Morehead State University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit and need-based scholarships
- Honors and competitive awards (including full-ride options)
- How to stack aid like KEES and federal grants
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~89%
- Middle 50% ACT: 18–24
- Middle 50% SAT: 950–1180
- Average GPA (HS): 3.4
Source: Morehead State University Common Data Set and Admissions Office (latest available). Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
MSU at a Glance
Intro FAQs
Are MSU scholarships automatic with admission?
Yes. All admitted freshmen with qualifying GPA and ACT/SAT scores are automatically considered for Founders and Honors Scholarships worth up to $8,000 per year.
What is the Eagle Opportunity Scholarship?
It’s a need-based, last-dollar program for Pell-eligible Kentucky residents. After applying grants and other scholarships, MSU covers any remaining in-state tuition and mandatory fees. FAFSA must be filed by March 1.
What is the George M. Luckey Jr. Honors Scholarship?
The Luckey Scholarship is MSU’s top competitive award for Honors College students. It covers full in-state tuition and fees, housing, and includes a $1,000 annual stipend plus study abroad support.
Does MSU’s top automatic merit cover full tuition?
Not quite. The highest automatic award ($8,000) covers most of in-state tuition (~$10,500). Students often combine it with KEES or need-based aid to reach full coverage.
Can out-of-state students get reduced tuition?
Yes. MSU offers Border State Waivers and participates in the Academic Common Market (ACM) for specific majors, letting eligible out-of-state students pay near in-state rates.
When are the key deadlines?
Apply for admission and scholarships by February 15, and file the FAFSA by March 1 to qualify for both merit and need-based aid.
Scholarships & Awards — https://www.moreheadstate.edu/scholarships
Eagle Opportunity Program — https://www.moreheadstate.edu/financial-aid/eagle-opportunity-grant
Honors College (Luckey Scholarship) — https://www.moreheadstate.edu/academics/honors-college
Tuition & Fees — https://www.moreheadstate.edu/tuition
Academic Common Market — https://www.moreheadstate.edu/admissions/acm
Admissions & Superscore Policy — https://www.moreheadstate.edu/admissions
College Scorecard — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?157386-Morehead-State-University
IPEDS / NCES Data Center — https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=157386
College Board BigFuture — https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/morehead-state-university
💰 Cost of Attendance at Morehead State University
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12–18 credits) | $10,444 | $16,812 |
| Housing & Meals | $11,470 | $11,470 |
| Books & Supplies | $600* | $600* |
| Total (before aid) | $22,514 + travel/personal | $28,882 + travel/personal |
• Ohio Reciprocity — Eligible Ohio counties pay $11,444 instead of $16,812, saving about $5,368 per year.
• Academic Common Market (ACM) — MSU participates in the Academic Common Market, letting students from partner states pay in-state rates if their major isn’t offered back home.
Who qualifies? Ohio students from certain counties qualify automatically; ACM requires you to major in an approved program not offered in your state.
How much can you save? Ohio reciprocity cuts over $5,000 a year. ACM drops tuition all the way to the in-state rate (over $6,000 savings each year).
Is it automatic? Ohio reciprocity is automatic with residency proof. ACM requires a separate application through your home state’s higher education office.
