The priority deadline for many federal, state and Missouri Western aid opportunities is April 1. FAFSA applications should be submitted no later than the second week of March to ensure the priority deadline is met.

Only those who have been officially admitted as degree-seeking students will be eligible to receive financial assistance at Missouri Western. Apply for Admission

Once you receive your acceptance letter, be sure to establish your Missouri Western email and Goldlink accounts.  You should continually monitor your financial aid status on Goldlink and read all messages  sent to your Missouri Western email account. Students who opt out of receiving electronic communications should contact the Office of Financial Aid for additional information.

The FSA ID is a username and password required to log into U.S. Department of Education websites. If you do not have an FSA ID, you can create one online at studentaid.gov. Your parent will also need to create an FSA ID to electronically sign your FAFSA.

The FAFSA application is generally available each year starting on Oct. 1. The 2024-25 FAFSA was delayed, but has been available since Dec. 30, 2023. You may complete the FAFSA online at studentaid.gov. Be sure to indicate that you want your results forwarded to Missouri Western State University, school code 002490.

Once complete, your FAFSA application is submitted to the U.S. Department of Education and the information reported is used to determine your eligibility for need-based financial aid (Pell Grant, SEOG, Access Missouri, federal student loans, federal workstudy, and Missouri Western competitive scholarships).

You will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) by mail, or by email if you provide an email address on the FAFSA. A copy of your SAR will also be forwarded to the State of Missouri and to Missouri Western State University. Be sure to review the information for accuracy and make any necessary corrections online at studentaid.gov.

The U.S. Department of Education uses a process called verification to check the accuracy of student financial aid application data. Most applicants are selected by the Department of Education for verification at random. However, some are selected due to missing or inconsistent information.

If you are selected for verification, Missouri Western will notify you of the documents required to complete the application process. Keep in mind that your application will not be processed until ALL requested documents are submitted to the Financial Aid Office, all discrepancies are resolved and the necessary corrections are submitted to, and processed by, the U.S. Department of Education.

Students will receive an award notification from Missouri Western as aid is awarded. You may access your information and accept offered awards online through Goldlink.

New and returning students may apply for Missouri Western competitive scholarship opportunities beginning in October each year. Unless otherwise specified in the scholarship description, students should have a complete Admissions and Financial Aid file no later than April 1 to be considered. General Scholarship Application

Many opportunities for financial assistance exist through private sources. While you are encouraged to explore all opportunities available to you, Missouri Western cautions the use of outside agencies who charge a fee and guarantee financial assistance. Many scholarship and financial aid scams exist. For more information concerning scholarship scams, go to studentaid.gov/resources/scams or visit the Federal Trade Commission website at www.ftc.gov.

In addition to the general application procedures (Steps 1 – 7), you must complete the following steps when applying for Federal Direct Loans. Remember to borrow only what you absolutely need to cover your educational expenses.

1. Determine how much you should borrow by comparing your institutional charges to your offered awards
2. Accept only the amount you need to borrow on Goldlink.
3. Complete a Master Promissory Note online (first-time borrowers).
4. Complete Entrance Loan Counseling online (first-time borrowers).
5. Attend an in-person Debt Management Seminar (first-time borrowers).

In addition to the general application procedures (Steps 1 -7), eligible parents and graduate students must do the following when applying for a PLUS Loan.

Complete the PLUS Loan application and sign a Master Promissory Note online at studentaid.gov.