Scholarships in Missouri: Picks to Save You Money

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!

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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.

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

1. BAMain23 – The Brandon Alexander Main Scholarship/Grant (SLC)

The BAMain23 Brandon Alexander Main Scholarship/Grant was established in 2018 to honor our son, brother, and friend, Brandon Alexander Main (forever age 23). Brandon was stricken with Transverse Myelitis in December of 2016 and became a quadriplegic overnight. This story is not as rare as you might imagine. We learned how quickly life can change and the unfortunate costs involved when someone is suddenly disabled. The support of our community kept us going and allowed us to make the necessary home modifications needed to allow Brandon to live at home, versus a long-term care facility. It also helped us find caregivers and keep him active in wheelchair rugby and fitness programs.

Unfortunately, Brandon passed away in February of 2018. We want the world to remember him for the smart, kind, silly, hard-working young man he was. He had a smile that would light up a room and a silly sense of humor that we miss each day. Brandon was an Eagle Scout and loved the outdoors (camping, skiing, boating, you name it!) Brandon graduated with a degree in Biology from the University of Arkansas in 2016 and had plans of working in the medical community. He dreamed of backpacking through Europe and spending days at Walt Disney World (one of his favorite places).

Through our journey, we learned about the struggles of spinal cord injuries and through Brandon’s memory, we want to make the world a better place. Especially for those with disabilities.

Amount: Up to $3,000

Provider: BAMain23 – The Brandon Alexander Main Memorial Fund (Charity Smith)

Who Can Apply: Students

Requirements: (a) Resident of St. Louis County, Missouri, (b) Sustained a spinal cord injury, (c) Letter of recommendation.

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 have a passion for changing the world. The amount of the award 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 focus 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. Nolan Moore Foundation Scholarship

In memory of the late Executive Director of PIA-Texas, who was widely known for his passion for industry workforce development and career awareness, the Nolan Moore Foundation Scholarship is available to students in Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas. Applicants should be pursuing a career or degree in printing technology/management. Winners are selected based on both academic and non-academic scholarships.

Amount: $500 to $2,500

Provider: PIA MidAmerica

Who Can Apply: High School Seniors, Undergraduate College Students

Requirements: (a) Enrollment in an accredited printing management or technology program, (b) Residency in OK, TX, MO, or KS, (c) Residency in Missouri.

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

Learn more

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.