Scholarships for Freshmen
University funded scholarships
These scholarships are institutionally funded. See below for scholarship criteria, application information and deadlines.
Privately funded scholarships
These scholarships are funded by specific departments and donors and awarded to Missouri State students each year. For more details visit:
General and departmental scholarships
This policy applies to students admitted beginning summer 2013. For students admitted in previous years, visit the financial aid website for requirements and renewal criteria.
Qualifying for scholarships
Your first step
The following is a summary of scholarship programs for entering students who enroll full-time at the Springfield campus the year they graduate from high school. Scholarships are for fall and spring semesters only except for students who choose the summer option.
To qualify for scholarships, you must first apply and be admitted. Application forms are available online and from the MSU Office of Admissions. Your application must be received by the deadline specified for each scholarship for consideration. You must also meet the specific requirements outlined below.
Apply automatically for scholarships
For scholarships awarded based on your application for admission (e.g., Board of Governors, Provost, and Deans’), your eligibility will be determined when you are initially admitted to the University. If you subsequently increase your test scores, class rank, and/or GPA, you will be considered for upgraded scholarships accordingly.
For those scholarships, we will consider scores from ACT or SAT tests you have taken during or before December of your senior year. We will also use either your 6th or 7th semester class rank or GPA, whichever is highest.
Scholarship standards
- The following scholarships cannot be combined with other scholarships listed below (with the exception of out-of-state fee waivers): Presidential, University, Board of Governors, Multicultural Leadership, A+ Recognition, and Missouri State Promise. Other scholarships listed here can be combined if the total annual value is $3,500 or less.
- Missouri State accepts weighted grade point averages as reported by high schools in consideration for scholarships. Grade point average requirements shown below are based on a 4.00 scale rounded to the nearest 0.01.
- For all scholarships, students must have a diploma from a high school accredited by a state education agency or a regional accrediting association or must have a home school diploma with the core curriculum requirement established by the Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education.
- Students admitted as exceptions to the high school core curriculum requirement may not receive scholarships unless approved by the Scholarship Committee. Students who graduate from MSU early can apply unused semesters of scholarship eligibility toward an MSU graduate program unless they receive a graduate assistantship.
- For additional information regarding Missouri State scholarship policies see General Scholarship Policies.
Number of scholarships awarded
It is our intent to award scholarships that show the number available as “Varies” to all qualified students who apply by the deadline; however, the University reserves the right to limit the number of scholarships based on availability of funding. For this reason, students are encouraged to apply for admission early. The University also reserves the right to reduce the number of other scholarships awarded based on availability of funding.
Presidential Scholarship
Value
$12,500 per year ($6,250 for tuition and $6,250 for on-campus housing). Total potential value over four years is $50,000. Non-Missouri residents will also receive a full waiver of non-resident fees.
Number available
35
Application
Complete the Missouri State Presidential Scholarship Application and apply for admission by December 1.
Renewal criteria
Complete 30 Missouri State credit hours each academic year with a 3.60 cumulative Missouri State grade point average.
Additionally, to renew for their fourth year, students must complete an average of 40 hours of community or campus service each year during their first three years.
Selection criteria
Rank in the top10 percent of class (or have a 3.90 grade point average on a 4.00 scale) at the end of the sixth semester and have an ACT of 30 (or SAT of 1330*). (Scores from the ACT or SAT taken during or before October of the senior year will be used.)
Finalists will be selected following an on-campus interview process.
Qualified students who apply but are not chosen will receive the Board of Governors Scholarship and be considered for the University Scholarship.
*SAT score reflects the sum of the Critical Reading and Math portions of the SAT only.
University Scholarship
Value
Board of Governors Scholarship plus $2,000 per year for the first and second years to be applied to on-campus room and board. Total potential value over four years: $24,000 plus the Study Away voucher. Non-Missouri residents will also receive a full waiver of non-resident fees.
Number available
35
Application
Apply for the Presidential Scholarship.
