Right Now.
Discover what makes UMKC a world-class university.
Why Settle for Less?
UMKC takes top spots among public universities in Missouri and Kansas in Wall Street Journal/College Pulse 2025 Best Colleges in the U.S.
Student experience
Located in the heart of Kansas City, we're redefining the college experience by connecting to the community to not only enrich our students' lives but also address community needs and promote a culture of civic responsibility.
Social mobility
We pioneered innovative programs, such as Professional Career Escalators, First Gen Roo and Supplemental Instruction, to ensure students from every background can build a solid foundation for the future.
Starting salaries
From academic and career advising to employment services and community partnerships, our award-winning faculty and staff deliver direction and support to help the next generation succeed in their careers.
Best value
More than 95 percent of our first-year students and 87 percent of our transfer students receive financial aid. Plus, all eligible residents of the United States can qualify for in-state tuition and fees under our Roo Nation scholarship.
Roo Welcome: Jump into UMKC
Start your academic year with Roo Welcome, three fun weeks of connection, celebration and Roo Blue spirit. It all kicks off with Jump into UMKC, a signature event designed to introduce you to new friends, have fun and learn what UMKC has to offer.
Blaze New Trails
We offer more than 125 academic areas to ignite your interests. So, go ahead, set the world on fire. We'll light the spark.
Kansas City’s Only R1 University
The Carnegie Research 1 designation, the top research designation in the country, reflects years of dedication to research, innovation and community collaboration. UMKC is one of only 98 four-year U.S. institutions — 3% of all universities in the nation — to earn both Carnegie R1 and Carnegie Elective Community Engagement classifications.
Research awards
Faculty, students and staff sent off 610 research proposals in fiscal year 2023 and increased the ratio of proposals-to-awards and the amount of requested-to-funded dollars by 8%.
Research and development spending
UMKC spent $5 million more on research and development this year than the $50 million required to become a Carnegie R1 university.
Community impact
UMKC annual research expenditures directly and indirectly contribute a significant benefit to the economic health of our region.
Jobs supported
The R1 distinction is critical for Kansas City as it continues to elevate its brand in attracting world-class corporations, culture and talent. This designation will help attract and create new businesses and jobs.
You Make the Rules
Whether you’re the first in your family to go to college, haven’t been in school for a while or are working on an advanced degree, UMKC lets you do you. With more than 15,000 students, it’s easy to meet new friends, try new things and explore new places on campus and around Kansas City. We’ve got a lot going on, and when you come here, you get to decide what your experience looks like.
Student organizations, professional
groups and clubs on campus
UMKC Named a Military Friendly® Gold University
This is the third year in a row UMKC has achieved gold status.
Our commitment to helping student veterans find success and connect them to resources that support their transition into the workforce has earned us a Military Friendly® Gold Status for Veterans three years in a row.
I’m close with people in my chapter, but also in other sororities and fraternities. We all support each other and our philanthropies. It’s a really special environment.
Madalyn Hesterlee, BFA in dance, '27
Featured Events
From center stage to center court, there's always something exciting happening on campus and around Kansas City.