Missouri Bright Flight Scholarship Program

Name: Bright Flight Scholarship Program

Award Amount: Up to $3,000 per academic year

Information And Eligibility:
The Bright Flight Scholarship Program is a highly competitive, merit-based scholarship offered by the state of Missouri to recognize exceptional academic achievement among Missouri high school students. Administered by the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, the program is designed to encourage Missouri’s top-performing students to pursue higher education within the state and to reward academic excellence demonstrated through standardized testing.

Bright Flight eligibility is based primarily on performance on the ACT or SAT. Students must score within the top three percent of all Missouri test takers for the applicable testing year. Because qualifying score thresholds vary annually depending on statewide results, students are encouraged to review updated score requirements each year through the state’s official scholarship resources. The program does not consider GPA, class rank, or financial need; selection is based solely on standardized test performance and meeting enrollment requirements.

Recipients must enroll full-time at an eligible Missouri public or private college or university. Eligible institutions include Missouri public universities, public community colleges, and approved private institutions that participate in the program. Funds are awarded directly to the institution and applied toward tuition and other eligible educational expenses. Students attending out-of-state institutions are not eligible to receive Bright Flight funding.

The Bright Flight Scholarship may be renewed annually for up to ten semesters or until the student completes a bachelor’s degree, whichever comes first. To remain eligible for renewal, students must maintain full-time enrollment and meet satisfactory academic progress standards as defined by their institution. Renewal funding is also subject to continued state appropriations.

A key feature of the Bright Flight program is its emphasis on early planning and accurate test score reporting. Students must take the ACT or SAT no later than the June test date immediately following high school graduation. Additionally, official test scores must be sent directly to the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development by the stated deadline. Failure to meet score submission requirements can result in ineligibility, even if the student meets the qualifying score threshold.

Bright Flight is often used in combination with other state aid programs, such as the Access Missouri Grant, as well as federal aid and institutional scholarships. Together, these programs help reduce the overall cost of college and incentivize academic excellence among Missouri students. Because Bright Flight funding is limited to top scorers, students who believe they may qualify should monitor deadlines carefully and verify that all required materials are submitted on time.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a legal resident of the state of Missouri.
• Must achieve a qualifying ACT or SAT score within the top three percent of Missouri test takers.
• Must enroll full-time at a participating Missouri college or university.
• Must be pursuing an undergraduate degree.

Application Requirements:

• Take the ACT or SAT on or before the June test date following high school graduation.
• Ensure official test scores are sent to the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development.
• Enroll full-time at an eligible Missouri institution.

Application Timeline:

• ACT or SAT test scores must be received by August 31.

Additional Details:

• The scholarship may be renewed for up to ten semesters or until a bachelor’s degree is completed.
• Award amounts depend on available state funding and enrollment level.
• Students must meet institutional academic progress standards for renewal.

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