Southeast Missouri State University is breaking barriers to higher education with a suite of tuition-free programs aimed at ensuring college is accessible. From innovative financial aid initiatives to targeted scholarships, SEMO is leading the way in making the dream of a college degree attainable for students from all backgrounds.
At the forefront of this effort is the Will to Do Award, a groundbreaking program that covers the remaining tuition balance for eligible students after applying Pell Grants, Access Missouri funds, and other scholarships. With this award, Missouri students meeting specific criteria can attend SEMO tuition-free.
“Free tuition can significantly reduce financial stress, allowing students to focus more on their studies and extracurricular activities,” said Lenell Hahn, director of Admissions. “It also increases access to higher education, making it possible for more students to achieve their academic and career goals without the burden of student debt.”
The Will to Do Award is available to beginning freshmen who:
- Are Missouri residents
- Complete the FAFSA form and are Federal Pell Grant eligible
- Have a cumulative high school GPA of 2.75 or higher
- Enroll as full-time SEMO students
In addition to the Will to Do Award, SEMO is offering a Free Tuition Promotion for the 2025-2026 academic year. First-time freshmen or transfer students who apply for admission to SEMO by December 1 at 11:59 p.m. will be eligible for a drawing for one year of free tuition.
“With tuition-free opportunities, we’re addressing a critical issue: making college affordable for families concerned about paying for college,” Hahn said. “In addition to the tuition-free opportunities, SEMO also offers a Copper Dome Scholarship program that 75 percent of our students are eligible for, meaning it doesn’t just impact students with the highest test scores or GPAs.”
Hahn said in addition to the Copper Dome Scholarship program that SEMO also offers at A+ Scholarship for students choosing to attend its regional campuses in Kennett and Sikeston.
These efforts are part of SEMO’s broader commitment to accessibility and student success. Each year, the University awards more than $20 million in scholarships, with 96% of students receiving some form of financial aid. Approximately 40% of SEMO students benefit from Pell Grants, underscoring the importance of programs that reduce the financial burden of college.
Prospective students and their families are invited to learn more by visiting SEMO during Show Me Days, the University’s premier on-campus recruitment events. Upcoming dates include February 28, March 29, and April 11.
Hahn says with a mission to create pathways to success, SEMO is proving that college is not only a dream worth pursuing—it’s a dream within reach.
For more information on SEMO’s application process, visit semo.edu/admissions.