an urban environment, where independence is key since UMSL operates more as a commuter school than a traditional college town bubble. You’ll find a mix of local residents and out-of-state learners, many balancing jobs or family responsibilities alongside studies. However, if you crave a tight-knit, rural campus vibe or constant school spirit, UMSL’s sprawling, less residential feel and quieter athletic scene might leave you wanting more.
St. Louis itself is a major draw, offering a rich history, iconic landmarks like the Gateway Arch, and a cost of living that’s more manageable than many urban centers. The city’s arts, music, and sports scenes—think Cardinals baseball and blues on Beale Street—give you plenty to explore beyond campus. On the flip side, the urban setting means navigating occasional traffic or parking challenges, and some areas near campus can feel less polished, requiring street smarts and adaptability.
Photo Gallery
+14
+6
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
Test-optional schools still weigh strong scores. Submitting can help.
Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Available Online
Degree Levels Offered
At UMSL, academics are shaped by a strong emphasis on practical, career-ready skills, with standout programs in business, nursing, and education leading the charge. The Pierre Laclede Honors College offers a more intimate, rigorous experience for high-achieving students, while the College of Optometry is one of only a handful in the Midwest, drawing aspiring eye-care professionals. You can expect a mix of teaching styles—some professors are deeply engaged, especially in smaller upper-level courses, while larger introductory classes might feel more impersonal with less direct interaction.
Research plays a significant role here, especially in fields like criminology and urban studies, reflecting St. Louis’s complex social landscape, and undergraduates often get chances to assist on projects through centers like the Missouri Institute of Mental Health. If you’re driven, you’ll find faculty eager to mentor, but you’ll need to seek out those opportunities since advising can be stretched thin with the large student body. A potential downside is that some popular programs, like nursing, can be highly competitive to enter, so planning ahead is crucial.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
12,317 undergrad • 2,419 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
67%
Black / African American
14%
Hispanic / Latino
4%
Asian
5%
Other / Multi-racial
10%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Saint Louis, MO
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus life at UMSL leans toward a practical, no-frills vibe, shaped by its large commuter population—many students come for class and head back to jobs or homes off-campus, so building a social circle might take extra effort. That said, when you’re on campus, you’ll find a welcoming mix of events, from cultural festivals hosted by student organizations to lectures at the Touhill Performing Arts Center, a striking glass-walled venue for theater and music. Traditions like the Mirthday celebration, marking the university’s founding, bring a burst of school pride with concerts and community activities.
Housing is available, with modern options like Oak Hall, but only a small fraction of students live on campus, which can make the social scene feel fragmented compared to more residential schools. The St. Louis weather is another factor—winters can be cold and gray, while summers are humid, so outdoor campus life ebbs and flows with the seasons. For those who dive into clubs or campus jobs, though, UMSL offers a grounded way to connect while keeping costs lower than many urban peers.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Great Lakes Valley Conference
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
No
Air Force
Yes
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
Apply for Financial Aid
Complete the FAFSA to unlock grants, scholarships, and federal loans.
Costs shown are before financial aid. Most students receive some form of aid. Complete the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.
Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
74%
4 Years Graduation Rate
53%
6 Years Graduation Rate
62%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$53,037
74% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at University of Missouri-St Louis and return in the fall. 53% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 62% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
53%
4-5 years
9%
6-8 years
2%
Non-grad
36%
Let’s find your perfect tutor
Answer a few quick questions. We’ll recommend the right plan and match you with a top 5% tutor.
Key Statistics
Type
Public
Tuition
$12,528
Acceptance
63%
Undergrads
12,317
4-Year Grad Rate
53%
Endowment
$118M
Saint Louis, MO 63121-4400
Explore More