Missouri Student Loans And Financial Aid Programs

There are several Missouri student loan and financial aid programs that can help you pay for college. If you're going to be attending college in Missouri, you need to be looking to take advantage of these programs.

These programs are designed to help make college more affordable - so that you can get the education you need. These programs can include scholarships, grants, and student loans.

Don't forget that there are Federal student loan programs available as well. You can find out more on how to get a Federal student loan here.

There is also a specific order of operations to pay for college that we recommend students follow. These programs specific to the State of Missouri can help you to avoid borrowing more money than you need to. 

Missouri Student Loan Programs

Missouri doesn't have any unique student loan programs to help it's students pay for college. However, there are still Federal student loans available to students who attend college in Missouri. 

If you're just looking for private student loan options, we recommend:

• Credible - Like the Kayak of student loans, they help you shop around and compare options. Try Credible here.
• College Ave - One of the best private student loan lenders. Get A Quote At College Ave Here.

Check out our complete guide to finding the best student loans here.

Missouri Scholarship Programs

Missouri has several scholarships available to students who want to attend school in the state.

A+ Scholarship Program

The A+ Scholarship Program provides scholarship funds to eligible graduates of A+ designated high schools who attend a participating public community college or vocational/technical school, or certain private two-year vocational/technical schools.

The tuition amount eligible for reimbursement is capped at the published standard per credit hour tuition rate charged by State Technical College of Missouri. The reimbursement cap is subject to change annually as tuition rates change. The maximum reimbursement rate is announced in late spring or early summer each year. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the maximum rate is $215.00 per credit hour or $5.70 per clock-hour.

Learn more about the A+ Scholarship Program.

Missouri Higher Education Academic Scholarship

The Missouri Higher Education Academic Scholarship Program (also known as Bright Flight) is a merit-based program that encourages top-ranked high school seniors to attend approved Missouri postsecondary schools.

This scholarship awards up to $3,000.

Learn more about the Missouri Higher Education Academic Scholarship.

Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program

Access Missouri is a need-based program designed to be simple to understand, provide predictable, portable awards, and increase access to your school of choice.

The maximum award amount per year is $2,850.

Learn more about Access Missouri.

Marguerite Ross Barnett Scholarship

The Marguerite Ross Barnett Scholarship is a need-based scholarship that was established for students who are employed while attending school part-time.

The maximum semester scholarship amount is the least of:

• The tuition charged for 6 or 9 credit hours at the school where you are enrolled part time, or
• The amount of tuition charged to a Missouri undergraduate resident enrolled in 6 or 9 credit hours in the same class level at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Learn more about the Marguerite Ross Barnett Scholarship.

Missouri Grant Programs

Missouri also has a grant program to provide need based financial aid to Missouri residents.

Grants are one of the best forms of financial aid because, in most circumstances, you don't have to pay the money back.

Advanced Placement Incentive Grant

The Advanced Placement Incentive Grant is a nonrenewable grant designed to encourage high school students to take and score well on Advanced Placement tests in mathematics and science.

Eligible students will receive a one-time grant of $500, subject to appropriations.

You can learn more about the Advanced Placement Incentive Grant.

Public Service Officer or Employee's Child Survivor Grant Program

This program provides tuition assistance to certain public employees and their families if the employee is killed or permanently and totally disabled in the line of duty.

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

• Actual tuition charged for 12 credit hours at the school where you are enrolled full time, OR
• Amount of tuition for 12 credit hours charged to an undergraduate Missouri resident enrolled full time in the same class level and in the same academic major at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Learn more about the Public Service Officer or Employee's Child Survivor Grant.

Wartime Veteran’s Survivors Grant Program

These grants are available annually to children and spouses of Veterans whose deaths or injuries were: a result of combat action or were attributed to an illness that was contracted while serving in combat action, or who became 80 percent disabled as a result of injuries or accidents sustained in combat action since Sept. 11, 2001.

The total number of students that may receive a grant in any year is limited by statute to 25. The veteran must have been a Missouri resident when first entering the military service or at the time of death or injury. The Missouri Veteran’s Commission determines whether the veteran meets the program’s requirements.

Your maximum grant amount each semester will be the sum of the following:

• The lesser of the actual tuition charged for the number of hours in which you are enrolled OR the amount of tuition charged a Missouri resident enrolled in the same number of hours at the University of Missouri Columbia.
• An allowance of up to $2,000 per semester for room and board; and
• The lesser of the actual cost for your books OR $500.

Learn more about the Wartime Veteran's Survivors Grant Program.

Other Options

If you already have student loans and are looking for options as a Missouri resident, check out our Missouri Student Loan Forgiveness Program page. That page has all the different options available to Missouri residents to potentially get some of your student loan debt forgiven.

You might also look at refinancing your student loans and saving money in interest while also potentially lowering your payment. Check out our guide on the Best Places To Refinance Your Student Loans.

If you're looking for ways to save for college in Missouri, check out the Missouri 529 Plan and College Savings Guide.

Finally, check out the other student loan and financial aid programs by state.