Scholarship Opportunities


East Central College awards over $300,000 in academic and need-based scholarships annually. Students will be considered for scholarships by filling out the scholarship application online, the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), the application for admission, and turning in a 7th-semester transcript all by December 1st. Applications received after this date will miss the first awarding process. Late applicants may still be considered for remaining scholarship awards and will be considered the following year for returning scholarships.

Click here for the ECC Scholarship Application.

Institutional Scholarship Procedures

A.  Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of merit and/or need as defined by the scholarship type.

B.  All award processes will abide by federal and state statutes and regulations concerning non-discrimination.

C.  Full Award – The cost of no more than 15 credit hours, plus general fees, per semester at the Tier I rate. It does not cover special fees or books. With administrative approval, Full Awards may be divided into Partial Awards and divided among students.

D.  Supplemental Award – Up to $500 credit per semester to be applied to special fees, books, or summer session.

E.  Scholarships not used in the semester in which they are awarded will be forfeited.

F.  Unless otherwise noted, all scholarship award recipients must enroll fulltime for a minimum of 15 credit hours per semester.

G.  To be eligible for an institutional scholarship, all scholarship applicants must first complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the online College scholarship application by the priority deadline for early consideration. Information on financial aid, scholarships, the application process and relevant deadlines is available electronically through the Office of Financial Aid and the ECC Foundation Office.

H.  Institutional awards will not exceed the amount equal to in-district tuition and common fees charge.  Students must be a native U.S. Citizen, Naturalized, or Permanent Resident.  Students who have been granted an institutional award equal to the amount of in-district tuition and common fees charges from one college source shall not be eligible to receive an additional award from another college source.  Other tuition-specific awards will be used before any institutional scholarship is awarded (e.g., A+, VA funding).

I. Scholarships will only pay for courses required for a student’s degree or certificate.  General eligibility for scholarships is terminated when a student completes 66 or more credit hours at ECC (students are allowed to change majors one time and, in such cases, will no longer be eligible at 96 credit hours); when a student completes the requirements for an ECC degree, regardless of whether or not they apply for graduation; or when a student obtains a degree from ECC.

J.  Unless otherwise noted, scholarships may be awarded to new or returning students.

K.  Students found to be in violation of a Code of Conduct may lose scholarships as a consequence.

L.  All scholarship awards, whatever the source of funding, must be awarded and monitored by the Office of Financial Aid.

 

December 1: ECC Scholarship Application Priority Deadline for Fall
Students must complete the FAFSA and submit the ECC Scholarship Application and an Application for Admission by this deadline to be given first consideration for a scholarship award.  High school seniors must also arrange to have a current transcript sent from their high school by this deadline.

Whenever possible, the following timeline will be observed when awarding scholarships. However, the committee reserves the right to extend deadlines when necessary.

Timeline for Awarding Scholarships
December 1: ECC Scholarship Application, Priority Deadline for Fall
January 15: Award deadline (Letters mailed to students)
May 1: Acceptance deadline
June 1: Late application deadline
July 1: Late award deadline (Letters mailed to students)
July 15: Late acceptance deadline
After July 15: Final scholarship awards

ECC offers students many scholarship opportunities thru the Foundation and Institution.

Foundation Scholarships:

Complete list click here.

Institutional Scholarships

Board of Trustees Scholarship – This award is for full-time students and will recognize high academic achievers who reside in the East Central College taxing and service district and who have graduated within the last five calendar years. Awards will not exceed the amount equal to in-district tuition and common fee charge.

New Recipient Eligibility

New recipients must meet one of the following criteria:

a. High school graduates with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or who rank in the top 10% of their high school class.

b. High school equivalency completion – HiSET students who have made a minimum total scaled score of 75 on the examination.

c. Home schooled students, completing a course of home study and scoring in the ninetieth percentile on a nationally recognized test measuring academic achievement.

d. Currently enrolled East Central College (ECC) students who have completed at least twelve credit hours of coursework numbered above 100 at ECC and have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5.

e. Transfer students who have completed at least twelve credit hours of coursework numbered above 100 at ECC and have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5.

