In most cases, the first step in applying for State financial assistance is completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Be sure to indicate that you want your results forwarded to Missouri Western State University, school code 002490 when completing the application.

The deadline to apply for most state sponsored

assistance is April 1st each year.

FAFSA applications are available each January and should be submitted in early March to ensure the April 1st deadline is met.   Keep in mind, that if you are selected for Verification, you must submit all requested documentation to the Office of Financial Aid prior to the April 1st deadline date.   You must reapply for State assistance each year.

Access Missouri Program

The Missouri General Assembly passed Senate Bill 389 recently, which includes a new state student aid program, the Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program. The bill was signed into law on May 23 by Governor Blunt. Beginning with the 2007-2008 academic year, the Charles Gallagher Student Financial Assistance and Missouri College Guarantee programs will be replaced with the Access Missouri Program. To be eligible students must: complete the FAFSA by April 1st each year; be a Missouri resident as determined by the State; have an EFC (Expected Family Contribution) less than $12,000; be enrolled full-time (12 hrs) as an undergraduate student; maintain a 2.50 GPA; maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress; and have not exceeded 150 attempted credit hours.  Awards range from $1,000 to $2,150 per year.

Application Procedures:  Must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit any additional requested documents to the Office of Financial Aid no later than April 1st each year.

Contact Information:  Office of Financial Aid or online at www.dhe.mo.gov.

A Plus Program   

This program provides financial assistance to A Plus eligible students who are enrolled in programs of study leading to diplomas, certificates, or associate degrees approved by the Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.  Students must enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours of approved A Plus classes and maintain a 2.5 cumulative grade point average.  This award pays for tuition and common fees.  Missouri Western participates in the A Plus program in conjunction with Hillyard Technical Center.

Application Procedures:  Must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)  and submit any requested documentation to the Office of Financial Aid.

Contact Information:  Rosalie Guyer, 816/271-5993 or online at dese.mo.gov.

Agriculture Scholarship Program           

This program offers financial aid to Missouri high school seniors planning to attend designated Missouri universities and colleges. Selected recipients are eligible to receive a $500 non-renewable scholarship at their selected university or college, or a $250 non-renewable scholarship at their selected junior college.

Contact Information:  Missouri Department of Agriculture, 573-751-5618 or online at www.mda.mo.gov.

Charles Gallagher Student Financial Assistance Program            

The Charles Gallagher Student Financial Assistance Program has been replaced with the Access Missouri Program effective Fall 2007.

Contact Information:  Office of Financial Aid or online at www.dhe.mo.gov

Division of Family Services/Rehabilitation Services for the Blind             

Rehabilitation Services for the Blind (RSB) provides services to people with varying degrees of visual impairment, ranging from those who cannot read regular print to those who are totally blind.  These services are provided on the premise that with adequate preparation and reasonable accommodation, each blind or visually impaired person will be able to achieve his or her maximum potential in the home and community, in educational settings, and in employment.

Contact Information:  www.dss.mo.gov/

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation    

Eligible individuals are provided with services needed to enter, remain in, or return to suitable employment.  Services include diagnosis and evaluation; counseling and guidance; physical or mental restoration; training, including college or university, technical or trade; job development and job placement; rehabilitation engineering; and follow-up services to ensure that the rehabilitated person is performing satisfactorily on the job.

Contact Information:  Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, (816) 387-2280 or online at vr.dese.mo.gov/

Marguerite Ross Barnett Memorial Scholarship          Deadline: April 1st

This scholarship was established for students who are employed while attending school part time. To be eligible for this program, the student must be enrolled part-time (6-11 credit hours), be employed and compensated for at least twenty (20) or more hours per week,  maintain a 2.50 GPA, be making satisfactory academic progress, and have financial need.

Application Procedures:  Must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit any additional requested documents to the Office of Financial Aid no later than April 1st each year.  Must complete the State  Employment Verification Form. 

