COVID-19 Information
See the latest updates and information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, including a list of University contact information at semo.edu/covid19.
Southeast Scholarships (2021-22)
Did you take the ACT or SAT more than once? We'll combine your best ACT or SAT subscores to make a superscore!
Many scholarships can be stacked and added together for a larger award! Plus, your need-based aid won't reduce your scholarship value.
You’ve earned great grades, but test taking makes your palms sweat. With a 3.25 high school GPA, you qualify for Copper Dome - no test required.
We want to see you graduate from college, so we've made renewing scholarships more straightfoward!
How Can I Get Scholarships At Southeast?
Southeast awards more than $20 million in scholarships each year. When you apply to Southeast, we review your application for most of our scholarships automatically, and award Academic scholarships at the time of admission. (Some scholarships have additional steps.)
All information below applies to scholarships awarded for 2021-22. For previous year criteria, view the Terms & Conditions.
Freshmen academic scholarships are awarded at the time of admission to students who meet the eligibility requirements and apply to Southeast by the scholarship deadline. The early admission consideration and scholarship guarantee deadline is December 1 (fall applicants) and September 1 (spring applicants). Copper Dome Scholarships will continue to be awarded until March 1 (fall applicants) and November 1 (spring applicants), as funds allow. No separate application is required. These scholarships are only awarded prior to your first semester at Southeast and cannot be earned later. Note: Applicants applying after the scholarship guarantee deadline will receive a maximum award of $3,000.
COPPER DOME SCHOLARSHIP
$1,000 - $5,000
- Available to beginning freshman
- Value increases annually for students who meet renewal requirements
- Value reduced if enrolled in regional campus lower-level courses
Scroll left-right to view the full table
| ACT | SAT (ERW+M) |
2.75-2.99 | 3.00-3.24 | 3.25-3.49 | 3.50-3.74 | 3.75-3.89 | 3.90 or higher |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No Score | $1,000 | $2,000 | $2,000 | $3,000 | |||
| 18 | 960 | $1,000 | $2,000 | $2,000 | $3,000 | ||
| 19 | 990 | $1,000 | $2,000 | $2,000 | $3,000 | ||
| 20 | 1030 | $1,000 | $2,000 | $2,000 | $3,000 | ||
| 21 | 1060 | $1,000 | $2,000 | $2,000 | $3,000 | ||
| 22 | 1100 | $2,000 | $2,000 | $2,000 | $3,000 | ||
| 23 | 1130 | $1,000 | $2,000 | $2,000 | $2,000 | $3,000 | |
| 24 | 1160 | $1,000 | $2,000 | $2,000 | $3,000 | $3,000 | |
| 25 | 1200 | $1,000 | $1,000 | $2,000 | $3,000 | $3,000 | $3,000 |
| 26 | 1230 | $1,000 | $2,000 | $3,000 | $3,000 | $3,000 | $3,000 |
| 27 | 1260 | $1,000 | $2,000 | $3,000 | $3,000 | $4,000 | $5,000 |
| 28 | 1300 | $1,000 | $2,000 | $3,000 | $3,000 | $4,000 | $5,000 |
| 29 | 1330 | $1,000 | $2,000 | $3,000 | $3,000 | $4,000 | $5,000 |
| 30 | 1360 | $1,000 | $2,000 | $3,000 | $4,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| 31 | 1390 | $1,000 | $2,000 | $3,000 | $4,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| 32 | 1420 | $1,000 | $2,000 | $3,000 | $4,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| 33 | 1450 | $1,000 | $2,000 | $3,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| 34 | 1490 | $1,000 | $2,000 | $3,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| 35 | 1530 | $1,000 | $2,000 | $3,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| 36 | 1570 | $1,000 | $2,000 | $3,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 |
PROGRESSIVE SCHOLARSHIP VALUES
Value increases each year continuously renewed!
