Financial Aid
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 summary of selected University funded competitive scholarship programs is for the 2008-2009 academic year of August through May (summer session fees are not covered). Scholarships require students to be enrolled full-time (a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester). Unless otherwise noted, scholarships cannot be combined. The criteria for selection, the application process, the value and number of scholarships listed below are all subject to change without notice. Scholarship information for 2008-2009 can be found at www.missouristate.edu/financialaid. Prospective students for fall 2008 and beyond are encouraged to contact the Office of Student Financial Aid for information.
Missouri State Promise Scholarship:
Value: Required Student Fees and books less all other gift aid received.
Criteria: First-time freshman and transfers 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.
Renewable: Yes — complete 24 or more credit hours in the academic year with a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or higher and continue to meet the need requirement.
Application: Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/). No special application for this programs is required; instead, qualified students will be identified based on their FAFSA.
Deadline: June 30 (for students entering in the summer or fall semesters) or October 31 (for students entering in the spring semester)
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.
Criteria: Entering freshmen must: rank in the top 10 percent of their class and have an ACT composite of 30 or above, or a combined critical reading and math score of 1320 on the SAT.
Renewable: Yes — complete 30 hours each year (fall, spring, summer) (transfer hours will not be considered) with a minimum 3.50 cumulative grade point average. Participate in at least two public affairs activities annually.
Application: Complete the Presidential Scholarship Application and return to the Office of Admissions.
Deadline: January 15
Available: 40 scholarships offered.
Multicultural Leadership Scholarship
Value: Required Student Fees (in state).
Criteria: Entering students must graduate in the upper one-half of their class and have demonstrated leadership in the minority community through involvement in various school and civic organizations.
Renewable: Yes — complete 24 hours each year (fall, spring, summer) at Missouri State (transfer hours will not be considered) and maintain a 2.75 cumulative grade point average. Participate in two multicultural activities annually.
Application: Complete the Multicultural Leadership Scholarship Application and return to Multicultural Student Services. Can be combined with Leadership Community College Scholarship and the Out of State Fee Waiver.
Deadline: February 1.
Available: 50 scholarships offered.
Board of Governors Scholarship
Value: Missouri Residents: An amount equivalent to basic fees for 32 credit hours per year (16 credit hours per semester). Current value: $5,728 per year. Non-Missouri Residents: Basic Fees for 32 credit hours per year (same as Missouri residents) and a full waiver of non-resident fees.
Approximate value: $11,168 per year.
Criteria: Entering freshmen must either rank in the top 10 percent of their class or have a 3.90 GPA and have an ACT composite score of 28 or above. International Baccalaureate diploma recipients are also eligible.
Renewable: Yes — complete 30 hours each year (fall, spring, summer) at Missouri State (transfer hours will not be considered) with a minimum 3.50 cumulative grade point average. Participate in at least two public affairs activities annually.
Application: Complete the admission application and return to the Office of Admissions.
Deadline: March 1.
Available: Unlimited number of scholarships available.
Academic Scholarship
Value: Missouri Residents: $2,250 annually. Non-Missouri Residents: $2,250 annually plus a full waiver of non-resident fees. Approximate value: $7,350 per year.
Criteria: Entering freshmen must be valedictorian or salutatorian, or either rank in the top 20 percent of their class or have a 3.70 GPA and have an ACT composite of 26 or above.
Renewable: Yes — complete 30 hours each year (fall, spring, summer) at Missouri State (transfer hours will not be considered) with a minimum 3.40 cumulative grade point average.
Application: Complete the admission application and return to the Office of Admissions.
Deadline: March 1.
Available: Unlimited number of scholarships available.
Recognition Scholarship
Value: Missouri Residents: $1,125 annually. Non-Missouri Residents: $1,125 annually plus a full waiver of non-resident fees. Approximate value: $6,225.
Criteria: Entering freshmen must either rank in the top 10 percent of their class or have a 3.90 GPA and have an ACT composite score of 24 or 25.
Renewable: Yes — complete 30 hours each year (fall, spring, summer) at Missouri State (transfer hours will not be considered) with a minimum 3.30 cumulative grade point average.
Application: Complete the admission application and return to the Office of Admissions.
Deadline: March 1.
Available: Unlimited number of scholarships available.
Missouri State University Leadership Scholarship
Value: $1,000
Criteria: Southwest District high schools may recommend one student for every 100 graduates or fraction thereof. The Southwest District includes high schools in the following Missouri 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.
