University of Missouri-Columbia

First-year (freshman) admission

Applicants complete 17 high-school core units: English 4 (two focused on composition), mathematics 4 (Algebra I or higher), science 3 (one laboratory course), social studies 3, foreign language 2 (same language; ASL accepted) and fine arts 1. Admission is by one of two options. Option 1 requires the core units plus a minimum test score combined with class rank or core GPA: for example ACT 24+ / SAT 1160+ with a 2.0+ core GPA at any rank; ACT 21 / SAT 1060-1090 requires top 38% rank or a 3.05 core GPA at non-ranking schools; ACT 17 / SAT 920-950 requires top 6% or a 3.65 core GPA. Option 2 is a test-optional holistic review with the core units, an activities resume and a short essay. Mizzou superscores ACT and SAT; SAT writing and ACT writing do not affect admission. Home-schooled students and those from unaccredited schools must submit an ACT of 24 or SAT of 1160 and cannot apply test-optional. SAT code 6875, ACT code 2382.

Applicants who miss the minimums receive a comprehensive review of curriculum rigor, core GPA and any personal statement. Applications are accepted via the Mizzou Application or the Common Application, with a $55 fee (fee waivers are available through high school counselors). Key dates for Fall 2027: application opens August 1; admission decisions from October 1 on a rolling basis; December 1 for priority scholarship consideration; FAFSA priority February 1; application deadline July 1; National Decision Day May 1. Honors College application opens September 15 with a February 1 deadline and December 1 for Honors scholarships.

Transfer admission

Transfer applicants are degree-seeking students who hold a high school diploma or equivalent and have completed coursework at another college after high school. Fall 2027 applications open August 1, 2026, with February 1, 2027 the deadline for general, competitive and departmental scholarships.

International undergraduate applicants

• Complete 13 core units: mathematics 4 (algebra or higher), science 3, social studies 3, languages 2, fine arts 1.
• Core grades: GPA 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, 3.5 on a 5.0 scale, an average of 80 on a 100-point scale or 8 on a 10-point scale; or IGCSE grades of C or higher in five subjects plus three A-levels at C or higher. A-level exams at C or higher earn credit; AP and IB credit may transfer.
• English proficiency: Duolingo English Test 110 (each section 100); TOEFL iBT 79 with no section below 17 for tests before January 26, 2026, or 4.5 with no section below 4.0 on the new 1-6 scale; IELTS Academic, Cambridge C1/C2 and PTE are also accepted; or IGCSE English with B or higher, or IB English A at 5 or higher. The College of Education and Human Development and School of Journalism require DET 130 and TOEFL iBT 100 (5.0 new scale); the School of Nursing requires TOEFL 84 and DET 115. TOEFL Essentials and IELTS Online are not accepted. Applicants educated in listed English-speaking countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa and the United Kingdom, are exempt (WASSCE English at C or higher for Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone and The Gambia).
• SAT/ACT scores are not required for admission but are preferred for international freshman scholarships.
• There is no application deadline; applying 6-12 months before the semester is recommended. The application fee is $65. Decisions are released from October 1.
• After admission: proof of financial support covering one full year of estimated expenses (self, family, government sponsorship or scholarships) and a passport copy are needed for the I-20; F-1 and J-1 transfer students submit a Transfer to MU form.

Graduate admission

Each graduate program sets its own deadlines, GPA expectations and supplemental materials (statement of purpose, CV, recommendations, GRE where required; institutional code 6875) within the Graduate School's minimum admission requirements. Applicants upload unofficial transcripts and pay the application fee online. International graduate applicants need minimum English scores of TOEFL iBT 80 (sections 17) or 4.5 on the 1-6 scale, IELTS Academic 6.5 (sections 6), PTE 59, Cambridge 180 or Duolingo 115, with higher scores for some programs.

Main campus, Columbia, Missouri: 1,252 acres housing all 13 colleges and schools, the Honors College and the Graduate School, and doubling as the Mizzou Botanic Garden.

• Francis Quadrangle, the Columns and Jesse Hall at the historic centre of campus.
• Memorial Stadium for Tigers football in the Southeastern Conference.
• MizzouRec, a 300,000-square-foot recreation centre with a climbing wall, lazy river, basketball and pickleball courts; Stankowski Field has a 1/3-mile track and multipurpose fields.
• Housing and Residential Life: 25 housing options with free laundry, ethernet and Wi-Fi, lounges and study spaces, plus U Centre apartment-style units.
• Campus Dining Services with all-you-care-to-eat dining halls and grab-and-go locations.
• MU Research Reactor and shared technology core facilities.
• KOMU, the student-staffed NBC-affiliated broadcast newsroom.