Renewal Recipient Eligibility

a. Recipients must maintain a 3.3 minimum cumulative grade point average.
b. Recipients must complete at least 30 credit hours annually.
c. Recipients may be awarded for up to five terms, including summer, if eligible.

President’s Scholarship – This award is for students enrolled less than full-time, but at least half-time, and will recognize high academic achievers who reside in the East Central College taxing and service district and who have graduated within the last five calendar years. Awards will not exceed the amount equal to in-district tuition and common fees charge.

New Recipient Eligibility

New recipients must meet one of the following criteria:

a. High school graduates with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or who rank in the top 10% of their high school class.

b. High school equivalency completion – HiSET students who have made a minimum total scaled score of 75 on the examination.

c. Home schooled students, completing a course of home study and scoring in the ninetieth percentile on a nationally recognized test measuring academic achievement.

d. Currently enrolled East Central College (ECC) students who have completed at least six credit hours of coursework numbered above 100 at ECC and have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5.

e. Transfer students who have completed at least six credit hours of coursework numbered above 100 at ECC and have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5.

Renewal Recipient Eligibility

a. Recipients must maintain a 3.3 minimum cumulative grade point average.
b. Recipients must complete at least 15 credit hours annually.
c. Recipients may be awarded for up to ten terms, including summer, if eligible.

Non-traditional Student Scholarship – This non-renewable award is for students over the age of 23 whose family income makes the student ineligible for need-based federal financial aid. To be eligible, the student must be enrolled in no fewer than six (6) credit hours and have completed a minimum of 15 credit hours at East Central College with a 3.0 grade point average. Awards will not exceed the amount equal to in-district tuition and common fees charge.

Targeted Recruitment Scholarships – Targeted recruitment scholarships will be utilized to help realize the College’s recruitment goals.

Music

Scholarship awards are provided for music majors and for students who may not be music majors but who participate in musical group performances. Eligibility criteria will be determined by faculty from the discipline. Scholarships will be awarded based on faculty recommendations. This award is for full-time students. Awards will not exceed the amount equal to in-district tuition and common fees charge.

Art

Scholarship awards are provided for art majors. Eligibility criteria will be determined by faculty from the discipline. Scholarships will be awarded based on faculty recommendations. This award is for full-time students. Awards will not exceed the amount equal to in-district tuition and common fees charge.

Communications, Media, and Theater

Scholarships are provided for communications, media and theater majors and/or students working in and on theater productions. Eligibility criteria will be determined by faculty from the discipline. Scholarships will be awarded based on faculty recommendations. This award is for full-time students. Awards will not exceed the amount equal to in-district tuition and common fees charge.

Academic Division Scholarship

This award is for full-time students. Each division will be approved for an equal number of one year, non-renewable awards. Each division will decide on the award distribution within and among the disciplines, taking into consideration the availability of other scholarships and financial aid.

Harrison M. Eaton Scholarship

This waiver of tuition and general fees is provided for an education major; renewable if a 3.3 grade point average is maintained on at least 30 credit hours completed annually.

Technical Skills Scholarship

This full scholarship award is available to students from any high school in the East Central College taxing and service district pursuing an AAS degree in an area where they have demonstrated exemplary skills by scoring either first, second or third in a state (or higher) level technical skills competition in a program area articulated from their high school or area career center to a degree program at the College. The scholarship is renewable for a second year if a 3.3 grade point average is maintained on at least 30 credit hours completed annually.

A partial scholarship award is available to students from any high school in the East Central College taxing and service district pursuing an AAS degree in an area where they have demonstrated high potential in their chosen career field by scoring either first, second or third in a district level technical skills competition in a program area articulated from their high school or area career center to a degree program at the College. The scholarship is renewable for a second year if a 3.3 grade point average is maintained on at least 30 credit hours completed annually.