Renewable: Yes — complete 30 hours each year (fall, spring, summer) at Missouri State (transfer hours will not be considered) with a minimum 3.25 cumulative grade point average.
Application: Schools submit letters of nomination to the Office of Student Financial Aid.
Deadline: May 1.
Available: Number of scholarships available varies.
Hutchens/SGA Centennial Leaders Scholarship
Value: $1,250-$2,500
Criteria: Entering freshmen must either rank in the top one half of their class or have a 3.00 GPA and have a composite ACT of 20 or above with demonstrated leadership in the school or community.
Renewable: Yes — renewable for one year for students who complete 24 credit hours at Missouri State with a cumulative GPA of 2.75. Students are also required to participate in the Emerging Leaders Program.
Application: Complete the online application and apply for admission by December 1. Applicants are encouraged to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 31.
Available: Number of scholarships available varies.
Transfer Scholarships
Community College Scholarship
Value: $2,000
Criteria: Presidents of Missouri public community colleges may each nominate two students to receive this scholarship. Recipients must have completed at least 30 transferable credit hours with a minimum 3.25 GPA.
Renewable: Yes — complete 30 hours each year (fall, spring, summer) at Missouri State (transfer hours will not be considered) with a minimum 3.40 cumulative grade point average.
Application: Presidents submit letter of recommendation to the Office of Student Financial Aid.
Deadline: May 1.
Available: 40 scholarships available.
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship
Value: An amount equivalent to basic fees for 32 credit hours per year (16 credit hours per semester). Current value: $5,728 per year.
Criteria: Entering students must be current members of Phi Theta Kappa.
Renewable: Yes — complete 30 hours each year (fall, spring, summer) at Missouri State (transfer hours will not be considered) with a minimum 3.50 cumulative grade point average. Participate in at least two public affairs activities annually.
Application: 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.
Deadline: March 1 for summer/fall admissions, October 1 for spring admissions.
Available: 4 scholarships available.
Transfer Academic Scholarship
Value: $1,500
Criteria: Entering students must be community college transfers who have completed at least 45 transferable credit hours with a minimum 3.60 grade point average at a community college.
Renewable: Yes — complete 30 hours each year (fall, spring, summer) at Missouri State (transfer hours will not be considered) with a minimum 3.40 cumulative grade point average.
Application: Complete the online application and the Admission Application and return to the Office of Admissions. Students may not receive the Transfer Academic or the Community College in conjunction with the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarships.
Deadline: March 1 for summer/fall admissions, October 1 for spring admissions.
Available: Unlimited number of scholarships available.
Out-of-State Fee Programs
Continue the Tradition
Value: A full waiver of non-resident fees.
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.
Renewable: Yes — successfully complete 24 hours at Missouri State each year and maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Application: Apply online at www.missouristate.edu/continuethetraditionapp.
Deadline: March 1 for summer/fall admissions, October 1 for spring admissions.
Available: Unlimited number of scholarships available.
Out-of-State Fee Waiver/Midwest Student Exchange Program
Value: A full waiver of non-resident fees.
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.
Renewable: Successfully complete 30 hours each year at Missouri State with a minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA.
Application: Complete the Admission Application and return to the Office of Admissions. This award may be combined with the Leadership Centennial Leaders, Community College, Phi Theta Kappa, Multicultural Leadership or Transfer Academic Scholarships.
Deadline: March 1.
Available: Unlimited number of scholarships available.
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 $400 to $4,310 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.
Federal Stafford Loan. These loans carry a fixed interest rate of 6.8 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 Stafford Loan based on need or have their maximum loan eligibility reduced may receive an unsubsidized loan. The interest rate 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 30. 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 grade point average of 3.00 on the last 60 hours of course work, or a minimum grade point average of 3.00 on nine or more hours of the most recent graduate course work.
The graduate assistantship provides a student with a stipend of either $7,050 or $9,360 for the academic year (nine months). Graduate assistants are required to enroll in a minimum of six hours of graduate course work (500-800 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, telephone (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 (EdD)
- Nurse Anesthesia (MS)
- Physical Therapy (MPT)
- Physician Assistant Studies (MS)
Senior Citizens 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 60 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/Commuter Student Services, (417) 836-4126 or toll free at (888) 879-7678.
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.