| COPPER DOME | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Total (4YR Value) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | $1,100 | $1,200 | $1,300 | $4,600 | |
| $2,000 | $2,100 | $2,200 | $2,300 | $8,600 | |
| $3,000 | $3,200 | $3,400 | $3,600 | $13,200 | |
| $4,000 | $4,200 | $4,400 | $4,600 | $17,200 | |
| $5,000 | $5,250 | $5,500 | $5,750 | $21,500 | |
| RESIDENCE LIFE LEADERSHIP | $1,000 | $1,000 | $2,000 | $2,000 | $6,000 |
| PRESIDENT'S | $10,000 | $10,500 | $11,000 | $11,500 | $43,000 |
ADDITIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS
PRESIDENT'S SCHOLARSHIP
The President's Scholarship is Southeast's most prestigious scholarship and is awarded annually to five students who represent the top of all applicants to Southeast. Finalists will be invited to interview in the spring and those who interview but are not selected will receive a $1,500 President's Finalist Housing Scholarship in addition to their Copper Dome and Residence Life Leadership awards.
VALUE
$10,000
($7,000 for tuition and fees. $3,000 for residence hall fees); value increases annually for students who meet the renewal requirements.
DEADLINE
December 1
Apply for admission and submit the President's Scholarship Application.
ELIGIBILITY
- Test optional with 3.9 cumulative high school GPA OR 3.75 cumulative high school GPA with 31 ACT/1390 SAT
- May be combined with Redhawks Achievement Award and Endowed/Sponsored Scholarships
WILL TO DO AWARD
VALUE
Tuition & Fees
The Will To Do Award ensures students will pay $0 in Tuition and General Fees, by covering any remaining amount after applying Pell, Access Missouri, and other tuition specific grants/scholarships.
DEADLINE
March 1
FAFSA must be on file by March 1; verification and/or Review of Special Circumstances must be completed by July 31
ELIGIBILITY
- Federal Pell Grant eligible
- Missouri Resident
- 2.75 cumulative high school GPA
- May be combined with Residence Life Leadership and Private Scholarships
REDHAWKS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
VALUE
$6,172.50
Difference between nonresident and Missouri resident tuition. The actual value varies based on enrollment; estimate shown is based on 15 hours per semester (fall/spring).
DEADLINE
None
ELIGIBILITY
- Non-Missouri Resident (U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident)
- 21 ACT or 1060 SAT and 3.00 cumulative high school GPA
OR - Test optional with a 3.25 cumulative high school GPA
RESIDENCE LIFE LEADERSHIP AWARD
VALUE
$1,000
Applied to residence hall fees.
DEADLINE
March 1
ELIGIBILITY
- Live in a Southeast residence hall
- 18 ACT or 960 SAT and 3.00 cumulative high school GPA
OR - Test optional with a 3.25 cumulative high school GPA
- Students will be recognized for the following activities: BETA Club, Boys State, Girls State, HOBY, Eagle Scout, Girl Scout Gold Award, Missouri A+ high school graduate, Missouri Renaissance Program.
SOUTHEAST A+ SCHOLARSHIP - KENNETT AND SIKESTON REGIONAL CAMPUSES
The Southeast A+ Scholarship is a University-sponsored scholarship, which closely mimics the State of Missouri A+ Scholarship Program. Students attending Southeast are not eligible for the State A+ Scholarship as it is only available at 2-year institutions. However, for students enrolled at one of Southeast's regional campuses, we offer the Southeast A+ Scholarship, which has eligibility requirements and renewal criteria closely related to the Missouri A+ Program.
VALUE
Varies
The Southeast A+ Scholarship will pay 100 percent of tuition and technology/maintenance fees for 000-299 level courses that are not already covered by other awards specifically denoted to pay such fees. If any federal/state need-based grants and/or other awards specifically denoted for tuition/general fees are received, the value of the A+ Scholarship will be reduced by the same dollar amount. As a result, if other aid covers all tuition and general fees, there may be no remaining charges for the A+ Scholarship to pay during a given semester.
