Missouri is known for its agriculture, livestock, and its industrial operations such as aerospace, transportation equipment, chemicals, food processing, and electrical equipment. It is a good state for students to pursue higher education as it offers high-quality education through prestigious institutes like Washington University and the University of Missouri. The state of Missouri ranks #31 in Education overall and #26 in Higher Education according to the U.S News.

Around 329,806 students are studying in Missouri at levels above high school and most of them are undergraduates. Affording a 4-year degree independently is hard which is why most of these students end up taking loans to pay for their education. The total student loan debt of the state is in billions and on average, students owe around $35,397. This debt creates financial hurdles for students in the future when they have to repay a part of the debt every month from their salaries.

Scholarships are a great way to pay for college. They are a much better choice than loans as there are no repayments. If you are a student in Missouri, there are plenty of scholarships available for you. Some of these scholarships are based on academic achievement, while others are awarded based on financial need or special talents or interests. You can use these scholarships to attend any accredited school in the state, including public universities, private colleges, and vocational schools.

We have listed around 30 Missouri scholarships to choose from. There are options available for all students and students can also apply for multiple opportunities to collect the maximum amount possible to pay for college. There are also some full-ride Missouri scholarships available for students that can help cover the full cost of tuition and related expenses. We have also included a guide to apply and some useful tips to help win them.

Missouri has around 158 colleges and universities actively operating within the state. Out of these, around 43 are public and 115 are private institutions. More than 50% of these are 4-year colleges. Students can also find many options for trade schools in Missouri as they are approximately 45 in number. The top three colleges in Missouri include Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis University, and the University of Missouri.

Washington University in St. Louis is a private university. It is the best among all universities within the state with an acceptance rate of 11% and undergraduate enrolment of more than 8000 students. Since it is a private institution, it charges high tuition and fees which equal to around $62,982. The room and board here is also expensive being around $20,778 at present. It has a diverse student population and Computer Science is the most popular major here.

Saint Louis University is also a 4-year private institution with a total enrollment of more than 12,500 students undergraduate and graduate students. It charges around $53,244 for tuition and fees and $14,570 for room and board. The acceptance rate at this institution is much higher which is around 85% and the graduate rate is 73%. It is a popular place for studying health professions and related programs.

Located in Columbia, MO, is the University of Missouri which is a top public university in the state of Missouri. It has a high undergraduate enrolment of about 23,752 and is also a more affordable option than the previous two private universities. The University of Missouri charges around $14,122 from in-state students for tuition and fees and $34,322 from those that are from outside. The room and board price for the years 2023 to 2024 is around $11,565. Most students here are undertaking majors including Business, Management, Marketing, and related support services, and health professions and related programs. Communication, Journalism, and related programs are also a popular choice.

Students with GPAs that are around 3.0 can consider Missouri colleges including Harris-Stowe State University, Missouri Valley College, and Lincoln University. Among these three, Harris-Stowe State University and Lincoln University are public 4-year institutions and the Missouri Valley College is a private one.

Harris-Stowe State University is located in the city of Saint Louis, MO. It has an ‘Open Admission Policy’ which means that it is very easy to get into as the university accepts all applicants as long as the minimum requirements are met. The average high school GPA of students being accepted here is around 3.04. It is a free school to apply to with a $0 application fee.

Missouri Valley College is located in Marshall and has an acceptance rate of 61.2%. The average GPA of students accepted is around 3.04 and the SAT score range is from 900-1130. More students submit ACT scores along with their high school GPAs and the average score range of accepted applicants is between 16 to 20. This college also does not charge any application fee.

Like Harris-Stowe State University, Lincoln University also has an ‘Open Admission Policy’. It accepts everyone who applies as long as some basic minimum requirements are met. The average high school GPA of those accepted is around 2.75 which equals a B-. This is also a free school to apply to as no application fee is charged.

Missouri has an average tuition cost of $9,310 for in-state students who are studying at public institutions. This is around 9% less than the national average which makes the state of Missouri one of the more affordable ones for students to pursue higher education. The cost of living in the state is also lower than the national average. The total cost of attendance at colleges and universities here adds up to around $19,394.

The Missouri State University in Springfield is one of the cheapest institutions in Missouri for in-state students. It is a public institution and it charges around $8,604 for tuition and fees from state residents. For out-of-state students, however, the tuition and fees rise to $17,144. Other more affordable colleges in the state for state residents include the University of Missouri – Kansas City, the University of Missouri – St. Louis, and the University of Missouri.