Renewal criteria
Complete 30 Missouri State credit hours each academic year with a 3.50 cumulative Missouri State grade point average.
Selection criteria
Students who are invited to interview for the Presidential Scholarship will be considered for this scholarship.
Board of Governors Scholarship
Value
$5,000 per year. Total potential value over four years: $20,000. Non-Missouri residents will also receive a full waiver of non-resident fees.
Board of Governors recipients will also have access to a $500 voucher to apply toward a University-approved Study Away program.
Number available
Varies
Application
Apply for admission by January 15. Eligible students will be identified based on their admission application credentials. No additional application is required.
Renewal criteria
Complete 30 Missouri State credit hours each academic year with a 3.50 cumulative Missouri State grade point average. Additionally, to renew for their fourth year, students will be required to complete an average of 40 hours of community or campus service each year during their first three years.
Students must meet renewal criteria to retain eligibility for the Study Away voucher.
Selection criteria
Top 10 percent of class or 3.90 grade point average on a 4.00 scale combined with a minimum ACT of 28 (or SAT of 1250*).
Students who receive an International Baccalaureate diploma will also be awarded this scholarship.
*SAT score reflects the sum of the Critical Reading and Math portions of the SAT only.
Provost Scholarship
Value
$2,500 per year. Total potential value over four years is $10,000. Non-Missouri residents will also receive a full waiver of non-resident fees.
Number available
Varies
Application
Apply for admission by January 15. Eligible students will be identified based on their admission application credentials.
Renewal criteria
Complete 30 Missouri State credit hours each academic year with a 3.40 cumulative Missouri State grade point average.
Selection criteria
Top 20 percent of class or 3.70 grade point average on a 4.00 scale combined with a minimum ACT of 26 (or SAT of 1170*) or rank first or second in graduating class after the sixth or seventh semester.
*SAT score reflects the sum of the Critical Reading and Math portions of the SAT only.
Deans' Scholarship
Value
$1,500 per year. Total potential value over four years: $6,000. Non-Missouri residents will also receive a full waiver of non-resident fees.
Number available
Varies
Application
Apply for admission by January 15. Eligible students will be identified based on their admission application credentials.
Renewal criteria
Complete 30 Missouri State credit hours each academic year with a 3.30 cumulative Missouri State grade point average.
Selection criteria
Top 20 percent of class (or 3.70 grade point average on a 4.00 scale) combined with a minimum ACT score of 24 (or SAT of 1090*).
*SAT score reflects the sum of the Critical Reading and Math portions of the SAT only.
Multicultural Leadership Scholarship
Value
$5,000 per year. Total potential value over four years: $20,000. Non-Missouri residents will also receive a full waiver of non-resident fees.
In addition to receiving the scholarship, recipients will participate in the Missouri State Inclusive Excellence program.
Number available
50
Application
Complete the Missouri State Multicultural Leadership Scholarship Application and apply for admission by December 1.
Renewal criteria
Complete 24 Missouri State credit hours each academic year with a 2.75 cumulative Missouri State grade point average and maintain satisfactory participation in the Inclusive Excellence program.
Multicultural Leadership Scholarship recipients who graduate in four years or less, meet renewal criteria their fourth year, and begin a Missouri State graduate program the semester following their graduation may receive this scholarship for their first year of graduate study (unless they receive a graduate assistantship).
Selection criteria
Rank in the upper one-half of their class (or 3.00 grade point average on a 4.00 scale) at the end of the sixth semester and have demonstrated leadership in multicultural school or community activities or organizations.
The Multicultural Leadership Scholarship Selection Committee will review applicants and select candidates to be invited to campus for interviews to be held on the Missouri State campus. Recipients will be selected following the interview process.
Students selected to interview for the Multicultural Leadership Scholarship will also be considered for the Multicultural Leadership Recognition Award.
Prospective education majors will also be considered for the Diversity in Education Scholarship.
