Pay Less for College: Scholarships for St. Louis Students

November 18, 2025

Posted by STLCC in Paying for College 

College costs can add up quickly. Tuition, books, supplies, transportation and everyday expenses can make paying for school feel overwhelming.

Scholarships and grants can help lower those costs. Some are based on financial need or academic achievement, while others support students based on their program, involvement, career plans or personal experiences.

This guide explains where to find scholarships for STLCC students, what you may need to apply and how to avoid missing an opportunity.

Start with these four steps:

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using STLCC school code 002469.
• Apply to STLCC and activate your MySTLCC account.
• Register for classes that apply to your program.
• Complete the STLCC Foundation scholarship application.

Start With STLCC Foundation Scholarships

STLCC Foundation scholarships are a strong place to begin. One online application can connect you with more than 100 donor-funded scholarship opportunities.

The scholarship system can match you with opportunities based on information such as your program, enrollment status, academic record, campus involvement and financial need. Some scholarships may require additional questions, an essay, a recommendation or other supporting materials.

You must apply to STLCC, activate your MySTLCC account and register for classes before using the Foundation scholarship system. Allow time for your registration information to appear before logging in.

Before you apply:

• Complete and submit the FAFSA.
• Make sure you’re admitted to STLCC as a degree-seeking student.
• Register for courses that apply to your program.
• Review your contact and academic information for accuracy.
• Gather any essays, recommendations or supporting documents.

Foundation scholarship opportunities and requirements can change. Review the scholarship system each academic year and check your STLCC email for application and award information.

Complete the FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid helps determine whether you qualify for grants, scholarships, work-study or student loans. Many scholarships require a completed FAFSA, even when financial need isn’t the only factor considered.

Use STLCC’s FAFSA school code so your information is sent to the College:

After submitting the FAFSA, check your financial aid status in Archer Connect. Complete any requested forms or documents as soon as possible so your financial aid file can be reviewed.

Check Federal and Missouri Aid

Scholarships aren’t the only type of funding that can lower your college costs. Grants are generally based on financial need and usually don’t need to be repaid.

Missouri funding options may include:

• Access Missouri: Need-based state aid for eligible Missouri residents.
• A+ Scholarship Program: Tuition reimbursement for eligible graduates of designated Missouri high schools.
• Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant: Aid for eligible adult students enrolled in approved programs connected to high-demand careers.
• Bright Flight: Merit-based aid for eligible Missouri students who meet academic and testing requirements.

Each program has its own deadlines, enrollment rules and eligibility requirements. Review the current information from the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development before relying on an award to cover your balance.

Explore STLCC Board of Trustees Scholarships

STLCC Board of Trustees scholarships support students who meet specific academic, financial, athletic or involvement requirements. Award values, selection processes and enrollment requirements vary.

Scholarship categories may support:

• Student leadership and campus involvement
• Intercollegiate athletics
• Books and required course materials
• Students nearing degree completion
• Continuing students with strong academic performance
• Returning adult students
• Emerging scholars
• Honors students

Some students may be considered automatically, while other awards require an application, nomination or additional materials. Availability may be limited.

Check out the STLCC scholarship page and check your financial aid information in Archer Connect for current eligibility and award details.

Review Athletic Scholarships

Student athletes may qualify for scholarships that help with college costs while they balance classes, practices and competitions.

• STLCC athletic scholarships: Awarded to eligible students participating in intercollegiate athletics. Availability and award amounts vary by sport.
• Curt Smith Sporting Goods Scholarship: Supports eligible students from the St. Louis region who participated in high school athletics and demonstrate financial need.

Prospective student athletes should contact the coach for their sport to ask about team requirements, recruitment and available scholarship support.

Find Help With Graduation or Transfer

Students who are close to completing a credential or preparing to transfer may qualify for additional financial support.

• Completion Grant: May help eligible students pay for final courses needed to complete a credential.
• Finish Line Degree Completion Grant: May help eligible Missouri residents with a past-due STLCC balance return and finish their program.
• Hites Foundation Community College Transfer Scholarship: Supports selected STLCC students who plan to transfer full time to an accredited four-year college or university.

