SCHOLARSHIPS FOR FRESHMEN
A quality Christian education at HLGU is an affordable and sound financial decision. 100% of traditional students receive HLGU scholarships or aid. The overall costs of attending HLGU are listed below. For an estimated net cost, please visit our net price calculator.
| Semester | Year | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (12-17 hour block) | $12,600 | $25,200 |
| General Fees | $840 | $1,680 |
| Room - Board | $4,652 | $9,304 |
| Total Cost | $18,092 | $36,184 |
Academic scholarships are awarded to full-time, degree seeking students attending the HLGU main campus. Academic scholarships are designed to recognize and reward students for previous academic achievement. Academic scholarships are renewable for five years (ten semesters).
On-Campus
| Scholarship | Annual Award | Four-Year Award | Renewal GPA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trustee's Scholarship | $13,000 | $52,000 | 2.0 |
| President's Scholarship | $11,000 | $44,000 | 2.0 |
| Honors Scholarship | $9,500 | $38,000 | 2.0 |
| Achievement Scholarship | $8,000 | $32,000 | 2.0 |
| University Scholarship | $6,000 | $24,000 | 2.0 |
| Arch Scholarship | $4,000 | $16,000 | 2.0 |
| Trojan Scholarship | $3,000 | $12,000 | 2.0 |
Off-Campus
| Scholarship | Annual Award | Four-Year Award | Renewal GPA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trustee's Scholarship | $11,000 | $44,000 | 2.0 |
| President's Scholarship | $9,000 | $36,000 | 2.0 |
| Honors Scholarship | $7,500 | $30,000 | 2.0 |
| Achievement Scholarship | $6,000 | $24,000 | 2.0 |
| University Scholarship | $4,000 | $16,000 | 2.0 |
| Arch Scholarship | $4,000 | $16,000 | 2.0 |
| Trojan Scholarship | $3,000 | $12,000 | 2.0 |
Scholarship Calculator
The Founder’s Scholarship program at HLGU recognizes outstanding academic performance, proven leadership, and the pursuit of academic excellence. Entering freshmen who meet the criteria and apply will be eligible to compete for this, the highest academic scholarship at HLGU.
The Founder’s Scholarship competition will be held on February 27, 2026. Students will be selected to attend the competition weekend based on their submitted application and essay. The application for the 2026 Founder's Scholarship competition will open on October 1st. Please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 573-629-3264 with any questions.
Founder’s Scholarship Application Requirements
- Application for Admission
- Admitted to the University
- One of the following
- ACT of at least 27
- SAT of at least 1250
- CLT of at least 84
- Application for Founder’s Scholarship
- Letter of Recommendation from a School Teacher/Counselor attesting to your academic accomplishments or a Pastor/Youth Pastor attesting to your spiritual commitment and leadership.
- 500 – 1,000 word essay addressing one of the following topics:
- Describe a time where you demonstrated leadership ability, in or out of school. Describe the situation, what was needed, how you stepped up, what you did, and what the outcome was.
- Who you are is closely tied to who you’ve been around. Pick a person from your own life who has had an influence on you. Who is that person, what have they done to influence you, and how is your life different because of that person?
- Identify a problem in our world today you think will have a significant impact on your chosen vocation. Describe some leadership qualities you possess that will help you respond to that problem and have a positive impact on that professional field.
Students must be admitted to the University and submit all required documents by January 31, 2026. The Founder’s Scholarship Application and required documents are submitted online.
Founder’s Scholarship Competition
Qualifying candidates will participate in an interview with a panel of HLGU representatives. Interviews will be held February 27.
* Founder’s Scholarship Candidates should submit the FAFSA to HLGU by February 1, 2026 in order to minimize your out-of-pocket cost for tuition, fees, room, and board. HLGU’s Founder's Scholarship is limited to 17 hours per semester for ten semesters or until completion of degree. This scholarship is not applicable to tuition for I-term or summer terms.
*Founder’s Scholarship Recipients are eligible to participate in athletics, fine arts, and/or the honor’s community.
*HLGU scholarships are limited to tuition and fees, so there is limited stackability with the Founder’s Scholarship.
The Distinguished Academic Scholar award is available to any full-time student who has been recognized as a National Merit Scholar or a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. The Distinguished Academic Scholar award for those who were recognized as a National Merit Scholar is 100% tuition, general fees, and room and board charges. A student recognized as a National Merit Scholarship Finalist is eligible for an award of 50% of tuition and room and board charges. Recipients of the Distinguished Academic Scholar award are ineligible for any other HLGU institutional aid; however, they may retain any outside aid they can secure. Renewable: Based on maintaining a minimum CGPA of 3.25 at the end of each semester.
