Missouri Higher Education Academic

This merit-based program 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

Renewal 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.  For 2010 high school seniors, ACT or SAT scores in the top 5% will 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.

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. Provide any requested eligibility information by July 31 or September 30 of the year it is requested.

Individuals who have completed a home-school program or who 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
3515 Amazonas Drive
Jefferson City, MO 65109

What is the qualifying score?

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 2009-2010 qualifying scores are based on the test results of all 2008 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.

To qualify for the Bright Flight Scholarship for the 2009-2010 college academic year, 2009 high school graduates must have achieved one of the following test scores to be ranked in the top 3 percent. Essay portions are not taken into consideration when determining the qualifying score.

• ACT composite score of 31 or above
• SAT critical reading score of 790 or above and a math score of 780 or above

2009 high school graduates must have achieved the qualifying score on or before the June 2009 national test date in order to qualify for the Bright Flight Scholarship.

The qualifying ACT scores for 2010 high school graduates (for the 2010-2011 college academic year) are as follows.  The qualifying SAT scores are expected to be available soon. 

Top 3%

• ACT composite score of 31 or above

Top 5%

• ACT composite score of 30

How much can I receive?

All award amounts are conditional on sufficient state appropriations and are not available during summer terms.  If the state appropriation is not sufficient to fund all eligible students, award amounts will be reduced equally for all students.

For the 2009-2010 academic year, the $2,000 annual scholarship will be distributed in two payments of $1,000 each semester.

For the 2010-2011 academic year, the amount of the award depends on whether your score is in the top 3% or top 5%.

• Top 3% - Up to $3,000 annually.
• 4th -5th percentile - Up to $1,000 annually.

How can I apply?

• There is no Bright Flight application to complete.
• The MDHE will receive your ACT or SAT composite score(s), along with approved Missouri college or university choices, from your ACT or SAT assessment records. It takes approximately six to eight weeks after each national test date for the MDHE to receive assessment information.

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.

• Approval letters are mailed beginning in the spring of your senior year in high school.
• If you are a 2009 high school graduate and believe you are eligible but have not received an approval letter, contact the MDHE immediately.

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:

• For students who achieved the qualifying score on or before the April 2009 national test date, the preferred deadline was July 31, 2009.
• For students who achieved the qualifying score on the June 2009 national test date, or for students who did not meet the July 31 deadline, the deadline for changes is September 30, 2009.

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 September 30, 2009, 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 for up to 27 continuous months. Acceptable reasons for deferment include:

• Participation in a high school student exchange program
• Service in a nonprofit organization or a state or federal government agency
• Service on active duty in the armed forces of the United States
• Documented medical reasons

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
3515 Amazonas Drive
Jefferson City, MO 65109