Financial Help

Missouri State offers incredible value -- both in terms of an excellent education and how much it costs to attend. Missouri State’s total cost for in-state tuition, fees, books, supplies, and room and board averages $21,708/year. That’s nearly half the average cost of tuition alone at private, four-year colleges across America.

Students walk to class on a beautiful spring day

Even if you’re not a Missouri resident, you may qualify for an out-of-state tuition waiver. This program allows first-time new freshmen to pay in-state tuition if they meet one of the following criteria: high school class rank in top 50%, a 3.25 or higher GPA (on a 4.0 point scale), a minimum of a 24 ACT / 1160 (the higher of your composite or superscore) SAT or your parent or grandparent graduated from Missouri State. (Visit the Scholarships for Freshmen page for the most up-to-date information and criteria on these scholarships.)

Over 70% of our bachelor's students received some form of financial aid each year amounting to more than $150 million. You can find detailed info on the costs of attending Missouri State using the information linked below.

Scholarships

Apply for scholarships! Many people don't realize how eligible they are.

Education Abroad First-Generation Student Scholarship Application (PDF, 217K. You need Adobe Reader to view and print this document.) Next deadline to submit this application is February 15, 2025.

Missouri State University's scholarship page shows just how easy it can be to get extra financial assistance (that you don't have to repay).

Learn More

Visit the Financial Aid website to take the intimidation factor out of college expenses. You'll find more information on financial aid at Missouri State University, including FAQs and tools like the Net Price Calculator.

Tuition, Costs and Fees

Discover what makes Missouri State an incredible value by visiting the Tuition, Costs and Fees page, featuring easy-to-read details about all the expenses, aid opportunities and potential payments.

Missouri State student Brian Schwabauer won the NCES Net Price video contest award with this slick infographic video that explains a way to help determine college finances.

For example, here's a look at the costs for an average Missouri State, in-resident student (from MSU's Undergraduate Tuition, Costs and Fees page, based on 2024-25 tuition and fees):

  • In State tuition & fees = $9,502 ($1400 less than U.S. average Four-Year Public tuition $10,940)
  • Room & Board (average) = $11,006
  • Books & Supplies (average) = $1,200
  • TOTAL = $21,708/year

Out-of-State Tuition Waiver/Continue the Tradition Tuition Waiver

Not from 'round here? No problem. Check out the link for information on waivers for eligible non-resident students.

Housing opportunities

Residence Life, Housing and Dining Services

Eat, sleep and breathe Missouri State. Check out the link for more info on living on campus.

Additional financial resources

How to apply for financial aid

The main hub for information on getting financial assistance to help you get through college.

How to keep your financial aid

Hang on to your finances with this guide on maintaining eligibility, including instructions and important dates.

Incoming freshmen financial information

Get started on your finances early with this webpage dedicated to incoming freshman, listing a variety of financial opportunities available to you.

Financial aid forms

All the forms you need in order to apply for financial assistance. Plus, contact information and a troubleshooting guide to help you out.

FAFSA information

Direct link to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Student Employment Services

Get ahead of the game with a job at Missouri State. Apply for part-time, summer and work study positions.

Literacy in financial education

Empower your fiscal sensibilities with the "Real L.I.F.E" program. Guides, tools and learning events are designed to help you understand exactly what you need to know about college finances.

For more information on handling finances as a first-generation student, please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid.