Mizzou vs University of Kansas (KU)

When it comes to higher education in the Midwest, two prominent universities that often draw comparisons are the University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou) and the University of Kansas (KU). Both institutions offer a wide range of academic programs, vibrant campus life, and strong athletic traditions. However, there are some key differences between the two universities that prospective students should consider when making their college decision. These differences include acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. To help you make an informed choice, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table that highlights these key differences and provides additional information about each university. Dive into the table to discover which institution better aligns with your academic goals, personal preferences, and future aspirations.

	University of Kansas	University of Missouri-Columbia
Overview
Location	Lawrence, Kansas	Columbia, Missouri
Campus setting	City: Small	City: Midsize
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	85.0%	88.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	92.5%	76.5%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $40 Graduate: $65	Undergraduate: $55 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1090 - 1330	1130 - 1350
ACT range	21 - 29	23 - 30
Students submitting SAT score	12.0%	7.0%
Students submitting ACT score	80.0%	72.0%
Total number of applicants	15,275	19,966
Total number of admissions given out	14,129	15,283
Admitted students who chose to enroll	4,119	4,843
Yield rate	29.2%	31.7%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Not required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $25,259 Out of state: $42,127	In state: $27,977 Out of state: $46,952
Average net price	$18,608	$18,249
Tuition	In state: $10,092 Out of state: $26,960	In state: $10,017 Out of state: $28,992
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,100 Meal plan: $3,800	Room/dormitory: $6,710 Meal plan: $3,500
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	80.0% Average amount $10,408	85.0% Average amount $11,312
Students receiving federal student loan	40.0% Average amount $5,220	36.0% Average amount $5,270
Students taking out private loans	6.0% Average amount $13,036	8.0% Average amount $16,554

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	19,158 Men 46.8% Women 53.2%	23,696 Men 45.9% Women 54.1%
Graduate students	7,622 Men 42.7% Women 57.3%	7,705 Men 38.3% Women 61.7%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	41.5%	31.0%
International students	6.8%	4.1%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	5,235	6,898
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Kansas Missouri Illinois Texas Colorado	Missouri Illinois Texas Kansas Colorado

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Business Education Engineering Biological and Biomedical Sciences	Business Health Professions Ethnic Studies Communication and Journalism Education
Students to faculty ratio	17:1	18:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	66.0%	72.5%
Dropout rate	7.8%	26.8%
Transferred out	24.6%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $160,586 Year 2: $170,720 Year 3: $156,139 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $112,189 Year 2: $119,061 Year 3: $123,797 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $80,966 Year 2: $73,299 Year 3: $88,195 Petroleum Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,179 Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $81,042 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $78,614 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $67,617 Year 2: $72,625 Year 3: $77,366 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,974 Year 2: $66,001 Year 3: $73,900 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,436 Year 2: $59,722 Year 3: $72,306 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,919 Year 2: $64,990 Year 3: $68,960 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $56,347 Year 2: $53,108 Year 3: $68,650	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $93,333 Year 2: $100,008 Year 3: $104,573 Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $84,087 Year 2: $80,628 Year 3: $96,108 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $89,564 Year 3: $93,226 Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $80,803 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $85,805 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $70,511 Year 2: $81,210 Year 3: $81,536 Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $89,866 Year 2: $74,953 Year 3: $79,864 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,895 Year 2: $62,012 Year 3: $79,424 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,907 Year 2: $67,101 Year 3: $78,960 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,579 Year 2: $69,897 Year 3: $78,050 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,571 Year 2: $66,004 Year 3: $74,926

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between the University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou) and the University of Kansas (KU)?

Mizzou and KU are both excellent public universities, but they have distinct characteristics. Mizzou, located in Columbia, Missouri, is known for its strong journalism school, veterinary medicine program, and SEC athletic conference affiliation. KU, situated in Lawrence, Kansas, is renowned for its basketball program, pharmacy school, and its membership in the Big 12 conference. Mizzou tends to have a more traditional, campus-centered feel, while KU offers a more vibrant college-town atmosphere.
Which university is larger, Mizzou or KU?

Mizzou generally has a slightly larger undergraduate student population than KU. However, the overall student population, including graduate students, can fluctuate, so it's best to check the most recent official enrollment numbers on each university's website for the most up-to-date information.
How do the academic reputations of Mizzou and KU compare?

Both Mizzou and KU are well-regarded universities with strong academic programs. Mizzou is particularly known for its School of Journalism, while KU is highly ranked for its School of Pharmacy and programs in special education. Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, and their overall academic reputations are comparable, though specific program strengths may vary.
What are the differences in campus culture and student life at Mizzou and KU?

Mizzou's campus culture is often described as more traditional and focused on campus activities. Greek life is prominent, and there's a strong emphasis on school spirit, particularly surrounding SEC athletics. KU, located in the lively college town of Lawrence, offers a more diverse and eclectic student life experience. The town provides a vibrant music scene, independent shops, and a strong sense of community. While both universities have active student organizations, the overall atmosphere differs due to their respective locations and traditions.
How do the costs of attending Mizzou and KU compare?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, is generally comparable between Mizzou and KU for in-state students. Out-of-state tuition will be higher at both institutions. It's important to check the most recent tuition and fee schedules on each university's website, as these costs can change annually. Also, consider the cost of living in Columbia, Missouri, versus Lawrence, Kansas, as this can impact your overall expenses.
What are the popular majors at Mizzou and KU?

At Mizzou, popular majors include Journalism, Business, Engineering, Health Professions, and Education. At KU, popular majors include Business, Engineering, Journalism, Health Professions, and Liberal Arts & Sciences. Both universities offer a wide array of programs, but these are some of the most commonly pursued fields of study.
How do the athletic programs at Mizzou and KU differ?

Athletics are a significant part of the student experience at both Mizzou and KU. Mizzou competes in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), known for its competitive football and other sports. KU is a member of the Big 12 Conference and is particularly renowned for its basketball program, which has a long and storied history. Both universities offer a wide range of varsity sports and have passionate fan bases.
What are the career services and internship opportunities like at Mizzou and KU?

Both Mizzou and KU offer comprehensive career services to help students prepare for their future careers. These services typically include career counseling, resume and cover letter workshops, mock interviews, and job fairs. Both universities also have strong internship programs, connecting students with opportunities in various industries. The specific internship opportunities available may vary depending on your major and career interests, so it's worth researching the resources available within your specific academic department.
How do the locations of Columbia, Missouri, and Lawrence, Kansas, impact the student experience?

Columbia, Missouri, is a mid-sized city with a strong focus on the university. It offers a traditional college town experience with a vibrant downtown area and a range of cultural and recreational activities. Lawrence, Kansas, is a smaller city known for its progressive atmosphere, thriving arts scene, and independent businesses. Its proximity to Kansas City provides students with access to a wider range of cultural and entertainment options. The choice between the two depends on your preference for a more traditional or a more eclectic college town environment.
What are the admission requirements for Mizzou and KU?

Admission requirements for both Mizzou and KU typically include a high school diploma or equivalent, standardized test scores (ACT or SAT, though test-optional policies may be in place), and a strong academic record. Specific requirements may vary depending on the program you're applying to, so it's essential to check the admission requirements on each university's website. Factors such as GPA, class rank, and extracurricular activities are also considered during the admission process.

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