The University of Central Missouri (UCM), founded in 1871, has steadily built a reputation for academic excellence, affordability, and career-focused education. UCM has more than 13,734 students from the U.S and around the world. It has more than 150 undergraduate and graduate courses. UCM follows current industry trends and the job market and has introduced new programs like Flight Safety and Cybersecurity. University of Central Missouri’s rankings show how committed the school is to providing a good education and helping students succeed. This dedication is shown even more by the fact that 96% of graduates find work within six months of graduation.
UCM’s National and Regional Rankings
The University of Central Missouri Rankings show that it is becoming more well-known among U.S. colleges. In 2025, U.S. News & World Report ranked UCM #73 among Regional Universities Midwest and #22 among Top Public Schools in the Midwest. The Wall Street Journal also named UCM one of the best colleges in the country, pointing out how well it does in terms of student outcomes and the learning setting.
Niche.com further acknowledges UCM’s strengths, ranking it as:
- #55 on the list of the best college sports in the U.S.
- Ranked #95 on the list of top IT schools
- #480 on the list of top business schools
- This college is ranked #564 in the U.S. for value.
Other Rankings:
- Princeton Review called UCM a 2026 Best College in the Midwestern Region.
- Fortune ranked the UCM programs in MBA #49 among the Best Part Time Programs and #16 among the Most Affordable Online MBA programs.
- U.S News & World Report ranked the UCM programs in Nursing at #392 and Engineering programs between #236 and 286.
- U.S News & World Report also ranked UCM #92 among Top Performers in Social Mobility.
These scores show that UCM really wants to give its students a good education that is worth their money.
Academic Excellence: UCM Programs
A lot of the classes at UCM are made to fit the changing job market around the world. UCM programs include more than 150 courses, allowing you to earn degrees in a wide range of areas such as Business Administration, Computer Science, Nursing, Education, and Aviation.
UCM was one of the first schools to offer a Cybersecurity course. The school aims to keep up with technology by doing this. The teachers are experts in their subjects with years of experience, and they focus on helping students with real-world experience to ensure that the fresh graduates are ready to work in professional settings.
Financial Support: UCM Scholarships for International Students
Understanding the financial challenges faced by international students, UCM offers a range of UCM scholarships for international students to make education more accessible.
Key scholarships include:
- First-Time International Undergraduate Award: A $1,000 scholarship that can’t be renewed for new foreign college freshmen.
- Global Partner Scholarship: Students from UCM partner schools can get 50% off their tuition.
- Transfer Scholarships: Open to transfer students in their first year who have completed 24 or more credit hours and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Graduate Assistantships: Help college students pay for school and give them a stipend.
The UCM Scholarship Finder is a central platform that makes the application process easier for students to search for and apply for these grants.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Success
The high job placement rate at UCM shows how dedicated the school is to preparing students for successful careers. The University of Central Missouri Rankings consistently highlight its effectiveness in career readiness, supported by strong ties with businesses and a wide range of career services. These tools make sure that college graduates have the skills and information they need to do well in the job market. By incorporating real-world experiences into the coursework, programs like the Missouri Innovation Campus further enhance students’ employability.
Connect with HelloUni for Personalized Guidance
It can be hard to figure out how to study abroad, but HelloUni is here to help. Our staff can put you in touch with UCM’s country agents, who can give you personalized advice on programs, admissions, and scholarships. If you’re looking into UCM programs or UCM scholarships for international students, HelloUni will be there for you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the standards for international students to get into UCM?
International applicants must send in their college transcripts and scores from standardized and English proficiency tests such as TOEFL or IELTS, SAT, or ACT. There may be other requirements, like letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose.
Are there on-campus employment opportunities for international students?
Yes, international students with F-1 visas can work on campus in roles like library assistant, teaching, and research assistant. They can work up to 20 hours a week during the school year and full-time during breaks as long as they follow the rules set by the university and their visa.
Does UCM offer support services for international students?
Of course. UCM has many services to help students, such as orientation programs, academic counseling, cultural events, and an office called International Student Services that helps with visa and immigration issues.
Are internships and co-op programs open to foreign students?
Yes, international students can do internships or cooperative education programs as long as they get the right permissions, like Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT), and follow the rules for their visas.
What housing options are available for international students at UCM?
UCM has a range of on-campus housing choices, such as apartments and residence halls, to match students’ different tastes and budgets.
