Make your dreams a reality with a degree from UMKC.
UMKC Among the Best
UMKC is on the rise, and people are taking notice. From student experience and value to program strength and research, we’re among top universities in Missouri and Kansas. It’s good to be a Roo!
Top Spots Among Public Universities in Missouri and Kansas
UMKC took No. 1 in student experience, No. 1 in social mobility and No. 2 in best value among public universities in Missouri and Kansas in the 2026 Best Colleges in America rankings from the Wall Street Journal/College Pulse for the second year in a row.
Top 2% in the World
TIME Magazine looked at more than 21,000 universities in the world to determine its Top 500 Universities ranking for 2026. UMKC is one of two public universities in Missouri in the Top 500. At No. 350, we're among the top 2% of universities in the world.
5 in the Top 100
Five of UMKC's graduate and professional programs ranked in the Top 100 of their kind in the United States in the Best Graduate Programs of 2026 from U.S. News and World Report . Our degrees in pharmacy, education, law, nursing and business were ranked highly, with criteria including student academics, faculty resources and more.
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.
From Kansas City to the World: Feel the Fever
Soccer’s biggest moment is here, and the world’s eyes are on Kansas City, the Soccer Capital of America®. As Kansas City's university, we’re bringing that global energy to campus where cultures connect, fans unite and the game comes alive with a nationally ranked D1 men’s soccer team. Don’t watch from the sidelines. Step into all the fun including the UMKC Family Soccer Fest on June 27.
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 collaboration. UMKC is one of only 187 four-year-degree U.S. institutions — 6% of all universities in the nation — to earn Carnegie R1.
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.
A Place to Connect
Experiences beyond the classroom are an important part of your education at UMKC. We're confident you'll make meaningful connections that open the doors to adventure, opportunity and finding your people.
Student organizations, professional groups and clubs on campus
All Aboard, Roos!
The KC Streetcar connects students to the city, and more students than ever are using it to get to school, internships, entertainment, cultural destinations and more. With record numbers of people using the streetcar, the UMKC stop has the highest ridership of any streetcar stop in the metro!
"The streetcar is amazing. I’d work at Swinney Center in the morning, hop on the streetcar and head straight to City Hall for my internship. The streetcar made the city feel more accessible."
Henry Sowell, political science student
Featured Events
From center stage to center court, there's always something exciting happening on campus and around Kansas City.