Awesome Scholarships in Missouri to Save You Money for 2024

The Show-Me State isn’t just known for high-quality museums and the Ozarks, Missouri is also home to top universities like the University of Missouri and Missouri State University. But studying here doesn’t come cheap. Throughout the state, in-state students can expect to pay an average of $6,463 while that price jumps to $16,381 for out-of-state students. Luckily, scholarships can help!

Benefits of Scholarships & How to Apply

Scholarships are awesome because they never need to be paid back (and who doesn’t like free money?). Plus, there are all types of scholarships out there for all kinds of people. Going Merry is the best place to start your search. We make it easy by matching you with the scholarships you qualify for. Next, talk to your high school guidance counselor or college financial aid office for more information.

In the meantime, check out our step-by-step guide to applying for scholarships or our expert tips for bringing your scholarship application to the next level.

scholarships in missouri

Now, here are scholarships in Missouri to save you money on tuition:

1. Salifu Sesay Perseverance Scholarship

The Salifu Sesay Perseverance Scholarship opportunity honors Salifu Sesay’s memory by assisting students in the Kansas City area who have demonstrated perseverance in overcoming significant challenges and are pursuing higher education.

Amount: Up to $1,000

Provider: Greater Kansas City Community Foundation

Who Can Apply: High school seniors, community college students, or undergraduate students

Requirements: (a) GPA ≥ 3.20, (b) Residing in Kansas City 

2. Purdy Emerging Leaders Scholarship

The Purdy Emerging Leaders Scholarship is a merit-based award for aspiring leaders. Applicants should demonstrate a strong work ethic and a passion for changing the world. The award amount is determined by Estimated Family Contribution.

Amount: $2,000 to $5,000

Provider: The Missouri Scholarship & Loan Foundation (MSLF)

Who Can Apply: College Sophomores, College Juniors, College Seniors

Requirements: (a) Full-time Student Status, (b) Minimum GPA of 3.0, (c) Residency in Missouri.

3. Honeywell Opportunity for Prosperity Through Education Scholarship

With the aim of giving financially challenged high school students a shot at college, the Honeywell Opportunity for Prosperity through Education Scholarship specifically focuses on those entering a manufacturing trade or technical profession. Preference is given to students graduating from Kansas City Public Schools, Kansas City, KS Public Schools (USD #500), Independence Public Schools, Grandview High School, Center High School, Ruskin High School, Alta Vista Charter School, or Bishop Ward High School as well as students who have participated in Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City and/or Boys and Girls Club.

Amount: Varies

Provider: Greater Kansas City Community Foundation

Who Can Apply: High School Seniors

Requirements: (a) Enrollment (or plans to enroll) in a relevant program, (b) Financial need, (c) Minimum 2.5 GPA (unweighted), (d) Residency in Missouri.

4. The Missouri Bankers Association Scholarship

High school students with a love for banking are eligible to apply for The Missouri Bankers Association Scholarship. A total of seven scholarships are awarded each year.

Amount: $1,000

Provider: The Missouri Bankers Association

Who Can Apply: High School Seniors

Requirements: (a) Plans to pursue a banking-related degree, (b) Residency in Missouri.

5. A+ Scholarship Program

Note that this is a state government grant, instead of a private scholarship.

The A+ Scholarship Program provides scholarship funds to eligible graduates of A+ designated high schools who attend a participating public community college or vocational/technical school, or certain private two-year vocational/technical schools.

Amount: Varies to Full Cost of Tuition

Provider: State of Missouri

Who Can Apply: High School Seniors, Community College Students, Undergraduate College Students, Trade/Vocational Students

Requirements: (a) GPA ≥ 2.50, (b) Attending a post-secondary school in Missouri, (c) U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident (Green Card).


Loving these scholarships, but need help applying for your government financial aid? We can help you fill out your FAFSA and state aid.


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6. The Mayflower Society of Missouri Scholarship

High school seniors in the state of Missouri can apply for The Mayflower Society of Missouri Scholarship. Applicants must write an essay on a topic related to the Mayflower Pilgrims. The awards are primarily funded by member contributions and corporate matching grants.

Amount: $500 to $1,500

Provider: Society of Mayflower Descendants in the State of Missouri

Who Can Apply: High School Seniors

Requirements: (a) Plans to attend a college or university, (b) Residency in Missouri.

7. Notes for Life Scholarship

The Notes for Life Music Scholarship is aimed at supporting instrumental music, voice, and dance education for students living in Boone County, MO; St. Louis, MO; or Klamath County, OR. The winner is heavily determined based on financial need.

Amount: $600 to $1,020

Provider: Greater Kansas City Community Foundation

Who Can Apply: High School Seniors, Undergraduate College Students, Graduate College Students

Requirements: (a) Residency in one of the counties listed above, (b) Financial need.

8. Transition into Post-Secondary Studies Scholarship

Aimed at assisting students with special learning needs, the Transition into Post-Secondary Studies Scholarship helps students in Johnson or Wyandotte Counties in Kansas or Clay, Jackson, or Platte Counties in Missouri who are pursuing a two- or four-year degree.

Amount: Up to $1,000

Provider: Greater Kansas City Community Foundation

Who Can Apply: High School Seniors, Undergraduate College Students

Requirements: (a) Residency in a county mentioned above, (b) Special learning needs, (c) Minimum 2.5 GPA.

9. Macy’s Emergency Scholarship Fund

The Macy’s Emergency Scholarship Fund is a joint partnership between LNESC & Macy’s to provide financial resources to deserving students facing economic hardship and immediate monetary need that, if not met, could result in an inability to complete classes or a degree program.

Amount: Up to $500

Provider: LNESC and Macy’s

Who Can Apply: Undergraduate Students

Requirements: (a) Resident of Missouri, (b) Enrolled full-time in an accredited college or university and in good standing, (c) Cumulative GAP of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale or the equivalent.

Just fill out your profile, see what we match you with, and click apply! It’s that easy.

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