College Tuition and Textbooks
The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer.
https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service
Content updated April 22, 2025
SkillUP is a program offered in partnership with the Missouri Department of Social Services. Its primary goal is to assist Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients in gaining the skills, training, education, and connections needed to secure employment and achieve success in the workplace.
Leslie White
807 N. Providence Rd.
Columbia, MO
573-777-5289
lesliew@cmca.us
Visit website
Washington University-St. Louis 1 Brookings Drive St. Louis, MO 63130
1-888-547-6670 https://financialaid.wustl.edu/announcements/washu-pledge/
Content updated Jan. 31, 2025
The Columbia Missouri Job Center's goal is to connect people to jobs, free of charge, and we accomplish this goal by working with both job seekers and employers to help bolster the local workforce through trainings, workshops, and job connections, as well as helping the workforce with career counseling, offering tools to make finding a job or advancing your career easier.
Job Center flyer
Job Center Business Services Workshop Flyer
101 Park DeVille Dr. Suite E
Columbia, MO 65203
573-441-6361
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Scholarships are awarded based on special interests, athletic achievements, academic achievements, a specific career interest, etc. Scholarships do not typically need to be paid back, but ensure you understand the stipulations of the scholarship before you accept it.
To apply for a subsidized or unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan (government loans), first complete the FAFSA in October prior to the upcoming academic year. Your school will determine your eligibility for student loans once you have submitted your FAFSA.
Content updated Feb. 12, 2025
Current and former foster care youth may qualify for up to $5000 per academic year for college or career school through the Educational and Training Vouchers Program (ETV). Youth must be age 18-21 to apply and may receive benefits up to age 26. Application is made through the state child welfare agency. Application: fc2sprograms.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/06/MO1819.pdf
Rene’ Brinkman, MA, Program Dev. Specialist, Older Youth Program-Independent Living Coordinator/ETV Coordinator
Email: Rene.Brinkman@dss.mo.gov
314-482-2650
Designed to assist Missouri students who have left school and are prevented from reenrolling and completing a degree due to an outstanding balance. Offered to undergraduate students attending participating Missouri public 4-year and 2-year institutions and the State Technical College. The back balance of up to $3000 is paid half by Missouri Scholarship & Loan Foundation and half by the participating school.
Website: stlouisgraduates.academicworks.com/opportunities/2984
Disabled status and federal student loans relief
Content updated Aug. 30, 2024
If you are totally and permanently disabled, you may qualify for a total and permanent disability (TPD) discharge of your federal student loans.
Residents of Missouri (adults & children) who are at or below the Federal Poverty Level and have a Social Security Administration verifiable disability.
Content updated Aug. 30, 2024
Midwest Special Needs Trust Charitable Trust Program provides financial assistance grants to residents of Missouri who are at or below the Federal Poverty Level and have a Social Security Administration verifiable disability. The maximum grant award is $2000. Grants may be requested for medical and dental care, rehabilitative services or equipment, educational assistance, specialized transportation and other needs not covered by public benefits or available through other community programs.
P.O. Box 7629
Columbia MO 65201
573-256-5055
Email: grants@midwestspecialneedstrust.org
Hours: M-F, 8:00am-4:30pm
Modern States has partnered with edX, an online education platform, to make college more accessible for all. The courses they offer are geared to prepare the student to take the AP or CLEP exam in order to acquire college credit. The classes are free and through Modern States, after the completion of the course, you can obtain a voucher that will pay for the testing fee.
Columbia Public Schools Early College Program, students will enroll in a minimum of 12 college credit hours each semester taught by a MACC professor, typically a morning or afternoon session.