By Kristi Spencer
Cottey College, a women’s-only institution in Nevada, Missouri, is introducing the Dream Big! Stay Close program. This program aims to make higher education more affordable and accessible for women in Southwest Missouri. This new initiative guarantees full financial aid coverage for tuition to eligible women from Barton, Bates, Cedar, Dade, St. Clair and Vernon counties.
“At Cottey College, we understand that access to higher education can change lives—not just for students, but for families and entire communities,” said Vice President for Student Life and Enrollment Landon Adams. “The Dream Big! Stay Close program reflects our deep commitment to ensuring women in Vernon and surrounding counties can pursue their dreams without the burden of tuition costs. This is an investment in the potential of our region and the incredible women who will lead it into the future.”
To qualify for the program, students must be admitted to Cottey College as full-time students, qualify for the full federal Pell Grant and receive the Access Missouri Grant. The application process is straightforward: students only need to complete the FAFSA and list Cottey College as a recipient. After that, they can work with the enrollment team to finalize their enrollment.
“What sets this program apart is its simplicity,” Adams said. “Students simply need to qualify for the full federal Pell Grant and Missouri Access, both of which are determined based on their FAFSA submission.
“This initiative aligns with Cottey College’s mission to offer exceptional educational opportunities and empower women in the region,” Adams continued. “By staying close to home, students of all ages—high school seniors, college transfers and adult learners—can access the transformative experience of a Cottey education while reducing the financial burden.”
Adams believes the program will positively impact the students and the community. “A college degree is a transformational experience. When women gain access to higher education, they bring that knowledge, confidence and leadership back into their communities,” Adams said. “We hope that as a result, not only will women’s lives be positively impacted but also the communities they call home.”
The program aims to change the future for women in Southwest Missouri. “Graduates of Cottey go on to excel in medicine, law, education, science, business and the arts,” Adams added. “We believe that when women have access to that kind of launchpad right in their own backyard, it can change the trajectory of families and communities.”
For women thinking about applying, Adams encourages them to take the leap. “You belong here, and we believe in you. If you’ve dreamed of going to college but thought it was out of reach—financially or otherwise—this program was designed for you. Take that step. Reach out. Ask questions. The education you want and deserve is closer than you think.”
Cottey College’s mission is to empower women through exceptional academic experiences and leadership development.
“We recognize that many talented young women in our region face financial barriers that prevent them from pursuing higher education,” Adams explained. “This program was inspired by those realities. We wanted to eliminate the financial burden and create an affordable path to a high-quality college education, without forcing students to choose between their dreams and their community.”
Cottey College is a nationally ranked liberal arts institution rooted in Southwest Missouri. “With this program, students no longer have to leave home to get the kind of education that sets them up for success,” Adams said. “They can stay connected to their families, support systems and local communities—all while taking advantage of small class sizes, dedicated faculty, leadership programs, international travel opportunities and a vibrant campus experience. It truly offers the best of both worlds.”
Founded in 1884, Cottey College is an independent, liberal arts and sciences college for women and the only nonsectarian college owned and supported by women. Recently, the college earned the No. 5 spot in the Midwest Region in the U.S. News & World Report 2025 Best Colleges Rankings.