According to INDEXDOTCOM, Missouri is a Midwestern state located in the United States. It is bordered by eight states, including Iowa to the north, Illinois and Kentucky to the east, Arkansas and Tennessee to the south, and Kansas and Oklahoma to the west. It also borders Nebraska across the Missouri River in the northwest corner of the state. The Missouri River forms a large portion of Missouri’s northern border with Iowa, and is also a major tributary of the Mississippi River. The state is divided into four distinct regions: The Ozarks in its southwest corner, known for its rugged hills; The Plains Region in its central part; The Mississippi Lowlands along its eastern border; and The Dissected Till Plains in its northwest corner. Missouri has a variety of climates with hot summers and cold winters. Most of the state receives an average of 40 inches (1,000 mm) or more precipitation annually, with snowfall common in winter months. According to SIMPLYYELLOWPAGES, Missouri is home to a variety of excellent universities that offer a wide range of academic programs. The University of Missouri–Columbia is the state’s flagship university, with top-ranked programs in business, engineering, and health care. Other public universities in the state include Missouri State University, Southeast Missouri State University, and Northwest Missouri State University. Private institutions include Washington University in St. Louis and Saint Louis University, as well as smaller liberal arts colleges such as Webster University and Lindenwood University. Many of these universities also offer online education opportunities for students who are unable to attend classes on campus due to distance or other commitments.