Scholarships and financial aid can lessen your tuition costs.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Applying for a department scholarship
You have access to exclusive scholarships within our department.
To apply, complete your:
What are the requirements?
For many scholarships, your grades are the biggest factor.
Your financial need, major and campus or community service can help you earn scholarships, too.
More options
You may also qualify for scholarships from the College of Education (COE), additional university-wide scholarships or financial aid. COE awards about 60 scholarships each year. You’re considered for every scholarship in which you’re eligible.
For more information, refer to the office of student financial aid.
Graduate assistantships
A graduate assistantship covers your tuition costs for a master's degree.
Frances Buchholz Memorial Scholarship
Value
Amount varies year to year based on availability of funds.
Application
Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.
Selection criteria
Awarded annually to a student majoring in Elementary Education, intending to teach in an elementary school. Serious consideration will be given to all ways in which potential recipients might contribute to a diverse educational environment.
Renewal criteria
This scholarship cannot be renewed.
Dick and Pauline Tuter Memorial Scholarship
Value
A single $1,000 scholarship will be awarded.
Application
Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.
This scholarship considers financial need. Please submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) preferably by Feb. 1.
Selection criteria
A single scholarship valued at $1,000 will be awarded annually to a full-time student seeking a degree in Child and Family Development or a graduate student who already received such a degree. Must have an overall GPA of 2.5 and a departmental GPA of 3.0. First priority to undergraduates graduating from a high school in McDonald or Newton County in MO. Second priority to undergraduates graduating from a high school in SWMO. Third priority to graduate students that graduated from high school in SWMO. Awards made with regard for financial need.
Renewal criteria
This scholarship can be renewed, but students must reapply to be considered for renewal.
Burnell Joe Sumners Memorial Scholarship
Value
Amount varies year to year based on availability of funds.
Application
Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.
Selection criteria
To be eligible for this scholarship, you must:
- Be a full-time junior or greater with a major in elementary or secondary education
- Have an overall 2.5 GPA and a departmental GPA of 3.0
Renewal criteria
This scholarship is renewed automatically. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and a major GPA of 3.0.
Trudy Martin Annin Scholarship Fund
Value
A single $1,000 scholarship will be awarded each year.
Application
Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.
Selection criteria
The Recipient of this award will be an undergraduate student properly enrolled at Missouri State University. The Donor desires that when awarding this scholarship, special consideration should be given for a student who is pursuing a teaching degree in Elementary Education. Preference should be given to a student who attended Springfield, Missouri, public schools. Recipient should have a GPA of 2.5 or above.
Renewal criteria
This scholarship cannot be renewed.
Ruby Stecker Memorial Scholarship
Value
Amount varies year to year based on availability of funds.
Application
Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.
This scholarship considers financial need. Please submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) preferably by Feb. 1.
Selection criteria
To be eligible for this scholarship, you must:
- Be a full-time sophomore or greater with a major in the College of Education
- Have an overall GPA of 3.0
Award is made with regard to financial need.
Renewal criteria
This scholarship cannot be renewed.
Madalene Robertson Boritzki Scholarship Award
Value
Two scholarships are awarded annually. The amount varies year to year based on the availability of funds.
Application
Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.
Selection criteria
To be eligible for this scholarship, you must:
- Be a sophomore or greater
- Be a full-time student
- Have an overall GPA of 2.5
- Intend to pursue a career teaching in the U.S. in a K-12 public school
Renewal criteria
This scholarship is renewed automatically. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5.
Emily Nelson Moseley Memorial Scholarship
Value
Number of awards and values dependent on the availability of funding, but awards are generally for $1,000 - $2,000.
Application
Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.
Selection criteria
Awarded annually to a full-time sophomore or greater majoring in the College of Education. Must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a desire to teach Special Education Students. Scholarship automatically renewed as long as the student maintains satisfactory academic progress.
Renewal criteria
This scholarship is renewed automatically. Automatically renewed as long as the student maintains satisfactory academic progress and remains enrolled in 12 credit hours per semester.
Dr. Jim Layton Scholarship
Value
Number of awards and value dependent on the availability of funding, but awards are generally for $500 - $1,000.
Application
Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.
