Financial Assistance

Bear POWER students can now qualify for Federal Financial Aid (if they have an Intellectual Disability and meet all criteria).

It is recommended that potential students fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Missouri State's FAFSA School Code is 002503.

The Bear POWER Comprehensive Transition Program Application (CTP) has been approved by the United States Department of Education.

FAFSA alternative loans

Financial aid resources

Explore programs, waivers and more to support your education.

Explore ways to pay for college

If students are eligible for the Pell Grant (due to disability and financial status), then they might also be eligible for the Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program.

The student must be a Missouri resident. To renew this grant, the student must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program is a need-based program designed to be simple to understand, provide predictable, portable awards, and increase access to your school of choice.

Your financial eligibility is determined by your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as calculated through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®).
If your parent or grandparent is a MSU alumnus, you are eligible for this fee waiver program if you are admitted as a non-Missouri resident.

It will waive your out-of-state tuition fees.

Apply online
“SB 40” refers to Missouri Senate Bill 40, the law that funded the proposal to provide supports for residents with IDD.

Some of the county boards help cover college costs for their clients. Check with yours to see how it can help.

View a map of Missouri SB 40 county boards
You can use your Medicaid waivers for education supports, tuition, general fees and on-campus peer mentors if you are working toward a specific job or career path.

You cannot use waivers to cover room and board, or books.

Learn more about the waivers
If you receive Social Security benefits, you can create a PASS (Plan to Achieve Self Support) to help pay for college.

Contact your local SSA Pass Plan Coordinator for help completing the plan.

Grants

If you're a resident of New Hampshire, explore the Harry Allen Gregg Foundation.

Scholarships

Featured scholarship

Bear Power Excellence Scholarship

To be eligible, the recipient(s) of this award must:

Be current student(s) properly enrolled in the Bear POWER program at Missouri State University.
Provide a letter stating financial need to the Director of Bear POWER.
Have evidence of attendance in the Bear POWER program on campus.
Have sufficient evidence of expected academic performance.

Recipient(s) are awarded during the middle of each fall and spring semesters.

Featured scholarship

Arc of the Ozarks Scholarship

Interested in this opportunity? Fill out the scholarship form.

Autism

Down Syndrome

National Down Syndrome Society - Bright Future Fund
UPS for Down Syndrome Scholarship
Varghese Summersett Down Syndrome Scholarship
Ruby's Rainbow (for college students with Down Syndrome)

Various conditions

Fashion/Design

International Furnishings & Design Association (IFDA) Educational Foundation Scholarships

View Other available scholarships (Not all are active.)

Have questions about financial aid?

Visit or get in touch with Missouri State's Office of Financial Aid to explore your options and get assistance.