The Best Scholarships in Missouri

Missouri students looking to fund their education, you have come to the right place! Kansas students have plenty of options when it comes to colleges, universities, and technical schools, but those come at a price.  With over 400,000 Missouri students entering a college, university, or technical school in 2019, scholarships are more competitive than ever. The average price of in-state tuition is over $8,000, with the most expensive school, University of Washington in St. Louis, coming with a $53,000 price tag. Whether you plan to attend a private or public school or technical institution, odds are, you will need a little help to afford that tuition. Read on to learn about the best scholarships for Missouri students.

Missouri has a variety of financial assistance programs, like the Access Missouri state grant, but these can be limited based on family income, and often work as loans that you have to pay back. By finding a scholarship that is a great fit, you can graduate with less (or no!) debt. Take a look at our list of scholarships to fund your education today!

Looking for scholarships in another state? Check out our other scholarship lists here.

This post is part of our Ultimate FAQ for Applying to Scholarships.

The Best Scholarships in Missouri for High Achieving Students

1. Purdy Emerging Leaders Scholarship

• Description: The Missouri Scholarship and Loan Foundation awards tuition scholarships to Missouri students attending a public Missouri college or university with excellent grades, test scores, and community involvement. Students should be leaders in their school with unmet financial need.
• Amount: Award varies
• Requirements: Students must be a legal Missouri resident entering a Missouri college or university. Students must have achieved at least a 3.0 GPA and demonstrated leadership and commitment to community service.
• How to Apply: Students must submit transcripts, personal statements, test scores, and letters of recommendation to the Missouri Scholarship and Loan Foundation by June 15^th. Students must also have submitted a FAFSA. Application materials and more information can be found on the Missouri Scholarship and Loan Foundation website.

2. Bright Flight Scholarship Program

• Description: The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development offers the Bright Flight Scholarship to support students who have demonstrated academic success and high test scores on college entrance exams. This award is available for renewal up to ten semesters.
• Amount: $3,000
• Requirements: Students must be accepted to or attending a Missouri public college or university, with a GPA of at least 2.5, ACT score of 30 or SAT score of 1530, and be ranked in the top fifth percent of their class. Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress for award renewal each year.
• How to Apply: Students must submit the FAFSA by June 1^st and will be notified of eligibility by their Missouri educational institution at time of acceptance. More information can be found on the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development website.

3. Tortoise Young Entrepreneurs Scholarship

• Description: The Tortoise Young Entrepreneurs Scholarship awards tuition scholarships to Missouri students attending a Missouri college or university with excellent grades, test scores, and community involvement.
• Amount: $3,000
• Requirements: Students must be a legal Missouri resident entering or attending a Kansas college or university. Students must have achieved at least a 3.3 GPA, and a minimum of 24 on the ACT or 1680 on the SAT. Students must also demonstrate community involvement and future potential.
• How to Apply: Students must submit transcripts, personal statements, test scores, and letters of recommendation to Tortoise Advisors by May 1^st. Application materials and more information can be found on the Tortoise Advisors website.

4. Missouri Torchbearers’ Endowment Scholarship

• Description: Sponsored by the Epsilon Sigma Alpha Foundation, the Missouri Torchbearers’ Endowment Scholarship supports students who have demonstrated academic achievement and commitment to community service throughout high school, and intend to continue their involvement in college.
• Amount: $1,200
• Requirements: Students must be a Missouri resident attending an accredited Missouri college or university, or technical institution, and have graduated high school with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Students must enroll in at least twelve credits each semester and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress to renew the scholarship each year.
• How to Apply: Students complete the FAFSA and application, including letters of recommendation, transcripts, and personal statements, by April 1^st. Application materials and more information can be found on the Epsilon Sigma Alpha Foundation website.

The Best Scholarships in Missouri  for Minorities or Underrepresented Groups

1. Kris Paper Legacy Scholarship for Women in Technology

• Description: The Kris Paper Legacy Scholarship offers tuition awards for Missouri women interested in pursuing a degree related to technology at a Missouri college, university, or technical institution. The Scholarship seeks to increase female representation in technology.
• Amount: $3,000
• Requirements: Students must be a legal Missouri resident who has achieved at least a 3.2 cumulative GPA in high school. Student must have demonstrated commitment to technology and plan to attend a Missouri institution of higher learning, majoring in a field related to technology.
• How to Apply: Students must complete the application, including transcripts and personal essays, by the April 15^th Application materials and more information about the scholarship can be found on the Kris Paper Legacy Scholarship website.

