The University of Missouri (Mizzou), situated in Columbia, Missouri, is a large public research university with approximately 31,000 students. It is renowned for its excellent programs in Journalism, Business, Agriculture, Engineering, and Health Professions. Admissions are moderately selective, and the acceptance rate is approximately 77%. The six-year graduation rate is around 71%, and Mizzou graduates have average starting salaries of USD $50,000–55,000 (INR 42–46 lakhs) per annum.
The University of Alabama (UA), situated in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is a large public research university that has approximately 39,000 students enrolled. It is well-known for Business, Engineering, Education, and Nursing programs, as well as campus life and sports. The admissions are relatively less competitive with an acceptance rate of approximately 76%. UA boasts a graduation rate of approximately 74%, and graduates have average starting salaries ranging from USD $55,000–62,000 (INR 46–52 lakhs) per year.
| University of Missouri | University of Alabama | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.1 Out of 10 | 5.8 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 1401 QS World University 2026 # 1201 QS World University 2025 # 1487 Center for World University Rankings 2025 | # 801 Times Higher Education 2026 # 1001 QS World University 2026 # 192 Center for World University Rankings 2025 |
| Subject Strength | # 51 for Law by Academy Ranking of World Universities 2021 | # 97 for Engineering by US News 2025 # 156 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 251 for Law by Times Higher Education 2025 |
| Programs | UG Programs -34 PG Programs -8 | UG Programs -38 PG Programs -52 Doctorate Programs -3 |
| Acceptance Rate | 57.0 % | 88.0 % |
| Exam Score | IELTS-6 SAT-1065 TOEFL-79 | Duolingo-110 IELTS-6.5 PTE-59 SAT-990 TOEFL-80 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 8370 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 49200 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 24834 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 50460 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 38380 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 25128 Per Year |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 801 for Business by Times Higher Education 2023 | # 601 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 |
| exam scores | Duolingo - 105/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 53/90TOEFL - 79/120 | Duolingo - 120/160IELTS - 6.5/9TOEFL - 80/120 |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
| application dates | Dec 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For Spring Intake) Jan 1, 2026 (Priority Application deadline for Fall intake) Jul 1, 2026 (Final Application Deadline For Fall Intake) | Nov 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake) Apr 1, 2026 (Application Deadline For Summer 2026 Intake) Jul 1, 2026 (Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | University of Missouri | University of Alabama |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1963 | 1969 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 18:1 | 10:1 |
| Male:Female | 43% Male, 57% Female | 50% Male, 50% Female |
| Hostel | #On campus - $10140 #Off campus (with family) - $5244 #Off campus (not with family) - $9450 | #Housing - $10112 #Housing - $9700 |
| Weather |
University of Missouri vs University of Alabama
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
The University of Alabama (UA) and the University of Missouri (Mizzou) are both highly reputed state universities in the US South and Midwest, though neither of them is globally ranked at or near the top. In QS 2026, UA is ranked 901-950 and Mizzou at 697, whereas in THE 2026, University of Missouri (Mizzou) ranked 501–600 and The University of Alabama (UA) ranked 801-1000. UA is particularly high in Business, Law, Engineering, Nursing, and Communication, whereas Mizzou is renowned for Journalism, Agriculture, Business, Education, and Health Professions.
General Information
Mizzou, established in 1839 in Columbia, Missouri, is the flagship institution of the University of Missouri System, with ~31,000 students and a heavy research orientation and wide array of programs. UA, established in 1831 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, has ~39,000 students, and is particularly famous for its highly regarded business school, law school, and student experience, including its nationally acclaimed athletics.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Both are moderately selective. UA accepts approximately 76% of applicants, although admission to Business, Law, and Engineering programs is more competitive. Mizzou's acceptance rate is approximately 77%, with selective admissions for Journalism, Business, and Health programs.
Research Impact & Facilities
Mizzou is a Carnegie R1 research institution, with particular strengths in journalism (hometown of the Missouri School of Journalism), agriculture, health sciences, and education. UA is similarly research-focused, with particular strengths in engineering, business, communication, and law, and strong federal and industry collaborations
Cost & Financial Aid
Both are public institutions. UA costs ~$12,000 in-state and ~$33,000 out-of-state tuition per year, while Mizzou costs ~$12,000 in-state and ~$31,000 out-of-state. Both institutions award merit-based scholarships, need-based assistance, and research assistantships, with UA especially famous for generous merit scholarships to recruit out-of-state students.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
UA alumni excel in business, law, communication, and engineering, with strong networks in the Southern U.S. and national alumni associations. Mizzou alumni are widely known in journalism, agriculture, healthcare, and education, with a strong influence in the Midwest and nationally in media and public service.
