Institutionally Funded Scholarships
Because of weather-related disruptions to the educational process at Missouri State University-West Plains and throughout our service region, application deadlines for 2008-2009 scholarships have been extended from March 31 to April 15. Scholarship applications are available in the Financial Aid Office or through the following web link: Scholarship Application. A significant number of scholarships are not awarded each year for lack of applications. Please review the following list of scholarships and contact the Financial Aid Office at 417-255-7243 if you have questions.
Scholarships are limited in number and are issued on a competitive basis according to the criteria indicated. Decisions of the Missouri State University-West Plains Scholarship Committee are final.
Missouri State University-West Plains Chancellor's Scholarship
Value:
Required student tuition and fees, books, and on campus housing and board. Current value is $8,000 per year (fall/spring).
Number available:
1
Criteria:
Upon application, Entering freshmen must be eligible to apply for admission into the Darr Honors Program at Missouri State University-West Plains and:
- rank in the top ten percent of their high school class and have an ACT composite score of 28 or above; or
- rank in the upper 20 percent of their class and have an ACT composite score of 30 or above; or
- in lieu of class rank, home-schooled students, graduates of non-accredited high schools, and students with a GED certificate must have an ACT composite of 30 or above; and
- enroll in the HNR 150, Honors I Seminar, course during their first semester as an entering freshman and, following the successful completion of HNR 150, enroll in the HNR 250, Honors II Seminar, course during the subsequent spring semester. If the recipient does not successfully complete HNR 150 or does not chose to enroll in the HNR 250 course in order to maintain his or her status in the Darr Honors Program, the spring semester portion of the scholarship will not be awarded to that student.
Scholarship applications must be received by the deadline. Awards will be made by priority rank utilizing fair and equitable criteria.
Renewal:
Students must be a member in good standing in the Darr Honors Program. First priority - Students who complete 30 credit hours (fall 2008 and spring 2009) at Missouri State University-West Plains. Second priority - Students who complete 30 credit hours (fall 2008, spring 2009, and summer 2009) at Missouri State University-West Plains. Transfer hours will not be considered. Applicants must have achieved a minimum 3.50 GPA and apply by the deadline. The scholarship may only be renewed once.
Application:
Submit a three-page essay (format and essay topic are available from the Office of Financial Aid or the Missouri State University-West Plains Honors Program Coordinator), and complete the Missouri State University-West Plains scholarship application and return it to the Financial Aid Office. Following the submission of the application, eligible applicants are required to interview with the Chancellor of Missouri State University-West Plains.
Deadline:
April 15.
Missouri State University-West Plains Corps of Opportunity (CO) Awards
Value:
CO Awards are scholarships and jobs awarded only in combination. CO scholarships are in the amount of $2000 for the fall semester and $2000 for the spring semester and are reduced dollar for dollar by the amount of federal and state grants (Pell, SEOG, A+, etc.) received. CO scholarship funds are applied to student accounts to pay educational and campus residence expenses. Any surplus is issued to students by check to pay books, supplies and other educational costs. CO jobs involve 15 hours of work per week during the fall and spring semesters in various campus offices and departments. The hourly wage is $7.50. During a one-year period, CO awards (scholarships and jobs combined) may not exceed $10,000; the work component may not exceed 1000 hours; and the total scholarship award, including the work component, cannot exceed the amount of unmet need as calculated on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Number Available:
Variable depending on funding.
Criteria:
CO students must be of excellent character, have financial need, demonstrate a strong work ethic and show scholastic potential. Need eligibility will be based, in part, on federal calculations from the FAFSA. Students with extenuating circumstances may address those in the CO application. Residence at the campus in the Grizzly House, though not absolutely required, is preferred. Recipients must begin their CO jobs on a 40-hour per week basis beginning during the first summer session. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 is required. Entering freshmen must have achieved this minimum GPA in their senior year of high school. Home schooled students must have either earned their GED or have an ACT composite score of at least 18. Currently enrolled college students must have achieved the minimum 2.50 GPA in all college courses. Any first-time student who has earned a GED is eligible. CO students will undergo a standard evaluation by the departmental work supervisor. Less than satisfactory performance may result in probation or dismissal.
Renewal:
CO students may apply for a one-year renewal, but may not receive CO awards for more than two years. A minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA is required for continued participation in the program.
