Wartime Veteran's Survivors Grant
Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development
Tuition, up to $2,000/semester for housing and up to $500 for books for spouses and children of Missouri post-9/11 combat veterans killed or 80% disabled in combat (25 awards/yr).
- How much
- Per semester: tuition up to University of Missouri-Columbia resident rate + up to $2,000 room and board + up to $500 books
- Who qualifies
- Spouse or child of a qualifying post-9/11 Missouri combat veteran killed, injured, or 80% disabled in combat
- Veteran must have been a Missouri resident at entry or at death/injury; at least half-time undergraduate at a participating public Missouri school; children under 25; renewal needs 2.5 cumulative GPA.
- For students starting college, undergrads
- U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or otherwise lawfully present
- When to apply
- Apply any time Initial applicants: no deadline (awarded by earliest complete application). Renewals: priority deadline May 1; financial aid office certification due June 1.
- How to apply
- Apply in the State Financial Aid Portal (or ask MDHEWD for a paper copy)
- Some sections are completed by a third party
- Initial applicants have no deadline but should apply early
- Renewal priority deadline is May 1
- What you'll need
- state application
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (dhewd.mo.gov)
The details
Per semester (fall and spring): tuition up to the University of Missouri-Columbia resident rate for your hours, plus up to $2,000 room and board and the lesser of book costs or $500. Example on the page: $5,450 per semester. Limited by law to 25 students a year; renewals get priority, then earliest complete application. Others are waitlisted. The veteran must have been a Missouri resident at entry or at death/injury, served after Sept. 11, 2001, and died, been injured, or became 80% disabled from combat (or be a combat veteran with combat/hazardous/imminent-danger pay). The Missouri Veterans Commission confirms the veteran's eligibility. Usable at participating public colleges, at least half-time. Children eligible through the semester they turn 25. Renewal needs a 2.5 cumulative GPA.
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)
- Bright Flight Scholarship (Higher Education Academic Scholarship Program)Up to $3,000 per year (top 3% of ACT/SAT scores); up to $1,000 per year (top 4th-5th percentile)
- 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
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.