The Black & Gold Scholarship is valid for up to eight (8) consecutive fall and spring semesters (6 consecutive semesters for transfer students) as long as you:

• Remain in good academic standing (2.0 cumulative GPA);
• Engage in full-time undergraduate study each semester (12 or more credit hours excluding CED and audited coursework); and
• Have not previously earned a bachelor’s degree. 

*If you end up not qualifying based on the requirements above, this award will be cancelled. All changes to scholarship awards will be finalized at the end of the add/drop period.

Although the Black & Gold requires a 2.0 GPA to retain the scholarship, it is important to remember that major and degree requirements often require a higher-grade point average for admission into a degree program and/or for graduation.

If you come to Missouri Western with college credit earned during high school (dual credit, Advanced Placement, etc.), you will be awarded a scholarship based on your High School Transcript. The number of college credits will not be taken into account.

Missouri Western scholarships do not carry cash value. No portion may be disbursed to you in the form of cash or a credit balance check. As a result, the following limitations apply: 

Limited “stacking” of multiple Missouri Western and Foundation scholarships is permitted so long as a student’s total scholarships do not exceed full tuition, fees, and university housing each semester. Scholarships specifically allocated for the payment of book costs, Missouri Western operated study abroad programs, and conference travel expenses will be exempt from this policy.

All scholarships (including the Black & Gold Scholarship) are awarded on an annual basis and applied in two equal installments, with one half applied during the fall semester and the other half applied during the spring semester. 

Missouri high school students with an A+ stamped transcript will receive a scholarship of $750 per academic year. The A+ scholarship is stackable with the Griffon Black & Gold Scholarships.

The Black & Gold Scholarship(s) is not available for use during the summer term and may not be applied toward summer term charges under any circumstances.

If you are scheduled to graduate at the conclusion of the fall semester, only one-half of your annual Black & Gold Scholarship will be awarded. If you enroll in fewer than 12 credit hours during your final semester, the scholarship may be prorated based on the number of credit hours taken. For example, if you enroll in only 9 credits during the final semester, then you will only receive 75% of the amount scheduled to be awarded that semester (e.g. 75% of one-half of the Black & Gold Scholarship). 

If you do not enroll at Missouri Western on a full-time basis (at least 12 hours) during the fall or spring semester, then you will forfeit your Black & Gold Scholarship. However, it is important to note that you may (i) apply and receive approval for a temporary leave of absence, or (ii) participate in a university approved externship, internship, or student teaching program and may defer your Black & Gold Scholarship for up to two semesters. In either case, you need to submit the Missouri Western Scholarship Appeal form to the Executive Scholarship Committee if a documentable extenuating circumstance resulted in the loss of the Black & Gold Scholarship(s). You may also appeal if you are unable to fulfill a requirement of the award (i.e., full-time or consecutive enrollment, etc.). 

With permission, you may pay to take course(s) at another institution as a visiting student. However, the Black & Gold Scholarship only covers the tuition and fees for Missouri Western courses. The scholarship cannot be used for non-Missouri Western courses or programs. 

Also, remember that if you do not enroll at Missouri Western on a full-time basis (12-credits) during fall or spring, you will forfeit the scholarship unless the Executive Scholarship Committee has granted approval. You need to submit the Missouri Western Scholarship Appeal form to the Executive Scholarship Committee If the Executive Scholarship Committee grants approval, then you must complete a consortium agreement (see Financial Aid card on Goldlink). Course(s) taken at another college or university during the summer term do not require a consortium agreement unless the student also has credit hours at Missouri Western during that term.

Missouri Western scholarships will be prorated or canceled if you completely withdraw and receive a refund in accordance with the University’s refund policy. 

Students transferring in 109+ credit hours are not eligible for the Griffon Transfer Scholarship. Must be between 12 credit hours to 108 credit hours to qualify for the Griffon Transfer

You are encouraged to submit a letter of appeal to the Executive Scholarship Committee if a documentable extenuating circumstance resulted in the loss of the Black & Gold Scholarship. You may also appeal if you are unable to fulfill a requirement of the award (i.e. full-time or consecutive enrollment, etc.) 

In addition, all scholarship awards are based on the availability of funds, and may be adjusted accordingly if funds are not available. To date, Missouri Western has never failed to renew scholarships due to lack of availability of funds.  However, it reserves the right to make adjustments to the Black & Gold Scholarship program.