Missouri State University began it’s $6.9 million payout of emergency financial aid authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. 

Immediate Assistance Grants sent to qualifying students 

The first phase of the university’s relief plan totals $1.6 million in Immediate Assistance Grants. The university sent $250 to students who met all of the following criteria: 

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate, degree-seeking student at MSU.  
• Not enrolled exclusively in an online program on March 13, 2020. 
• Have an expected family contribution of less than $12,001. 

Students can apply for Emergency Assistance Grants 

Phase two of the plan includes $5.3 million to be paid through Emergency Assistance Grants. 

The COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Grant is designed to provide emergency financial aid grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus.   

Grants will be awarded to assist undergraduate or graduate students who are experiencing financial hardship caused or exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic. Grants may be awarded to students who meet all of the following criteria: 

• Currently enrolled as a degree-seeking student at MSU. 
• Eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. 
• Not enrolled exclusively in an online program on March 13, 2020. 
• Have documented financial need or hardship due to coronavirus (e.g., substantial expenditures or loss of income, low expected family contribution, inability to pay for expenses included in the cost of attendance, etc.). 
• Have made reasonable use of other sources of support. 

Applications are due by May 15 

Students may apply for a COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Grant by submitting a completed application by May 15. Applications are now open.

Applicants who have not already submitted a 2019-2020 FAFSA form must also submit a FAFSA form to verify Title IV eligibility. 

To apply, students should: 

• Log into My.MissouriState.edu 

• Click on the “Student” tab located on the top ribbon of the portal 

• Find the “My Financial Aid” section (located on the top right) 
• Click on CARES Act Emergency Relief Application 

Students with questions should contact the office of financial aid at FinancialAid@MissouriState.edu or 417-836-5262. 

More information is available on Missouri State’s CARES Act FAQ website. 

Eligibility for these programs was established by the federal CARES Act.