Missouri A+ Scholarship Program

Quick Facts

• Who it serves: Recent graduates of Missouri-designated A+ high schools pursuing community college, vocational, or technical training.
• Core benefit: State reimbursement for tuition and mandatory fees (excluding books/supplies) after federal Pell Grants and other aid are applied.
• Participation scale: More than 370 high schools and 60 postsecondary institutions statewide, supporting 12,000+ students annually.
• Funding source: Missouri Gaming Commission proceeds and state appropriations; awards adjust mid-year if funding fluctuates.
• Program pillars: Academic achievement, good citizenship, school attendance, mentoring/service, and timely enrollment.

Program Overview

The Missouri A+ Scholarship is a cornerstone of the state’s workforce pipeline, offering a straightforward promise: meet performance and service benchmarks in high school, and Missouri will cover tuition at any participating public community college or eligible technical school. Students receive a reimbursement equal to the in-district tuition rate, providing a near-free pathway into nursing, advanced manufacturing, information technology, and transfer-oriented associate degrees. Unlike merit-only scholarships, the A+ Program blends academic readiness with community engagement through its 50-hour mentoring requirement, ensuring graduates build soft skills alongside classroom achievement.

Since 2023, the Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development (DHEWD) has modernized the program with electronic tracking tools that sync high school certification data with college financial aid offices. Students now receive confirmation emails once their A+ eligibility is certified, making it easier to plan enrollment. The program also supports stackability with Missouri’s Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant and ApprenticeshipUSA initiatives, enabling adults to return to school if they previously earned A+ eligibility and are within the 48-month usage window.

Why It Matters in 2025

Missouri employers are grappling with shortages in health care, skilled trades, and logistics. The A+ Scholarship feeds these sectors by lowering the financial risk of pursuing associate degrees or certificates. In 2025, the state increased reimbursement rates to reflect community college tuition hikes, preventing surprise out-of-pocket bills. High school counselors also report expanded partnerships with Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCA, and district-run after-school programs to deliver the required mentoring hours in structured, student-friendly environments.

Another 2025 enhancement is the alignment with the state’s new digital credential wallet. Students who complete A+ requirements can now download a verifiable credential via Parchment or Scoir, making it easier for colleges and employers to confirm their status. This becomes valuable when applying for apprenticeships that recognize A+ completers with advanced standing or stipends. Additionally, the FAFSA Simplification Act created confusion about Student Aid Index (SAI); Missouri issued guidance to ensure A+ funds cover any tuition gap left after Pell Grants even if a family’s SAI is negative or zero.

Eligibility Components Explained

1. A+ Designated High School: Confirm your school maintains active designation; DHEWD updates the list annually. Students transferring between schools must ensure records reflect full attendance and GPA.
2. 2.5 Cumulative GPA: Calculated on a 4.0 scale at graduation. Schools may allow grade replacement for retaken courses; clarify policies early.
3. 95% Attendance: Includes excused and unexcused absences. Medical exemptions require documentation submitted to your A+ coordinator. Patterns of tardiness can jeopardize eligibility, so maintain logs.
4. Tutoring/Mentoring: Minimum 50 hours supervised by school staff. Many students tutor younger peers in math or reading. Log hours in the district’s tracking system with supervisor signatures.
5. Good Citizenship: No drug/alcohol offenses or major disciplinary incidents. Schools conduct annual reviews; appeals can be filed for extenuating circumstances.
6. Math Proficiency: Score proficient on Algebra I EOC or higher-level math EOC, or achieve qualifying scores on ACT math (17), SAT math (510), or other accepted alternatives.

Application and Enrollment Steps

• Freshman–Sophomore Years: Meet with the A+ coordinator to sign the participation agreement, begin attendance tracking, and explore tutoring opportunities.
• Junior Year: Focus on Algebra I proficiency—schedule retakes or alternative exams if needed. Start ACT/SAT prep if using test alternatives.
• Senior Year (Fall): File the FAFSA as soon as it opens (traditionally October 1, but monitor for delays). Confirm selective service registration if applicable.
• Senior Year (Spring): Submit final mentoring logs, verify attendance percentages, and request the official A+ completion letter. Review community college or technical school admissions deadlines.
• Post-Graduation: Enroll full-time within 48 months. Some students complete military service or missionary work first; document these activities to preserve eligibility under approved extensions.
• Each College Term: Maintain 2.5 cumulative GPA, complete 12 credit hours per semester (or 6 if receiving accommodations), and file the FAFSA annually.