Contact Information:  Office of Financial Aid or online at www.dhe.mo.gov

Minority Teaching Scholarship Program           Deadline: February 15th

This scholarship is a competitive $3000 per year renewable award for up to four years.  Missouri Minority Teaching Scholarship awards are contingent upon a match from the student’s chosen institution.

Contact Information:  Office of Financial Aid or online at dese.mo.gov.

Missouri College Guarantee Program             

The Missouri College Guarantee Program has been replaced with the Access Missouri Program effective Fall 2007.

Contact Information:  Office of Financial Aid or online at www.dhe.mo.gov

Missouri Higher Education Academic Scholarship Program (Bright Flight)             

This merit-based program encourages top-ranked high school seniors to attend approved Missouri postsecondary schools. To be eligible, you must: have a composite score on the American College Testing Program (ACT) or the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) in the top 3 percent of all Missouri students taking those tests; be a graduating high school senior who enrolls as a first-time, full-time student at an approved Missouri postsecondary school; be a Missouri resident and a United States citizen or eligible noncitizen; and not be pursuing a degree or certificate in theology or divinity.  Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA and be making Satisfactory Academic Progress to be eligible for renewal.

Contact Information:  Office of Financial Aid or online at www.dhe.mo.gov.

Missouri National Guard Educational Assistance Program            

Missouri National Guard Educational Assistance Program is a state sponsored program.  The program will pay 50 to 100% of the tuition costs per semester.  Covers up to 30 hours per academic year.  Applicants must be a member of the Missouri Army or Air National Guard, have not completed a Baccalaureate Degree, and maintain a 2.5 GPA.

Contact Information:  Office of Financial Aid or online at www.moguard.com.

Missouri Professional and Practical Nurse Loan        Deadline: June 30th

Must be a Missouri resident for one or more years for purposes other than attending an educational institution and have applied for acceptance into a full-time course of study leading to a bachelor of science in nursing.  The amount of the loan (up to $5,000) will be determined by the educational costs and personal financial information provided by the applicant.

Contact Information:  Office of Financial Aid, Nursing Department, or online at www.dhss.mo.gov/.

Missouri Savings for Tuition (MO$T) Program   

With the MO$T Program you are able to save for future higher education costs and save on taxes, too.  Open a MO$T account under the Program on behalf of a designated beneficiary. The amount contributed each year can be deducted from your Missouri state taxable income (up to a maximum of $8,000 per taxpayer per year). The investment earnings on the money you contribute to the account will be able to build on both a federal and state tax-free basis. Then, when your beneficiary is ready to go to school, withdrawals from your account to pay for qualified higher education expenses at eligible schools in Missouri or anywhere in the country will be federal and state tax-free.

Contact Information: Office of Financial Aid or online at www.missourimost.org/

Missouri Teacher Education Scholarship           Deadline: February 15th

This program is a one-time, nonrenewable award of $2,000 to encourage top-ranking Missouri high school seniors and continuing college students to begin a career in teaching.  Applicants must rank or have ranked in the top 15 percent of their high school class or have scored in the top 15 percent on the SAT, ACT, or SCAT exams.  The scholarship program is administered by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Contact Information:  Office of Financial Aid, Education Department or online at dese.mo.gov.

Public Service Survivor Grant     

The Public Service Survivor Grant is a tuition grant for eligible Missouri residents who are dependent children or spouses of a public safety officer or Department of Transportation employee who was killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty.

Contact Information:  Office of Financial Aid or online at www.dhe.mo.gov

Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship       Deadline: April 15th

The Missouri Department of Higher Education conducts this program in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Education.  Awards of $1,500 will be provided to entering freshmen students with top academic standing.

Contact Information:  Office of Financial Aid or online at dese.mo.gov.

Vietnam Veterans Survivor Grant           

The Vietnam Veterans Survivor Grant is a tuition grant for eligible Missouri residents who are survivors (child or spouse) of a Vietnam veteran whose death was attributed to or caused by exposure to toxic chemicals during the Vietnam conflict.

Contact Information:  Office of Financial Aid or online at www.dhe.mo.gov