The University of Missouri, commonly known as Mizzou, is a public research university located in Columbia, Missouri. Founded in 1839, it is the largest university in the state and one of the oldest public universities west of the Mississippi River. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of attending the University of Missouri.
Pros:
- Strong academic programs: The University of Missouri has a variety of strong academic programs, including journalism, business, and engineering. It also offers a wide range of majors in the liberal arts and sciences.
- Affordable tuition: The University of Missouri offers in-state tuition rates that are lower than the national average. This makes education at the university more accessible and affordable for Missouri residents.
- Research opportunities: The University of Missouri is a major research institution, with over $238 million in research expenditures in 2020. This provides students with ample opportunities to get involved in research projects and gain hands-on experience.
- Campus resources: The University of Missouri has a wide range of resources available to students, including career services, counseling, health services, and academic support services. The university also offers a variety of extracurricular activities and organizations for students to get involved in.
- Beautiful campus: The University of Missouri has a beautiful campus, with a mix of historic and modern buildings. The campus also features a variety of green spaces, including the Francis Quadrangle and the Mizzou Botanic Garden.
Cons:
- Campus safety: The University of Missouri has faced some safety concerns in recent years, including instances of sexual assault and other crimes. While the university has taken steps to address these issues, some students may feel uneasy on campus.
- Political controversy: In 2015, the University of Missouri made national headlines for protests surrounding issues of racial discrimination and inequality on campus. While the university has made efforts to address these issues, some students may still feel that the campus climate is not inclusive.
- Limited diversity: The University of Missouri has a predominantly white student body, with only 12% of students identifying as people of color. This lack of diversity may make it difficult for some students to feel included and represented on campus.
- Location: While Columbia, Missouri is a college town, it is not located near any major metropolitan areas. This may limit students’ opportunities for internships, networking, and cultural experiences outside of the campus community.
- Large class sizes: As a large university, the University of Missouri has some large classes with limited opportunities for one-on-one interaction with professors. This may make it more difficult for students to get individualized attention and support in their coursework.
In conclusion, the University of Missouri offers students a variety of strong academic programs, affordable tuition, ample research opportunities, and a beautiful campus. However, students considering attending the university should also be aware of safety concerns, political controversy, limited diversity, location, and large class sizes. As with any university, it is important for students to carefully weigh these pros and cons before making their decision.
