Missouri may be the “Show Me” state, but the University of Central Missouri (UCM) is “proof” that it’s possible to balance academic excellence with on-the-job experience, community involvement, and affordable tuition.
It all starts with UCM’s goal of delivering a world-class university education by providing a small-college learning environment coupled with large-university opportunities. Every student is encouraged to find and fulfill not only their own sense of purpose, but also to engage with learning everywhere, whether it’s in a classroom, a corporation, or the community.
Therefore, it’s not surprising that UCM is ranked year-over-year as a leading university and one of the best educational values in the Midwest. With experiential learning components embedded into its 150+ degree programs, the university regularly receives attention for its nationally ranked programs of study such as data science, cybersecurity, and safety science—programs that are on par with those found at tier-one schools but without tier-one tuition fees. The strength of these programs as well as the sustained overall academic performance of the university is supported by UCM’s current job placement rate of 97%. Obviously, UCM is getting it right when it comes to educating today’s workforce and tomorrow’s leaders, while providing business and industry the talent they need to succeed.
“The University of Central Missouri is focused on fostering our students’ success through our dynamic programs, continued investment in infrastructure and resources, and unwavering commitment to the individual. We are continually reexamining the value proposition of higher education and our role in advancing society in order to better serve our students and thereby the economies of our region, nation, and world.”
Dr. Roger Best, President
“Show Me” the Commitment
UCM’s commitment to providing an accessible quality education has deep roots in its long history. One of the oldest universities in the state, UCM first opened its doors as the State Normal School number two in 1871– just six years after the end of the Civil War. Today, the university serves over 11,000 students from 47 states and 36 countries. The school motto is “Education for Service,” and it starts with the university itself actively seeking to serve communities and groups that need a little extra help.
UCM’s tuition is below the national average for both public and private institutions. Additionally, it has achieved a $16.4 million reduction in student loans over the last five years while still providing access to financial aid for 94% of undergraduate students. Even after graduation, UCM’s student loan default rates are below state and national averages.
For the 18th consecutive year, The Princeton Review listed UCM among the Best Colleges in the Midwestern Region and among the 2022 Best Online Nursing School Master’s Programs. UCM ranks 14th among U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Top Public Colleges and Universities in the Midwest as well as 31st for Veterans, 60th as a Best Value Institution and received mentions in 11 other categories. U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 Best Colleges Guidebook named UCM among the top performers in “Social Mobility,” a category based on success in helping economically disadvantaged students to finish college. VIQTORY awarded UCM the Military FriendlyÒ Schools Gold Designation. Business and industry giant Forbes ranked UCM among 600 top universities in the U.S. for 2022.
Midwesterners are famous for having a sharp eye for good value. By putting students and the community first, the University of Central Missouri has proved it has an even keener vision of how good values can literally make all the difference in the world.
Name: University of Central Missouri (UCM)
Industry: Higher Education
Headquarters: Warrensburg, MO
Designation: UCM is a Military Friendly® Bronze School
ucmo.edu
