Missouri Scholars Academy

Missouri Scholars Academy

The Missouri Scholars Academy (MSA) is a three-week residential program for gifted Missouri students held each June on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia — June 7–27 in 2026. More than 300 rising high school juniors from across the state gather for a specially designed curriculum of interdisciplinary courses plus a full slate of extracurricular activities, living and learning alongside Missouri's most academically talented peers.

What You'll Do

• Take interdisciplinary academic courses built specifically for the academy rather than standard high school classes
• Join discussions, activities, and enrichment programming outside the classroom
• Live on the Mizzou campus for three weeks with scholars from every corner of Missouri
• Build a statewide network of high-achieving peers

Who Should Apply

Missouri residents who are current high school sophomores attending public or private Missouri schools; home-schooled students are also encouraged to apply. Students are nominated through their schools — nominations for 2026 opened November 1, 2025 and closed February 6, 2026 — and are scored on unweighted GPA, a standardized test score, letters of recommendation, and two 300–350-word essays. Accepted scholars pay a $200 scholar fee, and a need-based scholarship can be requested during registration.

Outcomes

Scholars complete one of Missouri's flagship academic honors experiences, gain three weeks of college-campus living, and join an alumni network of MSA scholars. Selection itself is a statewide academic distinction recognized by Missouri schools and colleges.

How much does Missouri Scholars Academy cost?

Missouri Scholars Academy costs $600. We read that off its official page, which says “$600 scholar fee in 2027”. Many paid programs offer need-based financial aid or fee waivers — check the official site before ruling it out.

Who is eligible for Missouri Scholars Academy?

Our catalog has Missouri Scholars Academy open to high school juniors, unconfirmed against the program's own page — check it before you rule yourself in or out, since eligibility is often narrower than a grade range suggests (age floors, "must have completed" rules, enrolment status).

Is Missouri Scholars Academy online or in person?

Missouri Scholars Academy is an in-person program based in Columbia, MO.

How do I apply to Missouri Scholars Academy?

Apply directly through University of Missouri's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.