STATE OF MISSOURI FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS

For more detailed information on state financial aid programs contact:

Missouri Department of Higher Education
3515 Amazonas Drive
Jefferson City, MO 65109-5717
Phone: 573-751-2361
Fax: 573-751-6635
MOSTARS Information Center: (800) 473-6757

https://www.dhe.mo.gov/

The following are financial aid programs available to students who are residents of the state of Missouri.

Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program

This is a need-based program designed to provide students with a simplified financial aid process, provide predictable, portable awards, and increase access to a student's school of choice. Need is determined by the student's expected family contribution (EFC) as calculated through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Beginning with the 2007-2008 academic year, the Access Missouri program replaces the Charles Gallagher Student Financial Assistance and Missouri College Guarantee programs.

Am I eligible?

To be eligible for initial or renewed assistance you must:

Have a FAFSA on file by April 2, 2007,*
Have any corrections made to that FAFSA by July 31, 2007,
Be enrolled full-time at a participating Missouri school,
Maintain satisfactory academic progress,**
Have an EFC of $12,000 or less, and
Not be pursing a degree or certificate in theology or divinity

* The standard application deadline is April 1 each year. The deadline was extended to April 2 for 2007 because April 1 was a Sunday.

**For the 2007-2008 academic year, you must meet your school's satisfactory academic progress requirements. For the 2008-2009 academic year and each year thereafter, you must achieve a 2.5 cumulative grade point average to be eligible for the program.

How much can I receive?

Award amounts are based on the type of school you choose to attend. The table below displays the minimum and maximum annual awards for each institutional type as established in the statute. Maximum award amounts may be less than those shown in the table. Contact your financial aid office or the MDHE to see if you are eligible and to learn the amount of your award. You may transfer your eligibility to any participating school, but the award amount will be based on the type of school you are attending when you receive the award. If you are eligible for A+ tuition reimbursement your award will be reduced by the amount of the reimbursement. Awards are not available during summer terms.

Public 2-Year		Public 4-Year and Linn State Technical College		Private
Maximum	Minimum	Maximum	Minimum	Maximum	Minimum
$1,000	$300	$2,150	$1,000	$4,600	$2,000

How can I apply?

Complete your FAFSA by April 1 each year. The MDHE receives electronic FAFSA records for Missouri residents from the federal government.
You must reapply and have your eligibility re-evaluated each year. This means that if you fail to file a new FAFSA by the deadline or your EFC increases to a point above the eligibility cutoff (currently $12,000), you may no longer be eligible for an Access Missouri award even though you received one in the previous year.

Missouri Higher Education Academic

This merit-based program encourages top-ranked high school seniors to attend approved Missouri postsecondary schools.

Am I eligible?

To be eligible, you must:

Have a composite score on the ACT or the SAT in the top 3 percent of all Missouri students taking those tests.
Have achieved a qualifying score by the June test date of your senior year in high school. (Only composite test scores achieved on national test dates or on special test dates approved by the testing companies are acceptable. Test scores from residual tests are not acceptable.)
Be a graduating high school senior who enrolls as a first-time, full time student at an approved Missouri school.
Be a Missouri resident and a United States citizen or eligible non-citizen.
Not be pursuing a degree or certificate in theology or divinity.

High school seniors who are home-schooled or who have obtained a certificate of high school equivalence by passing the General Educational Development (GED) exam may be considered for the scholarship program. GED students must submit a copy of their GED certificate to:

Missouri Department of Higher Education
Attn: Bright Flight
3515 Amazonas Drive
Jefferson City , MO 65109

How much can I receive?

The annual scholarship of $2,000 is awarded in two payments of $1,000 each semester, conditional on sufficient state appropriations. Awards are not available during summer terms.

How can I apply?

The MDHE will receive your ACT or SAT composite score(s), along with approved Missouri college or university choices, from your ACT or SAT assessment records.
Eligible students will receive approval letters from the MDHE for qualifying composite scores achieved by the June ACT and SAT test dates.

Completion of the FAFSA is not required to receive a Bright Flight scholarship. However, if you elect to complete a FAFSA, information on that application or updates to it can impact your eligibility for Bright Flight even if you have previously been notified of your eligibility.
New for this year is the establishment of a deadline for all changes to your eligibility. Changes can be made through July 31, 2007 through the FAFSA correction process. After July 31, 2007, contact your school or the MDHE to make a change.

For students who achieved the qualifying score on or before the April 2007 national test date the preferred deadline is July 31, 2007.
For students who achieved the qualifying score on the June 2007 national test date, or for students who did not meet the July 31st deadline, the deadline for changes is September 28, 2007.