Athletic
Athletic scholarships are awarded by the athletic department by tryout and are renewable by performance and a 2.0 CGPA at the end of each semester. Amounts vary.
| Men's Sports | Women's Sports |
|---|---|
| Basketball | Basketball |
| Baseball | Softball |
| Cross Country | Cross Country |
| Track & Field | Track & Field |
| Soccer | Soccer |
| Golf | Golf |
| Wrestling | Volleyball |
Performance
Performance scholarships are awarded and renewable by audition and a 2.0 CGPA at the end of each semester. Amounts vary by program.
- Art Major Scholarship: Awarded by Art Department – Portfolio Review
- Music Major Scholarship: Awarded by Music Department
- Chamber Choir Scholarship: Awarded by Director of Chamber Choir
- Choir Performance Scholarship: Awarded by Director of Choir
- Concert Band Performance Scholarship: Awarded by Director of Concert Band
- Theatre Major Scholarship: Awarded by Theatre Arts Department
- Communication Scholarship: Awarded by Communication Studies Department
Christian Ministry Vocation
The Christian Ministry Vocational Fellowship (CMVF) is a scholarship provided for any HLGU student that has expressed and been confirmed by a local church to exhibit a call to ministry. The student will apply through the Office of Ministry Guidance. Students who receive the CMVF scholarship are required to be engaged in local church ministry, reporting their progress to the Chair of the Christian Studies Division. Additionally, students are expected to attend and participate in monthly ministry development meetings held on campus.
The HLGU Heritage 50% Tuition Scholarship is available to new, full-time, degree seeking students attending the HLGU main campus. Eligible students will receive a minimum of 50% tuition when all HLGU scholarships for which the student is eligible are combined. To be eligible students must meet one of the criteria below:
- Be an active member of a Southern Baptist Church (church recommendation required) – Apply for the Southern Baptist Heritage Scholarship
- Be a graduate of a Christian high school or home school program – Apply for the Christian Heritage Scholarship
- Parents are full-time employees of the Missouri or Southern Baptist Convention – Apply for this scholarship
The HLGU Honors Program has been established to provide academically gifted and highly motivated students with a course of study designed to engage them in a deeper, richer, academic experience while studying at HLGU. Honors courses seek to challenge students to think critically, and to stretch them by exploring complex issues related to the classic liberal arts disciplines.
Students who are selected for the Honors Program are eligible for up to $2,000 in an additional Honor’s Program Award. Please visit the Honors Program page for more details.
The Missouri Baptist Convention/Southern Baptist Convention scholarship is a $5,000 annual scholarship specifically for dependents of a full-time MBC/SBC employee. The parent of applicants can be any full-time employee of a MBC/SBC entity and doe not have to be a minister. For example, a secretarial or janitorial position would qualify.
This scholarship CAN NOT be stacked with any other HLGU award other than the Academic Award, Honors Program Award, Founder Award and Ambassador.
To qualify for this scholarship:
- Applicant must have a score of 20 on the ACT
- Applicant must be an incoming student
- 3.0 CGPA for transfer students
- Documentation of MBC/SBC employment for parent
- Must be an on-campus resident
To maintain this scholarship:
- Students must keep a 2.0 GPA
- Continued MBC/SBC employment
- Must be an on-campus resident
If you are interested in obtaining this scholarship, contact the HLGU admissions office at 573-629-3264 or admissions@hlg.edu.
Missouri Baptist Historical Commission Scholarship
Click this link to access the Missouri Baptist Historical Commission Scholarship
The Homeschool Scholarship is a $5,000 annual scholarship specifically for homeschool graduates. This scholarship CAN NOT be stacked with any other HLGU award other than the Academic Award, Honors Program Award, Founder Award and Ambassador.
To qualify for this scholarship:
- Applicant must have a score of 20 on the ACT
- Applicant must be an incoming student
- 3.0 CGPA for transfer students
- Must be an on-campus resident
To maintain this scholarship:
- Students must keep a 2.0 GPA
- Must be an on-campus resident
If you are interested in obtaining this scholarship, contact the HLGU admissions office at 573-629-3264 or admissions@hlg.edu.
The Christian School Scholarship is a $5,000 annual scholarship specifically for graduates from Christian high schools. This scholarship CAN NOT be stacked with any other HLGU award other than the Academic Award, Honors Program Award, Founder Award and Ambassador.
To qualify for this scholarship:
- Applicant must have a score of 20 on the ACT
- Applicant must be an incoming student
- 3.0 CGPA for transfer students
- Must be an on-campus resident
To maintain this scholarship:
- Students must keep a 2.0 GPA
- Must be an on-campus resident
If you are interested in obtaining this scholarship, contact the HLGU admissions office at 573-629-3264 or admissions@hlg.edu.
