About
We're Just Built Different
Sure, we've got small class sizes, rock-star faculty and degrees that are a great investment in your future. But we're also about learning for learning's sake and finding ways to unlock the power of higher education for everyone. You could say we're a different kind of university for a different kind of student.
What we do
Our mission is to promote learning through the discovery, preservation and dissemination of knowledge of public value across a broad spectrum of disciplines and fields of study. Celebrate the individual and embody diversity and inclusion by intertwining these goals with innovation to enable transformational impact aimed at bringing cultural, social, health and economic prosperity to the metropolitan, regional and global communities we serve.
Why we do it
Our vision is to aspire to be an exemplary public, urban research university of the 21st century, pursuing excellence as a human-centric learning and discovery community, fostering equity, diversity and inclusion to enrich the lives of the people and regions we serve.
How we do it
Our values make us proud to contribute to a student-centered, urban university, serving our mission of learning, discovery, research and service, inspired by our commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and respectful interaction.
Our Six Favorite Words
Of all the words in the English language, these six mean the most to us. Read our values statement to learn how we put them into action.
Transforming Tomorrow Today
Before you can change the world, you need a plan. Here's where we lay out how we become a transformational force in our community and around the globe.
Points of Pride
$206M
Financial aid last year
Eighty percent of UMKC undergrads qualify for scholarships and grants, which gives them the freedom to explore their interests and find more opportunities.
$53M
Research expenditures
From 2018-2022, we doubled our research spending and almost tripled our total research and sponsored grants.
$94M
Annual giving
We received a record-breaking number of donations last year, and, so far this fiscal year, fundraising is well over our $45-million goal, and that doesn't include the $430,000 March Giving Day record.
In KC. For KC.
While we've extended our reach worldwide, we haven't forgotten our founding idea — a university integral to the Kansas City community. We are Kansas City's university, and have been for almost a century.
New Nostalgia Level Unlocked
Learn about the beloved traditions that students have kept alive throughout the years, and a few newer ones.
One City. Two Campuses. Unlimited Possibility.
Don't let the name of the city fool you — we're strictly on the Missouri side of Kansas City. Let us help you find your way around.