In a steering control apparatus, a basic assistance torque calculating unit calculates a basic assistance torque. A return control unit calculates a return control amount to assist in returning a steering wheel to a neutral position, as a correction torque to be added to the basic assistance torque. In the return control unit, a target steering speed calculating unit calculates a target steering speed being that is a target value for a steering speed. A return control amount calculating unit calculates the return control amount such that the steering speed follows the target steering speed. A returning state determining unit determines whether the steering wheel is turning or returning. The target steering speed calculating unit gradually increases an absolute value of the target steering speed from an absolute value of the steering speed when the steering wheel is returning.