University of Central Missouri (UCM)

At the University of Central Missouri, a top-notch education comes with a very low price tag. “With small class sizes, a tradition of excellence, and affordable tuition, UCM is an excellent choice for those who are looking for the most bang for their buck,” says a satisfied senior. The school offers over 150 undergraduate degree programs and, as at any larger school, student experiences vary by major department. However, most undergraduates are delighted with their decision to attend UCM, noting the surprisingly open and “friendly” demeanor of the school’s faculty and staff. You won’t feel like a number at UCM, where professors “know your name, are accessible outside the classroom, and want you to learn something of value in their classes.” The school, which until recently was known as Central Missouri State University, is undergoing a bit of “restructuring” with a new president at the helm. Many students appreciate the changes, but hope the school will also consider building new classrooms and residence facilities. A junior laments, “The residence halls on campus have furnishings from the 50s, 60s, and 70s, which is extremely sad.” At the same time, everyone loves the school’s small, pretty campus, where you can “easily walk anywhere you need to go.”

At University of Central Missouri, most students hail “from a farm or rural town” in the region; however, you’ll also meet students “from a variety of different countries, states, and cities.” “Typical UCM students are friendly, hard-working warm-hearted people from surprisingly diverse backgrounds (for a Midwestern school),” and most hail from “working-class or middle-class families.” Within that framework, however, you’ll find “everything from the classic punk rockers to the kids who wear cowboy boots and hats to class.” UCM’s Office of Diversity continues to focus on promoting multiculturalism on campus, and “there are a lot of international students.” In addition, “there is a large population of non-traditional students and the school goes out of its way to make sure those students have access to all the necessary resources.”

UCM makes its home in the little town of Warrensburg, Missouri, situated only 30 minutes from Kansas City. When it comes to recreation, students admit that this small city “doesn’t really offer anything outside of drinking” and partying is a patently popular pursuit. Until recently, students flocked to the many bars and clubs on Pine Street. Today, “Pine Street is pretty much off-limits to underage students,” thanks to a local crackdown on teenage drinking. While some students continue to party on campus, many others like to “watch movies or play games in our dorms, go to the student union bowling alley, or go to the movie theater for fun.” Whether you play intramurals, join a fraternity or sorority, or just hang out in the residence halls, life at UCM is “very laid back and you get to meet a lot of people that you can become friends with quickly.” In fact, many students say their favorite pastime is the simple pleasure of each other’s company. A sophomore relates, “I feel more connected to the people in my dorm and in my classes because we talk, face-to-face, every day. No use for phones and Facebook.”