University Cost of Attendance — https://www.moreheadstate.edu/admissions/tuition
Housing & Meal Rates — https://www.moreheadstate.edu/housing/rates
Scholarships & Aid — https://www.moreheadstate.edu/scholarships
Academic Common Market (ACM) — https://www.moreheadstate.edu/admissions/acm
Ohio Reciprocity Program — https://www.moreheadstate.edu/admissions/tuition#reciprocity
College Scorecard (U.S. Dept. of Education) — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?157386-Morehead-State-University
IPEDS / NCES Data Center — https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=157386
College Board BigFuture — https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/morehead-state-university/tuition-and-costs
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
These are admission-based awards. MSU evaluates GPA and (if submitted) test scores; no separate scholarship application is required for the awards listed here.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Resident Merit — Tier 1 | $10,000/yr | ~3.75 GPA & ACT 28+ (or SAT equiv). First-time freshmen from outside Kentucky. | No | Yes (full-time; renewal GPA per MSU) | Top OOS academics (high GPA, strong ACT/SAT if submitted) | March 15 (priority), June 15 (final) |
| Non-Resident Merit — Tier 2 | $7,000/yr | ~3.50 GPA & ACT 24+. First-time OOS freshmen. | No | Yes | OOS students, good GPA with solid mid-20s ACT/SAT | March 15 (priority), June 15 (final) |
| Non-Resident Merit — Tier 3* | $5,000/yr* | ~3.0 GPA & ACT 21+.* First-time OOS freshmen. | No | Yes | Mid-range OOS students (low-20s ACT/SAT) | March 15 (priority), June 15 (final) |
| Reciprocity Merit — Tier 1 (Ohio-eligible) | $7,000/yr | OOS freshmen from approved Ohio counties; ~3.75 GPA & ACT 28+ | No | Yes | Top Ohio reciprocity students (high GPA, top ACT/SAT) | March 15 (priority), June 15 (final) |
| Reciprocity Merit — Tier 2 (Ohio-eligible) | $4,000/yr | Approved Ohio counties; ~3.5 GPA & ACT 24+ | No | Yes | Competitive Ohio students, mid-20s ACT/SAT | March 15 (priority), June 15 (final) |
| Kentucky Resident Merit | $2,000–$8,000/yr (scaled GPA/ACT) | First-time KY freshmen; awards scale by GPA and (if submitted) ACT/SAT | No | Yes | Wide band from good to top Kentucky students | March 15 (priority), June 15 (final) |
| Alumni Family Scholarship | Up to $1,000/yr | Child, grandchild, or spouse of Morehead State alumnus; auto considered | No | Yes | Legacy families with solid academics; auto at admission | June 15 |
| SOAR Higher Scholarship | Full Tuition | VA/WV residents; 3.0 unweighted GPA & ACT 21+ | No | Yes (GPA, full-time) | Qualifying VA/WV students | June 15 |
| Governor’s Scholars/Arts/Entrepreneurs Award | Up to full tuition (varies by GPA/ACT) | Kentucky residents completing GSP, GSA, or GSE | No | Yes | KY governor’s program alumni w/ strong academics | March 15 (priority), June 15 (final) |
| Rogers Scholar Award | Scholarship + Housing Stipend (amount varies) | Rogers Scholar program alumni, entering as freshmen | No | Yes | Rogers Scholar alumni with program certificate | June 15 |
Notes: All key merit scholarships require only the admission application (no extra form). MSU’s priority deadline for most scholarships is March 15; final is June 15. Funds may be limited after priority date.
Test scores? MSU is test-optional, but ACT/SAT can increase automatic merit. Submit highest scores for best award tier.
Superscore? No published policy; use highest composite score. Contact admissions for clarification if needed.
Stacking with waivers? Some waivers cannot stack with top merit. Review your award letter for details.
Deadlines? March 15 (priority); June 15 (final) for most freshmen awards.
https://www.moreheadstate.edu/Scholarships/
https://www.moreheadstate.edu/Future-Eagles/Scholarships/
https://moreheadstate.academicworks.com/
https://www.moreheadstate.edu/Admissions/
https://www.moreheadstate.edu/Financial-Aid/
https://www.moreheadstate.edu/Foundations/
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (competitive university-wide)
These are MSU’s competitive (flagship) scholarships at the university level—selective awards that typically require extra steps like essays, interviews, or portfolio materials. This section uses “competitive scholarships” language so families (and search engines) understand that “flagship” = highly selective merit at the university level.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | What Makes It Competitive | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eagle Opportunity Scholarship | Full Tuition | Highly selective; separate application; holistic review including essays and extracurriculars | First-time freshmen with a record of academic achievement and service/leadership | Yes — separate Eagle Opportunity application | Yes (maintain GPA & full-time; 4 years max) | Dec 1 |
| YMCA Eagle SOAR Scholarship | Full Tuition | Very limited slots; competitive review, requires program affiliation and separate application | Incoming freshmen who participated in YMCA Eagle SOAR (see program for details) | Yes — separate application | Yes (renewal requires GPA and residency) | Dec 1 |
| Honors Scholarship (George M. Luckey Jr.) | Full Tuition, housing, meal plan, book stipend, $1,500 study abroad | Prestigious award—separate Honors College app, competitive essays, interview, and academic record | Admitted to the George M. Luckey Jr. Honors College (GPA and academic rigor strongly considered; ACT/SAT recommended but not always required) | Yes — separate Honors admissions process | Yes (maintain Honors standing; up to 8 semesters) | Dec 1 |
What makes these “flagship” or competitive? They are selective, university-wide awards that go beyond automatic review. They require a separate application, essays, and have limited slots.
