Missouri Scholarships

Missouri residents entering the University of Missouri as first-time college freshmen may be considered for the Mizzou Scholars Award. Strongest candidates typically have an ACT score of 33 to 36 or SAT of 1450 to 1600 and an excellent academic record. The award provides $11,000 per year for up to four years, renewable with a 2.75 GPA. Awarding is based on Mizzou Core GPA and course rigor within the high school's curriculum. Submit a complete admission application by December 1 with all required materials received by December 15. A résumé and essay may also be required for committee review.

U.S. citizens pursuing campus-based study in the 2027-2028 academic year may apply to one or more stand-alone UNICO Foundation scholarships if they meet each fund's criteria. Most require Italian descent; several funds are open to all ethnicities. Award sizes vary by named fund, from about $1,000 to $10,000, covering high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate entrants, nursing, medical school, study abroad in Italy, and field-specific awards. Online applications are due March 15, 2027 for the 2027-2028 academic year. Applicants generally must reside in or hold chapter sponsorship from listed states (California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, or Wisconsin), with limited exceptions. UNICO National is an Italian-American service organization whose foundation promotes education, culture, and charitable projects nationwide.

The Trans World Airlines Scholarship funds undergraduate and graduate students at any University of Missouri System campus who perform or plan research addressing environmental issues. At least seven awards of seven thousand dollars each are granted annually, paid in two equal semester installments. Undergraduates must have completed at least sixty credit hours; graduate students have no hour minimum. Applicants must be full-time Missouri residents for tuition purposes, submit two letters of recommendation, and complete all materials by April 1. Preference goes to students pursuing environmental science, environmental engineering, natural resources, or environmental law careers.

Graduating high school seniors from Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, or Texas may enter the National Rice Month Scholarship Video Contest by creating an original video of three minutes or less about U.S.-grown rice. Three guaranteed prizes are awarded: a $5,000 grand prize, $3,000 for second place, and $2,000 for third place. Upload your video to YouTube or Vimeo, complete the entry form, and submit through ReelRiceContest.com. Share your video on social media to encourage community engagement.

Students in and around the Greater Kansas City area (Missouri and Kansas) may apply through the GKCCF scholarship portal. After completing a general application, students are matched to individual donor funds they qualify for. Hundreds of scholarships range from about $1,000 to $5,000 or more, with many renewable for multiple years. Funds are paid to colleges for tuition, fees, or books. Create an account on the AcademicWorks portal, complete the general and conditional applications, then finish recommended individual fund applications. Deadlines vary by scholarship across the spring and summer cycle. The Greater Kansas City Community Foundation operates one of the region's largest community scholarship portfolios through its online portal.

The Curators' Scholar Award is an automatic merit scholarship for Missouri resident first-time college students entering the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Eligible students receive five thousand dollars per academic year when they apply by January 15 for fall admission and meet minimum criteria of a 28 ACT or 3.75 high school core GPA. Students working on their first bachelor's degree are considered upon admission; continuing students are not eligible. If a student qualifies for multiple automatic awards, UMKC grants the highest amount. The scholarship renews when recipients maintain required academic standing throughout their UMKC undergraduate career.

The Kids With Courage Foundation has awarded Type 1 Champions academic scholarships since 2016, recognizing students who demonstrate character and healthy self-management while living with Type 1 diabetes. Applicants must have Type 1 diabetes, reside in Kansas or Missouri, and be a graduating senior from a public, private, or home school or a current college student. U.S. citizenship or legal residency is required. Winners can receive up to $3,000 for use at any accredited two- or four-year college or university in the United States; the foundation has awarded more than $60,000 in scholarships to date. Financial need is not required, and the field of study is open. Applicants submit the foundation's application packet, which includes a personal essay and supporting documentation. The 2026 application deadline was April 15, 2026, and the scholarship is offered annually with renewal by re-application.

College students currently enrolled in an aviation program who maintain a B average or better may apply for the Dan L. Meisinger Sr. Memorial Learn to Fly Scholarship from the National Air Transportation Foundation. Preference is given to residents of Kansas, Missouri, or Illinois. One $2,500 scholarship is awarded for initial or primary flight training. Download the Appraisal and Endorsement Form before applying online. Submit the completed application and required documents by the last Friday in November. An aviation professional recommendation is preferred. The scholarship honors Dan L. Meisinger Sr., founder of Executive Beechcraft, whose aviation career spanned 63 years.

Private pilots of all ages who hold a current Private Pilot Certificate and reside in North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, or Ohio may apply for advanced aviation training support through the Bill Cowden Memorial Aviation Scholarship. One award of up to $1,500 is granted annually. The fund was established in memory of Bill Cowden to help pilots pursue higher ratings when financial resources are limited. Submit a professional resume, one aviation-related letter of recommendation, and a one-page essay on your reasons for pursuing advanced aviation training. Applications are accepted from March 15 through May 15.

Missouri Farm Bureau Foundation awards two $1,500 scholarships annually to Missouri residents who are Farm Bureau members or whose parents or grandparents hold membership. Open to high school seniors or current undergraduates enrolling in or pursuing a four-year degree in insurance or agriculture. Renewable up to three additional years with 3.0 GPA and 12+ credit hours per semester. Apply online through the Missouri Farm Bureau website. The 2026 deadline was March 31.