For 150 years, the University of Central Missouri has provided unparalleled student support, exceptional academic programs and valuable learning opportunities, helping students achieve success through affordable access to a high-quality education. Originally established as a training school for teachers, UCM opened its doors in 1871 with only 30 students in a rented building. It is now home to approximately 10,000 students who represent 43 states and 32 countries. With a motto of “Education for Service,” the university has remained consistent in its pursuit to transform students into lifelong learners dedicated to serving their communities. This consistency has been the key not only to institutional success, but the continued success of every individual who graduates with a UCM degree.
Top-ranked university
UCM is consistently ranked as a top university by U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review, and 95 percent of UCM graduates launch their career or continue their education within six months of graduation. By pairing ambitions with meaningful opportunities and superior support, UCM enters its 150th year of service unrivaled in its pursuit of providing students with valuable degrees and the experience needed for long-term success.
Unmatched student support
Many reasons can be attributed to UCM’s sesquicentennial success, but none more important than its dedication to student support. Students benefit from advantages including:
- Locations in Warrensburg, Lee’s Summit and online
- Free counseling and mental health services, and the only accredited Counseling Center at a Missouri public institution
- An innovative Success Advising Center
- Expert tutoring for 100-plus courses
- Review and editing services from the Writing Center
- State-of-the-art learning environments
- Free career counseling and assistance with graduate school preparation
Commitment to affordability
At the University of Central Missouri, students can spend less without sacrificing quality. With costs lower than the Missouri and national average, UCM believes everyone deserves affordable access to a high-quality education. It has also been recognized by the student finance bureau LendEDU for having one of the lowest national student debt numbers for 2019 graduates. An impressive 92 percent of UCM undergraduates receive financial aid.
UCM offers many renewable scholarships, and all scholarships are stackable, meaning students may qualify for multiple UCM scholarships on top of other federal and state financial aid. Finding and applying for scholarships is easy with UCM Scholarship Finder, which allows students to apply for multiple scholarships at one time with a single application that is automatically submitted toward all eligible scholarships.
World-class faculty
With a 17-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio and average class size of 21, UCM’s expert faculty genuinely care about the success of their students and see them as individuals, not just a number. From aviation to cybersecurity, UCM professors work hard throughout 150-plus academic programs to provide experiences that will enhance students’ skills and help them discover their career potential.
It’s a great time to apply, because UCM is now test-optional! This means that students applying to UCM with a 2.75 GPA or higher may be admitted without submitting an ACT or SAT test score. Students admitted as test-optional will also receive a $1,000 Red & Black Scholarship.
Learn more about UCM’s sesquicentennial at 150.ucmo.edu, and become part of UCM’s 150-year legacy by applying today at ucmo.edu/apply!
