Southeast Missouri State University 1873

Scholarships

Get free money. 

Do we have your attention? Good. Each year, Southeast awards around $20 million in scholarships to promising students based on their academic achievement, select program participation, and more.

All students who apply for admission to Southeast are automatically considered for scholarships. There is no separate application.

We’ll notify you through the Southeast portal once scholarships are awarded. And don’t worry about paying them back. Scholarships are a type of gift aid that does not have to be paid back.

Most scholarships are renewable throughout your time at Southeast, provided you meet the minimum requirements for the specific scholarship you have been awarded.

Benefits

  • 85%

    Student who are eligible for Copper Dome and President’s Scholarships.

    Copper Dome and President’s scholarships are available to beginning freshmen and range from $500-$8,000.

  • $20M

    Awarded in academic and need-based scholarships

    When you apply to SEMO, we review your application for most of our scholarships automatically, and award Academic scholarships at the time of admission. Each year we award around $20 million in scholarships to deserving students.

  • $3K

    “Show me the money” in the Show-Me state.

    Score in the top 3 percent on the ACT or SAT and you may be eligible for the Missouri Higher Education Academic Scholarship Program (Bright Flight). In 2025, the estimated award for an ACT score of 32 or above was $3,000

  • 0

    No limits in external scholarships.

    There are any number of scholarship opportunities beyond Southeast and the federal or state government. Secure funding from an external source to help earn a degree debt-free.

Types of Scholarships

Southeast Scholarships

Southeast offers many scholarships to its students every year. When you apply to Southeast, we automatically review your application for most of our scholarships and award academic scholarships at the time of admission.
Explore Southeast Scholarships

State Scholarships

The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development administers several state scholarships. You’ll need to complete the FAFSA to become eligible, but they can be a great source of additional funding.
See State Scholarships

External Scholarships

An external scholarship is a scholarship, or money received, from sources other than the federal/state government or Southeast. These can be a great option to help you fund your education debt-free.
Search for External Scholarships
Scholarship program awardee posing by a lake in SEMO gear.

Joshua Chambers

Scholarship Recipient

Getting these scholarships has given me opportunities I could only dream of. They’ve taken away the financial stress and let me focus on making the most of my time here at SEMO.

Student Financial Services

We know your education and your future are top priorities, and at Southeast we’re doing whatever it takes to make a quality education financially possible. We understand you may be coming to the process with questions. We’re here to help and happy to guide you through it.
Connect with Student Financial Services
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Office of Admissions & New Student Programs

Contact Us

Location

Office

Academic Hall, 100D

Mailing Address

One University Plaza, MS 3550
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701-4710