We are the largest comprehensive, fully accredited university in the Kansas City area. Our faculty are leaders in their fields — and they're within reach. Our 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio means professors know their students' names and take mentorship seriously.
Our students come from all 50 states and 85+ countries, enriching our community with diverse perspectives. And with more than 125 academic areas, our students have a lot of opportunities to explore on their way to discovering and creating their perfect career.
We're at the heart of a thriving urban area, and the city's life and energy influence everything that happens here. We are Kansas City's university. And we can't wait for you to join us.
We may be located in the heart of America, but UMKC faculty, staff and students are getting attention for the difference they're making worldwide.
Learn more about why we're UMKC Proud.
At UMKC, we consider all of Kansas City to be our campus. Our ties to the community are essential to who we are as a university, and those relationships make us stronger every day.
UMKC got its start in 1930 with a gift from William Volker, a man fondly remembered for his generosity. His purchase of 40 acres just south of The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art became the UMKC Volker campus.
Six years later, 80 students became the first graduating class at UMKC. Now, we host more than a dozen commencement ceremonies each year to accommodate all of our graduates. Our history is one of partnerships and progress, expansion and education.
UMKC students are always looking to what's next, and so is our university. UMKC has an ambitious vision for the future. We hope you'll join us as we work to become the best university we possibly can.
It can be hard to know where to begin. That's why we've created these at-a-glance guides to UMKC.
Learn how we grew from a one-building university to an urban research institution more than 135,000 alumni strong. Plus, discover the origins of Kasey the Kangaroo, our blue and gold colors and the mansion that became our first classrooms.
Our story is about a lot more than numbers. But still, we have some data we’re pretty proud to share! Consider this your cheat sheet to all things UMKC.
Kansas City is such an exciting place to live, learn and explore. And with two campuses in the heart of the city, UMKC is a great home base for your adventures. We’ll help you get around our Volker Campus just south of the Plaza and our Health Sciences Campus near downtown.