Application:
Student must apply on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); both summer and fall/spring FAFSAs are required. Complete the current Missouri State University-West Plains scholarship application and provide two letters of reference that describe work ethic, serious approach to studies, and quality of personal character. Preferably, one of the letters is to be from an employer. Complete a one-page essay that addresses (1) reasons for wanting to participate in the Corps of Opportunity program (2) financial barriers that make attending school difficult and (3) career and personal goals that illustrate a contribution to the community. Finalists for CO awards will be interviewed by the CO Committee.
Deadline:
Submit the scholarship application, reference letters, and FAFSA by April 15.
Missouri State University-West Plains GED Board of Governors Scholarship
Value:
$2,202
Criteria:
- Entering freshmen must have a minimum GED score of 2860.
- Returning freshmen with less than 30 hours completed must have a minimum 3.4 cumulative GPA and a minimum GED score of 2860.
Applicant with highest GED score will receive the award. Recipient may receive only one Board of Governors Scholarship.
Renewal:
First priority - Students who complete 30 credit hours (fall 2008 and spring 2009) at Missouri State University-West Plains. Second Priority - Students who complete 30 credit hours (fall 2008, spring 2009, and summer 2009) at Missouri State University-West Plains. Transfer hours will not be considered. Applicants must have achieved a minimum 3.40 GPA and apply by the deadline.
Application:
Be admitted to Missouri State University-West Plains as a degree-seeking student and complete the Missouri State-West Plains scholarship application.
Deadline:
July 31.
Missouri State University-West Plains Multicultural Leadership Scholarship
Value:
$2,202
Criteria:
Entering and current students must graduate in the upper one-half of their class and demonstrate leadership in the minority community through involvement in various school and civic organizations. In lieu of class rank, home-schooled students and graduates of non-accredited high schools must have an ACT composite score of 22 or higher.
Renewal:
First priority - Students who complete 24 credit hours (fall 2008 and spring 2009) at Missouri State University-West Plains. Second Priority - Students who complete 24 credit hours (fall 2008, spring 2009, and summer 2009) at Missouri State University-West Plains. Transfer hours will not be considered. Applicants must have achieved a minimum 2.5 GPA and apply by the deadline. )
Application:
Contact the Financial Aid Office for a separate scholarship application which includes submission of a 1 - 3 page essay describing your qualifications for the scholarship.
Deadline:
April 15.
Missouri State University-West Plains Freshman Board of Governors Scholarship
Value:
$2,202
Criteria:
Entering freshmen must:
- rank in the top ten percent of their high school class and have an ACT composite score of 25 or above; or
- rank in the upper 20 percent of their class and have an ACT composite score of 27 or above; or
- In lieu of class rank, home-schooled students and graduates of non-accredited high schools must have an ACT composite score of 27 or higher.
This scholarship is not available to recipients of the Chancellor's Scholarship.
Renewal:
Students who complete 30 credit hours (fall 2008 and spring 2009) at Missouri State University-West Plains. Second priority - Students who complete 30 credit hours (fall 2008, spring 2009, and summer 2009) at Missouri State University-West Plains. Transfer hours will not be considered. Applicants must have achieved a minimum 3.40 GPA and apply by the deadline.
Application:
Awards will be given to all qualifying students whose admission and scholarship applications are completed and either received or postmarked by April 15. Applications received after April 15 will be honored on a first-come, first-served basis as long as the funds are available. Recipients who meet the above criteria will be notified as soon as eligibility has been verified.
Deadline:
April 15
Missouri State University-West Plains Sophomore Board of Governors Scholarship
Value:
$2,202.
Criteria:
Students who have completed 30 credit hours (fall 2007 and spring 2008) at Missouri State University-West Plains. First priority will be given to renewals of the Freshman Board of Governors Scholarship. Second Priority - Students who completed 30 credit hours (fall 2007 and spring 2008). Third priority - Students who have completed 30 credit hours (fall 2007, spring 2008, and summer 2008) at Missouri State University-West Plains. Any remaining scholarships will be awarded by priority rank utilizing fair and equitable criteria. Transfer hours will not be considered. Applicants must have achieved a minimum 3.4 cumulative GPA and apply by the deadline.
Renewal:
No
Application:
If applicant received the Freshman Board of Governors Scholarship in 2008-09, the scholarship may be renewed automatically if renewal criteria have been met. New applicants must complete the Missouri State University-West Plains scholarship application.
Deadline:
April 15.
Missouri State University-West Plains Theater in Education Scholarship
Value:
Current required student fees equal to one credit hour for Theater 112.
