The University of Missouri is a public land-grant research university whose main campus is located in Columbia, Missouri. It is Missouri's largest university, was founded in 1839, and was the first public university west of the Mississippi River. The main campus is a unique botanical garden, with more than 40,000 plants, and there are also three satellite campuses. All four campuses are comprehensive and offer undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs.
- University of Missouri (Mizzou, or MU) is the oldest campus, founded in Columbia in 1839. It is the largest university in the state with 33,266 students (Fall 2016). MU is considered the flagship of the system and offers over 270 degree programs through 20 schools and colleges, and is the only public university in Missouri that is a member of the Association of American Universities. Its Tigers athletic programs compete in the NCAA Division I Southeastern Conference.
- University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC), founded in 1933, is the largest school in the Kansas City area with 16,944 students (Fall 2016). It offers over 150 degree programs through 12 schools and colleges, but is best known for its programs in health sciences, entrepreneurship programs, and its Conservatory of Music and Dance. Its athletic programs, the UMKC Roos, compete in the NCAA Division I Summit League.
- Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T or S&T) was founded in 1870 in Rolla. Enrolling 8,838 students in Fall 2016, it is the smallest campus in the system. 75 degrees and emphases are offered across a comprehensive range of programs in sciences, mathematics, liberal arts, humanities, and business, but most are focused on engineering. Its Miners athletic programs compete in the NCAA Division II Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC).
- University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL) was founded in 1963 in suburban St. Louis County. Enrolling 16,989 (Fall 2016) Over 80 degree programs are offered through nine schools and colleges, including Missouri's only College of Optometry. Its Tritons athletic programs compete alongside the Missouri S&T Miners in the GLVC.
In 2021, the university had 23,092 undergraduate students. As of 2023, the university's in-state tuition and fees are $11,549; out-of-state tuition and fees are $30,929.