The University of Central Missouri is an innovative school that offers a high-quality education while remaining one of the most affordable universities in the country.
Here, your education extends beyond books to include service-learning projects, study abroad opportunities, and real-world experiences. Plus, UCM is the state leader in degree completion among public universities. Statistics recently released by the Missouri Department of Higher Education (MDHE) show that UCM’s degree completion rate per full-time equivalent (FTE) is the highest among all of Missouri’s public universities and more than double the state benchmark.
History
The University was founded in 1871 as Normal School No. 2 and became known as Warrensburg Teachers College. The name was changed to Central Missouri State Teachers College in 1919, Central Missouri State College in 1945, and Central Missouri State University in 1972. In 1965, the institution established a graduate school. In 2006, the name was changed to the University of Central Missouri. There are 150 majors and minors, 32 professional accreditations, and 37 graduate programs. UCM has off-campus locations in Lee's Summit, Missouri, and provides numerous online courses and programs.
Excellence Since 1871
Since 1871, the University of Central Missouri has been transforming students into lifelong learners who are dedicated to service. UCM’s more than 11,000 students come from nearly every state and 50 countries with nearly 90 percent from the state of Missouri. UCM offers more than 150 programs of study and 40+ graduate programs. Our graduates are in high demand with 95 percent finding employment or continuing their education within six months of earning their degree.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, UCM is a state leader in program-specific accreditations through national associations. In fact, UCM has the most accreditations among our competitors.
Rankings
U.S. News and World Report consistently rank UCM among the top regional universities in the Midwest and among leading public schools.
History
Founded as a training school for teachers, the name of the institution was changed to the University of Central Missouri in 2006.
Traditions
From singing our fight song to participating in our homecoming parade, traditions are a big part of the UCM student experience.
Locations
UCM has campuses in Warrensburg, about 50 miles southeast of Kansas City, and Lee’s Summit. Online options are also available.
U.S. News & World Report named the University of Central Missouri to its regional list of Best Public Colleges and Universities in its 2021 Best Colleges Guidebook. UCM is #16 in its Midwest regional spot as a Top Public School and #50 among the Best Colleges for Veterans, it moved up two spaces from last year to #76 among Best Regional Universities in the Midwest, and was named #64 among Best Value Schools. The annual U.S. News & World Report online feature also ranked UCM #90 among the Top Performers on Social Mobility, a category based on success in helping economically disadvantaged students to finish college.
UCM also was ranked #83 for Best Online MBA Programs and #48 for Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans. It also was included in a group that ranged from #132-#173 for Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs, and #189 in Speech-Language Pathology.
The Princeton Review named UCM "a 2021 Best College in the Midwestern Region," a designation given for the 15th consecutive year. The publication noted that a "top-notch education comes with a very low price tag" at the University of Central Missouri. Institutions are primarily recognized for their excellent academic programs, with selections based on data from each institution, school visits, and opinions of independent and high school-based college advisers whose recommendations are invited.