College Completion Scholarship

This award is for students who are within 12 credit hours of degree or certificate completion. Awards will not exceed the amount equal to in-district tuition and common fees charges for one course.

Recipient Eligibility

a. Must be 12 credits or less away from degree completion.
b. Must have a cumulative grade point average or 2.0 or above.
c. Must not receive federal or state grants or loans, nor third-party forms of payment

Operation: Graduation! Scholarship

This one-time, $500 award is for students who are meeting the 15 to Finish timeline toward degree completion within the first two years of college coursework following high school graduation.

Recipient Eligibility

a. Student must complete 30 credit hours during a one-year period at ECC.
b. Must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.3 or above.

HiSET Transition ScholarshipApplication

Students who have earned a high school equivalency diploma (HiSET) through the AEL program at East Central College are eligible to receive a tuition waiver of a three (3) hour college credit class at East Central College. In order for a student to qualify for the incentive, a student must have completed the HiSET program or/and exam with East Central College within twelve (12) months prior to enrollment and it must be his or her first time attending any college.

Emergency Scholarship: Application

Emergency Scholarships are available to provide assistance to students at risk of dropping out due to unforeseen circumstances and/or financial stress. Other initiatives are targeted at helping former students relieve balances due and return to the college.

Eligibility

To qualify for assistance from this program, students must:

– Be in good standing as defined by the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.
– Be enrolled in the current semester as a degree or certificate seeking student.
– Have earned a minimum of 12 credit hours prior to the current semester.
– Have completed, or be willing to complete, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the current year.
– Demonstrate extenuating circumstances that have created an urgent financial need by completing the Emergency Scholarship    application form.

Award Amount 

The scholarship award shall be the amount of funding needed to alleviate immediate financial obligations not to exceed $500.

*Assistance is granted without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, age, gender, disability, or national origin.

*This fund will assist students in need but funding is limited so consequently it remains possible that not all requests can be granted.

Outside Scholarship Opportunities:

P.E.O Chapter LV Scholarship 2023 – This scholarship is for females currently enrolled at ECC that demonstrate financial need.

Horatio Alger National Career & Technical Scholarship Program – On this page you can find the Association’s scholarship programs for students who plan to pursue career or technical training.

The Dennis G. Glore Memorial Scholarship Fund For Hospitality Students – Provides scholarships to needy, academically promising students attending an approved Hospitality Studies or Culinary Arts Program in the St. Louis area.

NADCA St. Louis Chapter 17 Scholarship – To be eligible for this scholarship you must be a student with a major in Precision Machinery.  Proof of school acceptance or school transcripts is required.  A minimum of $1000 award per person or persons selected.

Deadline August 31st

NTMA- National Tooling & Machining Foundation Scholarship – Awards scholarships up to $2500 to graduating high school seniors, undergraduates and graduate students pursing two-year, four-year or advanced degrees in manufacturing.

Due Date Friday March 31, 2024

Microsoft Cybersecurity Scholarship

The Microsoft Cybersecurity Scholarship Program provides the following types of support:
Financial assistance up to $500. Financial assistance is intended to cover short-term basic needs, such as food, rent, health-related, transportation/car issues, and/or a laptop/device OR Exam Certification Vouchers for exams valued up to $375
Scholarships – Business Women of Missouri Foundation

Application Deadline is MARCH 15, 2024 Scholarships Application BWM Foundation will award twenty $1,000 scholarships in April at their 2024 State Conference. Since 1995, the Federation has awarded more than $125,000 in scholarships to deserving individuals. Applicants must be a Missouri resident and a citizen of the United States. Scholarships…bwmfoundation.com

 

Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry ScholarshipThe Fry Scholarship provides Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits to the children and surviving spouses of Service members who died in the line of duty while on active duty after September 11, 2001.


