A variety of financial aid is available to help students and families pay for college. Grants and scholarships are awarded to students of all ages, and eligibility is based on many different factors including financial need, academic achievement, civic involvement, athletic ability, and other skills and interests.
It is important to look into all types of student financial aid - from federal and state government, colleges and universities, community organizations, private businesses, and other sources. Students should apply for scholarships and grants every year they plan to attend college.
Missouri Grants and Scholarships
The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development administers a number of state grants and scholarships (see right sidebar). To be eligible for most Missouri student financial aid, initial and renewal students should have a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file by Feb. 1, but no later than April 1. Eligible students who apply between Feb. 1 and April 1 will be awarded state financial aid based on funding availability.
In addition, other state student aid programs are available for Missouri residents.
- A+ Scholarship Program
The A+ Scholarship Program is a merit-based scholarship that provides scholarship funds to eligible graduates of A+ designated high schools who attend participating public community colleges or vocational/technical schools, or certain private two-year vocational/technical schools.
- Access Missouri Grant Program
Access Missouri is a need-based program designed to be simple to understand, provide predictable, portable awards, and increase access to your school of choice. Your financial eligibility is determined by your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as calculated through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®).
- Advanced Placement Incentive Grant
The Advanced Placement Incentive Grant is a nonrenewable grant designed to encourage high school students to take and score well on Advanced Placement tests in mathematics and science.
- Bright Flight Scholarship Program
The Missouri Higher Education Academic Scholarship Program is a merit-based program that encourages top-ranked high school seniors to attend approved Missouri postsecondary schools.
- Dual Credit / Dual Enrollment Scholarship (DCDE)
High school students may be eligible to receive a scholarship that covers the tuition and fees for their dual credit or dual enrollment courses. To qualify, students must demonstrate financial need and be taking dual credit or dual enrollment courses from a Missouri college or university in addition to meeting the program’s eligibility criteria.
- Fast Track Incentive Grant
The Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant is a program designed to provide adults with the education and skills needed to enter the workforce in fields that are in high demand.
- Kids' Chance Program
This scholarship is available to children of workers who were seriously injured or died in a work-related accident covered and compensated by workers' compensation. A serious injury is one that led to a paid settlement or judicial award and is verified with information from the Missouri Division of Workers' Compensation.
- Minority and Underrepresented Environmental Literacy Program
This is a scholarship designed to assist academically talented minority and underrepresented individuals pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in an environmental course of study that will lead to employment in a field that is clearly environmentally related.
Learn more about the Minority and Underrepresented Environmental Literacy Program
- Public Service Officer Survivor Grant
This program provides tuition assistance to certain public employees and their families if the employee is killed or permanently and totally disabled in the line of duty.
- Wartime Veteran's Survivors Grant
The Wartime Veteran’s Survivor Grants are available annually to children and spouses of Veterans whose deaths or injuries were:
- a result of combat action or were attributed to an illness that was contracted while serving in combat action, or
- who became 80 percent disabled as a result of injuries or accidents sustained in combat action since Sept. 11, 2001.
Federal Grants
The U.S. Department of Education offers several federal grants to help with higher education costs. To qualify for federal financial aid, students must meet all eligibility requirements and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year they attend college.
College and University Grants and Scholarships
Institutional grants and scholarships are awarded by the school a student attends. For more information about the financial aid offered, check each individual school website.
Private Grants and Scholarships
National and local businesses, community groups, and religious and civic organizations also award grants and scholarships. These scholarship search tips offer advice about finding private grants and scholarships.