New SEMO Scholarships Program for Fall 2026
Continue to main contentBig Potential Deserves Big Support: Get rewarded for who you are and what you bring to the table.
At Southeast Missouri State University, we believe every student should have access to a high-quality, affordable education. That’s why we offer renewable scholarships that are test-optional, superscore-friendly, and designed to meet you where you are—academically and financially.
Many of our scholarships are awarded automatically based on your admissions application—no extra forms required. From academic achievement and leadership to creative talent, athletics, geographic location, or financial need, SEMO scholarships are built around you.
Apply once. Unlock your future.
Whether you’re a top test taker, a strong student without test scores, or a well-rounded leader ready to make an impact, there’s a scholarship waiting for you at SEMO.
Freshman, Transfer, More Scholarship Options
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Freshman Scholarships
Starting college straight from high school? You have unique funding opportunities waiting for you. Discover scholarships designed specifically for new students beginning their college journey.
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Transfer Scholarships
Already started college somewhere else? Transfer students have special scholarship opportunities too. Find funding designed for students who are continuing their education at a new school.
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Scholarship Options
Looking for additional ways to fund your education? Explore scholarships for continuing students, graduate programs, and specialized fields of study. Find more funding opportunities that might be the perfect fit for you.
Superscore
Did you take the ACT or SAT more than once? We will combine your best subscores when considering you for SEMO scholarships.
Test Optional
You've earned great grades, but test-taking makes your palms sweat. With a 2.9 cumulative high school GPA, you qualify for a Copper Dome Scholarship.
Renewable
Complete 24 SEMO credit hours annually and maintain a specific grade point average to renew these SEMO scholarships each year:
- 3.5 GPA
- President's Scholarship
- 2.0 GPA
- Copper Dome
- Phi Theta Kappa
- Transfer Academic
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Will To Do
Freshman Scholarships
President's Scholarship
Deadline for Fall Applicants
March 1
This is the scholarship guarantee deadline for fall semester applicants. To make certain you receive a President's Scholarship, apply to SEMO by the deadline!
Deadline for Spring Applicants
November 1
This is the scholarship guarantee deadline for spring semester applicants. To make certain you receive a President's Scholarship, apply to SEMO by the deadline!
Value
$8,000
Eligibility
Copper Dome
Deadline for Fall Applicants
March 1
This is the scholarship guarantee deadline for fall semester applicants. To make certain you receive a Copper Dome scholarship, apply by the deadline!
Deadline for Spring Applicants
November 1
This is the scholarship guarantee deadline for spring semester applicants. To make certain you receive a Copper Dome scholarship, apply by the deadline!
Value
$500-$5,000
Eligibility and Value
- 2.9 or higher cumulative high school GPA
Copper Dome Breakdown
| high school GPA | Yearly Value |
|---|---|
| 4.0 | $5,000 |
| 3.85 | $4,500 |
| 3.5 | $3,500 |
| 3.1 | $2,500 |
| 2.9 | $500 |
Will To Do Award
The Will To Do Award ensures students will pay $0 out of pocket in tuition and general fees by covering any remaining amount after applying Pell, Access Missouri, institutional awards, and other tuition-specific grants/scholarships.
Deadline
March 1
Your FAFSA must be on file by March 1. Verification and special circumstances must be completed by July 31.
School Code
002501
When filling out your FAFSA, be sure to include our school code.
Eligibility
- Federal Pell Grant eligible
- Missouri Resident
- 2.75 cumulative high school GPA
- Enrolled full-time
Transfer Academic Scholarship
3.5 GPA Transfer Value
$2,000
3.0-3.499 GPA Transfer Value
$1,000
Deadline for Fall Applicants
June 1
This is the scholarship guarantee deadline for fall semester applicants. To make certain you receive a Transfer Academic Scholarship, apply to SEMO by the deadline!
Deadline for Spring Applicants
November 1
This is the scholarship guarantee deadline for spring semester applicants. To make certain you receive a Transfer Academic Scholarship, apply to SEMO by the deadline!
Eligibility
- 24 transferable hours from a two- or four-year college or university (excluding early college credit and dual credit)
Phi Theta Kappa
Value
$500
Eligibility
3.25 transfer GPA
Deadline for Fall Applicants
June 1
This is the scholarship guarantee deadline for fall semester applicants. To make certain you receive a Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship, apply to SEMO by the deadline!
Deadline for Spring Applicants
November 1
This is the scholarship guarantee deadline for spring semester applicants. To make certain you receive a Transfer Academic Scholarship, apply to SEMO by the deadline!
Eligibility
More Scholarship Options
Endowed and Sponsored Scholarships
When an endowed scholarship is created, a donor gifts money to SEMO to start the scholarship fund to help you, our students, succeed. These donors can be alumni, businesses, community members, faculty/staff, or other individuals who want to help.
- SEMO awards nearly 2,000 endowed scholarships per year, totalling more than $3.1 million.
- Students are automatically considered for most awards. Students will receive an email if they qualify to apply for other awards.
- Opens in early December at AcademicWorks.
- Southeast key (email) activation by March 1 is required.
Southeast A+
Mimics the State of Missouri A+ Scholarship Program.
- Available to beginning freshmen who reside in Cape Girardeau, Bollinger, Butler, Dunklin, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Ripley, Scott, Stoddard, or Wayne counties.
- Enroll at a regional campus in Kennett or Sikeston.
- May not be combined with any other scholarship.
- For complete eligibility criteria, view the informational flyer
Participation Scholarships
If you are part of a particular academic department or group at SEMO, you may be eligible for a participation scholarship! Be sure to check with your department, group, or organization to see what may be available.
- Marching Band
- Military Housing
- Speech and Debate
- Spirit Groups: Cheerleaders and Sundancers
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Art: (573) 651-2143
- Music: (573) 651-2141
- Theatre and Dance: (573) 651-2149
Take the Next Step
Applying for Aid
Cost should not be the factor that stands between you and success at Southeast. We know your education and your future are top priorities, and we’re committed to doing whatever it takes to make a quality education financially possible.
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701