Bright Flight Program

The Missouri Higher Education Academic Scholarship Program is a merit-based program that encourages top-ranked high school seniors to attend approved Missouri postsecondary schools.

Am I eligible?

To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:

Initial Students

  • Be a Missouri resident and a United States citizen or permanent resident.
  • Have a composite score on the ACT or SAT in the top 3 percent of all Missouri students taking those tests. Beginning with 2010 high school seniors, ACT or SAT scores in the top 5% qualify.

The qualifying score must be achieved by the June test date of your senior year in high school. (Only composite test scores achieved on national test dates or on special test dates approved by the testing companies are acceptable. Test scores from residual tests are not acceptable.)

  • Be a graduating high school senior (or equivalent) who enrolls as a first-time student.
  • Be enrolled full time at a participating Missouri school. (Students with disabilities who are enrolled in at least six credit hours may be considered to be enrolled full time.)
  • Receive the scholarship during the academic year immediately following your senior year in high school (or when you obtain a certificate of high school equivalence).
  • Complete and submit all requested eligibility information.
  • Not be pursuing a degree or certificate in theology or divinity.
  • Provide any requested eligibility information by July 31 or September 30 of the year it is requested.

Renewal Students

  • Continue to meet the eligibility requirements for initial students,
  • Receive the scholarship at least one semester each academic year, beginning with the academic year immediately following your senior year in high school.
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 and otherwise maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by your school.

 

Individuals who have graduated from Missouri’s virtual public school, have completed a home-school program or have obtained a certificate of high school equivalence by passing the General Educational Development (GED) exam may be considered for the scholarship program. GED students must submit a copy of their GED certificate to:

Missouri Department of Higher Education
Attn: Bright Flight
P.O. Box 1469
Jefferson City, MO 65102-1469

What is the qualifying score and how much can I receive?

The qualifying ACT and SAT scores for students who will graduate in the current academic year are re-evaluated and announced each fall. These qualifying scores are based on the scores of students who were high school seniors in the previous academic year. For example, the 2010-2011 qualifying scores are based on the test results of all 2009 Missouri high school seniors. Because the minimum score is set by a percent of test takers, that score is subject to change annually.

If you took the ACT or SAT as a high school junior or sophomore, your score will be accepted as long as it meets the qualifying score(s) announced during your senior year in high school.

The following tables display the qualifying ACT and SAT scores for 2010 high school graduates (for the 2010-2011 college academic year), along with the statutory maximum and the current awards. The award amounts are lower than the maximum due to a reduction to the funds available to make awards.

ACT Score



OR
SAT
Critical Reading and Math Scores
Statutory
Maximum
Award Amount
2010-2011
Final
Award Amount
31 or above
800 or above and 790 or above
Up to
$3,000
$1,500

ACT Score



OR
SAT
Critical Reading and Math Scores
Statutory
Maximum
Award Amount
2010-2011
Final
Award Amount
30
770-799 and 780-789
Up to
$1,000
$0

 

The following tables display the qualifying ACT and SAT scores for 2011 high school graduates (attending college during the 2011-2012 academic year), along with the statutory maximum awards and the estimated awards. The actual award amount is dependent on the amount of funds allocated for the program during the 2011 legislative session.

ACT Score



OR
SAT
Critical Reading and Math Scores
Statutory
Maximum
Award Amount
2011-2012
Final
Award Amount
31 or above
800 or above and 790 or above
Up to
$3,000
$1,750
ACT Score



OR
SAT
Critical Reading and Math Scores
Statutory
Maximum
Award Amount
2011-2012
Final
Award Amount
30
770-799 and 770-789
Up to
$1,000
$0

Award amounts are not available during summer terms.

How can I apply?

How will I know if I am eligible?

Eligible students will receive approval letters from the MDHE for qualifying scores achieved by the June ACT and SAT test dates.

You will be notified if you did not indicate any Missouri school choices or if you provided conflicting information (for example, information indicating you are a Missouri resident but not a U.S. citizen). To safeguard your eligibility, we recommend that you always choose at least one approved Missouri school when you take the ACT or SAT, even if you plan to attend school in another state.

The following deadlines apply to changes to your eligibility record with the MDHE:

If you are a 2010 high school graduate

If you are a 2011 high school graduate

Completion of the FAFSA is not required to receive a Bright Flight scholarship. However, if you elect to complete a FAFSA, information on that application or updates to it can impact your eligibility for Bright Flight even if you have previously been notified of your eligibility.

If you do not provide all necessary information to the MDHE by the deadline, you will be considered a late applicant and your award will be subject to funding availability, even if you have previously received an approval letter.

How will I receive my award?

Each semester the institution you are attending will certify your eligibility. The certification process occurs electronically in real-time.  Institutions typically certify eligibility at the beginning of each semester, although they can do so through the end of the semester.

If your institution certifies you are eligible, the MDHE will disburse your award within 3-5 business days of the certification. Your institution will then deliver it to you.  Delivery timeframes can vary from institution to institution.

How long can I renew my scholarship?

The scholarship may be renewed annually for up to 10 semesters or until you have completed a bachelor's degree, whichever occurs first.

How do I transfer my scholarship?

If you choose to transfer to a different participating Missouri institution, either between academic years or semesters, you must contact the MDHE at (800) 473-6757, option 4. Failure to notify the MDHE of the transfer may result in loss of the scholarship.

Can the scholarship be deferred?

If you are unable to attend school for an entire academic year you may qualify for a deferment of your scholarship eligibility. Acceptable reasons for deferment include:

You may defer your scholarship eligibility for up to 27 continuous months for participation in a high school student exchange program, service in a nonprofit organization or a state or federal government agency or for medical reasons.  You may defer your scholarship eligibility due to service on active duty in the armed forces of the United States, as long as you return to full-time status within six months after you first cease service to the armed forces.

You should apply for the deferment as soon as you are aware there will be a break in your attendance. If you are unable to attend school for one semester within an academic year, a deferment of your scholarship eligibility is not necessary.

You must submit a written request for deferment to:

Missouri Department of Higher Education
Attn: Bright Flight
P.O. Box 1469
Jefferson City, MO 65102-1469