Step 1: Apply for Admission to Western

Only those who have been officially admitted as degree-seeking students will be eligible to receive financial assistance at Western.  If you need assistance with the admissions process, contact the Office of Admissions at 816-271-4266 / 800-662-7041 or access Western's "ONE STOP" application site.

STEP 2:  Apply for a PIN from the Department of Education

The PIN (Personal Identification Number) allows students and parents to electronically sign the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Both you and your parent (if applicable) must request a PIN.  

STEP 3:  Complete the FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) collects demographic, as well as, financial information from students and their families.  Once complete, FAFSA applications are submitted to the Department of Education and the information reported is used to determine your  Expected Family Contribution (EFC).  FAFSA applications are available after January 1st each year.  Be sure to indicate that you want your results forwarded to Missouri Western State University, school code 002490, when completing the FAFSA. 

The priority deadline is March 1st for many Federal, as well as, Western assistance opportunities.  FAFSA applications should be submitted no later than the first week of February to ensure the March 1st priority deadline is met for the following programs:

• Federal Work-Study Program
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
• Federal Perkins Loans
• Western Scholarships

FAFSA applications will continue to be accepted after March 1st for the  Federal Pell Grant and Federal Stafford Loans.   

The deadline for many state assistance opportunities, including the Access Missouri Program, is April 1st.  FAFSA applications should be submitted no later than this date to be considered for these programs.

Step 4:  Review the Student Aid Report (SAR) for Accuracy

You will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) in the mail, or by e-mail if you provide an e-mail address on the FAFSA.  A copy of the SAR will also be forwarded to the State and to Missouri Western State University.  Be sure to review the information for accuracy and make any necessary corrections online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.   

Step 5:  Complete Verification (Only if Notified by Western)

The U.S. Department of Education uses a quality-control method called Verification to check the accuracy of student financial aid application data. Most applicants are selected by the Department of Education for verification at random.  However, some are selected due to missing or inconsistent information provided on the FAFSA.

If you are selected for Verification, Western will notify you in writing of the documents necessary to complete the application process.  Keep in mind that your application will not be processed or packaged until ALL requested documents are submitted to the Financial Aid Office.  NO Federal or State financial aid will be awarded until Verification is complete, all discrepancies are resolved, and the necessary corrections are submitted to, and processed by, the Department of Education.

To be considered in the initial awarding of Federal Work-Study, Perkins Loans, and FSEOG, the FAFSA and verification process must be completed by March 1st each year.  

Step 6:  Respond to the Award Notification by the Deadline

Students will receive a Financial Aid Notification from Western around the second week of April or as aid is awarded.  Be sure to respond to this notification by the deadline indicated on the letter.

Step 7:  Apply for Western Aid Opportunities

Missouri Western offers numerous opportunities to receive financial assistance.  For more information regarding Western and other aid opportunities visit the Western Scholarship Site.  New and returning students may apply for Western assistance opportunities beginning in October of each year. Unless otherwise specified in the scholarship description, students must have a complete Admissions and Financial Aid file no later than March 1st of each year to be considered.

Step 8:  Apply for Aid Opportunities Outside of Western

Many opportunities for financial assistance exist through private sources. While you are encouraged to explore all opportunities available to you, Western cautions the use of outside agencies who charge a fee and guarantee financial assistance. Many scholarship and financial aid scams do exist.  For more information concerning scholarship scams, go to  www.finaid.org/scholarships/scams.phtml or visit the Federal Trade Commission website at www.ftc.gov.

Step 9:  Apply for Federal Stafford Loans (Optional)

In addition to the general application procedures (Steps 1 - 5), you must complete the following steps when applying for Federal Stafford Loans.   

• Respond to your Award Notification by the deadline indicated.
• Complete, and electronically sign, a Master Promissory Note. (Must be completed by first-time borrowers at Western before loan funds will be disbursed.)
• Complete Entrance Loan Counseling online (Must be completed by first-time borrowers at Western before loan funds will be disbursed.)

Note:  There is a mandatory 30-day delay after classes begin before loan funds will be disbursed to first-time freshman borrowers.  Students should be prepared to cover expenses, such as books, until loan funds are released to the school.

Step 10:  Apply for Federal Plus Loans (Optional)

In addition to the general application procedures (Steps 1 -5), eligible parents and graduate students must do the following when applying for a PLUS Loan.  

• Complete the Pre-Approval Application online.  Upon credit approval, you will be able to complete a pre-approved Plus Loan application/promissory online.  If necessary, a PLUS Loan application/promissory note may also be mailed to the borrower.

If you have questions or need assistance in applying

for aid, contact the Office of Financial Aid.