A steering control apparatus of the present invention comprises a steering state detector for detecting a steering state of a steering system; a return determining device for detecting a change of the steering state on the steering system by detecting the steering state and thereafter detecting the change of the steering state thus detected, based on the steering state detected by the steering state detector; and a torque imparting device for imparting a torque for returning the steering system to the neutral position, to the steering system when the return determining device detects the change of the steering state. The steering control apparatus of the present invention is able to improve the accuracy of a return decision of the steering system and to suitably impart a return assist torque for returning the steering system to the neutral position.