Until just recently, Missouri did not have any grant programs for its students, but that has changed! The state now has several grants and scholarship programs to help make college more affordable within its borders. Below is an overview of some of the programs available, plus additional resources to help you find more information about these opportunities and others.
Missouri State Grants
1. A+ Scholarship Program
The A+ Scholarship Program is for students who are graduates of A+ designated high schools or non-public high schools and are planning on attending a participating community college or technical school.
In order to be eligible, students must also have:
- An unweighted GPA of 2.5
- A 95% attendance record or higher for high school
- Participated in at least 50 hours of unpaid tutoring or mentoring
- A good record of citizenship
- Achieved a score of proficient or higher on the Algebra I exam or received a 15 or higher on the ACT Math section
- Completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The program is renewable if the student meets certain qualifications. The program helps to cover the gap between other forms of financial aid and the net price of attending the college, but it has limits. For example, for the 2022-23 academic year, the maximum rate was $196 per credit hour.
2. Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program
A need-based award, the Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program is based on your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from the FAFSA. The monetary amount you receive depends on the EFC and the school you choose to attend. The maximum amount a student attending a 4-year college can receive was $2,850 (for the 2022-23 academic year) or $1,300 for a 2-year college.
In order to apply students must:
- Complete their FAFSA by specific deadlines
- Attending school full time
- Have an EFC of $12,000 or less
3. Bright Flight Program
The Bright Flight Program is merit-based and works on recognizing high-achieving high school students in the state. Students who score well on the ACT or SAT can qualify for up to $3,000, and, in 2023, Missouri began recognizing Superscores (a combination of multiple ACT scores) for eligibility.
Renewable, students interested in the program must:
- Place in the top percentiles of those taking the ACT or SAT
- Be attending college for the first time
- Be attending a participating school
- Be enrolled full time
4. And More
Other grants and scholarships available to students in Missouri include:
- Advanced Placement Incentive Grant
- Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment Scholarship
- Fast Track Incentive Grant
- Kids’ Chance Program
- Marguerite Ross Barnett Program
- Minority and Underrepresented Environmental Literacy Program
- Public Service Officer Survivor Grant
- Wartime Veteran’s Survivors Grant
Where Can You Find More Information on Missouri State Grants?
For more information about the above programs, students should head over to the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development website. There, students can find additional resources on student aid, planning for college, affording college, state initiatives, and more. Missiroui also states that they are currently reviewing their financial assistance programs.
Scholarships can also be a great way to help students afford college, and there are more available dollars than people realize! We offer a free Scholarship Search Tool so students can get up-to-date information on awards they may qualify for. Use it here today for FREE!
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
5.50%-16.12%* Variable
3.99%-15.61%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
 |
5.54% - 15.70% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
 |
4.63% - 17.99% Variable
3.49% - 17.99% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.00% - 13.75% Variable
3.99% - 13.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
 |
5.66% - 14.72% Variable
3.69% - 14.56% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
 |
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 16.85% Variable
3.69% - 16.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
5.00% - 14.22% Variable
3.69% - 14.22% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
