Mizzou Academic Calendar

The University of Missouri - Columbia (Mizzou), located in Columbia, Missouri, operates on a traditional semester-based academic calendar. This structure includes two main semesters—Fall and Spring—with a shorter Summer session for additional coursework or intensive programs. The Fall semester typically begins in late August and concludes in mid-December, while the Spring semester starts in mid-January and ends in early May. Summer sessions often run from late May through July, offering flexibility for students to accelerate their studies. Mizzou’s calendar also includes designated breaks, such as a winter break between semesters and a spring break in March, aligning with common academic practices across the United States.

• Fall Semester Start: August 25, 2025 (estimated based on typical schedules). Classes begin for undergraduate and graduate students.
• Labor Day Holiday: September 1, 2025. Campus is closed for the federal holiday.
• Thanksgiving Break: November 26–30, 2025 (estimated). No classes are held during this period.
• Fall Semester End/Finals: December 8–12, 2025 (estimated). Final exams mark the close of the semester.
• Winter Break: December 13, 2025–January 18, 2026 (estimated). Campus activities are limited during this time.
• Spring Semester Start: January 20, 2026 (estimated). Classes resume after the winter break.
• Spring Break: March 23–29, 2026 (estimated). A week-long break for students and faculty.
• Spring Semester End/Finals: May 4–8, 2026 (estimated). Final exams and commencement ceremonies occur.

• Early Action Deadline: November 1, 2024 (estimated for Class of 2030). Non-binding application option with earlier notification, typically by mid-December.
• Regular Decision Deadline: February 1, 2025 (estimated). Final deadline for most undergraduate applicants, with decisions released by early April.
• Priority Scholarship Deadline: December 1, 2024 (estimated). Submit applications by this date for maximum consideration for merit-based aid.
• Deposit Deadline: May 1, 2025 (estimated). Admitted students must confirm enrollment by this date.
• Financial Aid Priority Deadline: February 15, 2025 (estimated). Recommended date to submit FAFSA for timely aid processing, especially for international and out-of-state students.

Mizzou’s academic calendar aligns closely with national norms for semester-based systems, particularly among public universities in the Midwest. Key holidays like Labor Day and Thanksgiving are incorporated into the schedule, ensuring consistency with regional expectations. The calendar offers some flexibility for international students, with extended breaks providing opportunities for travel or cultural adjustment. Additionally, the Summer session caters to students seeking to complete coursework outside the traditional academic year, which can be particularly beneficial for those balancing research or internships. While specific dates for 2025–2026 are estimates based on historical patterns, students are encouraged to check official university announcements for confirmed schedules and any unique considerations, such as weather-related closures common in Missouri winters.