🎓 University of Missouri (Mizzou) Scholarships & Aid (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit scholarships (clear GPA/test thresholds)
- Competitive and departmental awards worth applying for
- Honors and out-of-state tuition reductions
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~78.5% (CDS 2024–25)
- Middle 50% ACT: 24–31
- Middle 50% SAT: 1180–1480
- Average HS GPA: 3.58
Source: University of Missouri Common Data Set 2024–25 and Office of Admissions.
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University of Missouri at a Glance
Last verified: October 15, 2025
The University of Missouri—better known as Mizzou—is one of the most affordable major research universities in the U.S. for strong students. Between automatic merit, regional tuition programs, and a generous state aid network, most families pay far less than the sticker price.
Out-of-state students often qualify for scholarships that cut costs by tens of thousands, while Missouri residents enjoy additional state aid and low in-state tuition. With world-class programs in journalism, health sciences, and business, Mizzou delivers flagship value with big-campus energy.
FAQ
Does Mizzou offer automatic scholarships? Yes — students are automatically considered for awards like the Chancellor’s, Excellence, and Mark Twain Scholarships.
Are there full-ride scholarships? Yes — the Stamps and Brooks Scholarships can cover full tuition, housing, and additional stipends for top students.
Does Mizzou participate in MSEP? Yes — students from participating Midwest states qualify for reduced nonresident tuition.
What’s the average net price? Around $18,000 after aid (College Scorecard 2025).
Common Data Set (2024–25): https://oira.missouri.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/CDS_2024-2025.pdf
Undergraduate Admissions — Automatic scholarships (Chancellor’s, Mark Twain, Border State): https://admissions.missouri.edu/cost-aid/scholarships/
Competitive & full-ride programs (Stamps and Brooks): https://honors.missouri.edu/stamps-and-brooks-scholars/
Honors College (overview and admission): https://honors.missouri.edu/
Test policy and superscoring: https://admissions.missouri.edu/apply/test-options/
Application deadlines (priority and regular): https://admissions.missouri.edu/apply/first-time-college-students/
Financial aid overview & FAFSA details: https://financialaid.missouri.edu/
College Scorecard (average net price): https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?178396-University-of-Missouri-Columbia
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Missouri (2025–2026)
Mizzou’s costs vary slightly by academic major but remain moderate for a flagship university—especially after factoring in automatic merit awards and Missouri’s in-state rates. Out-of-state families often reduce costs significantly through the Border State Award or the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP).
| Category | Missouri Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees (Varies by major) | ~$14,837 | ~$36,056 |
| Housing & Meals | $15,008 | $15,008 |
| Estimated Total (On-Campus) | ~$29,000–$33,000 | ~$51,000–$55,000 |
Why we only show tuition & housing: Mizzou’s full “cost of attendance” also includes books, transportation, and personal expenses, but these are estimated allowances rather than billed costs. The table above reflects the direct university-billed charges most families actually pay.
For Missouri families earning $48K–$75K, the typical net cost after scholarships and grants is about $18,000 per year.
Mizzou participates in the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP) and also offers the Border State Award, providing $3,000 per year to students from nearby states like Kansas, Iowa, Arkansas, and Illinois. These awards can often stack with larger automatic scholarships.
❓ Cost & Aid FAQs
Why does tuition vary by major?
The University of Missouri uses a tiered tuition model, meaning programs in engineering, health sciences, and business cost slightly more per credit hour than liberal arts majors.
Can out-of-state students get in-state rates?
Not automatically, but qualifying through MSEP or the Border State Award can bring total costs close to in-state pricing.
How many students receive aid?
About 90% of freshmen receive some form of financial assistance—grants, scholarships, or work-study—with average awards of roughly $11,700 per year.
When should families apply for aid?
Submit the FAFSA by February 1 to be considered for Mizzou’s priority aid and scholarship deadlines.
Official 2025–26 cost of attendance: https://financialaid.missouri.edu/estimated-costs/
Tuition & mandatory fees (resident/nonresident breakdown): https://cashiers.missouri.edu/cost/
Housing & dining rates (Residence Life): https://reslife.missouri.edu/housing-rates/
Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP) eligibility: https://msep.mhec.org/institutions/university-missouri-columbia
Border State Award program details: https://admissions.missouri.edu/cost-aid/scholarships/border-state-award/
College Scorecard (average net price verification): https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?178396-University-of-Missouri-Columbia
Automatic Scholarships at Mizzou
Mizzou automatically considers every incoming freshman for merit-based scholarships—no separate application required. Awards are based on a combination of GPA, course rigor, and test scores (if submitted). Strong academics may also pair with residency-based discounts (e.g., border-state) or legacy-based awards.
