Mizzou vs U of A

Envision yourself immersed in the vibrant college towns of Columbia, Missouri, and Tucson, Arizona, home to the esteemed University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou) and the University of Arizona (UArizona), respectively. While both universities share a commitment to academic excellence and offer a diverse range of programs, they possess distinct characteristics that may influence your college experience. Mizzou boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option, while UArizona's lower student-to-faculty ratio ensures more personalized attention. Explore the comparison table to delve into further details, such as popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates, to determine which institution aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	University of Arizona	University of Missouri-Columbia
Overview
Location	Tucson, Arizona	Columbia, Missouri
Campus setting	City: Large	City: Midsize
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	84.0%	88.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	87.3%	76.5%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $85	Undergraduate: $55 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1120 - 1370	1130 - 1350
ACT range	21 - 29	23 - 30
Students submitting SAT score	13.0%	7.0%
Students submitting ACT score	19.0%	72.0%
Total number of applicants	48,065	19,966
Total number of admissions given out	41,946	15,283
Admitted students who chose to enroll	8,436	4,843
Yield rate	20.1%	31.7%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Not required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $30,136 Out of state: $54,658	In state: $27,977 Out of state: $46,952
Average net price	$17,242	$18,249
Tuition	In state: $11,299 Out of state: $35,821	In state: $10,017 Out of state: $28,992
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $8,400 Meal plan: $5,050	Room/dormitory: $6,710 Meal plan: $3,500
Available payment plans	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	92.0% Average amount $13,790	85.0% Average amount $11,312
Students receiving federal student loan	24.0% Average amount $4,845	36.0% Average amount $5,270
Students taking out private loans	3.0% Average amount $20,814	8.0% Average amount $16,554

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	37,434 Men 44.3% Women 55.7%	23,696 Men 45.9% Women 54.1%
Graduate students	10,840 Men 44.5% Women 55.5%	7,705 Men 38.3% Women 61.7%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	48.8%	31.0%
International students	6.5%	4.1%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	7,036	6,898
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Arizona California Washington Illinois Colorado	Missouri Illinois Texas Kansas Colorado

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Business Engineering Education Biological and Biomedical Sciences	Business Health Professions Ethnic Studies Communication and Journalism Education
Students to faculty ratio	17:1	18:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	64.3%	72.5%
Dropout rate	14.3%	26.8%
Transferred out	19.6%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Physics (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $88,673 Year 2: $123,527 Year 3: $127,192 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $110,426 Year 2: $117,473 Year 3: $122,962 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $110,630 Year 2: $103,746 Year 3: $104,908 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $100,116 Year 2: $83,388 Year 3: $98,461 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $91,677 Year 2: $92,743 Year 3: $98,271 Chemistry (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $84,653 Year 3: $96,308 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $89,806 Year 2: $75,518 Year 3: $89,884 Mining and Mineral Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $76,657 Year 2: $73,035 Year 3: $87,557 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,627 Year 2: $79,199 Year 3: $86,387 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $77,284 Year 2: $74,953 Year 3: $83,742	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $93,333 Year 2: $100,008 Year 3: $104,573 Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $84,087 Year 2: $80,628 Year 3: $96,108 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $89,564 Year 3: $93,226 Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $80,803 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $85,805 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $70,511 Year 2: $81,210 Year 3: $81,536 Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $89,866 Year 2: $74,953 Year 3: $79,864 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,895 Year 2: $62,012 Year 3: $79,424 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,907 Year 2: $67,101 Year 3: $78,960 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,579 Year 2: $69,897 Year 3: $78,050 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,571 Year 2: $66,004 Year 3: $74,926

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences in location and campus environment between the University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou) and the University of Arizona (UArizona)?

Mizzou is located in Columbia, Missouri, a mid-sized college town with a more traditional Midwestern feel. The campus is known for its historic architecture and a strong sense of community. UArizona is situated in Tucson, Arizona, a larger city with a Southwestern desert climate. The UArizona campus reflects this environment with its distinctive architecture and a more diverse, urban atmosphere. Tucson offers more outdoor recreational opportunities due to its proximity to mountains and desert landscapes.
How do the academic programs compare at Mizzou and UArizona?

Both universities offer a wide range of academic programs. Mizzou is particularly strong in journalism, veterinary medicine, and engineering. UArizona excels in astronomy, planetary sciences, and environmental science, reflecting its location and research focus. Both universities have reputable business and law schools. The specific program rankings and faculty expertise should be considered based on your individual academic interests.
What is the cost of attendance like at Mizzou versus UArizona?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, varies. Generally, Mizzou tends to be slightly more affordable for in-state students compared to UArizona. However, out-of-state tuition at UArizona might be comparable or even less expensive than Mizzou, depending on the specific programs and financial aid packages offered. It's crucial to check the most current tuition and fee information on each university's website and explore financial aid options, including scholarships and grants, to determine the actual cost for your situation.
How do the student populations and campus cultures differ?

Mizzou has a large student body with a significant in-state student population, contributing to a strong sense of Missouri pride. The campus culture is often described as friendly and spirited, with a focus on traditions and athletics. UArizona also has a large student body, but with a more diverse student population, including a larger percentage of out-of-state and international students. The campus culture is known for its relaxed atmosphere, outdoor activities, and a strong emphasis on research and innovation.
What are the athletic programs like at Mizzou and UArizona?

Both universities have Division I athletic programs and are members of the NCAA. Mizzou competes in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), known for its competitive football and basketball. UArizona competes in the Pac-12 Conference, also known for strong athletic programs, particularly in basketball and baseball. Both schools have passionate fan bases and offer a vibrant campus atmosphere during athletic events.
How does the research focus differ between the two universities?

Both Mizzou and UArizona are research universities, but their areas of focus differ. Mizzou has a strong emphasis on agricultural research, veterinary medicine, and journalism. UArizona is a leader in astronomy, space exploration, and environmental science, leveraging its location and resources. UArizona also has a significant focus on biomedical research. The specific research opportunities available will depend on your field of study.
What are the career services and opportunities like at each university?

Both universities offer comprehensive career services, including career counseling, resume workshops, and job fairs. Mizzou's career services often have strong connections to industries within Missouri and the Midwest, particularly in journalism, agriculture, and engineering. UArizona's career services have connections to industries in the Southwest and nationally, with a focus on aerospace, technology, and environmental fields. The specific opportunities will depend on your chosen major and career goals.
How does the climate and weather differ between the two locations?

The climate is a significant difference. Columbia, Missouri, experiences four distinct seasons, with hot, humid summers and cold winters with snow. Tucson, Arizona, has a desert climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The weather in Tucson allows for year-round outdoor activities, while Columbia's weather is more seasonal.
What are the housing options like at Mizzou and UArizona?

Both universities offer a variety of on-campus housing options, including residence halls and apartments. Mizzou has a range of traditional residence halls and more modern apartment-style living. UArizona offers a similar variety, with options to suit different preferences and budgets. Both universities also have off-campus housing options available near the campus.
Which university is a better fit for me?

The best university for you depends on your individual preferences and priorities. Consider your academic interests, desired campus environment, climate preferences, and financial situation. If you are interested in journalism, veterinary medicine, or a traditional Midwestern college experience, Mizzou might be a good fit. If you are interested in astronomy, environmental science, a Southwestern environment, and a more diverse student body, UArizona might be a better choice. Visiting both campuses, if possible, is highly recommended to get a feel for the atmosphere and culture.

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