Financial Assistance
The Bear POWER Comprehensive Transition Program Application (CTP) has been approved by the United States Department of Education. 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.
Missouri State University Department of Financial Aid
Monday–Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, Carrington Hall 101
Office closed Tuesdays from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m.
Financial Aid Office: 417-836-5262
Toll-free: 800-283-4243
Residents in Missouri: Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program. Access Missouri 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®).
Explore ways to pay for college (Information from showmecollege.com)
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. More information about this grant can be found at this website: https://dhewd.mo.gov/ppc/grants-scholarships/access-mo
Medicaid Waivers
You can use your Medicaid waiver 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.
County Senate Bill (SB) 40 Developmental Disability Boards
“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. Access a map of Missouri SB 40 county boards.
Social Security Plan for Achieving Self Support (PASS) Plans
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.
Continue the Tradition Fee Waiver
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.
Scholarships
Arc of the Ozarks Scholarship
AUTISM
- Autism Can Do Scholarship
- Making a Difference Autism Scholarship
- Organization for Autism Research - scholarships (Schwallie Family, Lisa Higgins Hussman, Autistic students of color)
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
- Hydrocephalus Scholarships
- Dylan's Journey Memorial Scholarship
- Buckfire Law Disability Scholarship Program
- American Association on Health and Disability (AAHD) Scholarship
- Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarship (ADHD or LD)
- Epilepsy Alliance Scholarships
- Empowering Epilepsy
- UCB Family Epilepsy Scholarship Program
- Cancer for College
FASHION/DESIGN
Other available scholarships (NOT ALL ARE ACTIVE)
Grants
If you're a resident of New Hampshire: Harry Allen Gregg Foundation