Beginning in January, Missouri State University will provide dual credit scholarships to qualifying students across the state. The scholarships will allow eligible students to take up to six hours of dual credit per semester at no charge.

Blue Springs, Liberty, Smithville and North Kansas City school districts announced today (Sept. 11) that they are participating in the program.

Dual credit courses allow high school students to earn high school and college credits at the same time.

The scholarships will be available to qualifying students on free and reduced lunch who take dual credit courses through Missouri State.

Making college accessible

The goal of this program is to make college more accessible, improve workforce readiness and support a statewide goal of increasing the number of Missouri citizens with a college degree.

“Dual credit courses provide opportunities for students to get a head start on a college education,” said Missouri State President Clif Smart. “This scholarship will help level the playing field for all students.”

Research shows that students who complete college dual credit courses in high school are more likely to pursue and complete two-year and four-year degrees following high school.

“We thank MSU for its dedication to providing educational opportunities for all students,” said Blue Springs Deputy Superintendent Annette Seago. “This partnership opens pathways for our students, which will allow them the experience to both explore future careers and earn college credit. It’s partnerships like these that give our students an advantage for their future.”

This year’s freshmen at Missouri State came to college with an average of 16 college credits. Students who are more affluent tend to enter with more credits than students from households with fewer financial resources.

“We are very appreciative of Missouri State University’s vision of making post-secondary credit a possibility for all students,” said Smithville Superintendent Todd Schuetz. “Eliminating finances as a barrier to education is a philosophy that is consistent with our founding fathers and the Smithville School District is pleased to be a partner.”

Missouri State currently offers dual credit classes at 133 school districts in Missouri.

Qualifications

To qualify, a student must:

• Be enrolled in a participating school.
• Qualify for free or reduced lunches.
• Have at least a 3.0 high school Grade Point Average.
• Meet course prerequisites, if applicable, to enroll in a class.