How Do I Apply for Financial Aid?

Applying for scholarships

Application processes and deadlines vary by scholarship. We encourage you to begin exploring scholarship opportunities early.

Missouri State University's earliest scholarship deadline is December 1 for the following academic year. Review our Scholarships for eligibility criteria, application requirements and deadlines.

Some scholarships are need-based and require the FAFSA. Complete your FAFSA by Missouri State's December 1 priority deadline to maximize your eligibility for grants and scholarships.

Applying for grants

Follow the steps below to apply for federal and state financial aid:

1. Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after it opens. For the 2027–28 academic year, complete your FAFSA by December 1, 2026, for priority consideration and to maximize your eligibility for grants and scholarships.
2. Review your FAFSA Submission Summary after submitting your FAFSA and correct any errors.
3. Submit additional information to the Office of Student Financial Aid if requested.
4. Access and review your financial aid award letter when it becomes available in February.
5. Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress to remain eligible for future aid.

Applying for loans

Educational loans are available to degree-seeking students and to parents of dependent students. The majority of loans are awarded through the Federal Direct Loan Program, which funds low interest student loans.

To apply for a Federal Direct Loan:

1. Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after it opens. For the 2027–28 academic year, December 1, 2026, is Missouri State's priority deadline.
2. Review your FAFSA Submission Summary and correct any errors.
3. Review your financial aid award letter when it becomes available in February.
4. Accept or decline your aid.
5. If you're a first-time Direct Loan borrower, complete entrance counseling and the Master Promissory Note.
6. Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress to remain eligible for future aid.

Review our Loans for additional loan options and information.

Work study

The Federal Work Study Program provides jobs to students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. To be considered for work study, you must complete the FAFSA by February and meet the following requirements:

• Demonstrated financial need, which is determined from the FAFSA application
• Have a minimum 2.0 GPA
• Be enrolled at least half-time, which is 6 credit hours in the fall and spring, and 3 credit hours in the summer

If you do not qualify for work study, Missouri State has many part-time jobs. Review our Student Employment options for both on- and off-campus job openings. We recommend that you begin searching for jobs no later than one month before the semester begins.