DEADLINE
N/A
ELIGIBILITY
- High school graduate residing in Cape Girardeau, Bollinger, Butler, Dunklin, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Ripley, Scott, Stoddard, and Wayne county
- Submit a final high school transcript with the A+ Seal
- Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and clear the verification process (if selected)
- Enroll as a full-time, degree-seeking student at a Southeast Regional Campus in Kennett or Sikeston
- May not be combined with any other Southeast Academic scholarship
- Copper Dome Scholarship
- Residence Life Leadership Award
- Redhawks Achievement Award
- Visual and Performing Arts Award
- Academic Support Center Awards
- Endowed & Sponsored Scholarships
- State Grants and Scholarships
- Pell Grant and Other Need-based Scholarships
*Total award value cannot exceed annual cost of attendance.
30 Hours/3.50 GPA
- President's Scholarship
24 Hours/3.00 GPA
- Copper Dome Scholarship
24 Hours/2.75 GPA
- Redhawks Achievement Award
- Residence Life Leadership Award
- Will To Do Award (must also meet annual deadline and eligibility requirements)
Hours: Total Southeast credit hours earned in a scholarship year. May include summer.
GPA: Southeast cumulative grade point average, excluding dual credit, at the end of the scholarship year. May include summer.
*Number of renewal years may vary for freshman and transfer students.
Transfer academic scholarships are awarded at the time of admission to incoming transfer students who meet the eligibility requirements and apply to Southeast by the scholarship deadline. No separate application is required. These scholarships are only awarded prior to your first semester at Southeast and cannot be earned later.
Scroll left-right to view the full table
| Transfer GPA Required | Transfer Academic Scholarship | Phi Theta Kappa Award | Residence Life Leadership Award | Redhawks Achievement Award |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.00 | $6,172.50 | |||
| 3.25 | $500 | $1000 | $6,172.50 | |
| 3.50 | $2,000 | $500 | $1,000 | $6,172.50 |
All Transfer Student Awards are available to transfer students with 24+ transferrable hours from a two- or four-year college or university.
ADDITIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS
TRANSFER ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP
VALUE
$2,000
DEADLINE
June 1/Nov. 1.
ELIGIBILITY
- 3.50 transfer GPA
PHI THETA KAPPA AWARD
VALUE
$500
DEADLINE
June 1/Nov. 1.
ELIGIBILITY
- 3.25 transfer GPA
RESIDENCE LIFE LEADERSHIP AWARD
VALUE
$1,000
Applies to residence hall fees.
DEADLINE
June 1/Nov. 1.
ELIGIBILITY
- Live in a Southeast residence hall
- 3.25 transfer GPA
REDHAWKS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
VALUE
$6,172.50
Difference between nonresident and Missouri resident tuition.
DEADLINE
N/A
ELIGIBILITY
- Non-Missouri Resident (U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident)
- 3.00 transfer GPA
- Transfer Academic Scholarship
- Phi Theta Kappa
- Residence Life Leadership Award
- Redhawks Achievement Award
- Visual and Performing Arts Award
- Academic Support Center Awards
- Endowed & Sponsored Scholarships
- State Grants and Scholarships
- Pell Grant and other need-based awards
*Total award value cannot exceed annual cost of attendance.
24 Hours/3.00 GPA
- Transfer Academic Scholarship
- Phi Theta Kappa
- Visual and Performing Arts Award
24 Hours/2.75 GPA
- Redhawks Achievement Award
- Redhawks Life Leadership Award
Hours: Total Southeast credit hours earned in a scholarship year. May include summer.
GPA: Southeast cumulative grade point average, excluding dual credit, at the end of the scholarship year. May include summer.
*Number of renewal years may vary for freshman and transfer students.