Winning Strategies for Full Tuition Coverage

• Start Mentoring Early: Completing 10–15 hours per semester reduces senior-year crunch and allows time to explore leadership roles that strengthen college applications.
• Maximize Dual Credit: Use A+ at partner high schools to subsidize dual credit tuition; some districts waive fees for A+ participants, accelerating college completion.
• Pair with Workforce Grants: If pursuing high-demand fields (cybersecurity, health sciences), apply for Fast Track or MoExcels scholarships to cover books and equipment.
• Leverage Apprenticeship Pipelines: Companies like Cerner, Boeing, and Mercy Health offer apprenticeship tracks that honor A+ completion with signing bonuses or tuition coverage for bachelor’s completion.
• Appeal Attendance Issues Promptly: Chronic illness or family emergencies can be documented through medical notes or counselor statements. Appeals must be filed before graduation to avoid losing eligibility.

Financial Planning Considerations

While the A+ Scholarship covers tuition, students still face costs for textbooks, supplies, and transportation. Budget for $1,200–$1,800 annually, depending on program. Use Missouri’s MOST 529 plan or Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) vouchers to offset costs. Some institutions allow A+ funds to cover lab fees if they are bundled into tuition—confirm with the bursar to avoid billing surprises. If you attend an out-of-district community college, the A+ award covers only the in-district rate; negotiate tuition waivers or explore online course options to minimize the gap.

Maintaining Eligibility in College

To keep receiving the A+ Scholarship, maintain at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA and complete 67% of attempted credits. Dropping below full-time may trigger repayment unless approved by the disability resource office. Students must also avoid defaulting on federal student loans and remain in good financial standing with the institution. If you transfer to a four-year university after earning an associate degree, unused A+ eligibility does not carry over; plan to maximize credit accumulation during the covered period.

Troubleshooting and Appeals

• Late FAFSA Submission: Missouri allows late submissions but delays payment. File as soon as possible and request an estimated award letter from financial aid to confirm coverage.
• Institutional Billing Errors: Sometimes colleges bill A+ students before state reimbursement arrives. Communicate with the cashier’s office to prevent late fees; many institutions automatically reverse charges once funds post.
• Loss of Citizenship Status: Minor disciplinary issues can be appealed through the local school board. Provide character references, restorative justice documentation, or evidence of community service growth.
• Math Requirement Challenges: Students with disabilities can request alternative assessments. Missouri accepts ACT WorkKeys Applied Math (level 5) for qualifying students.

Support Resources

• A+ Coordinators: Typically located in counseling offices; they manage paperwork, mentoring placements, and appeals.
• Missouri Connections: State career planning platform offering scholarship trackers and budgeting calculators tailored to A+ participants.
• Community College Navigators: Many institutions assign A+ liaisons who specialize in orientation, FAFSA completion, and career pathway mapping.
• Military Partnerships: Missouri National Guard and ROTC programs integrate A+ benefits with tuition assistance, covering remaining costs for guard members.

Case Playbook: Welding Student in Kansas City

Jordan completed 55 tutoring hours mentoring middle school STEM clubs and maintained a 97% attendance rate despite a chronic health condition, thanks to timely documentation. After graduating in 2024, he enrolled in Metropolitan Community College’s welding technology program. The A+ Scholarship covered $6,050 in tuition and fees his first year. He layered $800 in Fast Track funds for tools, secured a paid internship with Burns & McDonnell, and used A+ to take evening courses while working. By finishing an associate degree in 18 months and stacking articulated credits, he transferred to Pittsburg State University’s applied sciences program with minimal debt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can homeschoolers qualify? Only if they enroll at an A+ designated high school for at least three consecutive years before graduation. Alternatively, consider Missouri’s Dual Enrollment Scholarship.

Does the 48-month clock pause for military service? Yes, approved military, religious, or humanitarian service pauses eligibility. Submit documentation to DHEWD within 60 days of returning.

Are there income caps? No. The program is merit/service based; however, Pell Grants are applied first, and A+ covers the remaining tuition.

What if I want to attend a private college? Some private technical schools participate. For four-year institutions, explore Missouri Bright Flight or Access Missouri grants.

Can I regain eligibility after losing it in college? Yes, if you raise your GPA above 2.5 and complete sufficient credits. Contact financial aid to reinstate the award for the next term.

By mastering the eligibility rules, staying proactive with mentoring hours, and coordinating other financial aid, Missouri students can transform the A+ Scholarship into a launchpad for affordable degrees and industry credentials.