How do I renew my scholarship?

The scholarship may be renewed annually for up to 10 semesters or until you have completed a bachelor's degree, whichever occurs first. To renew, you must:

Continually attend school full time (excluding summer terms).
Continually receive the scholarship award at an approved Missouri postsecondary school at least one semester per academic year, beginning with the year immediately following your senior year in high school.
Maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by the school.

How do I transfer my scholarship?

If you choose to transfer to a different participating Missouri institution, either between academic years or semesters, you must contact the MDHE at (800) 473-6757, option 4. Failure to notify the MDHE of the transfer may result in loss of the scholarship.

Can the scholarship be deferred?

If you are unable to attend school for an entire academic year you may qualify for a deferment of your scholarship eligibility. Acceptable reasons for deferment include:

Participation in a high school student exchange program
Service in a nonprofit organization
Service on active duty in the armed forces
Medical reasons

You must submit a written request for deferment to:

Missouri Department of Higher Education
Attn: Bright Flight
3515 Amazonas Drive
Jefferson City, MO 65109

2007-2008 Academic Year

To qualify for the Bright Flight Scholarship for the 2007-2008 academic year, you must have achieved one of the following test scores to qualify in the top 3 percent. Essay portions are not taken into consideration when determining the qualifying score.

ACT composite score of 30 or above
SAT verbal score of 780 or above and a math score of 780 or above

2008-2009 Academic Year

The qualifying score is re-evaluated each fall. The qualifying test scores for the 2008-2009 academic year are as follows.

ACT composite score of 31 or above
SAT verbal score of 780 or above and a math score of 790 or above

2008 high school seniors must achieve the updated score on or before the June 2008 national test date in order to qualify for the Bright Flight Scholarship.
Beginning with the 2008-2009 academic year, you will be required to maintain a 2.5 cumulative grade point average to remain eligible for the scholarship.

2010-2011 Academic Year

Students whose ACT or SAT composite scores are in the top three percent of all Missouri students taking those tests will be eligible to receive an annual award of $3,000, conditional on sufficient state appropriations.
Students whose ACT or SAT composite scores are between the top three and five percent of all Missouri students taking those tests will be eligible to receive an annual award of $1,000, conditional on sufficient state appropriations.

Marguerite Ross Barnett Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established for students who are employed while attending school part-time.

Am I eligible?

To be eligible, you must:

Be enrolled at least half time, but less than full time, at a participating Missouri postsecondary school.
Be employed and compensated for at least 20 hours per week.
Be 18 years of age.
Demonstrate financial need.
Maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by the school.
Be a Missouri resident and a United States citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
Not be pursuing a degree or certificate in theology or divinity.

How much can I receive?

The maximum annual scholarship amount is the least of:

The actual tuition charged at the school where you are enrolled part time.
The amount of tuition charged to a Missouri undergraduate resident enrolled part time in the same class level at the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Your demonstrated financial need.

Award amounts for students enrolled in 6, 7 or 8 semester credit hours, or the equivalent, will be calculated based on 6 semester credit hours. Award amounts for students enrolled in 9, 10 or 11 semester credit hours, or the equivalent, will be calculated based on 9 semester credit hours.
Scholarships can be renewed annually until you have obtained a bachelor's degree or completed 150 semester credit hours, whichever comes first. Awards are not available during summer terms.

How can I apply?

If your school participates, apply with your advisor in the financial aid office. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by April 1 prior to the upcoming academic year. Changes to the FAFSA will be accepted until July 31.

2008-2009 Academic Year

Beginning with the 2008-2009 academic year, you will be required to maintain a 2.5 cumulative grade point average to remain eligible for the scholarship.

Public Service Officer or Employee's Child Survivor Grant Program

This program provides tuition grants to public safety officers or Missouri Department of Transportation employees engaged in the construction or maintenance of the state's highways, roads and bridges who were permanently and totally disabled in the line of duty. The grant is also available to their children and spouses, as well as the children and spouses who survive such employees who were killed in the line of duty.

Am I Eligible?

To be eligible, you must:

Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a full time undergraduate student at a participating Missouri postsecondary school.
Be less than 24 years of age (applies to dependent children only).
Maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by the school.
Be a Missouri resident and a United States citizen or eligible non-citizen.
Not be pursuing a degree or certificate in theology or divinity.

How much can I receive?

