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.  

To apply for University scholarships you must apply and be admitted to the University. Applications for admission can be obtained from the Office of Admissions and from most high schools. An application is also available at www.missouristate.edu/apply. 

Scholarships

The following is a selective summary of University funded scholarships for the 2009-2010 academic year. Scholarships require students to be enrolled full-time (a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester). Unless otherwise noted, scholarships cannot be combined and are renewable for up to three additional years (eight semesters total). The criteria for selection, the application process, the value and number of scholarships listed below are all subject to change without notice. For a complete list of scholarships for 2009-2010, visit www.missouristate.edu/financialaid. Prospective students for fall 2009 and beyond are encouraged to contact the Office of Student Financial Aid for information.

Freshman Scholarships

Freshman scholarships are limited to students who enter the year they graduate from high school. Current students are not eligible to apply.

Presidential Scholarship

Value: Required student fees and on-campus room and board (approximate value of $13,000 per year for Missouri residents; $18,000 for no-residents; adjusted annually as fees are set) 

Number Available: 40

Selection Criteria: Top 10 percent of class (or 3.90 GPA on a 4.00 scale) combined with a minimum ACT of 30 (or SAT of 1320*) to apply, interview for final selection.

Renewal criteria: Complete 30 Missouri State credit hours each academic year with a 3.50 cumulative grade point average. Participate in two public affairs activities each year.

Application: Complete the Missouri State Presidential Scholarship Application and return to the Office of Admissions by January 15. The December ACT is the last score accepted for consideration.

Board of Governors Scholarship

Value: $5,952 per year (A flat amount based on basic required fees for 32 credit hours at the resident rate). Non-Missouri residents will also receive a full waiver of non-resident fees. Total current value is over $11,000 per year for non-residents.

Number available: Unlimited

Selection criteria: Top 10 percent of class (or 3.90 GPA on a 4.00 scale) combined with a minimum ACT of 28 (or SAT of 1240*) or International Baccalaureate diploma recipient.

Renewal criteria: Complete 30 Missouri State credit hours each academic year with a 3.50 cumulative grade point average. Participate in at least two public affairs activities each year.

Application: Apply for admission by March 1.

Academic Scholarship

Value: $2,250 per year for Missouri residents. Non-Missouri residents will also receive a full waiver of non-resident fees. Total current value is approximately $7,530 per year for non-residents.

Number available: Unlimited

Selection criteria: Top 20 percent of class (or 3.70 GPA on a 4.00 scale) combined with a minimum ACT of 26 (or SAT of 1170*) or rank first or second in graduating class.

Renewal criteria: Complete 30 Missouri State credit hours each academic year with a 3.40 cumulative grade point average.

Application: Apply for admission by March 1.

Recognition Scholarship

Value: $1,125 per year for Missouri residents.  Non-Missouri residents will also receive a full waiver of non-resident fees. Total current value approximately $6,400 per year for non-residents.

Number available: Unlimited

Selection criteria: Top 10 percent of class (or 3.90 GPA on a 4.00 scale) combined with a minimum ACT score of 24 (or SAT of 1110*).

Renewal criteria: Complete 30 Missouri State credit hours each academic year with a 3.30 cumulative grade point average.

Application: Apply for admission by March 1.

Hutchens/SGA Centennial Leaders Scholarship

Value: $1,250 per year or $2,500 for students with documented financial need.

Number available: 24

Selection Criteria: Upper one-half of class (or 3.0 GPA on a 4.00 scale) combined with a minimum ACT score of 20 (SAT of 950*).

Renewal criteria: Complete 24 Missouri State credit hours with a 2.75 cumulative grade point average; renewable for one year.

Application: Complete the Hutchens/SGA Centennial Leaders Application and apply for admission by December 1.  Please complete FAFSA as soon after January 1, 2009, as possible.

Note: This scholarship can be combined with the Academic, Recognition, Multicultural Leadership, Missouri State Leadership and Out-of-State Fee Waiver/Midwest Student Exchange Program scholarships.

Missouri State Promise Scholarship

Value: Equal to the cost of full-time tuition and fees and a standard book allowance of $800 per year ($400 per semester) minus any gift aid received by the student.

Number available: Unlimited

Selection Criteria: This innovative program will provide students from households with incomes at or below 150% of the poverty level with an institutional grant to supplement federal, state, institutional, and/or private grants and scholarships they may receive to ensure that the total gift aid will cover tuition and fees for full-time enrollment per year and a standard book allowance. A student must enroll full-time each semester.

Renewal criteria: Complete 24 or more Missouri State credit hours in the academic year with a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or higher and who continue to meet the need requirement.