International academic scholarships are awarded at the time of admission to incoming international students who meet the eligibility requirements and apply to Southeast by the scholarship deadline. No separate application is required. These scholarships are only awarded prior to your first semester at Southeast and cannot be earned later.
| SCHOLARSHIP (See more below table) | Annual Value | Cumulative GPA | ACT | SAT1 (ERW+Math) |
IELTS | TOEFL | iTEP | PTE Academic | Duolingo English | Southeast IEP Program | |
| BEGINNING FRESHMAN | (High School) | Meet ONE of the following requirements2 | |||||||||
| INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE | $8,000.00 | 3.75 | 27+ | 1280+ | 6.5 | 79 | 3.9 | 53 | 105 | N/A | |
| INTERNATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD (IAA) (value shown based on 2020-2021 fees)3 |
$6,172.50 | 3.25 | 21+ | 1060+ | 6.0 | 70 | 3.8 | 50 | 95 | Level 5 | |
| INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP | $2,000.00 | 2.5 | N/A | ||||||||
| NEW TRANSFER (24+ transferable credit hours) | (Transfer) | Meet ONE of the following requirements4 | |||||||||
| INTERNATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD (IAA) (value shown based on 2020-2021 fees)3 |
$6,172.50 | 3.0 | 21+ | 1060+ | 6.0 | 70 | Level 5 | ||||
| INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP | $2,000.00 | 2.5 | N/A | ||||||||
| SCHOLARSHIP (See more below table) | Annual Value | Cumulative Undergraduate GPA | |
| NEW GRADUATE | INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP | $2,000.00 | 2.5 |
1SAT (Evidence-based Reading & Writing + Math) = tests taken since March 2016.
2 An ACT or SAT score is required for graduates of a high school where English is the
sole medium of instruction.
3 The value of the IAA varies based on actual enrollment and will be reduced for less
than 15 hours per semester.
4 The test score/language requirement is waived for students with 24+ transferable
hours from a college where English is the sole medium of instruction.
/ General Eligibility Requirements
- Maintain full-time enrollment (12 hours undergraduate; 9 hours graduate) each semester
and satisfactory SEVIS status.
- Note: Some scholarships require completion of 30 hours per year, to renew the scholarship for the next year.
- Students are not eligible if awarded a scholarship intended to cover tuition & fees from any outside or institutional sources (e.g. athletics, graduate assistantships, government sponsorship, etc.).
- Undergraduate/graduate awards apply only to a first bachelor's/master's degree.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS & DEADLINES:
Value:
$8,000 per year ($4,000 fall & $4,000 spring)
Eligibility:
Beginning freshmen must meet the test score/language requirement and GPA requirements indicated in the chart above. GPA is evaluated on a 4.0 scale using a 6th or 7th semester transcript.
Renewal:
Renewable for three academic years (maximum of four consecutive academic years). Additionally, at the end of each academic year, students must have a Southeast cumulative 3.0 GPA and completed 24 Southeast credit hours (may include Southeast summer hours).
Recipients who do not meet this renewal criteria, but do meet the renewal criteria for the International Achievement Award (IAA) will receive the IAA the following year.
Deadline:
Fall Admits: March 1 - Spring Admits: November 1
Note: The last test score considered for the International Academic Excellence scholarship will be a March test date (fall admits) or November test date (spring admits).
| Cost Comparison | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost estimate for 30 credit hours per year, based on 2020-2021 fees, for full-time undergraduate students. | |||
| |
Missouri Resident | IAA Recipient | Non-Missouri Resident |
| Tuition | $6,778.50 | $12,951.00 | $12,951.00 |
| General Fees | $1,254.00 | $1,254.00 | $1,254.00 |
| Textbook Rental | $363.10 | $363.10 | $363.10 |
| Room and Meal Plan | $8,211.00 | $8,211.00 | $8,211.00 |
| IAA Value | ($6,172.50) | ||
| Estimated Cost | $16,606.60 | $16,606.60 | $22,779.10 |
Value:
This scholarship covers the difference between the nonresident tuition and in-state tuition rates. Students are not charged the in-state rate, but instead receive a financial aid credit to off-set the nonresident tuition rate. The actual value varies based on enrollment; estimate shown is based on 15 hours per semester (fall/spring).
Eligibility:
Beginning freshmen must meet the test score/language requirement and GPA requirement indicated in the chart above. The GPA is evaluated on a 4.0 scale using a 6th, 7th, or 8th semester transcript.
- Note: An ACT or SAT score is required for graduates of a high school where English is the sole medium of instruction.