Multicultural Leadership Recognition Award
Value
Up to $2,000 per year. Recipients who are non-Missouri residents will also receive a full waiver of out-of-state fees.
Number available
To be determined based on selection committee recommendation and available funding.
Application
Complete the Missouri State Multicultural Leadership Scholarship Application and apply for admission by December 1.
Renewal criteria
Complete 24 Missouri State credit hours each academic year with a 2.75 grade point average.
Selection criteria
Students who participate in the Multicultural Leadership Scholarship interview program but are not selected for that scholarship will be considered for the Multicultural Leadership Recognition Award.
Diversity in Education Scholarship
Value
$2,000 per year for first two years and $3,000 per year for years three and four. Recipients who are non-Missouri residents will also receive a full waiver of out-of-state fees.
(This scholarship can be combined with other scholarships listed here to a total of $4,500 for years three and four only.)
Number available
To be determined based on selection committee recommendation and available funding.
Application
Complete the Missouri State Multicultural Leadership Scholarship Application and apply for admission by December 1.
Renewal criteria
Students must complete 24 credit hours at Missouri State University each academic year with a 2.75 cumulative Missouri State grade point average.
Additionally, students must remain in a program leading to a teaching certificate.
Students must be admitted to the teacher education program to receive the scholarship for years three and four.
Selection criteria
Students must meet the criteria for the Multicultural Leadership Scholarship and must have declared a major that leads to a Bachelor of Science in Education or Bachelor of Music Education degree.
Students selected to be considered for this scholarship will be invited to participate in the Multicultural Leadership Scholarship interview program and thus will be considered also for that award and for the Multicultural Leadership Recognition Award.
Missouri State Advantage Scholarship
Value
$1,000 per year. Renewable for one year. Total potential value over two years: $2,000.
Number available
Varies
Application
Apply for admission by June 1 for the fall semester. No special application is required. The scholarship will be awarded automatically to qualified students after grades are posted for their final semester of dual credit enrollment.
Renewal criteria
Complete 30 credit hours at Missouri State during the first year with a cumulative Missouri State grade point average of 3.00 or higher. This scholarship is renewable for one year only.
Selection criteria
Awarded to entering freshmen who completed six or more credit hours through the Missouri State University dual credit program with a cumulative Missouri State grade point average of 3.00 or higher.
Hutchens/SGA Centennial Leaders Scholarship
Value
$1,250 per year or $2,500 for students with documented financial need. Renewable for one year.
Number available
24
Application
This scholarship considers financial need. Please submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) preferably by Feb. 15.
Complete the Missouri State Centennial Leaders Scholarship Application (only available online) and apply for admission by December 1. Complete the FAFSA as soon after January 1 as possible.
Renewal criteria
Complete 24 Missouri State credit hours with a 2.75 cumulative Missouri State grade point average. This scholarship is renewable for one year only.
Selection criteria
Rank in the upper one-half of class (or have a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.00 scale) at the end of the sixth semester and have a minimum ACT score of 20 (SAT of 950*). ACT or SAT scores taken during or before October of the senior year will be considered.
The Centennial Leaders Scholarship Selection Committee will choose candidates from among the qualified applicants who will be invited to an on-campus interview program. Finalists will be selected as a result of the interview process.
*SAT score reflects the sum of the Critical Reading and Math portions of the SAT only.
Missouri State Promise Scholarship
Value
$1,000 for the first year and $1,500 for the second year.
Number available
To be determined based on the review process and available funding.
Application
This scholarship considers financial need. Please submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) preferably by Feb. 15.
No special application is required.
Apply for admission and complete the FAFSA no later than March 31 for the fall semester. Recipients will be selected on a rolling basis.
Because the number of scholarships is limited, students are encouraged to apply for admission and complete the FAFSA early.
Renewal criteria
Renewed for one year for students who complete 24 credit hours at Missouri State during the first year with a cumulative Missouri State grade point average of 2.75 or higher and continue to demonstrate financial need.