2. Christina A. Loetel Scholarship

• Description: The Community Foundation of the Ozarks administers the Christine A. Loetel Scholarship for Missouri students diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy or related neurological disorders. Students must plan to attend a Missouri two-year or four-year college or university.
• Amount: Cost of tuition up to $20,000
• Requirements: Students must be a Missouri resident and legal United States citizen attending an eligible Missouri educational institution. Students must have at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA and have demonstrated perseverance in light of their neurological disability. Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress to receive scholarship renewal each year.
• How to Apply: Students must complete the FAFSA and application materials, including personal essay and letters of recommendation by the June 1^st More information and application materials can be found on the Community Foundation of the Ozarks website.

3. Kids’ Chance of Missouri Scholarship

• Description: The Kids’ Chance of Missouri Scholarship supports students with great financial need whose parent died or experienced catastrophic injury at work, in accordance with the Missouri Workers’ Compensation Law. Students should demonstrate academic achievement and financial need and plan to attend a Missouri college, university, or technical school.
• Amount: Cost of tuition
• Requirements: Students must be Missouri residents whose parent has died or faced catastrophic injury in a documented work-related incident. Students must have graduated from a Missouri high school. Scholarship is available for renewal each year if student maintains a 2.5 cumulative GPA.
• How to Apply: Students must complete the FAFSA and additional application materials including documentation of family circumstances and personal statement. More information and application materials can be found on the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development website.

4. Korean American Scholarship Foundation Midwestern Region Scholarship

• Description: The Midwestern Region of the Korean American Scholarship Foundation supports academically talented Korean American students attending a college or university in an eligible Midwest state. Scholarships are available for undergraduate and graduate students.
• Amount: Award varies
• Requirements: Students must be Missouri residents of Korean American descent who have graduated with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA and are attending an eligible college or university in the Midwest.
• How to Apply: Students must submit the application package including transcripts, personal statements, and letters of recommendation by the May 1^st More information and application materials can be found on the Midwestern Region of the Korean American Scholarship Foundation website.

The Best In-State Scholarships and Grants for Missouri Colleges

1. Community Foundation of the Ozarks Scholarship

• Description: The Community Foundation of the Ozarks offers a variety of scholarships for Missouri students based on financial need, academic achievement, and community service.
• Amount: Award varies
• Requirements: Students must be a Missouri resident accepted to or attending a Missouri college, university, or technical institution. Students must demonstrate financial need, academic merit, and involvement in community service activities.
• How to Apply: Students must submit the FAFSA and application associated with the scholarship they apply to, including high school transcripts, personal essays, and letters of recommendation. For more information and to apply, visit the Community Foundation of the Ozarks website.

2. Marguerite Ross Barnett Memorial Scholarship

• Description: The Marguerite Ross Barnett Memorial Scholarship offers full tuition awards to Missouri students attending a Missouri college, university, or technical institution. Students can be enrolled either part-time or full-time at their Missouri institution of choice.
• Amount: Cost of tuition
• Requirements: Students must be a legal resident of Missouri entering or attending a Missouri educational institution who have graduated high school with at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA. Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress of a 2.0 cumulative GPA to be considered for grant renewal.
• How to Apply: Students must complete the FAFSA and application materials, including transcripts, personal statements, and letters of recommendation by August 1^st. Students must also complete an application package inclusive of community service documentation and letters of recommendation. More information and application materials can be found on the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development website.

3. Missouri Mayflower Society Scholarships

• Description: The Missouri Mayflower Society awards scholarships to Missouri students attending a Missouri college, university, or technical school. Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, financial need, and community involvement. Students awarded a scholarship are invited to attend a spring celebration of their achievement.
• Requirements: Students must be residents of Missouri accepted to a Missouri institution of higher learning. Students must have graduated high school with at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to students who are documented descendants of Mayflower pilgrims.
• How to Apply: Students must complete the application package, including historical essay, statement of goals, and relevant family documentation by May 1^st. Application Materials and more information can be found on the Missouri Mayflower Society Website.

4. A+ Scholarship Program

• Description: Awarded to Missouri students who demonstrate financial need and academic achievement, the A+ Scholarship Program provides tuition awards from the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. Upon receipt of the scholarship, recipients will participate in tutoring and mentoring activities.
• Amount: Award varies
• Requirements: Students must be a Missouri resident attending an eligible Missouri college or university. Students must enroll in at least twelve credits each semester and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress to renew the scholarship each year. Students must have had 95% attendance during high school to qualify.
• How to Apply: Students complete the FAFSA and application package, including transcripts, personal statements, and letters of recommendation by June 1^st. More information can be found on the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development website.

