The faculty and administration of the University, recognizing the desirability of excellence in scholarship and aware of the financial needs of many students, have developed a program of financial assistance consisting of scholarships and grants. These awards complement the federal student aid programs, which include grants, loans, and work study. In addition, athletic grants-in-aid are provided for selected student athletes, and the Student Employment Office helps students find part-time work.
How to Apply for Financial Aid
To apply for federal financial aid students need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). An electronic application may be filed at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. This application requires information from the student's (and/or the student's parents) previous year's tax return and should be completed as soon as possible after January 1 and prior to March 31 of each year to determine the student's eligibility for aid for the upcoming academic year (fall/spring/summer). Applications received after March 31 will be considered only if funds are available. Financial aid is awarded for fall and spring semesters with summer aid being available only if the student has not already used all of the maximum annual or aggregate limits of eligible aid for the academic year. Because summer aid is determined separately, you must register for the summer session prior to having summer aid eligibility processed.
Scholarships
To apply for University scholarships you must first apply for admission and be accepted to the University. Scholarships require students to be enrolled full-time (a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester). For a complete list of scholarships, criteria for selection, application process, and scholarship appeals, visit our web site at www.missouristate.edu/financialaid. All prospective students are encouraged to contact the Office of Student Financial Aid for information.
Out-of-State Fee Programs for Freshmen and Transfer Students
The following programs are available: Continue the Tradition; and Out-of-State Fee Waiver/Midwest Student Exchange Program.
Federal Financial Aid Programs
The following federal financial aid programs are available: Pell Grant; Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG); Work-Study; Perkins Loan; Subsidized Stafford Loan; Unsubsidized Stafford Loan; Federal Parent Loan (PLUS). Most of these programs are based on need. Need is defined as the cost of attending the University minus the contribution of the student and the student's parents.
State Programs
The following state financial aid programs are available: Missouri Higher Education Academic Scholarship Program (Bright Flight); Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program; Missouri Teacher Education Scholarship.
Other Types
Athletic Awards
Grants-in-aid for men and women athletes are awarded each year to student athletes who possess those qualities of character and academic ability essential for college success. The requirements and regulations governing athletic grants-in-aid are set and supervised by the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the Missouri Valley Conference. Contact the Office of Men's Athletics or the Office of Women's Athletics for information.
In addition to the Federal Work-Study program, most departments and offices on campus employ students. The University has established a student employment service to assist students in locating jobs, both on campus and in the community. The Student Employment Office is located in Blair-Shannon Residence Hall, Room 113, telephone (417) 836-5627, or see the web site at www.missouristate.edu/studentemp.
Graduate assistantships are available in many areas to assist students with expenses and to enhance learning while studying for advanced degrees. Graduate assistantships are offered in both academic and administrative areas and may involve teaching, research, and/or administrative responsibilities. To apply for a graduate assistantship, the student must submit an application directly to the department in which an assistantship is sought. Applications are available from the Graduate College, Carrington Hall Room 306, (417) 836-5335 or online at http://graduate.missouristate.edu.
Missouri State University offers a special fee waiver program for adults who are 62 years of age or older and residents of Missouri. Eligible students may register for one class per semester and have the required student fees waived. However, the student must pay special course fees, required textbooks and supplies, and parking fees. Classes may be taken for credit or on an audit basis.
Participants in this program will be admitted to Missouri State University as nondegree-seeking students. Registration through the few waiver program takes place only at a special registration program scheduled the Friday prior to the first day of classes for the fall and spring semester between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon. Enrollment for courses is subject to “seats available” and having the required prerequisites. This fee waiver cannot be applied to intersession, special courses, off-campus, or online course offerings.
For additional information, please contact the Office of Adult and Veterans Student Services, Carrington Hall, room 314, (417) 836-6929.
Missouri State University is approved for certification of students eligible to receive educational assistance (G.I. Bill) from the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). The Veterans Certifying Official is located in Carrington Hall, Room 314. For more information please call (417) 836-5568 or email VeteransServices@missouristate.edu.