University of Missouri School of Medicine Admissions, Tuition & Student Feedback

School Overview

Degrees: MD
Ownership: Public Non-Profit
Program Length: 4 years
Total Enrollment: 159
Founding Year: 1872
Accreditation Year: 1942

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SDN Insights

Cost of Attendance: $362,720

Estimate repayment

Estimated loan burden for MU using 4 years of in-state tuition, $1,500 annual fees, $3,000 monthly living expenses, government-derived local cost-of-living adjustment, $1,000 loan fees, and an 8.5% interest assumption.

Cost of Living: Below national average cost of living

Columbia, MO is about 0.89x the national average for cost of living. In the debt estimate, the government-derived local cost adjustment lowers the living allowance from $3,000 to about $2,670 per month. Local rent and commuting choices can still move your actual budget meaningfully.

Environment: Urban

Situated in a moderately accessible neighborhood, MU offers a mix of walking and biking options. Students may find that many daily needs are reachable without a car, though longer trips still benefit from alternative transportation.

Interview Feedback

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 27% of interviews, indicating it is moderately regarded. They found the interview generally impressive with a low stress level and felt they did well.

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Secondary Essays for MU

1. Academic and Research Experiences

Please discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic affected your academic preparation for medical school or extracurricular opportunities.

2. Other

Please outline your motivation for pursuing the medical degree.

3. Motivation and Fit

Why are you interested in attending the University of Missouri School of Medicine?

4. Understanding and Commitment to Medicine

How will you add a unique perspective to the medical school and the practice of medicine?

5. Understanding and Commitment to Medicine

How will you contribute to an inclusive learning environment at the medical school and in the practice of medicine?

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About the School

The University of Missouri School of Medicine, established in 1872, holds the distinction of being the first publicly supported medical school west of the Mississippi River. Situated in Columbia, Missouri, it is an integral part of the University of Missouri's Health System, which also includes the Sinclair School of Nursing and the School of Health Professions. The medical school employs over 680 faculty physicians and scientists who educate more than 1,000 medical students, residents, fellows, and other advanced-degree seekers. Notably, more Missouri physicians have earned their medical degrees from MU than from any other institution.

Curriculum

The curriculum at MU School of Medicine emphasizes patient-based learning, a method introduced over two decades ago that engages students in real clinical cases to enhance problem-solving skills and teamwork. The first two years focus on developing clinical reasoning and self-directed learning through these cases. In the third year, students undertake seven core clerkships in disciplines such as family medicine, internal medicine, neurology, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry, and surgery. The fourth year includes advanced clinical selectives, general electives, and an advanced biomedical science course, allowing students to tailor their education to specific interests.

Facilities

The School of Medicine's main campus is located in the southern part of the University of Missouri campus in Columbia, Missouri. In 2017, the school expanded its facilities with the opening of the $42.5 million Patient-Centered Care Learning Center, designed to enhance medical education through advanced learning environments. Additionally, a second clinical campus was established in Springfield, Missouri, in partnership with CoxHealth and Mercy health systems, allowing students to complete their final two years of training in a different clinical setting.

Demographics

The MU School of Medicine has a total enrollment of 528 medical students. The institution also supports 466 residents, 117 clinical fellows, and 47 postdoctoral fellows. In terms of faculty and staff, the school employs 742 faculty members and 1,334 staff members. Alumni include 8,315 physicians, with 4,275 practicing in Missouri, and 894 individuals who have earned doctoral and master's degrees.

Last Updated: Oct 09, 2025