Missouri State Programs
The State of Missouri offers several financial assistance programs for Missourians looking to pursue a college education.
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. Eligibility 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 replaced the Charles Gallagher Student Financial Assistance and Missouri College Guarantee programs.
A+ Program
The A+ program is a Missouri state grant that begins in participating Missouri high schools.
ALERT:
The Missouri Department of Higher Education has implemented changes to the Missouri A+ Program for fall 2011 that may affect your A+ award.
Be aware that if you withdraw from a course after classes begin this fall, the withdrawn
credit hours will be deducted from your A+ funding for your next term of enrollment.
Please talk to someone in financial aid before withdrawing from a class to determine how it will affect your future A+ funding.
Bright Flight Scholarship Program
Bright Flight is a program administered by the state of Missouri that provides scholarships to Missouri residents. This merit-based program encourages top-ranking high school seniors to attend approved Missouri postsecondary schools.
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, be a graduating high school senior (or equivalent) who enrolls as a first-time, full-time student in an approved Missouri postsecondary school, be a Missouri resident and a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen.
You must achieve a qualifying composite test score by the scheduled June ACT or SAT assessment dates. You must receive the scholarship during the academic year immediately following your senior year in high school to maintain eligibility. Your eligibility must be renewed each academic year by the school you plan to attend.
Fast Track Program
The State of Missouri has created a new financial aid program, the Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant, for adult learners pursing education and training in high-demand industries. This new program is ideal for adults with some college, but no degree or someone who has an associate degree but needs an additional credential to advance to a better job.