Selection criteria
Awarded annually to a full-time seniors or graduate students seeking a MS in Reading, undergraduate or graduate degree in Early Childhood, Middle School, Elementary or Special Education.
Renewal criteria
This scholarship can be renewed, but students must reapply to be considered for renewal.
Sandra K. Schoen Memorial Scholarship
Value
Award number and values dependent on the availability of funding, but awards are generally for $500 - $1,000.
Application
Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.
Selection criteria
Awarded annually to a full-time student majoring in Child Development with career goals to work with abused children. Sophomores or greater must have an overall and departmental GPA of 2.5. Must submit a letter outlining interests and career goals in the field. Scholarship will be automatically renewed as long as the student maintains satisfactory academic progress.
Renewal criteria
This scholarship is renewed automatically. Automatically renewed as long as the student maintains satisfactory academic progress and remains enrolled in 12 credit hours per semester.
Aubry F. and Leta E. Chastain Scholarship
Value
Amount varies year to year based on availability of funds.
Application
Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.
Selection criteria
This scholarship is awarded annually to an undergraduate student who is:
- From southwest Missouri
- Seeking a degree in elementary or secondary education
Incoming freshman will be considered based on high school academic performance and leadership, while current students must have an overall GPA of 2.5.
Renewal criteria
This scholarship can be renewed, but students must reapply to be considered for renewal. Reapplication will be subject to full review.
Hardy and Betty Baker Scholarship
Value
Amount varies year to year based on availability of funds.
Application
Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.
This scholarship considers financial need. Please submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) preferably by Feb. 1.
Selection criteria
To be eligible for this scholarship, you must:
- Be a full-time student graduating from Crane High School in Crane, MO or a high school in Springfield, MO
- Have an overall GPA of 2.5, if you are a sophomore or greater
- Be seeking a degree within the College of Education
Awards are made with regard to financial need. First preference will be given to students from Crane.
Renewal criteria
This scholarship can be renewed, but students must reapply to be considered for renewal. Reapplication will be subject to full review.
Jim & Vi Pollard Memorial Scholarship Fund
Value
Amount varies year to year based on availability of funds.
Application
Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.
This scholarship considers financial need. Please submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) preferably by Feb. 1.
Selection criteria
To be eligible for this scholarship, you must:
- Be an undergraduate student
- Be seeking a degree from the College of Education
- Have demonstrated financial need
- Have an overall GPA of 2.5
- Have demonstrated good high school academic performance and leadership, for incoming freshmen.
Renewal criteria
This scholarship can be renewed, but students must reapply to be considered for renewal. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress and continue to meet all the criteria for the scholarship.
Fred Esser Leadership Scholarship
Value
Scholarship amount varies depending on the availability of the funding.
Application
Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.
This scholarship considers financial need. Please submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) preferably by Feb. 1.
Selection criteria
The Recipient of this award at Missouri State University may be a freshman, sophomore, junior or senior. Student must be a full-time student and have a 3.0 GPA. Preference will be given to students that demonstrate financial need and are in a leadership role on campus. Preference will also be given to Wheaton High School graduates and College of Education students.
Renewal criteria
This scholarship can be renewed, but students must reapply to be considered for renewal. This scholarship may be renewed if there are no new qualified applicants. If there is a new qualified applicant, it shall be awarded to that applicant
Bradley Family Fund
Value
A single scholarship will be awarded annually, but value will be dependent on the availability of funding. Generally awards are valued at $1,000 - $1,250.
Application
Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.
Selection criteria
A scholarship will be awarded annually to a full-time undergraduate student properly enrolled at Missouri State University in good academic standing. The recipient of this award must be a Missouri resident who is seeking a degree that will allow him or her to pursue a K-12 teaching career in Missouri.
Renewal criteria
This scholarship can be renewed, but students must reapply to be considered for renewal.
Child/Family Development Laboratory Scholarship
Value
Award number and values dependent on the availability of funding.
Application
Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.
Selection criteria
Renewal criteria
This scholarship cannot be renewed.
William E. Albertson Memorial Scholarship
Value
Amount varies year to year based on availability of funds.
Application
Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.
This scholarship considers financial need. Please submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) preferably by Feb. 1.