What are the deadlines? All flagship scholarships have a Dec 1 deadline for 2025–26. Refer to the scholarship or Honors portal for changes each year.
Do they stack with automatic merit? Usually, these replace or cap other institutional scholarships to not exceed MSU’s cost of attendance.
Who actually wins? High-GPA, high-involvement, and service-oriented students with strong essays and academic profiles are the best positioned.
https://www.moreheadstate.edu/Scholarships/
https://www.moreheadstate.edu/Financial-Aid/
https://www.moreheadstate.edu/Admissions/
https://www.moreheadstate.edu/Out-of-State-Scholarships/
https://www.moreheadstate.edu/George-Luckey-Honors/
https://www.moreheadstate.edu/YMCA-SOAR-Scholarship/
🎖️ Honors College
Morehead State’s Honors College—formally the George M. Luckey, Jr. Academic Honors Program—offers high-achieving students a tight-knit learning community with the perks and resources of a larger university. It’s the home of MSU’s most competitive scholarship and provides a pathway for students aiming at graduate school, research, or leadership-heavy careers.
GPA in the 3.7–4.0 range, strong ACT/SAT (if submitted), AP/dual credit or advanced coursework, and leadership/service involvement. Admission is by application with essays, a writing sample, and an interview.
- Priority registration for classes
- Dedicated Honors housing in Fields Hall
- Small, seminar-style courses with faculty mentorship
- Undergraduate research funding and support for study abroad
- Capstone thesis project with faculty guidance
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| George M. Luckey, Jr. Honors Scholarship | Full ride: tuition, Honors housing, meal plan, book stipend, plus $1,500 study abroad | Incoming freshmen admitted to the Honors College with outstanding academics, leadership, and commitment to rigorous study | Yes — essays, sample work, recommendation, and interview | Yes — must retain Honors/GPA and degree progress, up to 8 semesters | Top applicants: GPA often near 4.0, advanced courses, interviews, leadership/service | December 1 |
Honors College FAQ
Is admission automatic? No. You must apply separately to the Honors College and to the Honors Scholarship, with a December 1 deadline.
Does Honors add time to your degree? No. Honors is designed to fit within a four-year plan. Research and thesis components require careful planning with your advisor.
What makes this award special? It’s MSU’s most prestigious scholarship, covering tuition, fees, books, housing, meals, and study abroad.
Who typically earns it? Students with top GPAs and leadership, advanced courses, and strong essays/interview skills do best.
https://www.moreheadstate.edu/honors-scholarship/
https://www.moreheadstate.edu/academic-honors-program/
https://www.moreheadstate.edu/scholarships/
https://www.moreheadstate.edu/financial-aid/
⭐ College Specialty
Morehead State University may be smaller than some flagship campuses, but it has carved out a national reputation in a few standout fields. Families looking at MSU often hear about its space science labs or its strong professional programs that feed Kentucky’s workforce.
🚀 Space Science & Aerospace Engineering — MSU operates one of the nation’s leading undergraduate space science programs, complete with its own Space Science Center and CubeSat satellite missions.
- Veterinary Technology: Among the first four-year vet tech programs in Kentucky, with upgraded facilities in 2025 and strong career placement statewide.
- Nursing (BSN & RN-to-BSN): Consistently ranked a top Kentucky nursing program for NCLEX pass rates and workforce readiness.
- Education: Recognized regionally for producing teachers, especially in STEM and rural education pipelines.