There’s a reason Columbia, Missouri, is consistently ranked one of the best college towns in the country. Located halfway between St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia combines big-city amenities with the comforts of a smaller community, including a low cost of living.

Here, you’ll find numerous restaurants, entertainment venues, festivals, cultural programming and plenty to explore in the great outdoors, including the MKT Trail and Rock Bridge State Park.

The University of Missouri is a committed flagship and land-grant institution, an R1 University and a proud member of the Association of American Universities (AAU). A pioneer of experiential learning and the famed Missouri Method, Mizzou is a place where hands-on learning leads to academic excellence, scientific discovery and unparalleled student success. With an enrollment of over 30,000 students from all 50 states and 100+ countries, Mizzou is a $5 billion global enterprise.