University of Missouri

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Rankings & Lists

Students Say - Academics
The University of Missouri-"Mizzou" to students, alumni, staff, and Tigers fans-"is the total package for a college experience," offering "great professors, [a] beautiful campus, and many social activities." The sum of all these parts helps make Mizzou "an outstanding school with incredible students that bleed black and gold. We are excited to learn, meet new people, and find ourselves." The school is best known for its journalism program, "the first and best journalism school in the country" according to its students, but that's hardly the only standout offering. Mizzou also boasts "a great engineering program," a College of Agriculture Food and Natural Resources with "a family environment," and strong programs in business, nursing, and education. Academics "are integrated into our professional fields accordingly so we get to show our knowledge in the classroom and [in the] field simultaneously." Undergraduates warn, however, "Mizzou represents the typical big state school in Missouri, with all the benefits and drawbacks that go along with that," meaning that everything is "big. Big money, big campus, big sports, big research, big construction. While this is great for those looking for big-world opportunities, it can also mean anonymity for most."

Students Say - Campus Life
Students here tell us that "Greek life is huge on campus" and that downtown Columbia-which is "right next to the campus"-offers an enticing "array of bars and restaurants." In addition, during the fall "Mizzou football is a huge deal. The world stops on football Saturday, between the game and tailgating. Even without a ticket, you'll have a good time." But while many undergraduates certainly do like to get their party on when the weekend rolls around, "there are definitely other ways to keep yourself occupied in Columbia," an "excellent college town" with "theaters, stores, coffee shops, cafes, an independent theatre, art galleries, bookstores, concert venues and more." There are also "several free events on campus for students like movies, a comedy troupe, and concerts," and an easy way to keep track of them: a page on the school's main website entitled "Stuff to Do," which provides "a listing of events or activities that students can get involved in. Some revolve around certain holidays, such as Valentine's Day, where students can participate in speed dating." When they need a change of scenery, undergrads "head to Kansas City or St. Louis for fun." No wonder students describe Mizzou as "the perfect mix of work and play. The education is wonderful...[and] social life here is equally awesome."

Students Say - Student Body
There really is no typical student at Mizzou, where a huge student population creates room for "tons of unique and diverse students on campus." Many students define their peers as, "friendly, smart and enjoying life." Indeed, most undergrads are "fairly dedicated to classes, like to attend football and basketball games, involved in at least one or two activities on campus, and like to have fun with their friends on the weekends." As one student puts it, "It is a wonderful mix between a Big 12 school, an urban and rural population, and social challenges brought to light from students and Columbia citizens. People are encouraged to speak their opinion[s] and express themselves no matter what." Mizzou undergrads are "driven" and career-oriented but not always the most rigorous students; they "go to class for the most part, will usually cram for tests rather than [study] the entire semester, and will balance social life with academics fairly well." There is "a pretty sizable and visible LGBTQ population" here.

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