Selection criteria
To be eligible for this scholarship, you must:
- Be a graduate student enrolled in at least three hours
- Be seeking a master's degree in education
- Have one year experience teaching and a valid teaching certificate
Consideration is based on academic performance and financial need. Preference is given to non-traditional students.
Renewal criteria
This scholarship can be renewed, but students must reapply to be considered for renewal. Reapplication will be subject to full review.
Bernice Jackson Scholarship
Value
Amount varies year to year based on availability of funds
Application
Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.
This scholarship considers financial need. Please submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) preferably by Feb. 1.
Selection criteria
To be eligible for this scholarship, you must:
- Be a full-time student seeking a degree in the College of Education
- Desire to pursue a career as a teacher, administrator, counselor or librarian
Incoming freshmen students considered based on high school academic performance and leadership. Sophomores or greater must have an overall GPA of 2.5. Award made with regard for financial need.
Renewal criteria
This scholarship can be renewed, but students must reapply to be considered for renewal. Reapplication will be subject to a full review.
Anna Lee Dugan Memorial Scholarship
Value
Amount varies year to year based on availability of funds.
Application
Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.
This scholarship considers financial need. Please submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) preferably by Feb. 1.
Selection criteria
To be eligible for this scholarship, you must:
- Be a full-time student majoring in elementary education
- Be a junior or senior with an overall GPA of 2.5 and a departmental GPA of 3.0
Awards are made with regard for financial need.
Renewal criteria
This scholarship is renewed automatically. Students must maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 and a major GPA of 3.0.
Childhood Education and Family Studies - Scholarships
Value
Award number and values dependent on the availability of funding.
Application
Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.
Selection criteria
Renewal criteria
This scholarship cannot be renewed.
Hispanic Initiative Educator Scholarship
Value
Amount varies year to year based on availability of funds.
Application
This scholarship considers financial need. Please submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) preferably by Feb. 1.
Students are not required to fill out the online General and Department Scholarship Application to apply for this scholarship. However, all students must complete the FAFSA.
In addition early childhood education and child and family development students must fill out the ECE and CFD Scholarship Application. The deadline for application is March 1.
Check with the College of Education to determine if any additional application materials are required.
Selection criteria
This scholarship is awarded to a Hispanic student pursuing a career in teaching. You must be in good standing in the program and be a full-time undergraduate or graduate student.
Renewal criteria
This scholarship can be renewed, but students must reapply to be considered for renewal. Reapplication will be subject to full review.
Patricia K. Scott Endowment
Value
Amount varies year to year based on availability of funds.
Application
Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.
Selection criteria
To be eligible for this scholarship, you must:
- Be a full-time student
- Have a major within the College of Education
- Have graduated from a high school in Greene County, MO
Incoming freshmen are considered based on high school academic performance and leadership. Sophomores or greater must have an overall GPA of 3.0.
Renewal criteria
This scholarship is renewed automatically. Students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
Nancy Larson Foundation Scholarship
Value
Five (5) $1000 scholarships
Application
Junior and senior college students who have declared an elementary education major should submit a letter explaining what three traits they believe they have that will make them a successful teacher. Entries will be accepted at www.nancylarsonfoundation.org until November 12, 2012. Winners will be announced on or around December 17, 2012.
Additional information
CONTACT:
Ellen Fenty-Morrison
Nancy Larson Foundation
ellen@nancylarsonfoundation.org
Don Delo Central/Parkview/Glendale High School Education Scholarship
Value
Amount varies year to year based on availability of funds.
Application
Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.
This scholarship considers financial need. Please submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) preferably by Feb. 1.
Selection criteria
To be eligible for this scholarship, you must:
- Be a full-time student pursuing a career in teaching (except physical education)
- Be a graduate from Central, Parkview or Glendale High Schools in Springfield, MO
- Have an overall GPA of 2.5
Preference will be given to those not receiving other institution or federal scholarships. Awards made with regard for financial need.
Renewal criteria
This scholarship can be renewed, but students must reapply to be considered for renewal. Reapplication will be subject to full review.
Reading, Foundations, and Technology Scholarships
Value
Number of awards and values dependent on the availability of funding.
Application
Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.