Transfer students must meet the test score/language requirement and GPA requirement indicated in the chart above. Additionally, students must have 24+ transferable credit hours from an accredited college or university (two or four-year).
- Note: The test score/language requirement is waived for students with 24 or more transferable hours from a college where English is the sole medium of instruction.
Renewal:
Beginning Freshman:
Renewable for three academic years (maximum of four consecutive academic years). Additionally,
at the end of each year students must have a Southeast cumulative 2.75 GPA and completed
24 Southeast credit hours (may include Southeast summer hours).
Transfer Student:
Renewable for one additional academic year (maximum of two consecutive academic years).
Additionally, at the end of each year students must have a Southeast cumulative 2.75
GPA and completed 24 Southeast credit hours (may include Southeast summer hours).
Deadline:
No Deadline
Note: The last test score considered for the International Achievement Award will be a July test date (fall admits) or December test date (spring admits).
Value:
$2,000.00
Eligibility:
International beginning freshmen, transfer, and new graduate students must meet the GPA requirement indicated in the chart above.
Renewal:
Beginning Freshman:
Renewable for three academic years (maximum of four consecutive academic years). Additionally,
at the end of each year students must have a Southeast cumulative 2.5 GPA and completed
24 Southeast credit hours (may include Southeast summer hours).
Transfer Student:
Renewable for one additional academic year (maximum of two consecutive academic years).
Additionally, at the end of each year students must have a Southeast cumulative 2.5
GPA and completed 24 Southeast credit hours (may include Southeast summer hours).
Graduate Student:
Renewable for one additional academic year (maximum of two consecutive academic years).
Additionally, at the end of each year students must have a Southeast cumulative 3.0
GPA (may include Southeast summer hours).
Deadline:
No Deadline
Endowed Scholarships
Southeast awards 1500 endowed scholarships, totaling nearly $2 million annually. All admitted students are automatically considered for these scholarship opportunities. These scholarships range in value from $200 - $3000 annually.
Creation of endowed scholarships occurs when a donor gifts money to Southeast to create a scholarship fund. These donors may be alumni, businesses, community members, faculty/staff or other individuals who want our students to succeed academically and financially.
Beginning freshmen will be considered for these awards as part of the regular financial aid process; awarding for fall 2021 will begin in December 2020 and continue until the fall semester begins. Continuing Southeast students will automatically be considered and notified beginning in May 2021. While not required, completion of the FAFSA is recommended since some endowed scholarships require demonstrated financial need, as indicated by the FAFSA.
Although a separate application is not required for Endowed and Sponsored Scholarships, admitted students may receive a notification that they meet the requirements for certain awards that require additional information.
Endowed ScholarshipsParticipation scholarships require that you are a participant of a particular academic department or group at Southeast. Common participation scholarships are listed below, but you may speak to your particular academic department to see if other scholarships exist.
Academic Support Centers (EAP/SSS/TRIO)
Educational Access Programs (EAP)
Housed within the Academic Support Centers umbrella, Education Access Programs (EAP) offers multiple scholarships opportunities. Review each to see specific details.
- Educational Access Program Merit Award
- College Access Partnership Award (CAP-A)
- Matching Success Award (MSA)
Student Support Services/TRIO
Housed within the Academic Support Centers umbrella, Student Support Services (SSS) and TRIO offer scholarships to qualifying participants of their programs. For additional information regarding program requirements or scholarships, visit their page or contact SSS at 573-651-2512.
FIRST Robotics Competition
$1,000 Annually
Eligibility:
Southeast will annually award one scholarship to a member of the FIRST Robotics team
in high school. To compete for this scholarship applicants must submit a 500 word
essay regarding their experience and leadership role while on the FIRST Robotics team
and include a letter of recommendation from an adult mentor/coach of the student’s
FIRST team. The recipient must be enrolled full-time at Southeast in the fall semester
immediately following high school graduation in order to utilize the scholarship.
Renewal:
Renewable for 3 additional years. Must be a full-time student and have a cumulative
GPA of 3.0. Student must complete application through AcademicWorks each year.