Application: Students entering in the summer or fall semesters who submit a FAFSA by June 30 will automatically be considered. For students entering in the spring, the FAFSA must be filed by October 31. No special application is required.  We encourage students to submit the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Missouri State University Leadership Scholarship

Value: $1,000 

Number Available: Southwest Missouri high schools may recommend one student for every 100 graduates.

Selection Criteria: Nomination by counselor from the southwest district including schools in the following counties: Barry, Barton, Cedar, Christian, Dade, Dallas, Douglas, Greene, Howell, Jasper, Laclede, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton, Oregon, Ozark, Polk, Shannon, Stone, Taney, Texas, Vernon, Webster and Wright.

Renewal criteria: Complete 30 Missouri State credit hours each academic year with a 3.25 cumulative grade point average.

Application: Schools submit letters of nomination to the Financial Aid Office by May 1.

Note: This scholarship can be combined with all other freshmen scholarships.

Multicultural Leadership Scholarship

Value: Required in-state student fees (approximate value of ($6256)

Number Available: 50

Criteria: Top one-half of their class (or 2.90 GPA on a 4.00 scale) with demonstrated leadership in multicultural school or community activities.

Renewal criteria: Complete 24 Missouri State credit hours each academic year with a 2.75 cumulative grade point average and participate in two multicultural activities annually. This scholarship is renewable for an additional 4 years (10 semesters total).

Application: Apply for admission to the University and complete the Multicultural Leadership Application and return to the Office of Financial Aid by February 1.

Note: This scholarship can be combined with the Missouri State Leadership, Hutchens/SGA Centennial Leaders and Out-of-State Fee Waiver scholarships.

Transfer Scholarships

Community College

Value: $2,000 

Number available: Two for each Missouri public community college

Selection criteria: Missouri public community college presidents may each nominate two students to receive this scholarship. Students must have completed at least 30 transferable credit hours at the community college with a minimum 3.25 cumulative, community college grade point average.

Renewal criteria: Successfully complete 30 hours at Missouri State with a 3.40 cumulative grade point average; renewable for one year.

Application: Presidents submit letter of recommendation to the Office of Student Financial Aid by May 1.

Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship

Value: $5,952 per year (A flat amount based on basic required fees for 32 credit hours at the resident rate).

Number available: 4

Selection criteria: Entering students must be current members of Phi Theta Kappa.

Renewal criteria: Successfully complete 30 hours at Missouri State with a 3.50 cumulative grade point average. Participate in at least two public affairs activities; renewable for one year.

Application: Apply for admissions and complete the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship Application and return to the Office of Student Financial Aid. Documentation of Phi Theta Kappa membership from your chapter advisor is required with the application. Students may not receive both the Phi Theta Kappa and Transfer Academic or Community College Scholarships. Summer/fall applicants must apply by March 1; spring applicants by October 1.

Transfer Academic Scholarship

Value: $1,500 

Number available: Unlimited

Selection criteria: Entering students must be community college transfers who have completed at least 45 transferable credit hours at the community college with a 3.60 or higher cumulative, community college grade point average.

Renewal criteria: Successfully complete 30 hours at Missouri State with a 3.40 cumulative grade point average; renewable for one year.

Application: Apply for admission and complete the online Transfer Academic Scholarship Application by the deadline. Summer/fall applicants must apply by March 1; spring applicants by October 1.

Note: This award is not available to recipients of the Phi Theta Kappa, Community College or Multicultural Leadership Scholarships.

Multicultural Leadership Scholarship

Value: Required in-state student fees (approximate value of ($6256)

Number Available: 50

Selection Criteria: Transfer students must have completed at least 24 transferable hours with a 2.75 grade point average. Applicants must have demonstrated leadership in the minority community through involvement in school or community organizations. 

Renewal criteria: Complete 24 Missouri State credit hours each academic year with a 2.75 cumulative grade point average and participate in two multicultural activities annually. This scholarship is renewable for an additional 2 years (6 semesters total).

Application: Apply for admission to the University and complete the Multicultural Leadership Application and return to the Office of Financial Aid by February 1.

Missouri State Promise Scholarship

Value: Equal to the cost of full-time tuition and fees and a standard book allowance of $800 per year ($400 per semester) minus any gift aid received by the student.

Number available: Unlimited

Selection Criteria: Transfer students (after completion of an associate degree from a regionally-accredited Missouri community college or associate-degree granting college, including Missouri State University-West Plains) who come from households with incomes at or below 150% of the poverty level.

Renewal criteria: Complete 24 or more Missouri State credit hours in the academic year with a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or higher and who continue to meet the need requirement.

Application: Students entering in the summer or fall semesters who submit a FAFSA by June 30 will automatically be considered. For students entering in the spring, the FAFSA must be filed by October 31. No special application is required.  We encourage students to submit the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Out-of-State Fee Programs for Freshmen and Transfer Students

Continue the Tradition

Value: A full waiver of non-resident fees. 