Selection criteria
There are currently no requirements for this scholarship other than being a student seeking a degree in the Department of Reading, Foundations, and Technology within the College of Education.
Renewal criteria
This scholarship cannot be renewed.
Jim & Ruth Craig Endowed Scholarship Fund
Value
Amount varies year to year based on availability of funds.
Application
Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.
This scholarship considers financial need. Please submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) preferably by Feb. 1.
Selection criteria
To be eligible for this scholarship, you must:
- Have a major with the College of Education planning a career in education as a teacher or counselor in K-12
- Be a graduate from a southwest Missouri high school
- Have an overall undergraduate GPA of 2.5, if you are a sophomore or greater
Awards are made with regard for financial need.
Renewal criteria
This scholarship cannot be renewed.
Dr. Rebecca Swearingen Scholarship
Value
Number of awards and values dependent on the availability of funding, but awards are generally $250 - $500.
Application
Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.
Selection criteria
Awarded annually to a graduate student seeking a MSEd in Reading Education enrolled in at least 3 hours.
Renewal criteria
This scholarship can be renewed, but students must reapply to be considered for renewal.
Marlyn Graff Rhoades Memorial Scholarship (COED)
Value
Number of awards and value dependent on the availability of funding, but awards are generally $1,000 - $1,250.
Application
Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.
Selection criteria
Awarded annually to an undergraduate student with at least 56 hours seeking a degree in Elementary Education in the College of Education with an overall GPA of 3.0. Must be a high school graduate from the 24-county area served by Missouri State University.
Renewal criteria
This scholarship cannot be renewed.
Peggy Pearl Child Development Lab Fund
Value
A single $1,000 scholarship will be awarded.
Application
Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.
Selection criteria
A single scholarship valued at $1,000 will be awarded annually based on the selection of the Director of the Child Development Lab with approval of the Dean of the College of Education. The student selected for the award should be a student worker or intern in the Child Development Lab.
Renewal criteria
This scholarship cannot be renewed.
Inmon Memorial Annual Endowed Scholarship Fund for the College of Education (COE)
Value
A single full-tuition scholarship will be awarded.
Application
Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.
Selection criteria
Awarded annually to a student seeking a degree in the Counseling Program. Student must be a United States citizen that honors the flag when the opportunity presents itself. Student must support themselves beyond their studies. Student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.2. Preference for Missouri Residents and for students with financial need. Scholarship automatically renewed as long as the student maintains satisfactory academic progress.
Renewal criteria
This scholarship is renewed automatically. Automatically renewed as long as the student maintains satisfactory academic progress and enrolls and completes 18 credit hours per year.
Harry J. Siceluff Memorial Award
Value
Amount varies year to year based on availability of funds.
Application
Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.
Selection criteria
This scholarship is awarded annually to students showing promise of becoming outstanding educators.
Renewal criteria
This scholarship cannot be renewed.
Wiley and Virginia Woodring Memorial Scholarship
Value
Amount varies year to year based on availability of funds.
Application
Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.
This scholarship considers financial need. Please submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) preferably by Feb. 1.
Selection criteria
This scholarship is awarded annually to a full-time student majoring in the College of Education with career plans to teach. Awards are made with regard for financial need.
Renewal criteria
This scholarship can be renewed, but students must reapply to be considered for renewal. Reapplication will be subject to full review.
Rosalie Covert Scholarship
Value
$2,200
Application
Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.
Selection criteria
To be eligible for this scholarship, you must:
- Be a full-time student seeking a degree within the College of Education
- Be a graduate of Lockwood High School in Lockwood, MO
Incoming freshman are considered based on high school academic performance and leadership.
Renewal criteria
This scholarship cannot be renewed.
Special Education Department Scholarships
Value
Number and value of awards dependent on the availability of funding.
Application
Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.
Selection criteria
There are currently no requirements for this scholarship other than being a student seeking a degree in the Department of Special Education.
Renewal criteria
This scholarship cannot be renewed.
Earl Lee and Ruth M. Sawyer Memorial Fund
Value
Amount varies year to year based on availability of funds.
Application
Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.
This scholarship considers financial need. Please submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) preferably by Feb. 1.