Selection criteria
Students are selected for this scholarship based on a combination of financial need and academic potential as demonstrated by a combination of class rank, grade point average, and ACT or SAT scores.
Missouri State Leadership Scholarship
Value
$1,000 per year. Total potential value over four years: $4,000.
Number available
Southwest Missouri high schools may recommend one student for every 100 graduates.
Application
Schools submit letters of nomination to the Financial Aid Office by May 1.
Renewal criteria
Complete 30 Missouri State credit hours each academic year with a 3.25 cumulative Missouri State grade point average.
Selection criteria
Nomination by counselor from the southwest district including schools in the following counties: Barry, Barton, Cedar, Christian, Dade, Dallas, Douglas, Greene, Howell, Jasper, Laclede, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton, Oregon, Ozark, Polk, Shannon, Stone, Taney, Texas, Vernon, Webster and Wright.
A+ Recognition Scholarship
Value
$500 per year. Total potential value over four years: $2,000.
Number available
100
Application
Students must apply for admission by January 15, submit the A+ Recognition Scholarship Application, and provide verification of participation in the A+ program. A final high school transcript verifying A+ certification is also required to confirm eligibility.
Renewal criteria
Complete 30 credit hours per year at Missouri State with a 3.00 cumulative Missouri State grade point average.
Selection criteria
Qualify for regular admission to Missouri State and meet A+ program requirements.
Missouri State Boys State Leadership Award
Value
$1,000
Number available
5
Application
Complete the General and Departmental Scholarship Application by March 1.
Students must apply for admission, submit the General Scholarship Application and provide verification of Missouri Boys State participation to the Office of Student Financial Aid by March 1 of their senior year.
Renewal criteria
This scholarship cannot be renewed.
Selection criteria
Entering freshmen must have both a solid academic record and a strong record of leadership and have participated in Missouri Boys State.
Missouri State Girls State Leadership Award
Value
$1,000
Number available
5
Application
Complete the General and Departmental Scholarship Application by March 1.
Students must apply for admission, submit the General Scholarship Application and provide verification of Missouri Girls State participation to the Office of Student Financial Aid by March 1 of their senior year.
Renewal criteria
This scholarship cannot be renewed.
Selection criteria
Entering freshmen must have both a solid academic record and a strong record of leadership and have participated in Missouri Girls State.
Out-of-State Fee Waiver/Midwest Student Exchange Program
Value
A full waiver of non-resident fees (current value is approximately $6,360 annually for students taking 30 credit hours per year).
Number available
Varies
Application
No application is required. Eligible students will be identified based on their admission application credentials. While there is no application deadline, students are encouraged to apply early to be considered for scholarships which do have deadlines. Qualified residents of Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota or Wisconsin will receive the Midwest Student Exchange Award; other qualified non- residents will receive the Out-of-State Fee Waiver.
Renewal criteria
Successfully complete 30 Missouri State credit hours each academic year with a 3.25 cumulative Missouri State grade point average.
Selection criteria
Non-resident entering freshmen must have either an ACT composite of 24 or higher (or SAT of 1090*) or a 3.50 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale or a class rank in the top 25 percent.
*SAT score reflects the sum of the Critical Reading and Math portions of the SAT only.
Additional information
This waiver can be combined with any of the other freshman scholarships that do not already provide a waiver of out-of-state fees.
Continue the Tradition Fee Waiver Program
Value
A full waiver of out-of-state fees (current value is approximately $6,360 annually for a student taking 30 credit hours).
Number available
Varies
Application
Apply for admission and submit the Continue the Tradition online application. While there is no application deadline, students are encouraged to apply early to be considered for scholarships which do have deadlines.
Renewal criteria
Complete 24 Missouri State credit hours each academic year with a 2.00 cumulative Missouri State grade point average.
Selection criteria
Student must be the child or grandchild of a Missouri State graduate.
Additional information
This waiver can be combined with any of the other freshman scholarships that do not already provide a waiver of out-of-state fees.