The maximum annual grant amount will be the lesser of the following:

Actual tuition charged at the school where you are enrolled full time OR
Amount of tuition charged to a Missouri undergraduate resident enrolled full time in the same class level and in the same academic major at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

The grant may be renewed annually until you have obtained a bachelor's degree or, if you are a dependent child, through the semester in which you turn 24. Awards are not available during summer terms.

How can I apply?

Download the Public Service Officer or Employee's Child Survivor Grant Program Application, or contact the MDHE.
There is no application deadline; however, early submission of the completed application is encouraged.

Initial recipients must provide documentation and an authorized signature from the governmental entity that employed the disabled or deceased person. Renewal applicants must submit an application annually. However, the documentation and signature are not required after the initial application.

Vietnam Veteran Survivor Grant Program

This grant is available to children and spouses of Vietnam veterans whose death was attributed to or caused by exposure to toxic chemicals during the Vietnam conflict.

Am I Eligible?

To be eligible, you must:

Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a full time undergraduate student at a participating Missouri postsecondary school.
Maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by the school.
Be a Missouri resident and a United States citizen or eligible non-citizen.
Not be pursuing a degree or certificate in theology or divinity.

How much can I receive?

The maximum annual grant amount will be the lesser of the following:

Actual tuition charged at the school in which you are enrolled full time OR
Average amount of tuition charged to a Missouri undergraduate resident enrolled full time in the same class level and in the same academic major at the Missouri public four-year, regional institutions.

Grants may be renewed annually until you have obtained a bachelor's degree or completed 150 semester credit hours, whichever comes first. Awards are not available during summer terms.

How can I apply?

Download the Vietnam Veteran Survivor Grant Program Application, or contact the MDHE.
There is no application deadline; however, early submission of the completed application is encouraged.

Initial recipients must provide a qualified medical certification by a Department of Veterans Affairs medical authority to verify that toxic chemical exposure contributed to or was the cause of the veteran's death. Renewal recipients must submit an application annually. However, this certification is not required after the initial application.

Other Financial Aid Programs

A+ Schools Program

Administered by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, P.O. Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: (573) 751-9094

Assistance for Students Who are Visually Impaired or Blind (Readers for the Blind Program)

Administered by Department of Social Services, Family Support Division/ Rehabilitation Services for the Blind, P.O. Box 2320, Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: (800) 592-6004 or (573) 751-4249

Employment and Training Assistance
Administered by the Missouri Department of Economic Development, P.O. Box 1087, Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: (800) 877-8698

Environmental Educational Scholarship Program

Administered by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Educational Programs, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: (573) 751-2518

Health Professional Loan Repayment Program

Administered by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Health Care Access and Assessment, P.O. Box 570, Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: (800) 891-7415 or (573) 751-6219

Health Professional Nursing Student Loans

Administered by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Health Care Access and Assessment, P.O. Box 570, Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: (800) 891-7415 or (573) 751-6219

Midwest Student Exchange Program

Reduced out-of-state tuition rate program.

Minority Teaching Scholarship Program

Administered by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, P.O. Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: (573) 751-1668

Missouri Educational Assistance Program

Administered by the National Guard Association, 2302 Militia Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone: (573) 638-9500

MOST - Missouri's 529 College Savings Plan

Administered by the Office of the State Treasurer, P.O. Box 66797, St. Louis, MO 63166-6797
Phone: (888) 414-6678

Missouri Teacher Education Scholarship Program

Administered by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, P.O. Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: (573) 751-1668

National Farm worker Jobs Program

Administered by Wisconsin-United Migrant Opportunities
Milwaukee, WI (414) 389-6000
Independence, MO (816) 836-5887
Monett, MO (417) 236-0791
Kennett, MO (573) 888-5266

Primary Care Resource Initiative for Missouri (PRIMO) Loan Program

Administered by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Health Care Access and Assessment, P.O. Box 570, Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: (800) 891-7415 or (573) 751-6219

Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program

Administered by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, P.O. Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: (573) 751-1668

Urban Flight and Rural Need Scholarship

Administered by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, P.O. Box 480 , Jefferson City , MO 65102
Phone: (573) 751-1191

Veterans' Education and Training

Administered by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Division of Career Education, P.O. Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: (573) 751-3487

State Financial Aid Information

Find state financial aid information for the specific state that you live in. Find contact information for your local federal aid office, and get details about specific federal aid programs in your area.

STATE OF MISSOURI FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS

Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program

Missouri Higher Education Academic

Marguerite Ross Barnett Memorial Scholarship

Public Service Officer or Employee's Child Survivor Grant Program

Vietnam Veteran Survivor Grant Program

Other Financial Aid Programs

State Financial Aid Information

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