Stafford Loans
Stafford Loans have fixed interest rates and are for both undergraduate and graduate students.  The loans will be either subsidized or unsubsidized.  Refer to the Department of Education's Student Guide for annual limits and other information.
- Annual Loan Limits

Subsidized – This loan is awarded on the basis of financial need.  The student does not make any payments nor pay interest while enrolled at least half time; the federal government "subsidizes" the interest during this period of enrollment.  Interest charges and repayment of principal begin six months after the student leaves school or drops below half-time enrollment.  The current interest rate is fixed at 6.0%; effective July 1, 2009, the interest rate will be fixed at 5.6%.

Unsubsidized - This loan is not based on financial need.  The student is responsible for the interest from the date of disbursement.  Interest payments may be made in installments or allowed to accrue and be added to the principal (capitalized).  Repayment begins six months after the student leaves school or drops below half-time enrollment.  The interest rate is fixed at 6.8%

PLUS Loans for Parents
This loan is available to parents with good credit history.  The interest is fixed at 8.5%.  Interest is charged from the first disbursement date and repayment on both interest and principal begins 60 days after the final loan disbursement for the academic year. 

Perkins Loans
The federal Perkins Loan is a low-interest (5 percent) loan for both undergraduate and graduate students with financial need.  Your school is the lender.  The loan is made with government funds, and your school contributes a share.  You must repay this loan to your school.
- Apply for Missouri State Perkins by March 31st. 

Alternative Loans
These are private loans designed primarily to help students with educational expenses that exceed other available assistance (such as scholarships, grants, PLUS Loans, and federal Stafford Loans).  Alternative Loans should be used only after all Federal Family Education Loan Programs eligibility has been exhausted.  Eligibility is based on credit approval. 
- Apply for Alternative Loan