The most expensive tertiary institutions that the state has to offer include Washington University and Saint Louis University. These are both private institutions and charge $62,982 and $53,244 for tuition and fees respectively. The room and board here are also quite expensive, and well above the national average, as Washington University is charging around $20,778 for the academic year ending 2024 and Saint Louis charges $14,570.

Missouri scholarships can help make college more affordable for students. Full-ride scholarships like the James L. and Nellie M. Westlake Scholarship Program and Evans Scholars Program can help cover the full cost of tuition and related expenses even at more expensive private institutions. Other scholarships that can help cover a good chunk of tuition include the KASF Midwestern Regional Chapter Scholarships and the Hearld and Marge Ambler Scholarship.

Missouri has a total college student population of around 329,806, out of which more than 250,000 are undergraduate enrollments and 73,034 approximately are enrolled at a graduate level.

White Americans make up the largest proportion of the student population with around 213,476 higher-education students. Black Americans have the second largest population of around 32,529, followed by Hispanics with 21,622 students approximately, and then Asians with 12,476. Native Americans and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders make up the smallest percentage of the total population with populations of even less than 0.5% of the total mentioned.

Missouri contributes around $29.5 billion in terms of student debt to the nation’s total. $35,397 is the average student loan debt in the state and this is spread over more than 800,000 student borrowers. The average student debt in Missouri is higher than the national average of $28,950. Out of the total student borrowers, around 22.1% owe between $20,000 to $40,000 in debt.

How To Apply

The following are the main steps to apply for any scholarship:

1. Check Eligibility:

Scholarship websites are the easiest place to find most scholarship opportunities as they list all the available options under one roof. They also list scholarships according to state, college major, demographic, and grade level. You can also filter them according to the parameters provided to narrow down the list. This makes it easier to find scholarships that are best suited to you. Go through the eligibility requirements of the scholarships thoroughly to make sure that you qualify to save time. Some scholarships may be need-based and are awarded based on the financial need of the student, while others may be based on merit.

2. Understand the Application Requirements

It is important to understand what the scholarship demands for submitting a strong application.

Scholarship applications may require some or all of the following:

• Scholarship Application Form: Scholarship application is unique for each scholarship and is a must to be considered as an applicant. It usually asks for general information about the application like their name, date of birth, education, address, and so on. It may also contain a few short answer questions relevant to the scholarship.
• Essay: Many scholarships require an essay along with the application form. Applicants can make themselves stand out via their essays. Therefore, you should take proper time and put in good effort when writing one. It’s important that your essay is original, and represents your personality and opinions.
• Letters of Recommendation: A letter of recommendation can be written by your personal or professional references. Some scholarships specifically demand letters of recommendation from teachers. The letter contains reasons for why the applicant is a deserving one. It assesses the applicant’s qualities, characteristics, strengths, capabilities, and academic performance, which kind of acts as a character certificate when applying for scholarships.
• Grade Transcripts: Many scholarships whether they are merit-based or need-based usually require school transcripts that show the academic performance of an individual. You can get a copy through your school’s website or the office and attach it to the application form.
• Resume: A resume is where an applicant can highlight their skills and accomplishments. It does not have to have work experience only and can also include mentions of any societies or extra-curricular activities that you have been a part of, and any special courses that you have completed that equipped you with a certain skill.
• Financial Information: Many need-based scholarships may ask you to provide financial information that may include information about your family income and any financial aid that you may have received.
• FAFSA: Some scholarships require applicants to apply for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible for them. These are mainly need-based scholarships.
• Portfolio or Video Submission: There are a few scholarships that ask for video or portfolio submissions. This usually applies to art major scholarships as videos and portfolios are how an applicant can show their skills. Some scholarships do not have other requirements and are like contests where participants have to make a project and provide a picture or video of it to enter and win.
• School Verification: A school verification letter verifies which school the candidate is attending or has attended, the dates when they started and finished a program, and also includes a list of any certificates or degrees earned.
• Standardized Test Scores: Occasionally, you may need to provide a copy of your SAT or ACT scores. These are standardized test scores that most colleges and universities require for admission.

3. Order Scholarships According to Submission Deadlines:

It is important to arrange the scholarships according to the deadlines to make sure that you take advantage of every opportunity. Timing is very important and the earlier you apply the better it is. It is always wise to start early too because it may take time to complete all the submission requirements like writing essays and getting letters of recommendation in hand. Time should be invested in scholarships that require an essay as it takes a lot of time, planning, and effort to write a good one.

