Department of Higher Education

High schools across Missouri will celebrate their seniors’ plans for higher education or military service during Decision Day, a program sponsored by the Missouri Department of Higher Education.

Decision Day events are held nationwide on or near May 1 – the date by which most high school seniors are asked to notify a college of their plans to enroll.

More than 130 Missouri high schools are participating in Decision Day. Activities will vary at each school but may include assemblies, guest speakers, and social media events.

In addition to celebrating future plans, Decision Day events provide assistance to seniors who are still considering higher education but have not applied to college or enrolled in classes. For younger students, Decision Day emphasizes the importance of planning for higher education.

“We are excited to celebrate with seniors as they finalize plans to attend college or serve in the military. Recognizing these decisions helps to encourage students of all ages to think about the future and consider how continuing their education can help them achieve their goals,” said Zora Mulligan, Missouri commissioner of higher education.

Decision Day was inspired by the NCAA’s National Signing Day when student athletes sign a letter of intent to play college sports. Missouri launched Decision Day in 2016, and the program continues to grow each year.

Decision Day is one of three Journey to College programs sponsored by the department to help Missouri students plan and pay for college.