University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC) Scholarships (2026–2027)
← Back to the College Scholarships Hub • See Missouri state aid
Last Updated on March 5, 2026- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit tiers for Missouri, Kansas, and nonresidents
- Competitive Foundation awards and hidden-gem scholarships
- Honors perks and UMKC’s standout academic specialties
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~72%
- Middle 50% ACT: 20–28
- Middle 50% SAT: 1290–1540
- Average HS GPA: 3.47 (unweighted)
Source: UMKC Undergraduate Admissions, Common Data Set 2024–2025.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
UMKC at a Glance
UMKC blends city-campus opportunities with major university resources—especially strong in health sciences, engineering, business, and arts. Scholarships include both automatic merit for strong academics and competitive Foundation awards that can stack with need-based aid.
Start with Missouri or Kansas resident rates, explore Metro and Heartland Rate options for nearby states, and layer in UMKC’s automatic and competitive scholarships for maximum savings.
FAQ
Is UMKC test-optional?
Yes. UMKC remains test-optional for admissions; ACT/SAT scores are optional for both admission and most scholarships.
Do Kansas students pay in-state tuition?
Yes. Through the Metro Rate program, Kansas residents qualify for in-state tuition at UMKC.
What’s the average net price?
About $14,739 per year after scholarships and grants (IPEDS 2023 data).
What majors is UMKC known for?
UMKC is nationally recognized for health sciences, engineering, business, and arts programs.
https://www.umkc.edu/admissions/
https://finaid.umkc.edu/affordability/
https://www.umkc.edu/cashiers/tuition-fees/
https://honors.umkc.edu/
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/university-of-missouri-kansas-city
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?178402-University-of-Missouri-Kansas-City
https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=178402
💰 Cost of Attendance at UMKC
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once the university releases official 2026–2027 numbers.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category | In-State (MO & KS) | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $11,271 | $28,023 |
| Housing & Meals | $7,824 | $7,824 |
| Total (before aid) | $19,095 | $35,847 |
Note: We keep the table to direct, billable charges parents see on the term bill (tuition/fees + housing/food). Other allowances (books/supplies, transportation, and personal expenses) vary widely by student and are excluded from the table to avoid inflating expectations. UMKC will still budget those items when packaging financial aid.
Cost & Reciprocity FAQ
Why don’t you include books, travel, and personal costs in the table?
Those are indirect costs that vary a lot by student. We list only the direct charges most families see on the university bill.
Do Kansas students need a separate reciprocity application?
No. UMKC bills Kansas residents at the in-state rate once residency is documented.
Can scholarships bring nonresident costs close to in-state?
Yes. Competitive awards and need-based grants can significantly reduce the out-of-state total; Kansas students already pay the in-state rate.
https://finaid.umkc.edu/cost-of-attendance/
https://umkc.edu/admissions/
https://umkc.edu/financial-aid/
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/university-of-missouri-kansas-city
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?177041-University-of-Missouri-Kansas-City
https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=177041
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
UMKC automatically considers all first-time college students for a range of merit scholarships when they apply for admission. No separate application is required. These awards are based on high school GPA and, if submitted, ACT/SAT scores (UMKC superscores if you submit them). Renewal requires full-time enrollment and maintaining the GPA/credit load listed for each award.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curators’ Scholar Award | $5,000/yr | Missouri residents; ACT ≥28 or GPA ≥3.75 | No | Yes (2.75 GPA & 12+ credits/semester) | Top MO students with high GPA or ACT | Rolling (by May 1 for Fall best consideration) |
| Academic Excellence Award | $5,000/yr | Kansas residents; ACT ≥28 or GPA ≥3.75 | No | Yes (2.75 GPA & 12+ credits) | Top KS students with high GPA or ACT | Rolling (by May 1 for Fall best consideration) |
| Chancellor’s Award | $3,500/yr | MO or KS residents; ACT ≥25 or GPA ≥3.5 | No | Yes (2.75 GPA & 12+ credits) | 3.5–3.7 GPA students, mid-20s ACT | Rolling (by May 1 for Fall best consideration) |
| Provost’s Award | $2,000/yr | MO or KS residents; ACT ≥22 or GPA ≥3.0 | No | Yes (2.75 GPA & 12+ credits) | Solid B students (3.0–3.4 GPA) | Rolling (by May 1 for Fall best consideration) |
| District HS Award | $1,500/yr | Grads of select Kansas City district high schools | No | Yes (2.5 GPA) | KC local students in designated schools | Rolling (by May 1 for Fall best consideration) |
| Metro KC HS Award | $1,000/yr | Graduates of select Greater KC metro-area high schools | No | Yes (2.5 GPA) | Students from designated metro schools | Rolling (by May 1 for Fall best consideration) |
| Roo Advantage Scholarship | Covers tuition & fees | Pell-eligible MO or KS residents who file FAFSA by April 1 (Fall) or Dec 1 (Spring) | No (FAFSA required) | Yes (2.5 GPA & 24 credits/year) | Low-income students who file FAFSA early | April 1 (Fall) / Dec 1 (Spring) |
*Students receive only one automatic merit scholarship—the highest for which they qualify. Complete the application for admission by May 1 (priority) for best consideration.
Automatic Merit FAQ
Do I need to apply separately? No. All admitted students are automatically considered for these merit awards.