5. Missouri Opportunities Scholarship

• Description: Sponsored by the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, the Missouri Opportunities Scholarship awards tuition scholarship to students who demonstrate significant financial need and plan to attend a Missouri college, university, or technical institution.
• Amount: Up to $1,000
• Requirements: Students must be a Missouri resident attending an accredited Missouri college or university, or technical institution. Students must have graduated or received a GED from a Missouri high school. Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress to renew the scholarship each year.
• How to Apply: Students complete the FAFSA and application, including letters of recommendation, transcripts, and essay about college plans, by April 1^st. Students must also submit two essays. Essay prompts and more information can be found on the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation website.

6. Missouri Financial Assistance Program Scholarship

• Description: Sponsored by the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, the Missouri Opportunities Scholarship awards tuition scholarship to students who demonstrate significant financial need and plan to attend a Missouri college, university, or technical institution. The fund serves to increase access to schools of choice for Missouri students in need.
• Amount: Up to $1,000
• Requirements: Students must be a Missouri resident entering or attending an accredited Missouri college or university, or technical institution. Students must have graduated or received a GED from a Missouri high school, and have a family income of less than $12,000. Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress to renew the scholarship each year.
• How to Apply: Students complete the FAFSA and application, including letters of recommendation and transcripts, by April 1^st. Application materials and more information can be found on the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. 

The Best Missouri Field-Specific Scholarships

1. William R. Kimel Engineering Scholarship

• Description: The Midwest chapter of the National Society of Professional Engineers offers the William R. Kimel scholarship to Missouri students attending a Midwest university in pursuit of an engineering degree. The scholarship encourages students to utilize their engineering degrees in the Midwest.
• Amount: $2,500
• Requirements: Students must be Missouri residents attending an eligible Midwest college or university majoring or planning to major in engineering or related field. Students must have graduated high school with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress for award renewal.
• How to Apply: Students must complete the application package including letters of recommendation, transcripts, and personal essays by December 1^st. More information and application materials can be found on the National Society of Professional Engineers website.

2. Missouri Bankers Association Scholarship

• Description: The Missouri Bankers Association supports students interested in business and finance through one-time scholarships for academically successful students attending Missouri colleges, universities, or technical institutions.
• Amount: $1,000
• Requirements: Students must be legal residents of Missouri attending a Missouri college, university or technical institution in a field related to business or finance. Students must have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA in high school.
• How to Apply: Students must complete the application package including letters of recommendation, transcripts, and personal essays by the early March deadline. More information and application materials can be found on the Missouri Bankers Foundation website.

3. Dan L. Meisinger Senior Memorial Learn to Fly Scholarship

• Description: The Missouri chapter of the National Air Transportation Association supports students interested in aviation fields through renewable scholarships for academically successful students attending Missouri colleges, universities, or technical institutions.
• Amount: $2,500
• Requirements: Students must be legal residents of Missouri attending a Missouri college, university or technical institution in an aviation related field. Students must have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
• How to Apply: Submit the application package including personal statement and transcripts by the November 30^th Application materials and more information can be found on the National Air Transportation Association website.

4. Nolan Moore Foundation Scholarship

• Description: Funded by the MidAmerica Chapter of the Print and Imagine Association, the Nolan Moore Foundation Scholarship supports Missouri students who are interested in a field related to printing management or technology providing tuition scholarships and extra-curricular opportunities..
• Amount: $2,500
• Requirements: Students must be a resident of Missouri accepted to or attending a Missouri college or university. Students must be pursuing a degree related to printing management or technology and must have achieved at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA in high school and college, if applicable.
• How to Apply: Submit the application package including personal statements, transcripts, and letters of recommendation to the Print and Imagine Association by March 1st. More information and application materials can be found on the MidAmerica Chapter of the Printing and Imaging Association website.

5. Fast Track Workforce Development Grant

• Description: Sponsored by the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, the Fast Track Workforce Development Grant provides tuition awards as incentive to pursue work in high-need areas of work in the state of Missouri upon graduation.
• Amount: Award varies
• Requirements: Students must be a Missouri resident accepted to attending a Missouri college, university, or technical school. Students must work in the state of Missouri for at least three years upon graduation in an area deemed to be high-need by the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. Students must maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA to be considered for award renewal each year.
• How to Apply: Students must complete the application including transcripts, personal statements, and letters of recommendation by April 1^st. More information and application materials can be found on the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development website.

Now that you have had read about the best scholarships available to Missouri students, it’s time to send in those applications! Wherever you attend school, there is a Missouri scholarship that will help you fund your education.  Loans like the Missouri Access state grant can help, but a scholarship is the best way to graduate without debt.

Scholarships for Missouri students can be hard to find, but now that you have read about the best options for Missouri students, you can find the perfect one to make your education possible.

Applying to schools in another state? Check out our other scholarship lists here.

Finally, if you need places to look for scholarships, you’ll want to read our post on the top scholarship sites to use here.