4. Proofread:

Once you have completed your application and the associated requirements, make sure to go through them all thoroughly at least once. You can also get a friend or family member to help you proofread for mistakes and errors.

5. Submit your Application:

After you have taken your time filling out the application form, writing the essay, collecting all the required documents, and proofreading – it is time to submit. Most applications now require online submissions and may take a few minutes only if you have everything ready to upload. Keep track of the status of your application process and keep in mind that it may take some time to receive an answer. You may put in a follow-up email if you haven’t received any reply for some time.

Tips For Applying

• Start looking early: Don’t wait until the last minute to look for Missouri scholarships. Many organizations have deadlines that are months before the school year even starts, so it pays to begin your search as soon as possible. Make sure you research, apply, and submit all necessary documents on time to maximize your chances of winning scholarships.
• Network: Many of the scholarship opportunities come through networking and contacts, so make sure you take full advantage of your connections. Utilize family members, friends, contacts from any organizations or clubs you are part of, and even faculty members at your school to learn about different scholarship options in the area.
• Seek out local scholarships: Many organizations in Missouri offer scholarships specifically for local students. Look up businesses and community groups in the area, as they often have scholarship programs available. You can also check with your school’s guidance office or college counseling department to see if they know of any opportunities.
• Read the requirements carefully: Once you have a narrowed-down list of scholarships, make sure to read the requirements carefully so you fully understand what is required.
• Do not rush when applying: Take your time and apply early. This allows sufficient time to gather all the required documents and also write a great essay if needed.
• Brainstorm for an essay and outline: If an essay is required, always start with brainstorming, then arrange your ideas and make an outline to follow. Unique, personalized, and lively essays have a better chance of qualifying than general and dull ones. Make sure that you understand the topic before starting.
• Customize application: Some students submit the same application, essays, and letters of recommendation to all organizations. It is better to thoroughly research the organization and what they are actually looking for before and customize your application and essays accordingly. You can also mention what the organization is looking for to people who are writing your recommendation letters so they can make it more relevant rather than general. However, it is important to be honest and avoid including things just for the sake of qualifying and getting a scholarship.
• Check and proofread: You may be surprised at the amount of grammatical mistakes and other errors that you may come across when rereading your application and essays. Those applicants who submit applications full of errors appear irresponsible and undetermined to scholarship providers.

Following are some of the best scholarships to consider for high school seniors in Missouri. These scholarships can help students pay for college independently without help from parents and loans. Some of these scholarships are even full-ride that can help cover full tuition.

1. Jimmy Rane Foundation Scholarships
2. Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest – High School Seniors
3. ISL Midwest Senior Scholarship
4. Evans Scholars Program
5. National Rice Month Scholarship Contest
6. InspirASIAN Scholarship Program
7. InspirASIAN Scholarships

Getting an undergraduate degree can be quite expensive and students usually struggle to pay for it on their own. More than 50% of the students pay for their education using loans and the majority of them are those from middle-income backgrounds. Undergraduates studying in freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior years can all apply for the following scholarships to help with college expenses.

1. Gravelin Nursing Scholarship
2. Hearld and Marge Ambler Scholarship
3. Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest – College Students
4. J. R. Popalisky Scholarship
5. MGMA Southern Section Scholarship
6. Charles P. Bell Conservation Scholarship – Undergraduate
7. NEWH | Dallas Scholarship

Students pursuing graduate degrees in Missouri can take help from the following scholarships to pay for tuition.

1. Carl Morrow Graduate Scholarships
2. ¡Lánzate!/Take Off! Higher Education Travel Award program
3. Chambers Family Memorial Scholarship
4. Charles P. Bell Conservation Scholarship – Graduate

Students undertaking education degrees can get help from the following general Missouri scholarships that are not limited to any specific major.

1. James L. and Nellie M. Westlake Scholarship Program
2. Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest – College Students
3. Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest – High School Seniors
4. ISL Midwest Senior Scholarship
5. KASF Midwestern Regional Chapter Scholarships

The Gravelin Nursing Scholarship is available to undergraduate students studying in Missouri and who are pursuing nursing degrees. The scholarship is based on financial need and is disbursed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO). Students must complete FAFSA to access this scholarship and have a minimum GPA of 3.3.

