Bright Flight Scholarship (Higher Education Academic Scholarship Program)
Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development
Merit scholarship of up to $3,000/yr for Missouri students scoring in the top 3% on the ACT/SAT ($1,000/yr for the top 4-5%).
- How much
- Up to $3,000 per year (top 3% of ACT/SAT scores); up to $1,000 per year (top 4th-5th percentile)
- Who qualifies
- Missouri resident; ACT/SAT composite in the top 5% of Missouri test takers (2026 grads: ACT 30+); first-time full-time enrollment at a participating Missouri school the year after high school; not studying theology or divinity; renewal needs 2.5 cumulative GPA.
- For high school seniors, students starting college, undergrads
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- When to apply
- Apply any time Automatic; qualifying score must be earned by the June ACT/SAT test date after high school graduation; scores announced each fall; approval letters in spring of senior year.
- How to apply
- No application
- List at least one approved Missouri college when you take the ACT or SAT
- MDHEWD gets your scores directly and sends approval letters in spring of senior year
- Send ACT superscores to code 2379
- FAFSA not required
- What you'll need
- test scores
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (dhewd.mo.gov)
The details
Officially the Missouri Higher Education Academic Scholarship Program. For students graduating 2025 and 2026: ACT 32+ (or SAT 800 Math and 800 Critical Reading) earns up to $3,000/yr (estimated award $3,000); ACT 30-31 (or SAT 800 Math and 790-799 Critical Reading) earns up to $1,000/yr (estimated $1,000). Qualifying scores are reset each fall to the top 5% of Missouri test takers; ACT superscores accepted (send them to MDHEWD with ACT code 2379). Score must be achieved by the June test date after high school graduation. Must enroll full-time at a participating Missouri school in the academic year right after high school. Renewable up to 10 semesters or until a bachelor's degree, with a 2.5 cumulative GPA after the first year. Deferments allowed for exchange programs, nonprofit or government service, active military duty, or medical reasons.
More money from Missouri
- Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program$1,700 max per year at public 2-year schools; $3,500 max per year at public 4-year, State Technical College, private and approved virtual schools (minimums $500 / $1,750; may be less depending on funding)
- Advanced Placement Incentive Grant$500 one-time
- Fast Track Workforce Incentive GrantRemaining tuition and fees after other non-loan aid (public schools fully covered; private capped at the comparable public rate), or up to $500 for other costs if tuition is already covered
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Arkansas, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Tennessee
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
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