Top Five Schools in Missouri
Washington University in St. Louis
Washington University in St. Louis is consistently ranked as one of the premier research institutions in the nation. Its prominence is due to many achievements in its various academic programs, in particular its scientific contribution to the famed Human Genome Project. There are currently 7,386 undergraduate students on campus, with almost twice that many graduate students enrolled in the professionals and graduate programs; one program in particular, physical therapy, is ranked second in the country. Washington University is ranked #12 in U.S. News and World Report's list of America's Best Colleges.
St. Louis University
Founded by the Jesuits in 1818, St. Louis University is the oldest institution for higher learning west of the Mississippi. There are 10,383 undergraduate students enrolled at St. Louis University, which is currently ranked #82 by U.S. News and World Report. During the 1940's, the university opposed segregationist policies in the city's academic institutions and was among the first to open its doors to students of all races in 1943. This tradition of liberal religious tradition continues to influence the university through today. It offers over 85 undergraduates degree programs. In addition, St. Louis University has a sister campus in Madrid Spain, where students can apply to study for a year or more. Barron's Best Buys in College Education listed St. Louis University among 247 other colleges in the U.S. as offering an education that is first-rate at a price that is affordable.
University of Missouri-Columbia
The University of Missouri-Colombia, also known as Mizzou, was the first public university west of the Mississippi at its founding in 1839. The university has an undergraduate enrollment of 21,484 students in a wide variety of academic programs. Of particular note is UM's journalism program, which was the first of its kind in the nation and continues to provide an award-winning education. Colombia, Missouri is a traditional college town with a great environment for students to learn. The University of Missouri-Colombia is currently ranked #91 by U.S. News and World Report.
University of Missouri-Rolla
Part of the Missouri University system, UM at Rolla is unique in that its academic focus is on engineering, computing and the hard sciences. The university was founded in 1870 in Rolla, in the central part of the state, and has grown to have an undergraduate enrollment of 4,515 students. The University of Missouri-Rolla is ranked #118 by U.S. News and World Report. As of January 2008, the name of this institution will officially change to Missouri University of Science and Technology and will continue to feature unique projects designed by the campus's engineering students.
Missouri State University
Missouri State University was established in 1905 in Springfield, Missouri. Once called Southwest Missouri State University, it has since changed its name to reflect its new, statewide mission. There are 16,234 students enrolled at MSU, making the institution the second largest in the state. It offers over 150 majors at the undergraduate level. It operates the state's biggest internship program, where students gain experience with employers throughout the state of Missouri. Missouri State's room and board and tuition costs are below the national and state averages.