Around 60% of the total undergraduate enrolment in Missouri consists of the female population. Gabby Girls Scholarship is accessible to female students entering their junior or senior year at a Missouri four-year accredited college or university. It requires the applicants to demonstrate financial need, have community service, and work experience, and have a GPA of at least 3.0 to be eligible. This scholarship is not limited by any specific major or ethnicity.

Most universities provide their incoming freshmen with scholarship opportunities based on merit. Students can contact the financial aid office of their institution or check their websites to find out about the available opportunities. Some examples of such universities include Missouri State University (MSU), the University of Missouri (Mizzou), and the Missouri University of Science and Technology.

The Missouri State University, or MSU, provides scholarships that students are automatically considered for upon being accepted into the university and also offers competitive scholarships that require separate applications. The automatic scholarship funded by the MSU includes two types – one is based on GPA and standardized test scores and the other is based on GPA only. The first type that also considers SATs/ACT includes three scholarships Board of Governors which awards $5,500 per year, Provost which awards $3,000 per year, and the Deans scholarship which gifts $2,000 per year. The scholarships that are based on GPA only include Academic Excellence with a $2,000 award per year, the Academic Distinction which awards $1,500 per year, and the Academic Achievement Scholarship providing students with $1,000 per year. There are also scholarship options for out-of-state students.

Misszou provides merit scholarships based on academic achievement, athletic skills, community service, etc. It has scholarships for freshmen students, transfer students, and international students. A few examples of the many scholarships it offers include the Chancellor’s Award, Curators Scholars Award, Excellence Award, and Perfect Score Scholarship. These scholarships range from $3,500 to the full cost of tuition. It also supports the Bright Flight merit-based scholarship award provided by the Missouri state, which students can combine with in-house scholarships.

Missouri University of Science and Technology provides merit-based scholarships based on four tier levels. Tier 1 award of $11,000 is reserved for students with GPAs of 3.95 and above and ACT score of at least 3.5 or SAT score of 1530 and above. Tier 2 scholarships award $8,000 and are for students with a 3.65+ GPA, and ACT or 30+ or SAT of 1380+. Tier 3, awarding $6,500, is for GPAs above 3.05, ACT above 24, and SAT above 1160. Students with a GPA of 3.0, and ACT scores of at least 24 or SATs of at least 1160 are eligible for the Tier 4 award of $3,000.

Scholaroo lists close to 30 Missouri scholarships for students who are residents of the state. Students can use the filters provided to narrow down the search to their fitting. There are also state-based scholarship programs in Missouri like the Bright Flight Program. Various other organizations also offer scholarships to students residing and studying within the state.

The Missouri Scholarship and Loan Foundation is a tax-exempt, not-for-profit corporation formed by MOHELA. They strive to help make higher education more accessible and affordable for families and students across the state. Missouri National Education Association, or Missouri NEA, is another organization students can look into for scholarship opportunities. A few of their scholarships include the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Contest, the Cochran Education Major Scholarship, and the Educators Rising Scholarship.

Students can also check the Conservation Federation of Missouri website for scholarships. They have scholarships with varying eligibility criteria and a range of award amounts. Some of their scholarships include the Charles P. Bell Conservation Scholarship, and and Carl Morrow Graduate Scholarships. The Community Foundation of the Ozarks, or CFO, is another place students can refer to for scholarships. CFO awards around $1.7 million in scholarships yearly for college, graduate, and technical education.

The state offers need-based grants to students through the Missouri Department of Higher Education. The Missouri Access Grant is one of the grants they offer to Missouri residents who full-time undergraduates. It requires the applicants to complete FAFSA and demonstrate financial need for eligibility and the award amount is based on the student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and their need. Other organizations that offer grants to Missouri students include the Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO) and Missouri NEA.

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks has been operating since 1973 and has provided more than $600 million in grants and distributions since then. Some of the grants it offers include the Dan Armstrong Legacy Foundation Grant, the Cardinals Fly Together Fund, and the Ozarks Fund Grant. The applications for these grants are generally considered on a rolling basis.

Missouri NEA also has various grant options like the HOPE Grant and Tuition Grant. The HOPE Grant is to help students facing financial hardships due to special circumstances and/or natural disasters. The amount awarded by this grant is determined by the student’s need. The Tuition Grant provides a $500 tuition grant to educators and support professionals that they can use toward the cost of a three-hour course. To be eligible for Grants by the MNEA, applicants must be members of the organization.