The American Midwest is one of the more fascinating regions in the United States, due to its unique mix of noteworthy qualities. The Midwest has a diverse mash-up of natural wonder, large cities such as Chicago, Cleveland, and St. Louis, historical significance, great food, and even devoted sports fan bases. The boundaries–generally thought of as stretching from Ohio all the way to Iowa–provide an excellent cross-section of what makes America great.
The Midwest is, in its own way, a melting pot; a dash of this, a pinch of that, resulting in a stew of culture unlike anywhere else in the country. In addition to the qualities mentioned above, it is also famed for its large universities, such as Ohio State, Wisconsin, and Purdue, among many others. The education culture in the Midwest draws direct inspiration from the area’s unique culture. That results in various opportunities for students from all different walks of life. Here are a few of the more interesting Midwestern scholarships open to students.
MGMA Midwest Section Scholarships
Amount: $1,000—$5,000
Deadline: May 22, 2020
The Medical Group Management Association, founded in Colorado in 1926, is a non-profit organization that assists those who hope to lead the field of medicine. To further their goal, the MGMA established, as a branch of their foundation, the ACMPE Scholarship Fund. The ACMPE was founded with the hope of “supporting and promoting healthcare leaders’ personal and professional growth in support of the advancement of the profession.”
The ACMPE Scholarships are divided up by region, one being the midwest; or the states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. To be eligible, students must reside within one of these states. They must also be enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate track to study a field relevant to personal health management. Financial stipends range from $1,000-$5,000, depending on various factors that will be discussed with the MGMA.
Come 2 Iowa Senior Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: May 15, 2020
The state of Iowa is considered by many to be the western wall of the “Midwest” region, just before the beginning of the Great Plains. Rating as one of the quickest growing states in the country, the Hawkeye State is home to many acclaimed institutions of higher learning, from the massive campus of the University of Iowa to the highly regarded liberal arts college of Grinnell.
In order to capitalize on both their burgeoning population and academic prowess, the Iowa Student Loan organization has recently launched the Come 2 Iowa scholarship for students across the farther Midwest. In order to be eligible, students must reside in Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, or Wisconsin, the states that surround Iowa, and plan to attend college within the state. The program offers five $1,000 scholarships.
Meisinger Learn to Fly Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: Last Friday in November
The Midwest, dismissed by many as “flyover country,” is one of the aviation capitals of the nation. Several blossoming pilots come to the region to hone their skills, drawn to the wide-open skies and scenic views. The Meisinger Learn to Fly scholarship, named for former pilot Dan L. Meisinger, honors its namesake’s sixty-three years in aviation by providing an opportunity for students to be educated in flight training.
While the Illinois-based program is technically open to students from all over the country, significant preference is given to those who apply from the nearby states of Kansas and Missouri. In fact, a majority of the scholarship’s recent recipients have come from the Midwest region. The winner, who must come recommended by an aviation professional, is awarded $2,500 to be used expressly on flight education.
Mary Joan Wolf Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: TBD for 2021
Two of the border Midwestern states, Minnesota and Missouri, hold more in common than the first letter of their names: Minnesota has its famous “twin cities” of Minneapolis and St. Paul; and Missouri, on the other hand, has the St. Louis Mothers of Twins Club, one of the largest and most notable foundations for “multiple-birth” mothers in the nation.
In honor of a prominent member, Mary Joan Wolf, the foundation doles out two scholarships of $1,000 each to twin high school students from the Missouri-Illinois region, the largest by population in the Midwest. Applicants must provide birth certificates and write a short essay on the similarities and differences between them and their sibling. Twinning!
Duck Brand “Stuck at Prom” Scholarship Contest
Amount: Varies
Deadline: June 8, 2020
Every high schooler that attended prom remembers getting dolled up for their prom night, wearing a sharp tuxedo or flowing dress, and posing for millions of photos. In order to push the fun factor to a higher level, Duck Brand Duct Tape began its widely acclaimed “Stuck at Prom” contest for students nationwide.
Students simply have to get creative and decorate themselves with Duck Tape before heading off to prom. Submissions have ranged from a classic camouflage bow tie to an incredible knee-length gown made entirely of tape. While winners have come from all over the nation, the Midwest has produced more than its fair share in recent years. The top prize for the contest is a whopping $10,000, with prizes then ranging down to $1,000. Hey, who doesn’t love Duck Tape?
And when you’ve exhausted your scholarship opportunities, check out College Raptor’s Student Loan Finder to discover personalized loan options. Compare lenders and interest rates to find the ideal student loan.
| 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 |