Does UMKC superscore ACT/SAT? Yes. UMKC considers your best section scores from all submitted test dates, but is test-optional—GPA alone can qualify you.
Can these stack with other awards? UMKC’s automatic merit scholarships cannot be combined with one another; only the highest one applies, but these awards can stack with state grants or Pell funding.
https://finaid.umkc.edu/types-of-aid/scholarships/automatic-scholarships/
https://finaid.umkc.edu/types-of-aid/scholarships/first-time-college/
https://umkc.edu/admissions/finances/
https://catalog.umkc.edu/undergraduate-admissions/freshman/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
UMKC offers a wide range of donor-funded and Foundation scholarships that require an extra application step (essays, recommendations, and department criteria). Students apply through the UMKC Scholarship Portal (AcademicWorks), which opens October 1 each year. Most competitive scholarship deadlines are March 1 for fall entry, with some specialty or external awards (like KC Scholars) running separate deadlines in January or February.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UMKC Foundation Scholarships | $500–$5,000/yr (varies) | Undergraduates; merit, leadership, need, major, or donor intent | Yes — Scholarship Portal | Most are renewable with GPA/major | Students with 3.3+ GPA, leadership, service, or strong essays | March 1 |
| KC Scholars Program | Up to $10,000/yr | KC metro high schoolers; need-based; FAFSA/w2 required | Yes — KC Scholars app | Yes — with GPA and full-time | Pell-eligible, first-gen, or low-income local students | Late Feb (app), May (award notifies) |
| School/College-Specific Awards | $1,000–$7,500/yr (varies) | STEM, Nursing, Conservatory, Business, Education majors | Yes — dept or portal | Yes — GPA/major | Academic performers, talent (arts auditions), leadership in the field | March 1 |
*Eligibility and amounts based on current Scholarship Portal listings; check each year for updates or major-specific dates.
Competitive Scholarship FAQ
Why are these competitive? Separate application, essays, recs, or auditions; funding is limited and many require interviews or department nominations.
Are deadlines earlier than admissions? Yes—March 1 is main campus deadline; a few specialty awards (e.g., KC Scholars) have late February or earlier deadlines.
Can these stack with merit? Often yes, but check each donor award; some replace automatic merit of lower value.
Do out-of-state students qualify? Yes, most competitive/donor awards are open to all admits, regardless of state.
https://finaid.umkc.edu/types-of-aid/scholarships/competitive/
https://finaid.umkc.edu/types-of-aid/scholarships/foundation/
https://finaid.umkc.edu/types-of-aid/scholarships/kc-scholars/
https://umkc.academicworks.com/
🎖 Honors College at UMKC
The UMKC Honors College provides high-achieving students an enriched academic experience, including priority registration, research and travel funding, and a residential learning community. Admission is by separate application, weighing GPA, coursework rigor, and a demonstrated drive for leadership, research, or community impact. Priority deadlines typically fall in February–March each year, so early application is important.
High school GPA of 3.7+ (unweighted), AP/IB or dual-enrollment coursework, a record of leadership or service, and a clear interest in research/creative projects.
- Priority course registration and Honors-only seminars
- Dedicated housing and active peer community
- Faculty mentorship for research, service, and creative work
- Funding for undergraduate research, study abroad, and national conferences
- Support for a senior capstone or thesis
| Honors College Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | How to Win | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Talbott Honors Program Scholarship | $1,000+ per year | Current active Honors College students of any major | Yes — separate Talbott application | Yes — for continued good standing | Engagement in Honors coursework, events, and regular application each spring | Early March (check annually) |
Honors College FAQ
Is admission automatic? No—students must submit a separate Honors College application (with essays and recommendations) or may be invited based on academic strength.
Does Honors add to your time at UMKC? No—Honors coursework, research, and community experiences are integrated with standard graduation timelines and requirements.
Are there scholarships just for Honors? The Talbott Honors Program Scholarship is a competitive, Honors-only award for active students. Beyond Talbott, Honors students are prioritized for research stipends, travel funding, and departmental awards, but there is no automatic full-tuition Honors scholarship.
When do you apply? Applications for the Honors College open in the fall and are typically due by early March for full consideration (earlier is better for both admission and the Talbott award).
https://honors.umkc.edu/prospective-students/
https://honors.umkc.edu/current-students/scholarships/
https://finaid.umkc.edu/types-of-aid/scholarships/
https://umkc.academicworks.com/
⭐ What UMKC Is Known For
UMKC is Kansas City’s only **R1 research university**, putting it in the top 6% of U.S. institutions for research activity. That means students have access to real-world discovery, cutting-edge labs, and hands-on opportunities—while still enjoying programs that thrive across the arts, business, medicine, law, and innovation.
Other programs that shine regionally and nationally:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice & Doctor of Pharmacy – Both ranked in the U.S. Top 40 for excellence.
- Nursing (Doctor of Nursing Practice) – U.S. News ranked UMKC’s doctoral nursing program #19 nationally.
- MFA Costume Design (Theatre) – A top-10 program in the nation, per The Hollywood Reporter.
- Bloch School of Management (Business & Public Admin) – AACSB-accredited; UMKC’s MBA ranked #105 nationally; MPA in Nonprofit Management among the top 25 programs.
- Education, Social Work & Psychological Sciences – UMKC’s graduate school ranked #65 among public ed programs by U.S. News.