Number Available: Unlimited 

Selection Criteria: Entering students must be classified as non-residents for fee purposes, and at least one of their parents or grandparents must be a graduate (associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree) of Missouri State. 

Renewal Criteria: Successfully complete 24 hours at Missouri State each year and maintain satisfactory academic progress.

Application: Apply for admission and submit the Continue the Tradition application. While there is no application deadline, students are encouraged to apply early to be considered for scholarships which do have deadlines.

Note: Cannot be combined with other Out-of-State Fee Waiver programs.

Out-of-State Fee Waiver/Midwest Student Exchange Program

Value: A full waiver of non-resident fees.

Number Available: Unlimited 

Selection Criteria: Students must meet one of the following: a class ranking in the top 20 percent or a 3.70 GPA (on a 4.00 scale) or a minimum ACT of 24. Residents of Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, or North Dakota receive the Midwest Student Exchange Program Award.

Renewal Criteria: Successfully complete 30 hours each year at Missouri State with a minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA. 

Application: No special application required. Eligible students will be identified based on their application credentials. While there is no application deadline, students are encouraged to apply early to be considered for scholarships which do have deadlines.

Note: Cannot be combined with other Out-of-State Fee Waiver programs.

Missouri Income Tax Credit

Non-resident students may offset non-resident fees against income taxes paid to the state of Missouri. Dependent students may utilize Missouri income tax paid by their parents. Contact the Financial Services Office at (417) 836-5632 for information. 

Departmental Scholarships 

Many academic departments offer scholarships to students who have declared majors in their departments. Detailed information about eligibility criteria and value can be found at www.missouristate.edu/financialaid. Interested students should contact the academic department head for more information about departmental scholarships and deadlines. 

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. 

Scholarship Development 

The University finds it increasingly important to explore new avenues of securing scholarship and financial aid funds for students. To assist in this, as well as other areas of University development, the University has established the Foundation. Through the generosity of Missouri State University alumni and friends, many scholarships have been established to assist students. These scholarships carry the names of individuals who have been honored or memorialized by private donations made through the Foundation. Persons interested in establishing a scholarship or helping the University in some equally meaningful way are encouraged to contact the Director of Development at 417/836-4143 for information.  

Federal Financial Aid Programs 

The following is a summary of federal financial aid programs. 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.  

Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG). This program is for Pell eligible freshmen and sophomores who can document completion of a rigorous secondary school program of study and who meet other eligibility criteria. First academic year students receive up to $750 and second academic year students receive up to $1,300. This grant does not require repayment. 

Pell Grant. This program provides grants, which need not be repaid, to help students with their college expenses. Grants range between $300 to $5,350 for the academic year.  

Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant. This program is for Pell eligible third and fourth year students majoring in specific science and math programs of study and who meet other eligibility criteria. Students can receive up to $4,000 for each of the third and fourth academic years. This grant does not require repayment.  

Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG). These grants are limited in number and amount. Like the Pell Grants, they need not be repaid. Priority in awarding SEOG grants will be given to those students with the highest need.  

Work-Study. This program provides part-time jobs to students while they are in school. A work-study award is a promised opportunity to work enough hours to earn the amount awarded. Jobs will be assigned in a manner that will provide work learning opportunities which complement and reinforce the student's educational programs. Students are paid by the hour and receive paychecks once a month. Most students will work eight to twelve hours per week.  

Perkins Loan. The Perkins Loan Program provides low interest (5 percent) loans that must be repaid after the student leaves school. The typical loan amount is $1,000 or less. Cumulative limits are $15,000 for undergraduates and $30,000 for graduate students.  

Subsidized Stafford Loan. These loans carry a fixed interest rate of 5.6 percent and require repayment after the student leaves school. The school approves the loan and private lenders such as banks, savings and loans, or credit unions provide the funds. Annual loan limits are $3,500 for freshmen, $4,500 for sophomores, and $5,500 for juniors and seniors. Graduate students can borrow up to $8,500. Cumulative limits are $23,000 for undergraduates and $65,500 for graduate work combined. Eligibility for this program is based on demonstrated financial need. Students who qualify on the basis of financial need may have their in-school interest paid by the federal government.  

Unsubsidized Stafford Loan. Students who do not qualify for a Subsidized Stafford Loan based on need or have their maximum loan eligibility reduced may receive an unsubsidized loan. The interest rate is fixed at 6.8 percent and deferment requirements are the same as the Stafford Loan. However, the student must pay the interest while they are in school or capitalize the interest and have it added to the principal of the loan.  

