Welcome to the University of Central Missouri

The University of Central Missouri aspires to be a nationally recognized, comprehensive university that delivers a world-class education by providing a small-college learning environment coupled with large-university opportunities. By achieving this vision, we hope to ultimately make the world a better place – a task we approach by educating students, contributing to knowledge and application, and serving the state and region.

Our belief in the value of public universities is reinforced every day as we interact with students of all ages from all parts of Missouri, the United States and around the globe. Even as a state-assisted university, UCM has global reach.  Our commitment to diversity and to providing a broad-based cultural experience stems from our core values. These values are integral to preparing students for a future that may include jobs yet to be invented.

In uncertain economic times, the purpose of higher education should remain focused on the outcomes. Successful results for our graduates include finding gainful employment or being prepared for professional school or advanced degrees. Our liberal education core curriculum hones the critical thinking abilities and communications skills necessary to assume a leadership role in any endeavor. UCM has been well above the national average of job placement for the past 15 years, and that speaks well of the preparation our students receive.

The number-one concern of many students is paying for college, and we make every effort to make a quality education at UCM affordable. We’re consistently recognized as one the best values in the Midwest, and our graduates assume less debt than most of our public university peers.  Our tuition, room and board rates are below the national average for four-year colleges and universities.

I’m confident you’ll enjoy finding out more about the University of Central Missouri. It’s a vibrant place to live, to learn, to work – or just to explore.

Aaron Podolefsky, Ph.D
President, University of Central Missouri