Each opportunity has separate eligibility and application requirements. If transfer is part of your plan, STLCC’s transfer advising resources can help you prepare.

Search Beyond STLCC

Local employers, community organizations, professional associations, foundations and four-year colleges may also offer scholarships.

Some outside awards are based on where you live, your academic program, career plans, employer, volunteer experience or community involvement. Others support students with particular backgrounds, responsibilities or educational goals.

Outside scholarships may require a separate application, essay, transcript or recommendation. Read the requirements carefully and confirm where the award can be used.

Prepare Your Application Materials

Scholarship requirements vary, but preparing a few common materials can make it easier to apply for several opportunities.

• Create a list of your employment, activities, volunteer work, honors and leadership experience.
• Save a copy of your current class schedule and academic record.
• Write a personal statement that you can adjust for different applications.
• Ask for recommendations at least two or three weeks before the deadline.
• Give recommenders information about the scholarship and your educational goals.
• Proofread your application and confirm that every required document is included.
• Save confirmation emails or screenshots after submitting.

Write a Strong Scholarship Essay

A scholarship essay doesn’t need to use complicated language. Focus on answering the question clearly and helping the reviewer understand your goals, experiences and reasons for attending college.

Use specific examples when describing a challenge, accomplishment or leadership experience. Explain what happened, what you did and what you learned from it.

Ask for Recommendations Early

Some scholarships ask for a recommendation from a teacher, faculty member, coach, supervisor or community leader. Choose someone who knows your work, goals or character well enough to provide specific examples.

Ask before entering someone’s information on an application. Share the scholarship description, deadline, submission instructions and a short summary of what you hope to study or accomplish.

Give the person enough time to write and submit the recommendation. A polite reminder before the deadline can help, but avoid waiting until the last minute.

Keep Track of Deadlines

Scholarship deadlines can take place throughout the year. Some applications close months before the semester begins, so don’t wait until your tuition is due to begin looking.

• Add deadlines to your phone or calendar.
• Set a reminder at least one week before each deadline.
• Keep application links and requirements in one document.
• Mark each application as planned, started, submitted or awarded.
• Check your STLCC email regularly for follow-up requests.

Submitting early gives you time to correct a missing document or technical problem before the application closes.

Protect Yourself From Scholarship Scams

You shouldn’t have to pay to complete the FAFSA or submit a legitimate scholarship application. Be cautious if an organization promises a guaranteed award, asks for unnecessary banking information or pressures you to act immediately.

Always make sure to research the organization before sharing personal information. 

Understand How Scholarships Are Applied

Scholarships become part of your overall financial aid package. The award may be applied to tuition, fees, books or other approved educational costs, depending on the scholarship’s terms.

An outside scholarship may need to be sent to STLCC before it can appear on your student account. Follow the scholarship provider’s instructions and keep a copy of the award notice.

A scholarship could affect other parts of your financial aid package. Enrollment Services can explain how an award may affect your balance, grants, loans or anticipated refund.

Keep Your Scholarship Eligibility

Receiving a scholarship may come with ongoing requirements. Depending on the award, you may need to maintain a certain GPA, complete a minimum number of credits, remain in an eligible program or participate in campus activities.

STLCC institutional scholarship recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress. Review the requirements connected to your award and check your academic and financial aid status regularly.

Before dropping a course, withdrawing or changing your program, contact Enrollment Services. A schedule change could reduce or cancel a scholarship or other financial aid and may leave a balance on your account.

Common Questions About Scholarships

Keep Applying

You may not receive every scholarship you apply for. That doesn’t mean the time was wasted. Essays, activity lists and recommendation materials can often be adjusted and reused for other applications.

Continue looking throughout the year and apply for opportunities that match your experience, program and goals. Even a smaller award can reduce the amount you need to pay or borrow.

Get Help With Scholarships

Enrollment services can help you understand FAFSA requirements, financial aid documents and how scholarships may affect your student account.

For questions about a specific Foundation scholarship application, use the contact information listed in the scholarship system or on the STLCC scholarship page.