Financial Aid & Scholarships
(Local Scholarships-- Scroll down for link)
Making the decision to go to college was easy... 

now for the tough part. 

How much does it cost?

How are you going to pay for College?   

Who can help you reach your goals?

Where do you turn?

RELAX...BREATHE... Start with the basic information first.

Applying for Financial Aid
bulletTo apply for financial aid, first complete a needs analysis form.  Use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is available from your high school counselor.  To receive priority consideration for all financial aid programs, most colleges recommend that you apply by Feb 15th.  If you qualify for financial aid, the information will usually come in a "package" that combines grants or scholarships, a low-interest loan and an opportunity for campus employment.  
bulletYou will need a PIN from FAFSA to complete and review your information.  It will take about a week to get a PIN after you apply online.  Students and parents can each receive their own PINs.
bulletApplying for FAFSA online will get you much faster results.  The average reply time for a paper application is 6-10 weeks, while the online application reply averages 6-10 days. 
bulletStudents who receive financial aid must re-apply each year.  As long as you demonstrate need and maintain satisfactory academic standing, you can receive financial assistance for the duration of your undergraduate program.

GRANTS: Grants or scholarships are forms of gift assistance-which means they do not have to be repaid.  They may be offered by the University, the federal government or various civic and other groups.
bulletFederal Pell Grants:  Value: $400 to $4,050 annually.   No repayment required.  Financial need determined by FAFSA.  Award varies depending on eligibility and number of credit hours enrolled.
bulletFederal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) are federal grants awarded by the University to students showing the greatest financial need. The annual grant award amount varies.  Financial need determined by FAFSA.
bulletMissouri Charles Gallagher Grants provide funds to undergraduate Missouri residents. The number of awards vary depending on state funding.  The state determines initial eligibility by using the FAFSA.  Maximum award is $1,500.
bulletSoutheast Bridge to Success is a grant for MO students with a high level of unmet financial need as determined by FAFSA and other aid received.  The value amount varies.
bulletMissouri College Guarantee Program is a grant for MO students with financial need determined by FAFSA.  The value amount can be up to $5,400.  Awards are determined by the State and includes Pell and Gallagher eligibility.  

LOANS:  Loans must be repaid.  Repayment requirements are explained with the descriptions of each loan program. 

bulletFederal Perkins Loan:  Need is determined by FAFSA.  The amount per year varies.  Repayment begins 9 months after the student graduates or drops below half-time status.
bulletFederal Stafford Loan- Subsidized: Need is determined by FAFSA.  The amount per year varies based on your year in college.  Repayment begins 6 months after the student graduates or drops below half-time status.
bulletFederal Stafford Loan- Unsubsidized: Need is determined by FAFSA.  The amount per year varies based on your year in college.  Repayment begins 6 months after the student graduates or drops below half-time status.
bulletFederal Plus Loan- This loan is taken out by the parent of the student.  The maximum amount per year is the "cost of attendance" less any other financial aid.  Financial need is not critical, however the FAFSA must be completed to process the loan.

WORK STUDY:  

bulletThis is an on-campus job provided by most colleges and universities.  The award varies between $1,000 and $2,800 annually.  Students are paid at least minimum wages and work 10-20 hours per week.  Financial need is determined by FAFSA.  Students will need to inquire with the Financial Aid Office on campus for more details.

SCHOLARSHIPS:

bulletCollege based:  Many schools have scholarships set up by alumni, friends of the University, campus clubs, organizations and departments with a broad range of criteria and emphases.  These are competitive scholarships, which require the submission of an application each year prior to the deadline.  Please request scholarship information from the financial aid office after you are accepted into the school
bulletLocal Based:  (We are still compiling data.  Check this page often.) 

Tips for winning Scholarship Applications:

Have you searched for financial aid and the information sounds "too good to be true"?  Information Regarding Scholarship Fraud

We have compiled a link to more information on Student Financial Aid.   MONEY FOR COLLEGE

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