The Free Application for Federal Student Aid
In order to be considered for all of the financial aid possible, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is available from the Office of Student Financial Aid or your high school or community college on January 1 of each year. To submit your FAFSA online, visit www.fafsa.ed.gov. Complete the FAFSA in time for it to be received by the processor prior to March 31. Applications will be accepted after this date, but funds may be limited. To make sure your FAFSA is sent to Missouri State, you must list Missouri State as one of the schools to receive your results. The Missouri State federal school code is 002503.
After you submit your application for financial aid, you will be notified that your FAFSA was received. This acknowledgement will include your Student Aid Report (SAR). Read this information carefully to make sure it is accurate. If it is not, make the necessary corrections and return it to the processor. You may contact the processing center at 800-4FED-AID (800-433-3243) for assistance.
Federal regulations require Missouri State to verify information reported on the FAFSA for randomly selected students. For this reason, some applicants will be required to submit photocopies of their income tax returns to the Office of Student Financial Aid.
Using a formula established by Congress, the FAFSA determines how much you and your family are expected to provide toward the cost of your education each year. This formula takes into consideration family income and assets, family size, the number of children in college and many other factors to determine your annual expected family contribution (EFC). If you feel that the information reported on the FAFSA does not reflect your family’s true financial situation, contact the Office of Student Financial Aid for a special circumstances form.
After determining your EFC, we will calculate your financial aid award. In April, eligible first time students will receive notice that an online award letter has been created for them. This online award letter will list the types and amount of assistance that can be offered from Missouri State. You must access this award letter via My Missouri State, under the Profile tab, in the Financial Aid channel, and either accept or decline the aid offered before your funds will be released. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress in order to remain eligible for aid.