What is Federal Work Study?
Work Study is a federal aid program designed to provide part-time employment for a limited number of students who have financial need. Work Study eligibility awards represent the total amount a student is eligible to earn in wages from federal aid after securing an on-campus job.
How do I apply for a Federal Work Study job?
Check out a full list of currently open student worker positions along with an application right here.
Student employment
For students who do not qualify for federal work-study, HLGU offers many additional opportunities for student employment. Check out a full list of currently open student worker positions along with an application right here.
The HLGU Grant is awarded based on unmet need and other financial aid a student is receiving. To be considered for an HLGU grant, students must file their FAFSA and have it sent to HLGU using the University's school code 009089.
Federal financial aid is non-institutional financial assistance based on family need which is determined by information reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once HLGU receives the results of this analysis, the financial aid office will try to meet your educational costs with various aid programs. Students must complete student loan entrance counseling a master promissory note (MPN) prior to obtaining a Federal Direct student loan. The federal government further requires that students complete student loan exit counseling prior to graduating or ceasing to be enrolled at least half-time.
Federal Pell Grants
A federally funded grant program with varied award amounts. Eligibility is determined on the basis of financial need as determined by the FAFSA.
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
These federally funded grants are awarded to students with exceptional financial need. Students who have been accepted for admission are given priority. Funds are limited.
Federal Work Study
This program provides on campus employment for students with established financial need. Funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. An application for employment is required.
Federal Student Direct Loans
All students who file a FAFSA will be considered for a Federal Student Direct Loan. Depending upon a student’s demonstrated financial need, the Federal Student Direct Loan may be subsidized (government pays the interest while the student is enrolled at least half-time) or unsubsidized (interest begins to accrue on receipt of the loan). Interest rates for undergraduate students are fixed at 6.53% for loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2024 and prior to July 1, 2025. The annual amounts are $5,500 for freshmen, $6,500 for sophomores, and $7,500 for juniors and seniors. Repayment begins six months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time. Independent students can borrow the same loan limits plus an additional $4,000 for freshmen and sophomores and $5,000 for juniors and seniors.
*More information can be found online at www.studentaid.gov
PLUS Program
Parents may borrow up to the total cost of attendance per year for each of their dependent undergraduate students. Past credit history is used to determine eligibility. Repayment begins within sixty days after the final loan disbursements; there is no grace period for this loan. The interest rate is 9.08% for loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2024 and before July 1, 2025. Contact the office of financial aid for more information. HLGU requires the FAFSA be submitted prior to processing a PLUS loan.
*More information can be found online at www.studentaid.gov
Alternative (Private) Education Loans
Alternative loans are funded by banks, credit unions and other private lending institutions. Students who need additional funds to pay educational costs, and who have exhausted their federal direct loan eligibility and other funding resources, may consider borrowing an alternative (private) education loan. This option should be carefully considered. You are not required to select a lender from the link below. You are free to choose any lender and loan product you feel best suits your needs.
To view a list of lenders we selected for comparison see below.
Missouri Family Education Loan Program
The Missouri Family Education Loan Program (MOFELP) is a private education loan program that is awarded on a first come, first served basis for eligible, qualified borrowers. Annual loan limits are $5,000 with a 0% interest rate. MOFELP has no additional fees; however, borrowers are responsible for a $5 monthly keep-in-touch payment. Below is the general criteria* intended for qualified borrowers:
- Must have previously utilized loan program in the 2024-2025 academic year or earlier.
- Enrolled full time
- Making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
- SAI of $20,000 or less
- At least 17 years of age
- US Citizen
- Permanent Missouri resident
- Not have a Bachelor’s degree
- At least 21 on ACT or 1500 on SAT; or have an overall cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher earned at the participating school
- Must receive annual loan limits for Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans.
- Not have a conviction for fraud
- Two year credit history (or have a cosigner with two year credit history)
* MOFELP criteria may be subject to change.
NSLDS Loan Information
All borrowers who participate in Title IV HEA loan programs will have information submitted to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), and will be accessible by guaranty agencies, lenders, and institutions determined to be authorized users of the data system. You can access your information at www.studentaid.gov.
To process loans
Students:
Parents:
Access Missouri Program
This award is available to Missouri residents attending a participating Missouri college or university. Recipients must be enrolled full-time and have their FAFSA submitted before February 1. Recipients of this award are determined by the state of Missouri. This award can be received for up to 10 semesters and a 2.5 CGPA must be maintained.
