Qualifications

1) Be admitted as a graduate student into a specific graduate program (major); or
 
 2) Be admitted as a graduate non-degree seeking (unclassified) or post-baccalaureate student taking courses required for teacher certification based on an evaluation of your credentials by the Missouri State University Office of Teacher Certification; or
 
 3) Be admitted as a graduate non-degree seeking (unclassified) or post-baccalaureate student working on prerequisite coursework to gain admittance into a master's degree program based on an evaluation of your credentials by the director of that program.

Federal Stafford Loans

Stafford Loans have fixed interest rates and are available to graduate students.  Students may qualify for subsidized, unsubsidized, or a combination of both depending upon need which is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  You must be enrolled at least half-time and be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.  Loan proceeds are disbursed directly to the school with typically one disbursement in the fall semester and the second disbursement in the spring semester.  The maximum annual loan limit for a graduate student is $20,500 with no more than $8,500 being subsidized.      

 

Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan

The Subsidized Stafford Loan carries a 6.8% fixed interest rate and requires repayment after the student leaves school. Eligibility for this program is based upon demonstrated financial need. The federal government pays the interest on these loans while the student is in school. A total of 1,177 graduate students at Missouri State University borrowed a total of $7,136,594 from this program during 2006-2007. 

 

 

 

 

Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan

The Unsubsidized Stafford Loan is available to students regardless of need. The interest rate and deferment requirements are the same as the Stafford Subsidized Loan; however, the student must pay the interest while they are in school or capitalize the interest and have it added to the principal of the loan. This type of loan was obtained by 822 graduate students at Missouri State University who borrowed $4,176,148 from the program during 2006-2007.        

 

Grad Plus Loan

The Grad Plus Loan is designed to supplement the Stafford Loan for creditworthy graduate students.  Students have to complete the FAFSA and have first applied for Stafford Loan eligibility and are a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.  Students may borrow up to the cost of attendance less any other aid including Stafford Loans.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal Work Study

This program provides part-time jobs to students while they are in school. A work-study award is an opportunity to work enough hours to earn the amount awarded. Jobs are available in various departments on campus, as well as off campus in health, welfare, and recreation programs. The rate of pay is at least minimum wage. Awards are based upon information contained in the student's financial application.