Selection criteria
To be eligible for this scholarship, you must:
- Be a full-time junior or senior majoring in early childhood, elementary, middle, secondary or special education
- Have an overall GPA of 2.5
Awards made with regard for financial need.
Renewal criteria
This scholarship cannot be renewed.
George Wise Memorial Scholarship
Value
Award number and values dependent on the availability of funding, but awards are generally for at least $500.
Application
Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.
Selection criteria
Awarded annually to a full-time student majoring in Child and Family Development. Juniors or greater must have a departmental GPA of 3.0. Must submit letter stating career plans and philosophy in the field. Scholarship will be automatically renewed for one additional year.
Renewal criteria
This scholarship is renewed automatically. Renewed automatically to be received for a maximum of 2 years as long as the student maintains satisfactory academic progress and remains enrolled in 12 credit hours per semester.
Kent and Pam Hedgpath Scholarship Award
Value
Amount varies year to year based on availability of funds.
Application
Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.
Selection criteria
To be eligible for this scholarship, you must:
- Be a full-time undergraduate student with an overall GPA of 3.0 that was involved in extracurricular activities in high school and has plans to pursue a career in education (elementary, secondary, coach, counselor, etc.)
- Have attended a rural southwest Missouri high school with less than 1,000 students total (K-12) in the district
- Complete the general essay on career and academic goals
Renewal criteria
This scholarship can be renewed, but students must reapply to be considered for renewal. Reapplication will be subject to full review.
Educational Administration Scholarships
Value
Number of awards and values dependent on the availability of funding.
Application
Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.
Selection criteria
There are currently no requirements for this scholarship other than being a graduate student seeking a degree in Educational Administration.
Renewal criteria
This scholarship cannot be renewed.
One-Room Schoolhouse Scholarship
Value
Amount varies year to year based on availability of funds.
Application
Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.
Selection criteria
This scholarship is awarded annually to a full-time sophomore or greater seeking a degree in the College of Education with an overall GPA of 2.5.
Renewal criteria
This scholarship can be renewed, but students must reapply to be considered for renewal. Reapplication will be subject to full review.
Helen Spangler Smith Scholarship for Education Majors
Value
Amount varies year to year based on availability of funds.
Application
Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.
This scholarship considers financial need. Please submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) preferably by Feb. 1.
Selection criteria
To be eligible for this scholarship, you must:
- Be a full-time student majoring in education
- Demonstrate satisfactory academic performance
- Be a U.S. citizen
Awards are made based on financial need.
Renewal criteria
This scholarship can be renewed, but students must reapply to be considered for renewal. Reapplication will be subject to full review.
Empo Allen Harmon Scholarship
Value
Award numbers and value dependent on the availability of funding, but awards are generally for $500 - $1,000.
Application
Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.
This scholarship considers financial need. Please submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) preferably by Feb. 1.
Selection criteria
Awarded annually to a full-time sophomore or greater seeking a degree leading to a career in Early Childhood Education with an overall GPA of 3.0. Awards made with regard for financial need. The scholarship will be automatically renewed for two additional years as long as the student maintains satisfactory academic progress.
Renewal criteria
This scholarship is renewed automatically. Automatically renewed to be received for a maximum of 3 years as long as the student maintains satisfactory academic progress.
Frank F. Thompson Memorial Scholarship
Value
Number of awards and values dependent on the availability of funding, but awards are generally for $500 - $1,000.
Application
Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.
This scholarship considers financial need. Please submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) preferably by Feb. 1.
Selection criteria
Awarded annually to a full-time student seeking a degree in Teaching with an overall GPA of 3.0 and demonstrating financial need.
Renewal criteria
This scholarship cannot be renewed.
Fern G. Ayres Education Scholarship
Value
The scholarship award amount shall be $3500 annually to one recipient.
Application
Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.
Selection criteria
The recipient of this award will be a non-traditional student properly enrolled full-time pursuing a degree in Elementary or Secondary Education. The student must have and maintain a GPA of 3.0. Recipient shall have graduated from a high school in either Stone or Taney county or currently reside in Stone or Taney county Missouri. If a student from Stone and Taney County is not eligible, them next preference should be given to a student from southwest Missouri.
Renewal criteria
This scholarship can be renewed, but students must reapply to be considered for renewal.