Federal
Federal Pell Grant
Up to $7,395 a year (2026–27)
Who qualifies: undergraduates with financial need, based on the FAFSA. It never has to be repaid.
How: file the FAFSA.
Official rules →Paying for college · Columbia, MO
How students pay for the University of Missouri-Columbia
Sticker price $32,790 a year. After grants, the average student pays $21,142, and what you pay depends on your family's income: anywhere from $14,754 to $27,755.
- 78%admitted
- 23,929undergraduates
- 77%graduate
- 82%get a grant from the school
What it costs, by family income
Average yearly net price for first-time, full-time students who received federal aid, paying in-state tuition. Tap your bracket.
Out-of-state tuition is $37,820 a year versus $15,548 for Missouri residents, so non-residents usually pay far more than these figures.
Where the money comes from
Share of first-year students receiving each type of aid, and the average amount.
82%grant from University of Missouri-Columbiaavg $9,586
19%Federal Pell Grantavg $5,048
31%state grantavg $2,780
42%federal student loanavg $5,250
Scholarships from University of Missouri-Columbia
Awards the school itself offers, as published on its own website (checked 2026-10-28). Amounts and deadlines change: confirm on the linked page.
- Mizzou merit awards for Missouri residents (Mizzou Scholars, Chancellor's, Curators Scholars, Excellence)$3,500 to $11,000 a year for up to four years
Missouri-resident first-year students, judged on Mizzou Core GPA and course rigor; test scores optional.
- Mark Twain Scholarship (non-residents)$8,500 (Level 2) or $21,500 (Level 1) a year for up to four years
Non-resident U.S. citizen or permanent resident first-year students, awarded on academic merit.
- Black & Gold Scholarship$11,000 (Level 2) or $21,500 (Level 1) a year for up to four years
Non-resident first-year students with a parent or stepparent who graduated from Mizzou.
- Tiger Border County Award$17,000 (Level 2) or $21,500 (Level 1) a year for up to four years
Non-resident first-year students who live in a county bordering Missouri; cannot be combined with other MU aid.
- Border State Award$3,000 a year for up to four years
Non-resident first-year students from Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Oklahoma or Tennessee.
- National Merit Finalist & Semifinalist / Perfect Score Scholarship (Missouri residents)Full tuition and fees, a $3,500 yearly stipend, one year of on-campus housing and dining ($15,780), plus $2,000 for research or study abroad and $1,000 for…
Missouri residents named National Merit Finalists or Semifinalists, or with a 36 ACT or 1570-1600 SAT.
- Mizzou Scholarship Application (general and departmental scholarships)Varies (Mizzou Alumni Scholars: $500 to $5,000 a year)
Admitted students; one application covers hundreds of Mizzou scholarships, plus competitive awards such as Columns and Stamps Scholars.
- Osher Reentry ScholarshipUp to $5,000
Students pursuing a first bachelor's degree with financial need who have had a total five-year break in their studies.
Priority FAFSA deadline: February 1, 2027 (for priority consideration for need-based scholarships).
Grants and scholarships you can apply for
State grant · Missouri
Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program
$500 to $1,700 a year at a public two-year college; $1,750 to $3,500 a year at a public four-year university, State Technical College of Missouri or a private college. Actual awards depend on state funding and can be lower.
Who qualifies: Missouri residents who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, enrolled full-time as undergraduates at a participating Missouri school, with a Student Aid Index of $12,000 or less.
How: No separate application: file the FAFSA. For 2027–28, file by the priority deadline of 1 February 2027 to be guaranteed an award; the final deadline is 1 April 2027.
Official rules →State grant · Missouri
A+ Scholarship Program
Pays the tuition and general fees left after federal grants such as the Pell Grant, up to $240 per credit hour in 2026–27.
Who qualifies: Graduates of a designated A+ high school who attended it for two years, had at least 95% attendance and an unweighted 2.5 GPA, did 50 hours of unpaid tutoring or mentoring, met the Algebra I (or ACT math) test requirement, and enroll full-time at a participating community college or technical school.
