Shine
Make this year the best one yet.
Welcome Back, Roos!
Whether you're returning to campus or arriving for the first time, there's never been a more exciting time to be a Roo. From a vibrant student plaza to state-of-the-art student support spaces, there's something new to discover around every corner. As you begin the semester, we encourage you to get involved, make new connections and take advantage of the experiences that will shape your UMKC journey.
Roo Welcome Events
All incoming students are encouraged to attend Roo Welcome events.
UMKC Among the Best
UMKC is on the rise, and people are taking notice. From student experience and value to program strength and research, we’re among top universities in Missouri and Kansas. It’s good to be a Roo!
Top Spots Among Public Universities in Missouri and Kansas
UMKC took No. 1 in student experience, No. 1 in social mobility and No. 2 in best value among public universities in Missouri and Kansas in the 2026 Best Colleges in America rankings from the Wall Street Journal/College Pulse for the second year in a row.
Top 2% in the World
TIME Magazine looked at more than 21,000 universities in the world to determine its Top 500 Universities ranking for 2026. UMKC is one of two public universities in Missouri in the Top 500. At No. 350, we're among the top 2% of universities in the world.
Top Third Worldwide
U.S. News and World Report puts us in the top third of 2,250+ universities worldwide in its 2026-27 list of Best Global Universities. We also rated No. 1 in Cardiovascular Systems among all Missouri and Kansas universities and No. 1 in Clinical Medicine among all Missouri public universities.
5 in the Top 100
Five of UMKC's graduate and professional programs ranked in the Top 100 of their kind in the United States in the Best Graduate Programs of 2026 from U.S. News and World Report. Our degrees in pharmacy, education, law, nursing and business were ranked highly, with criteria including student academics, faculty resources and more.
Blaze New Trails
We offer more than 125 academic areas to ignite your interests. So, go ahead, set the world on fire. We'll light the spark.
UMKC Awarded Largest Grant in Its History
The U.S. National Science Foundation has selected UMKC-led Critical Materials Crossroads Engine in the Kansas City region to receive up to $160 million in funding, potentially the largest award in Missouri higher education history and one of the nation’s most significant investments in rebuilding America’s domestic critical materials ecosystem.
U.S. NSF Critical Materials Crossroads Engine link opens in a new tab
Kansas City’s Only R1 University
UMKC is one of only 187 four-year-degree U.S. institutions — 6% of all universities in the nation — to earn the Carnegie Research 1 designation, the top research designation in the country.
Research Awards
The amount awarded to UMKC faculty, students and staff research proposals for all active awards as of June 2026.
Research and Development
UMKC spent 44% more on research and development than it did when it was designated a Carnegie R1 university.
Community Impact
UMKC annual research expenditures contribute a significant benefit to the economic health of our region.
Jobs Supported
The R1 distinction is critical for Kansas City as it continues to elevate its brand in attracting world-class corporations, culture and talent. The designation helps attract and create new businesses and jobs.
A Place to Connect
Experiences beyond the classroom are an important part of your education at UMKC. We're confident you'll make meaningful connections that open the doors to adventure, opportunity and finding your people.
Student organizations, professional groups and clubs on campus
All Aboard, Roos!
The KC Streetcar connects students to the city, and more students than ever are using it to get to school, internships, entertainment, cultural destinations and more. With record numbers of people using the streetcar, the UMKC stop has the highest ridership of any streetcar stop in the metro!
"The streetcar is amazing. I’d work at Swinney Center in the morning, hop on the streetcar and head straight to City Hall for my internship. The streetcar made the city feel more accessible."
Henry Sowell, political science student
Featured Events
From center stage to center court, there's always something exciting happening on campus and around Kansas City.