The University of Montana is one of the nation's outstanding public universities, committed to liberal arts education, research, and strong professional programs. It is located in Missoula, a cosmopolitan Rocky Mountain community, often singled out in national publications for its quality of life. Abundant recreational opportunities in surrounding state and national forests are easily available. Nearby Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park complement a thriving intellectual atmosphere. Missoula is ranked as one of the “Greatest Places to Live in America”, one of “The 5 Best Places to Raise Outdoor Kids,” one of the “Best College Towns”, and was recently featured in the Washington Post.