University of Missouri (MU)

Founded in 1829 as the first public university west of the Mississippi River, the University of Missouri is described as "a campus full of pride and spirit" featuring "top-of-the-line facilities" and "quality" academics. Numerous Pulitzer Prize winners have attended MU's renowned and "intense" journalism school, and the nursing and animal science programs also receive high praise. Students appreciate that they are given the freedom to explore different academic paths. "I came into college undecided and wanted to have plenty of options and opportunities to decide on a major," says one student. The advising system at MU is "great," and entrepreneurship is actively encouraged. Students have access to coaching and funding opportunities through the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation or the Entrepreneur Quest Student Accelerator. Additionally, they can even launch their own business in the MU Student Center through the Griggs Innovators Nexus. Classes at MU are comprised of "a diverse group of students who are eager to learn and a staff that is eager to teach them." The curriculum is made up of "comprehensive courses" that can be difficult, but students say that with hard work, "good grades are attainable." Student success is encouraged by professors who "are always available to answer a question," and "even with large classes...[they] are very attentive to individuals." One student shares, "I've always had professors who have had a million ways to explain any given theory, problem, or question." The administration also provides support, listening to students' concerns and acting: "When we say there is a problem, it gets fixed," says one student. MU "is always striving to achieve better, and not in just one specific category or area, but all around." There is a strong emphasis on "learning while networking," and with nearly 200,000 alumni just in Missouri alone, MU's extensive network helps students with internships and job opportunities. The university reports that thousands of employers recruit Mizzou graduates each year.

Students at MU are described as "friendly, outgoing, social, [and] very involved." Most students find their friends "by joining one of our million organizations," or through academics, as "classes have always felt like big families." Since everyone is "pretty easygoing and easy to get along with," this "on-the-go" group says that "fitting in is easy; you just act like yourself!" There's every type of background and personality here, and because "everyone is different; anyone could fit in and find a group here." At the end of the day, everyone is "proud to be [a] Tiger," with one student adding, "We all fit in because we have this in common." To sum up the student body, Tigers are "pretty great company."

Mizzou features a "gorgeous campus" that is filled with school spirit, especially during football and basketball games, which are "heavily attended." This incredible school spirit helps bring people together, creating "a pretty close community." There are plenty of opportunities to have a good time here. As one undergrad notes, "A lot of students spend their time in class, but every night of the week there is a party to go to." While some students mention that there is "a huge Greek life" at MU, there are also plenty of social opportunities for everyone, noting that many "students enjoy going to off-campus parties or the bars downtown." Speaking of downtown, whether walking or biking, Columbia is easily navigable "because it's such a pedestrian-friendly place." Students also say Columbia is "the perfect mixture of small town and big city," and "there are plenty of opportunities to chill out" here. Plus, being located right between Kansas City and St. Louis means you get "the best of both worlds." As one student happily says of life at Mizzou, "There is never a dull moment to be had."