The University of Missouri is cementing its place on the national stage, ranking among the top 100 in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges list.
The recognition reflects a remarkable climb. Since 2020, Mizzou has surged 44 spots to No. 95 in the national rankings, fueled by a sustained focus on academic excellence and student success, helping Tigers thrive in college and beyond. Other notable rankings include University of Iowa at 100, University of Colorado and University of Tennessee at 109, Iowa State at 116, University of South Carolina at 121 and University of Kansas at 148.
Mizzou also ranks among the top 13 for Best Value Public Universities, proving a world-class education and affordability can go hand in hand.
“These impressive rankings show that Mizzou’s momentum is unstoppable, and we continue to reach historic heights as one of the country’s leading AAU, flagship, land-grant universities,” University of Missouri President Mun Choi said. “Mizzou’s national and international reputation continues to grow, reflecting our dedication to transformative teaching, research and meaningful engagement that make a tremendous impact.”
The real measure of Mizzou’s momentum is what happens after students arrive: They stay. They graduate. And they move forward, entering the workforce prepared to lead.
Mizzou’s first-year retention rate has risen to 91%, while its 77% graduation rate stands well above national averages. More than 95% of Tigers begin their careers, continue their education or enter service within six months of earning their degrees.
Those outcomes are fueling Mizzou’s rise in the U.S. News rankings, which are based on measures such as academic quality, affordability and student success.
And the recognition extends across the university. Mizzou is among the nation’s top universities for veterans, as well as for undergraduate programs in business, nursing and psychology, reflecting the strength of a Mizzou education across disciplines.
“Our Tigers recognize the extraordinary benefits of Mizzou’s world-class education, and the impact it has throughout their time on campus and after graduation,” said Matthew Martens, provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs. “The academic and research excellence exhibited by our top-tier faculty and staff continues to be recognized throughout Missouri, the U.S. and beyond, proving our ongoing commitment to student success and preparing the next generation of leaders.”
The latest accolades add to a growing list of national honors for Mizzou. Time magazine recently named Mizzou among the top 150 universities in the world. Niche, a leading college search platform, ranks Mizzou among the top five online colleges in the nation.
Mizzou’s rise is also powered by a research enterprise setting records of its own. This year, the university reached a record $553 million in research expenditures — the 12th consecutive year of growth — fueling discoveries that are advancing cancer treatment, transforming agriculture, strengthening energy systems and tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Together, the numbers tell a larger story: Mizzou’s rise isn’t tied to a single ranking or year. And the roar is getting louder.
About Mizzou
Mizzou is the flagship, land-grant university in Missouri. Counted among the leading research universities in America, the university is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and the Southeastern Conference, the premier athletics conference in the United States. Mizzou is ranked among the top 100 Best Colleges, according to U.S. News & World Report. Within six months, 95% of Mizzou graduates are successful by securing jobs or continuing their educational endeavors. Mizzou’s researchers make significant impacts on the world, including developing life-saving cancer treatments at the University of Missouri Research Reactor — the only one of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. Home to more than 31,600 students, Mizzou is located in Columbia, Missouri — consistently named one of the best college towns in the country.