Superscoring: Mizzou uses your best ACT or SAT superscore for admission and scholarship consideration, combining your highest section scores across test dates.
No official cutoffs published: GPAs and test score ranges below are typical of past recipients and admitted-student data; actual thresholds can shift each year based on the applicant pool and funding.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility (plain English) | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Twain — Level 1 | $21,500 per year | Typically 3.9+ GPA and 34+ ACT / 1480+ SAT (superscored) | No | Yes (4 years; good standing) | National-caliber academics from any state | Automatic with admission; apply by priority date |
| Mark Twain — Level 2 | $8,500 per year | Usually 3.5–3.89 GPA and 29–33 ACT / 1330–1470 SAT | No | Yes (4 years) | Strong out-of-state students in holistic review | Automatic with admission; apply by priority date |
| Black & Gold — Level 1 | $21,500 per year | Parent or grandparent Mizzou alum + around 3.9 GPA and 34+ ACT | No | Yes (4 years) | High-achieving legacy students (nonresident) | Automatic with admission; legacy verification required |
| Black & Gold — Level 2 | $11,000 per year | Legacy + ~3.5–3.89 GPA and 29–33 ACT | No | Yes (4 years) | Nonresident legacy students with solid academics | Automatic with admission; legacy verification required |
| Border State Award | $3,000 per year | Residency in AR, IL, IA, KS, KY, NE, OK, or TN + ~2.75+ GPA | No | Yes (annual review) | Qualified nonresidents from bordering states; often stacks | Automatic with admission; confirm residency early |
Weighted GPA: Mizzou typically evaluates the weighted GPA reported by your high school; if both appear, the higher value may be considered in scholarship review.
Note: Award amounts, eligibility ranges, and stackability policies can change each cycle. Always verify current details in the admitted-student portal and Mizzou’s official scholarship pages.
FAQs About Automatic Scholarships at Mizzou
Do I need to submit test scores?
Mizzou is test-optional for admission, but submitting ACT/SAT can improve eligibility for larger awards. Superscoring uses your best section results across test dates.
Are the Border State Award and Mark Twain stackable?
Often yes; many students can combine a Mark Twain level with the Border State Award, subject to current stacking rules and total aid limits.
Which GPA does Mizzou use?
Typically the weighted GPA from your transcript. If both weighted and unweighted appear, scholarship review may consider the higher number.
What are the renewal requirements?
Most automatic awards renew up to 4 years with full-time enrollment and roughly a 2.75 college GPA (confirm the exact requirement for your award year).
Competitive & Departmental Scholarships
In addition to automatic awards, Mizzou offers selective scholarships that may require essays, résumés, interviews, or separate applications—often by December 1. These include national-level programs and college/department awards.
What counts as competitive here? These scholarships are not in the automatic-merit grid. They require extra steps and are awarded to a small, selected group (e.g., Stamps, Mizzou Scholars) after committee review.
| Scholarship / Program | Award Amount | Eligibility (plain English) | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stamps Scholars Award | Full tuition + enrichment (≈$16,000+) | High academic record; leadership; essays; typical ACT 32–36 / SAT 1420–1600 | Yes (via status portal) | Yes (4 years; good standing) | Top applicants with documented leadership and fit | December 1 |
| Mizzou Scholars Award (Missouri residents) | ~$11,000 per year | MO resident; strong academics; typical ACT 33–36 / SAT 1450–1600 | Yes (résumé + essay) | Yes (annual review) | Highest-achieving in-state applicants | December 1 |
| Columns Award (nonresidents) | ≈$15,000 per year (limited) | Early applicants; academics; may consider geography and legacy | No (automatic consideration) | Often (good standing) | Nonresident admits who stand out in holistic review | Priority admission timeline |
| General & Departmental Scholarships | Varies (hundreds available) | By major, first-gen, need, service, or donor criteria | Yes (ScholarshipUniverse) | Varies | Admitted students who complete profiles and meet fund criteria | Commonly early January (e.g., Jan 7) |
FAQs About Competitive & Departmental Scholarships
How do I apply for Stamps or Mizzou Scholars?
Use your Mizzou status page to submit the required materials (résumé, essay, and any prompts) by December 1. Some programs may include interviews.
