Adult Student Services Blog

KC Scholar Scholarship Opportunity for Adult Learners

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Are you an adult student pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Missouri State University? Do you live in the Kansas City area? You may be eligible for the KC Scholars Adult Learner Scholarship Opportunity!

This scholarship supports both full-time and part-time enrollment. Funding of up to $25,000 paid directly to the college up to a bachelor’s degree or 6 years of scholarship support. Funding support begins in Fall 2027.

Application Cycle

The application is open from October 20th through November 20th, 2026 at 5:00pm. Notifications for awards will be sent on February 12, 2026.

Eligibility Requirements

  • High school graduate or GED holder and 24 years or older
  • Live in one of the six eligible counties: Wyandotte (KS), Johnson (KS), Cass (MO), Clay (MO), Jackson (MO), or Platte (MO)
  • Income eligible (FAFSA Student Aid Index of 12,000 or less)
  • Has not previously earned a bachelor’s degree
  • Has not previously been awarded and received a scholarship for a KC Scholars Traditional or Adult Learner Scholarship
  • U.S. Citizenship/Residency is not required

Great Jobs KC and College Savings Match awardees meeting all other eligibility requirements may apply.

Application Process

  1. Create an account at greatjobskc.org
  2. Complete the elgibility section
  3. Choose a recommender
  4. Write your personal statement
  5. Submit transcripts
  6. Sign and submit! Once all required sections have a green check mark, a green SUBMIT button will appear at the bottom of the screen.

Review the Adult Learner Application Checklist for a detailed breakdown.

If you need assistance with the application, contact applicationhelp@greatjobskc.org.

Additional Resources

 

The future you dream of starts now!

MSU Annual Foundation Scholarship Application

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Get Ready to Apply!

The MSU Annual Foundation Scholarship Application allows students to be considered for nearly 1,000 donor-funded scholarships at Missouri State with one application.

Quick facts:

  • Application opens: November 1st
  • Application deadline: March 1st
  • Who can apply: Students admitted to Missouri State
  • Scholarships may be based on: Major, academic achievement, financial need, leadership, community involvement, and other criteria

Starting your application early gives you plenty of time to review your information and submit everything before the March 1 deadline.

Scholarships for Nontraditional Students:

The MSU Foundation Scholarship application includes opportunities specifically for non-traditional students, along with many other scholarships you may qualify for.

Use the Scholarship Search Tool and search “non-traditional” to explore these opportunities.

Note: The Search Tool is only for viewing available scholarships. You will apply through the Foundation Scholarship Application.

Before You Apply:

The application may ask about your:

  • Academic goals
  • Work experience
  • Leadership experience
  • Volunteer activities
  • Campus or community involvement

Before November 1, consider gathering information about your activities and accomplishments. Having this information ready can make the application easier to complete.

How to Apply:

You must be admitted to Missouri State and have a My Missouri State account before applying.

  1. Log in to My Missouri State.
  2. Find the Financial Aid & Scholarships card.
  3. Complete your Financial Aid e-Agree if you have not already done so.
  4. Select MSU Foundation Scholarships to complete and submit your application.

While the FAFSA is not required to apply for MSU Foundation scholarships, students who are able are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)  by December 1.

Learn More About MSU Foundation Scholarships

Get Help with the FAFSA

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Every Bear, Every Year is encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid  (also known as the FAFSA). The FAFSA is the primary form used by federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs in determining your eligibility for grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships. Some institutional and donor aid opportunities that consider financial need will also use your FAFSA details to verify eligibility. See below for tips, resources, and important deadlines to help you with the 2027-2028 FAFSA.

The 2027-2028 FAFSA is now available. At Missouri State University, we recommend that you complete your FAFSA (and include Mo State’s federal student code 002503) by our priority deadline of December 1, 2026. This will help you maximize your eligibility for grants and scholarships. The deadline to be considered for Missouri State institutional aid is February 1, 2027 – so don’t delay!

FAFSA Frenzy

FAFSA Frenzy helps thousands of Missouri students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid every year. This year on Wednesday, October 7, the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) will host a FAFSA Frenzy in Springfield! This event is open to all high school seniors, current college students, and adults interested in continuing their education and training.

  • Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
  • Time: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
  • Location: 1146 E Cherry St, Springfield, MO 65807, USA

Can’t make it? Need one-on-one support? Email journeytocollege@dhewd.mo.gov. 

Not in Springfield? Check out the FAFSA Frenzy Event Calendar to find an event near you.

Resources for the FAFSA

 

More Aid Opportunities

Whether you’re returning to higher education or attending for the first time, we know that paying for school can cause some stress. See below for more opportunities to help you reach your goal!

The Office of Financial Aid website shares information on grants, loans, scholarships, workstudy and more.

In November, the MSU Foundation Annual Scholarship application will become available for the 2027-2028 aid year. This one application will apply you towards nearly 1,000 donor-scholarship opportunities. It’s definitely worth taking the time to complete the application. It’s due on March 1, 2027.

Adult Student Services also provides a list of opportunities specific to adult/nontraditional students.