SEMO launches new scholarship program aimed at expanding student access
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI)— Southeast Missouri State University is rolling out a new scholarship program designed to make a college degree more affordable for students.
The Copper Dome Scholarship will now be based solely on cumulative GPA, eliminating test score requirements. Under the changes, 85% of SEMO students will qualify for financial assistance beginning with the fall 2026 incoming class.
“We are dedicated to sharing the impact a college degree can have and that return on investment,” said Lenell Hahn, assistant vice president for enrollment management and admissions. “If there’s barriers that include affordability, we don’t want that to prevent someone from accessing higher education.”
Scholarships will range from $500 to $5,000 annually, with eligibility extended to students with GPAs as low as 2.0. Hahn said GPA remains a strong indicator of success in persisting and graduating from SEMO.
To celebrate the announcement, SEMO invited more than 150 regional high school students to campus Wednesday, offering them a chance to learn about the program while also experiencing campus life with free T-shirts, popcorn and tours.
“We wanted them to see everything this community can offer inside and outside the classroom,” Hahn said. “They get to mix and mingle with current students while they’re still in high school. How beautiful is that?”
University leaders say the new approach to scholarships reflects SEMO’s broader mission of making college graduation a reality for more students in the region.
