Financial Assistance

The Bear POWER Comprehensive Transition Program Application (CTP) has been approved by the United States Department of Education. Bear POWER students can now qualify for Federal Financial Aid (if they have an Intellectual Disability and meet all criteria). It is recommended that potential students fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Missouri State's FAFSA School Code is 002503.

FAFSA alternative loans

Missouri State University Department of Financial Aid
Monday–Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, Carrington Hall 101
Office closed Tuesdays from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m.

Financial Aid Office: 417-836-5262
Toll-free: 800-283-4243

Residents in Missouri: 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. Your financial eligibility is determined by your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as calculated through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®).

Explore ways to pay for college (Information from showmecollege.com)

If students are eligible for the Pell Grant (due to disability and financial status), then they might also be eligible for the Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program. The student must be a Missouri resident. To renew this grant, the student must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher. More information about this grant can be found at this website: https://dhewd.mo.gov/ppc/grants-scholarships/access-mo

Medicaid Waivers
You can use your Medicaid waiver for education supports, tuition, general fees, and on-campus peer mentors if you are working toward a specific job or career path. You cannot use waivers to cover room and board, or books.

ThinkCollege - Medicaid Waiver information

County Senate Bill (SB) 40 Developmental Disability Boards
“SB 40” refers to Missouri Senate Bill 40, the law that funded the proposal to provide supports for residents with IDD. Some of the county boards help cover college costs for their clients. Check with yours to see how it can help. Click here to see a map of Missouri SB 40 county boards.

Social Security Plan for Achieving Self Support (PASS) Plans
If you receive Social Security benefits, you can create a PASS (Plan to Achieve Self Support) to help pay for college. Click here to contact your local SSA Pass Plan Coordinator for help completing the plan.

Continue the Tradition Fee Waiver
If your parent or grandparent is a MSU alumnus, you are eligible for this fee waiver program if you are admitted as a non-Missouri resident. It will waive your out-of-state tuition fees. Apply online.