UM System continues to offer tuition that is lower than the national average; Mizzou ranks #4 in best value among flagships nationally
COLUMBIA, Mo. — The University of Missouri Board of Curators today approved tuition rates for the 2026-27 academic year. The new rates will bolster the university’s ability to provide quality educational opportunities, strengthen student outcomes and support the work done by faculty and staff to drive innovation and discovery at all four UM System campuses.
“The Board of Curators’ decision reflects our continued commitment to keep the University of Missouri as one of the nation’s great educational assets — competitive in both cost and quality with peer institutions regionally and nationally,” said UM Board of Curators Chair Todd Graves. “By approving these new tuition rates, we have positioned the UM System for long-term success as we achieve our important mission of providing a high-quality, affordable education that benefits all Missourians.”
“Because of our investments in student success, Mizzou has one of the nation’s highest placement rates at 95%, and the highest graduation rate in the state at 77%,” University of Missouri President Mun Choi said. “Our graduates have the skills and confidence to lead our state, nation and world. Mizzou is recognized as a world-class institution that provides high-quality affordable education. That’s why it’s ranked #4 Best Value among flagship universities according to data from U.S. News and World Report."
Undergraduate tuition at all four UM System universities will increase by 4%, equating to an increase of approximately $20 per credit hour. Graduate tuition will increase by 3%, and professional tuition will increase between 0% and 4.75%, depending on the degree program and market conditions.
Tuition at UM universities remains lower than the national average, and it has risen more slowly than the rate of inflation over the last decade. On average, Mizzou students receive roughly $9,357 in financial aid per year, more than any of the flagships in surrounding states.
Mizzou stands out among its peers: U.S. News and World Report ranks Mizzou as the best value university compared to all public institutions in surrounding states and in the Southeastern Conference, and it ranks #4 in best value among flagships nationally.
In addition, Mizzou graduates have a placement, or career outcome, rate of 95 percent, compared to a median of 86 percent at other SEC public universities, meaning the vast majority of Mizzou students find employment, continue their education or enter military or volunteer service within six months of graduation.
Mizzou graduates also earn a higher median starting salary than graduates from surrounding state flagships and SEC public universities, and they experience a higher lifetime return on their college investment than the median graduate of surrounding state flagship or SEC public universities.
Detailed information regarding these tuition changes will be available on each university’s website soon.