How: No separate application: sign the A+ agreement with your high school before graduating and file the FAFSA every year. Late filing can put your payment at risk.
Official rules →State grant · Missouri
Bright Flight Scholarship
For 2026 high-school graduates: an estimated $3,000 a year for an ACT of 32 or higher, and $1,000 a year for an ACT of 30 or 31. Final amounts depend on state funding.
Who qualifies: Missouri residents who score in the top 5% of Missouri ACT or SAT takers by the June test after graduation and enroll full-time at a participating Missouri school right after high school.
How: No application: list at least one approved Missouri college when you register for the ACT or SAT, and the state receives your score from the testing agency.
Official rules →State grants follow your home state, not the school's: check your own state's programs if you are coming from elsewhere.
Living in Columbia
| Studio | $750/mo |
|---|---|
| One-bedroom | $960/mo |
| Two-bedroom, shared | $540/mo each |
HUD FY2027 Fair Market Rents, campus ZIP 65211. Campus housing is often cheaper in the first year.
Working while you study
$15.00/hour minimum wage in Missouri
15 hours a week over a 30-week academic year ≈ $6,750 before tax. That covers about 12 months of a shared room.
Minimum wage: $15.00 an hour for 2026; the state has not listed a 2027 rate. Ask the financial aid office whether you qualify for Federal Work-Study.
After graduation
$18,743median federal debt≈ $213/month over 10 years
$69,958median earnings10 years after enrolling
77%graduate within 6 yearsfirst-time students
Close the gap without another loan
Since July 2026 Parent PLUS loans are capped, so more families are left with a gap after aid. Students use My Study Fund to collect monthly support from family, friends and mentors: 20 people giving $25 a month is $6,000 a year, and you receive every dollar.
Questions students ask about paying for University of Missouri-Columbia
What scholarships does University of Missouri-Columbia offer?
Mizzou merit awards for Missouri residents (Mizzou Scholars, Chancellor's, Curators Scholars, Excellence) ($3,500 to $11,000 a year for up to four years); Mark Twain Scholarship (non-residents) ($8,500 (Level 2) or $21,500 (Level 1) a year for up to four years); Black & Gold Scholarship ($11,000 (Level 2) or $21,500 (Level 1) a year for up to four years); Tiger Border County Award ($17,000 (Level 2) or $21,500 (Level 1) a year for up to four years); Border State Award ($3,000 a year for up to four years). Details and deadlines are on the school's financial aid pages.
How much does University of Missouri-Columbia really cost after financial aid?
The average student who received aid paid $21,142 a year after grants and scholarships. By family income it ranges from $14,754 to $27,755. The full cost of attendance before aid is $32,790.
Does University of Missouri-Columbia give scholarships and grants?
Yes. 82% of first-year students received a grant from University of Missouri-Columbia itself, averaging $9,586. 19% received a Federal Pell Grant (average $5,048).
How much is rent near University of Missouri-Columbia?
HUD's FY2027 Fair Market Rent for the campus ZIP code (65211) is $960 a month for a one-bedroom and $1,080 for a two-bedroom, about $540 each when shared.
Can I work part-time while studying at University of Missouri-Columbia?
Yes. The minimum wage in Missouri is $15.00 an hour; 15 hours a week over a 30-week academic year earns about $6,750 before tax.
How much debt do University of Missouri-Columbia graduates have?
The median federal debt at graduation is $18,743, about $213 a month on a 10-year plan. Median earnings ten years after enrolling are $69,958.
Sources
U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (release 10152026) and IPEDS (SFA2223 student financial aid, first-time full-time students); HUD FY2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents; state and federal program pages linked above, checked 2026-10-28. My Study Fund is not affiliated with University of Missouri-Columbia. How these pages work.
More in Missouri: All colleges in Missouri →