Unfortunately, Missouri State students may occasionally encounter unforeseen financial emergencies or catastrophic events that can disrupt their educational plans and ability to pay for school. In an effort to assist students in these circumstances, Missouri State University, as well as external partners, have implemented the following financial aid funds to help fill these gaps.
Emergency Funding
We encourage any student experiencing these issues to review the funding options available and to contact our office with any questions. Students dealing with food insecurity are encouraged to visit the Student Food Assistance website.
Senior Degree Completion Grant (up to $3,000)
The Senior Degree Completion Grant (SDCG) is a one-time grant designed to assist first-time degree-seeking undergraduate students who are approaching graduation but whose circumstances have resulted in an outstanding balance with the University that prevents them from registering for a future semester and/or graduating. Additional eligibility information can be found under Op5.08-21 Senior Degree Completion Grant in the policy library. Potential applicants must meet with a Financial Aid Counselor to confirm eligibility and to submit the completed grant application for consideration. The grant application can be downloaded here.
Degree Completion Assistance Fund (up to $1,500)
The Degree Completion Assistance Fund (DCAF) is a one-time grant designed to assist undergraduate or graduate students who are experiencing circumstances resulting in an outstanding balance with the university that prevents them from either continuing their enrollment, registering for a future semester, or graduating from MSU. Additional eligibility information can be found under Op5.08-23 Degree Completion Assistance Fund in the policy library. Potential applicants must meet with a Financial Aid Counselor to confirm eligibility and to submit the completed grant application for consideration. Download the grant application.
Emergency Loan (up to $250)
The Missouri State University Emergency Loan is a short-term loan to assist currently enrolled students with unforeseen financial emergencies. Loans are not intended for normal monthly expenses, student fees, or other University charges. In most situations a borrower will need to have a cosigner if applying for more than $100. Interested students must come to the Office of Student Financial Aid in Carrington Hall 101 to confirm eligibility and to submit the completed loan application for consideration. Applications must be submitted with third-party supporting evidence to document the financial emergency.
Director's Choice Grant (up to $1,500)
The Director’s Choice Grant from the Missouri Scholarship & Loan Foundation (MSLF) is designed to assist Missouri undergraduate students who have an urgent financial need that may prevent the student from continuing his/her degree or program. Students must be full-time status and be making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Potential applicants must meet with a Financial Aid Counselor to confirm eligibility and to submit the completed grant application for consideration. Grant applications are available in the Office of Student Financial Aid.
Emergency Scholarship Fund (up to $2,000)
The Emergency Scholarship Fund is a one-time award intended to assist students who are confronted with an unforeseen personal crisis that has caused them to become unable to meet their college financial obligations. Eligibility requirements are available on the scholarship policy page HERE and the scholarship application can be downloaded HERE. Potential applicants must meet with a Financial Aid Counselor to confirm eligibility and to submit the completed scholarship application for consideration.