What is ScholarshipUniverse?
It’s Mizzou’s portal for matching students to departmental/donor scholarships. After admission, build your profile and apply to matched opportunities. Many close in early January.
Why aren’t departmental dollar amounts listed?
Donor-funded amounts vary year to year. Expect many awards in the $500–$3,000 range, with some larger. You’ll see exact amounts after you apply and are matched/selected.
Can I stack competitive awards with other aid?
Often yes, up to your cost of attendance. Check current stacking rules; aid offices typically reduce loans/work-study before reducing scholarships.
Mizzou Honors College
The Honors College at the University of Missouri is a small academic community within a large public university, offering motivated students deeper discussion, early research, and personalized advising. For many first-generation families, it’s a strong way to find mentorship and community on campus.
Honors students benefit from priority registration, faculty mentorship, small seminar courses, and access to exclusive scholarships and research programs. Whether your student is planning on graduate school or simply wants a more connected experience, Honors provides structure and support from day one.
Who’s eligible?
- ACT 31+ or SAT 1390+ → automatically eligible
- ACT 28–30 or SAT 1300–1380 → eligible with 3.75+ GPA or top 20% of class
- 3.75+ core GPA alone may also qualify
Applications open in mid-September after Mizzou admission.
Honors housing is optional but popular. Many students live in Mark Twain Hall or Honors-designated floors, known for quieter environments, strong academic focus, and built-in study groups.
Students who aren’t sure if Honors is “for them” often find it’s more about opportunity than pressure—smaller classes, dedicated advising, and earlier access to research make it a valuable option for many high-achieving or first-generation students.
FAQs About the Mizzou Honors College
How do you apply to the Honors College?
First, your student must be admitted to Mizzou. If they meet the academic thresholds, they’ll receive an invitation to apply through the Mizzou Status Page (not the Common App). The Honors application typically opens in mid-September and includes short essays.
What are the main benefits?
Honors students get priority registration, small seminar-style classes, early access to research funding, and personalized advising. Many also find it easier to pursue competitive scholarships and fellowships like Truman or Fulbright.
Is Honors “more work” or just different?
Honors classes aren’t necessarily harder—they’re more interactive. Courses emphasize discussion, research, and creative projects rather than extra homework. Most students say the smaller size makes them feel supported, not stressed.
Are there scholarships just for Honors students?
Honors students are eligible for unique opportunities such as:
- Stamps Scholars: Full tuition + enrichment stipend
- Discovery Fellows: $3,000 research grant
- Honors Housing Award: Room & board for Pell-eligible students
Can students join later if not invited freshman year?
Yes. Students can apply after their first year if they maintain a 3.7+ GPA and have at least two semesters remaining. The lateral-entry process includes a brief essay, résumé, and activity summary.
Does being in Honors help with graduate or professional school?
Absolutely. Honors students often develop stronger faculty relationships for recommendation letters, gain research or publication experience through programs like Discovery Fellows, and demonstrate the academic rigor grad schools value.
🎯 What the University of Missouri Is Known For
The University of Missouri—better known as Mizzou—is the state’s flagship and a public R1 Research University. Known for pioneering journalism education and hands-on research, Mizzou blends Big Ten–style academics with SEC energy. Its programs in journalism, agriculture, veterinary medicine, and health sciences attract students nationwide.
Established in 1908 as the world’s first journalism school, Mizzou’s J-School remains one of the nation’s best. It’s ranked among the Top 10 journalism programs (College Factual 2025) and is home to real working media outlets like the Columbia Missourian and NBC affiliate KOMU-TV, where students gain hands-on newsroom experience.
- College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) — Ranked among the Top 15 public agriculture colleges, with nationally recognized programs in animal science, agribusiness, and plant genetics.
- College of Engineering — Known for strong research in biomedical, chemical, and civil engineering, and partnerships with major regional employers like Boeing and Honeywell.
- School of Medicine & Health Professions — The MU School of Medicine ranks among the Top 75 medical schools for primary care (U.S. News 2025) and is expanding its clinical network through MU Health Care.
- College of Education & Human Development — Recognized among the Top 50 graduate education programs in the country, particularly in counseling psychology and curriculum leadership.
- Trulaske College of Business — Ranked within the Top 60 public business schools, offering accredited programs in accounting, finance, and marketing.
- College of Veterinary Medicine — The state’s only veterinary college, with top-tier national rankings in comparative medicine and animal health research.