Missouri Higher Education Academic Scholarship (Bright Flight)
This is a renewable scholarship available to Missouri residents attending a participating Missouri college or university as a first-time student the academic year immediately following their senior year of high school. To qualify, a student must be enrolled full-time and have a composite ACT score of 31 or an SAT score in the top 3% of all Missouri residents. This award can be received for up to 10 semesters and a 2.5 CGPA must be maintained.
Purdy Emerging Leaders Scholarship
This scholarship is available for Missouri residents attending a participating Missouri college or university. Recipients must be enrolled full-time and making satisfactory academic progress. Recipients must also submit a recommendation letter from an instructor, counselor, advisor, supervisor or other similarly qualified individual at the institution. Recipients of this award must have a CGPA of 2.5 or higher. Please see the Financial Aid Office for application information.
Cappex – Scholarship search
College Board– Resources for both students and parents on preparing for college
FastWEB – Scholarship search
Financial Literacy Program – Learn key skills for financial success. Complete 5 out of 10 modules and HLGU will waive the $25 admission fee. Submit TG Learning Center Transcript with HLGU Application for Admission.
Julie Queler Grant – Scholarship Opportunity
KF&B Law Academic Scholarship – Scholarship Opportunity
Missouri Baptist Foundation – HLGU Scholarship Opportunity
Missouri Baptist Historical Commission Scholarship
Missouri Department of Higher Education
Missouri Saving for Tuition (MO$T) Program – Missouri college savings plan
MOHELA – Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority
SallieMae Graduate School Scholarship Search
SallieMae Scholarship Search – Scholarship Search by Sallie Mae
The SmartStudent Guide to Financial Aid – Info on scholarships, loans and other types of aid
TEACH Kansas City – There are multiple ways to become a teacher. This site has some financial and guidance support to become a Kansas City, Missouri teacher.
The Student Guide – Financial aid information from the US Department of Education
2025-26 Financial Aid Forms
- Verification Worksheet
- Identity and Statement of Educational Purpose
- Aggregate Verification Worksheet
- Declaration of Non-Support
- Foreign Earned Income Exclusion
- Direct Parent Plus Loan Instructions
- Unusual Circumstances
- Special Circumstances Form
- Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy
- Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal Form
2024-25 Financial Aid Forms
- Verification Worksheet
- Identity and Statement of Educational Purpose
- Declaration of Non-Support
- Foreign Earned Income Exclusion
- Direct Parent Plus Loan Instructions
- Unusual Circumstances
- Special Circumstances Form
- Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy
- Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal Form
IRS Tax Return Transcript Request Process
Federal income tax filers chosen for verification (students and parents) who elect not to use the IRS Data Retrieval Process or do not qualify to use the IRS Data Retrieval Process must submit an IRS Tax Transcript to the financial aid office. To request a transcript from the IRS, select one of the following methods. Your Federal income tax return must be accepted by the IRS and you must pay your IRS tax liability, if applicable, before you can request a transcript.
Get Transcript Online:
- Go to www.irs.gov/transcripts
- Click on the “Get Transcript Online” box.
- Log in or create an account.
- Enter all requested information. Be sure to use the address currently on file with the IRS.
- A PDF of the requested document will be presented online for saving or printing.
Get Transcript By Mail:
- Go to www.irs.gov/transcripts
- Click on the “Get Transcript by Mail” box.
- Enter information for all required fields.
- Be sure to use the address currently on file with the IRS.
- If successful, tax transcripts will be received by the requester within 10 business days.
IRS form 4506-T or 4506-T-EZ:
- Go to www.irs.gov
- Choose “Forms and Instructions”.
- Choose 4506-T Form.
- Fill out all required fields.
- Print form and follow the “General Instructions” section at bottom of the form to submit.
Income Verification Express Service:
- 1-800-908-9946
*The IRS now redacts sensitive information from the Tax Return Transcripts including but not limited to:
- Last 4 digits of any SSN listed.
- First 4 characters of the last name of any individual.
- First 6 characters of the street address, including spaces.
Due to this change it is imperative that the student/parent communicate with the Financial Aid Office at Hannibal-LaGrange University which student the tax return transcript is being provided for.
** If you are unable to obtain the required Federal Tax Return Transcript(s) by using one of the above methods you will need to contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 or visit your local Internal Revenue Service Office to obtain a copy.
Process for Non-Tax Filers Selected for Verification
Students and parents who are not required to file a Federal income tax return must submit copies of their W-2 forms to confirm income earned from work. If no income was earned, please check the appropriate box on the front of this worksheet.
*Documentation of non-filing is required. You can request that documentation at www.irs.gov. You will need to provide us with a Verification of Non-filing letter.