Wartime Veteran’s Survivors Grant Program

These grants are available annually to children and spouses of Veterans whose deaths or injuries were: a result of combat action or were attributed to illness that was contracted while serving in combat action, or who became 80% disabled as a result of injuries or accidents sustained in combat action since September 11, 2001.  The total number of Veterans that may receive a grant in any year is limited by statute to 25.  The Veteran must have been a Missouri resident when first entering the military service or at the time of death or injury.  The Missouri Veteran’s Commission determines whether the Veteran meets the program’s requirements.


Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant

You may be eligible to receive the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant if:

  • You are not eligible for a Federal Pell Grant on the basis of your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), but
  • meet the remaining Federal Pell Grant eligibility requirements, and
  • your parent or guardian was a member of the U.S. armed forces and died as a result of military service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11, and
  • you were under 24 years old or enrolled in college at least part-time at the time of your parent or guardian’s death.

 Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Scholarships:

Army ROTC

Air Force ROTC 

Naval ROTC

Marine ROTC


The following major national organizations offer scholarships primarily to active duty military, veterans, and/or their families:

American Legion            

AMVETS 

Disabled American Veterans    

Paralyzed Veterans of America

Veterans of Foreign Wars       

Finish Line Degree Grant Program

The Finish Line Degree Completion Grant from Missouri Scholarship & Loan Foundation (MSLF) is a pilot program designed to assist Missouri student who have left school and are prevented from re-enrolling and completing a degree due to an outstanding balance with the institution.

Eligibility and Requirements

  • Eligible students must be a Missouri resident.
  • Eligible students’ past due balance cannot exceed $3,000.
  • Eligible students must complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and have a current Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of 12,000 or less.
  • Eligible students must be financial aid eligible or have another funding sources to cover future courses.
  • Eligible students must be current on student loan debt.
  • Eligible students must be within 30 credit hours of degree completion and must meet with Academic Advisor and request My Academic Plan (MAP).
  • Eligible student must meet satisfactory academic progress for financial aid recipients set by East Central College.
  • Eligible students must have a current bill from ECC showing a past due balance.
  • Eligible students must re-enroll in a minimum of 6 credit hour at ECC per semester.
  • Eligible students must meet with a financial aid counselor on either campus.

Application Process

How to Apply Online

Start at www.MyScholarshipCentral.org

Click the box that says “apply now.” To create an account, enter a valid email address and password to create a secure user profile that will allow you to complete the General Application. The system will send you an email with a link that you must click to confirm your account before you can proceed.

Complete the General Application

  • Once you have confirmed your account password, log in again to Scholarship Central to complete the General Application.
  • The General Application will ask for your contact information, GPA, college attending and other information. You will be asked to upload your most current transcript, which does not need to be an official transcript. If you cannot obtain a transcript at this time, please upload your My Academic Plan (MAP) so you can move forward to the next step.
  • Click on opportunity and select “Ours” then select the “Finish Line Degree Completion Grant”
  • Upload the following items within the application:
    • My Academic Plan (MAP) prepared by you and an ECC Advisor.
    • A current bill showing the outstanding back balance owed to ECC.
  • Complete the process by signing the disclosure agreement in Scholarship Central (You will need to electronically sign this statement)

 

Please note: If you do not complete the degree or program, up to half of the past due balance may be reinstated by the college.

 

After completing the Finish Line Degree Completion Grant application, you may want to apply for other scholarships.

  • Click “Opportunities” and “Recommended” to see if there are applications open for which you might be eligible. Scholarship Central includes applications for many other scholarships. You will need to apply for each of these scholarships individually after completing the General Application on Scholarship Central. Scholarship Central does not automatically apply for scholarships for you; you need to complete the questions for each scholarship to complete various applications.
  • PLEASE NOTE you can only apply for a scholarship while it is accepting applications. Most scholarships accept applications January through April. Check Scholarship Central frequently to find new scholarship opportunities.