Marching Band Scholarship
$750 - $2,000
Eligibility:
Students accepted by audition into the Southeast Marching Band will receive a $725
scholarship for each season of participation (maximum four fall seasons). Those students
that have achieved All-State status will receive $1000 scholarship for each season
of participation (maximum four fall seasons). As an enhancement, members who choose
to live on campus for their third or fourth year the Marching Band Scholarship will
be converted to a $500 and will receive an additional $2,000 housing scholarship.
Students that receive Marching Band Scholarships must be enrolled full-time (12 credit
hours minimum) and maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA (music majors must maintain a minimum
3.0 GPA).
Renewal:
Renewable each season of participation (max four fall seasons) in the Southeast Marching
Band
Military - Air Force ROTC Housing Scholarship
Varies up to $3,000
Eligibility:
This scholarship is awarded to those who meet the following criteria.
- Will reside in a University residence hall
- Is an active participant in the Air Force ROTC program
- Is enrolled in AS199, AS299, AS399, or AS499
Renewal:
Renewable for seven semesters (maximum of eight consecutive semesters) or first bachelor’s
degree. Recipients must maintain a 2.5 semester GPA in Southeast courses (excluding
dual credit) and complete a minimum of 12 Southeast credit hours per semester. Additionally,
recipients must continue to satisfy eligibility requirements listed above.
For additional information on Air Force ROTC or requirements, contact ROTC at 573-651-2184 or afrotc@semo.edu.
Military - Show Me Gold Housing Scholarship
Varies up to $3,000
Eligibility:
This scholarship is awarded to those who meet the following criteria.
- Will reside in a University residence hall
- Is an active participant in the Show Me GOLD program
- Is enrolled in NG001
Renewal:
Renewable for seven semesters (maximum of eight consecutive semesters) or first bachelor’s
degree. Recipients must maintain a 2.5 semester GPA in Southeast courses (excluding
dual credit) and complete a minimum of 12 Southeast credit hours per semester. Additionally,
recipients must continue to satisfy eligibility requirements listed above.
For additional information on Show Me Gold or requirements, contact 573-651-2427 or gold@semo.edu.
Missouri MOST Scholarship
$500 Annually
Value:
$500 per year ($250 per semester - fall & spring only)
Eligibility:
This scholarship is awarded to those who meet the following criteria.
- Incoming freshman/transfer student (admitted), or currently enrolled and in good academic standing with Southeast
- Submit the MOST Scholarship application by April 1st, for the following academic year
- Student's family must be participant of the MOST 529 College Savings Plan on behalf of the student for a minimum of 5 years (prior to applying)
- Full time enrollment (12 or more credit hours per semester)
- Complete the FAFSA by April 1st, for the upcoming academic year
- Demonstrate high need
Southeast awards up to 25 MOST Scholarships per year. Final awards will be issued to applicants according to financial need.
Renewal:
This scholarship is non-renewable.
Speech & Debate
Contact the Department of Communication Studies at 573-651-2241.
Spirit Groups (Cheerleading & Sundancers)
Varies, starting at $200
Cheerleading:
Contact Billy Hoskins at 573-241-5446 or billy.hoskins@kellyhawks.org for more information.
(Audition required)
Sundancers:
Contact 573-270-9270 for more information. (Audition required)
Visual and Performing Arts
Varies up to $1,500
Eligibility:
Available to beginning freshmen with a 21+ ACT or 1060 SAT and 3.0 cumulative GPA,
or test optional with a 3.25 cumulative GPA. Available to community college students
with 24 transferable hours and a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
- Art, music, theatre, or dance major
- Audition and/or portfolio may be required
- Apply to Southeast by December 1 (guaranteed consideration); awarded through March 1 as funds allow
Deadline:
July 1
Renewal:
3.0 cumulative Southeast GPA, completion of 30 Southeast hours per academic year,
and approval of department chairperson.
To apply, contact the appropriate department:
- Art: 573-651-2143
- Music & Marching Band: 573-651-2141
- Theatre & Dance: 573-651-2149