Criteria:
Students must be selected to perform with the Theater in Education players. The select group will travel weekly to area public schools to present short dramas. Students must be enrolled in Theater 112. The scholarship is available for the spring semester.
Renewal:
May be considered for renewal.
Application:
By audition with the Department of Communications/Theater.
Missouri State University-West Plains Arkansas Tuition Scholarship
Value:
Equal to the out-of-state portion of required student fees, not to exceed a course load of 16 credit hours per semester in the fall and spring and nine credit hours in the summer.
Criteria:
- Legal resident of the state of Arkansas and
- Eligible for admission as a degree-seeking student.
The number of scholarships awarded is contingent upon available funding.
Application:
Be admitted to Missouri State University-West Plains as a degree-seeking student.
Missouri State University-West Plains Freshman Academic Scholarship
Value:
$1,000
Criteria:
Entering freshmen must rank in the top ten percent of their class and have an ACT composite score of 22 or above. In lieu of class rank, home-schooled students and graduates of non-accredited high schools must have an ACT composite score of 24 or higher. This scholarship is not available to recipients of the Board of Governors Scholarship.
Renewal:
First priority - Students who complete 30 credit hours (fall 2008 and spring 2009) at Missouri State University-West Plains. Second priority - Students who complete 30 credit hours (fall 2008, spring 2009, and summer 2009) at Missouri State University-West Plains. Transfer hours will not be considered. Applicants must have achieved a minimum 3.40 GPA and apply by the deadline.
Application:
Awards will be given to all qualifying students whose admission and scholarship applications are completed and received or postmarked by April 15. Applications received after April 15 will be honored on a first-come, first-served basis as long as the funds are available. Recipients who meet the above criteria will be notified as soon as eligibility has been verified.
Deadline:
Awards will be given to those qualifying students whose applications are completed by April 15. Applications after that date will be honored as long as funds are available.
Missouri State University-West Plains Leadership Scholarship
Value:
$1,101.
Criteria:
Superintendents of schools in the seven county service area of Missouri State University-West Plains (Howell, Shannon, Oregon, Ozark, Texas, Wright, and Douglas counties) may recommend one student for every 100 graduates or fraction thereof. Awarded to all who are nominated and qualify.
Renewal:
First priority - Students who complete 30 credit hours (fall 2008 and spring 2009) at Missouri State University-West Plains. Second priority - Students who complete 30 credit hours (fall 2008, spring 2009, and summer 2009) at Missouri State University-West Plains. Transfer hours will not be considered. Applicants must have achieved minimum 3.25 GPA and apply by the deadline.
Application:
Nominations for entering freshmen are made by school superintendents. Students applying for renewal must complete the Missouri State University-West Plains scholarship application and return it to the Financial Aid Office.
Deadline:
April 15.
Missouri State University–West Plains Student Ambassador Book Scholarship
Value:
Full rental cost of books for each semester the student is chosen as a Student Ambassador.
Criteria:
Entering freshmen must have an ACT composite score of 20 or above. Current students must have a cumulative 2.50 GPA, and all students must be enrolled in at least six credit hours at Missouri State University-West Plains.
Duties:
Student Ambassadors will serve as the student public relations team of the University, promoting Missouri State University-West Plains in many ways such as conducting campus tours, assisting in high school visits, and serving as hosts for University-sponsored activities.
Renewal:
May be considered for renewal if the student reapplies by the deadline.
Application:
Complete the Missouri State University-West Plains scholarship application and return it to the Financial Aid Office by the priority deadline. Contact the Office of Admissions for additional information.
Deadline:
April 15.
Missouri State University-West Plains A+ Course Fees Scholarship
Value:
Equal to all individual course fees not covered by the Missouri A+ Grant. Courses must lead to completion of an associate degree.
Criteria:
Available to all qualified A+ high school graduates.
Renewal:
May be considered for renewal as long as student is eligible to receive the A+ Grant. Student must be in good standing and must be degree seeking.
Application:
Must qualify as an eligible A+ student. No application required.
Missouri State University-West Plains Student Government Association Executive Officer Scholarship
Value:
Awarded to the elected officers of the Student Government Association: President - $2,000; Vice President - $1,500; Secretary/Treasurer - $1,000; and Historian - $1,000.
Criteria:
Must be elected, meet the officer requirements listed in the SGA constitution, and be enrolled in 12 or more credit hours (full time).
Renewal:
If re-elected.
Application:
None.