Best Colleges in Missouri for Associate, Bachelor’s & Master’s

Most Popular Degrees and Careers in Missouri

Cost of Missouri College Education & Salaries

Determining the costs and benefits of an education can be tricky. Education is not cheap, and tuition seem to rise all the time. However, it's nearly impossible to pursue a meaningful career without at least a bachelor's degree. Even if you feel you have the necessary skills for many jobs, employers need to see that you have completed a four-year degree program.

Thus, students need to figure out ways to pay for college while minimizing costs. The primary way to avoid exorbitant college costs is to attend a public, in-state university. When compared with out-of-state tuition, you can easily see the value of remaining in Missouri. Take a look at the range of academic opportunities in the state and the decision will be obvious.

Another way to cut costs is to complete your core courses at a community college. Many community colleges offer credits that will transfer easily to the University of Missouri school of your choice but be sure to confirm this in advance. In those first years, you can knock out courses such as English 101, foreign language requirements, and math/science core courses. Community colleges frequently have instructors that are the equal to those in top universities, and the class sizes are often smaller.

You can also apply for scholarships and grants. This is a great way to augment your costs. It doesn't take too long to put together a short essay and filling out the applications will get easier. While most awards hover in the low four-figures, the low dollar figure is padded by the status you'll have when you show that you were awarded scholarships. That means a lot to future employers.

At the end of the day, while the cost of a bachelor's degree is significant, always keep in mind that education is one item that nobody can ever take away from you. You can always add to it on your own, or when you enter graduate school. Even if you decide later that you need more undergraduate courses to help launch a career change, your existing educational background will always be valuable.

Search Programs Offering Missouri Majors

Scholarships for Missouri College Students

Scholarships and Grants are great financial tools that will help you pay for college and reduce any debt load you may have after graduation. There are so many scholarships available that go unnoticed, and unclaimed, that it is a shame to not seek out some for yourself. Though it is rare to find a scholarship that will pay your entire academic bill, there are many that can help you pay for books, or even a class or two. Remember that even if a scholarship doesn't pay all of the bills, it is still an award that will more than pay off when you put it on your resume.

RJTSSA

Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. Scholarship Application

https://business.missouri.edu/programs-admissions/undergraduate/scholarships/general-trulaske-college-business-scholarships
Amount: $9,500
Deadline: February 1
This scholarship is for students of the Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business at University of Missouri – Columbia. The scholarship is open to all students, but first priority goes to students whose parents are employees of True Manufacturing Company, or their subsidiaries. You should have shown interest in business through your extra-curricular activities, jobs, or other interests. Financial need is imperative, as is graduating in the upper two-thirds of your high school class. However, you must also be below the top ten percent.

SMWSB

Sam M. Walton Scholarships in Business

https://business.missouri.edu/programs-admissions/undergraduate/scholarships/general-trulaske-college-business-scholarships
Amount: $7,500 (per year)
Deadline: February 1
This scholarship is for business students majoring in economics, finance, international business, management, or marketing. Accounting majors are not included in this scholarship, unfortunately. To qualify for this prestigious scholarship, you should demonstrate high academic achievement and financial need. This is a renewable scholarship and if you maintain it, your tuition bill will see a significant discount.

EMFS

Erickson Merkel Foundation Scholarships

http://www.ericksonmerkel.org/scholarships/
Amount: $500 - $1500
Deadline: March 31
This scholarship is open to all students residing in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, or Wisconsin. In fact, you can be attending any sort of post-secondary institution, including a Vocational school, graduate school, or a professional development college. To win an award, you should demonstrate creativity, hard work, and a commitment to community service. Once the application period begins, you can download the application form.

HAMS

Horatio Alger Missouri Scholarships

https://scholars.horatioalger.org/about-our-scholarship-programs/state-scholarships/
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: October 25
The Horatio Alger Scholarship funds are available to high school students who have overcome significant setbacks yet have persevered. To qualify, you must demonstrate critical financial need, community service activities, integrity and strong character, and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0, among other qualifications.

MLNS

Missouri League for Nursing Scholarship

https://www.mlnmonursing.org/students/scholarships/
Amount: $2,000 maximum
Deadline: Fall - annually
This scholarship is open to RN students at or above the freshman level of an associate’s degree program, RN students at or above the sophomore level of a baccalaureate degree program, and MSN students who have completed a minimum of 15 hours towards their graduate education. To qualify, you should have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Your application must also come from an accredited nursing program and submitted directly to the Missouri League for Nursing. Applications are not accepted from students.