Bright Flight is Missouri merit aid—formally the Higher Education Academic Scholarship—for graduates with among the state’s highest entrance-test scores who attend an approved Missouri college. It pays in fall and spring, not summer, and funding depends on the budget and cohort rules.
For 2026 graduates, the state table lists ACT 32 or above for the higher tier and 30–31 for the next; superscores are accepted, but students must ask ACT to send them to MDHEWD using code 2379. Eligibility also depends on statewide score ranking, residency, first-time full-time enrollment, and an approved college.
For the cycle beginning in 2026–27, MDHEWD lists estimated annual awards up to $3,000 or $1,000, subject to final legislative funding; the award is split between fall and spring. A 2026 law creates a different change starting in 2027–28: subject to appropriation, certain cohorts may receive an award tied to actual tuition for their first four semesters. Do not apply the new formula retroactively to everyone.
There is no separate Bright Flight form, but you must send ACT scores, complete aid steps requested by the college, and confirm the campus is approved. Renewal requires at least a 2.5 college GPA after the first paid academic year. Ask the state what amount was finally funded for 2026 and which tier applies to you.
Before accepting an aid package, compare your individual notice with the bill and ask what happens if you change enrollment, major, or campus. Read the program profile and consult the administering agency; your institution’s financial-aid office confirms your individual determination.
Bright Flight Program — Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development.
SB 1121: Bright Flight amendments — Missouri Senate.
Approved participating institutions — Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development.
Information checked on October 12, 2026 against official sources. Deadlines for the 2026–27 cycle have passed for several programs; they are identified as past dates where relevant. Eligibility does not guarantee funding: confirm the academic year, your file, and net cost with the program and your campus financial-aid office.
Do not use another year’s chart: the score tier and the law change planned for 2027–28 apply to different cohorts.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Bright Flight Scholarship
For the Class of 2026, estimates up to $3,000 or $1,000 a year; final awards and renewal depend on appropriations and GPA.
State student financial-aid program
Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD)
The state validates scores and institutions; ACT sends scores and the college confirms eligibility and payment.
Public student financial-aid agency
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Missouri Senate · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Bright Flight Scholarship ↗
Primary source
Missouri Senate · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) ↗
Primary source
Missouri Senate · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.