Federal Parent Loan (PLUS). Parents of dependent undergraduates are eligible to borrow money for their children's educational expenses under this program. Loans are obtained from private lending institutions and are certified by the school. These loans carry a fixed interest

rate of 8.5 percent which accrues immediately upon disbursement. The amount of this loan may not exceed the student's cost of education less any other aid received. 

State Programs 

Missouri Higher Education Academic Scholarship Program (Bright Flight). This program provides scholarships in the amount of $2,000 to eligible Missouri residents attending a participating Missouri college or university. To qualify, a high school graduate must have a composite score on the ACT or SAT in the top three percent of all Missouri students taking those tests. The current applicable ACT score is 31. The Missouri Department of Higher Education (MDHE) administers this program.  

Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program:  This is a need-based program designed to provide students with a simplified financial aid process, provide predictable, portable awards, and increase access to a students' school of choice. Eligibility is determined by the student's expected family contribution (EFC) as calculated through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 

Missouri Teacher Education Scholarship. This scholarship program, created by the Missouri Legislature in 1985, was established to attract high ability students into the teaching profession. The scholarship is valued at $2,000 for one academic year. Half of each award is paid by the state of Missouri, the other half is paid by the University. The program is administered by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). 

Scholarship Appeals

For disputes related to the awarding or renewal of scholarships, the student should consult the Financial Aid Office or the particular college or department under which the award is granted to ascertain the appropriate channel of inquiry. Students should also obtain a copy of the scholarship eligibility criteria. Such disputes can be referred for appellate review only upon recommendation of the Vice President for Student Affairs or the Provost or their designee. 

Student Employment 

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 

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 be eligible for a graduate assistantship, a student must be admitted to a graduate degree program. Graduate assistants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00; or on the last 60 hours of course work, or on nine or more hours of the most recent graduate course work.  

The graduate assistantship provides a student with a stipend of either $7,340 or $9,730 for the academic year (nine months). Graduate assistants are required to enroll in a minimum of six hours of graduate course work (600-900 level) each semester they receive an assistantship. A limited number of graduate assistantships are available during the summer.  

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. 

Graduate Scholarships 

Fee Waiver Scholarships. Students who receive graduate assistantships are also eligible for fee waiver scholarships. Fee waivers are intended to cover graduate courses required on the Advisor Approved Program of Study. Fee-waiver scholarships are for up to 15 hours of graduate course work for each of the fall and spring semesters. Those receiving summer term fee-waiver scholarships have fee coverage for up to 6 hours of graduate course work.  

Missouri Outreach Graduate Opportunity (MOGO) Scholarship. The MOGO Scholarship has a value of three-fourths of the non-resident graduate student fees for 9 credit hours (5 credits hours in the summer). To be eligible, a student must be considered a non-resident of Missouri for fee purposes, have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.25, have official GRE or GMAT or MAT scores on file with the Missouri State University Graduate College, be a first-time, degree-seeking graduate student admitted into an eligible program and be enrolled in at least 9 graduate credit hours during the fall and during the spring semester or 5 graduate credit hours during the summer. No application is required. Once a student meets the eligibility criteria, the scholarship will automatically be offered. The MOGO Scholarship cannot be combined with other forms of University aid, including scholarships, graduate assistantships, or fee waivers. To renew the MOGO Scholarship for subsequent semesters, students must remain enrolled in an eligible program, complete at least 9 graduate credit hours during each semester the award is received and at least 5 graduate credit hours during each summer session the award is received, maintain a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.00 and remain classified as a non-resident for fee purposes. Eligibility will be verified at the end of each semester. Enrollment in the MOGO program during the summer semester is optional. 

Programs not eligible for the MOGO Scholarship:

 

Administrative Studies (MS)
Business Administration (MBA)
Computer Information Systems (MS)
Defense and Strategic Studies (MS)
Educational Leadership (Ed.D)
Nurse Anesthesia (MS)
Physical Therapy (DPT)
Physician Assistant Studies (MS) 

MSU 62 Fee Waiver Program

Missouri State has a special fee waiver program designed to assist senior citizens who are interested in continuing their education through regular academic courses offered by the University. To be eligible, participants must be 62 years of age or older, and enroll only for credit courses (up to a maximum of 8 credit hours per semester and 24 credit hours overall), and be admitted to the University as a nondegree seeking student. Persons taking advantage of this program will have all required student fees waived. It should be understood, however, that registration can be done only on a "seats available' basis. Seniors may register through the fee waiver program only at a special registration program scheduled the Friday prior to the first day of classes for the semester between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon. For additional information, please contact the Office of Adult Student Services, (417) 836-6929 or toll free at (800) 492-7900.

Veterans Benefits 

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 320. For more information please call (417) 836-5520 or send an email to VeteransServices@missouristate.edu. See "Registrar" in the Resources and Services section of the catalog for more information.