Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
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
SkillUP
Content updated Jan. 5, 2024
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.
Avery Cockerham • SkillUP Family Success Coach
Central Missouri Community Action
Counties Covered: Osage, Cole, Callaway, Moniteau
Home Office: 1109 Southwest Blvd, Jefferson City, MO 65109 Office:(573) 635-4480 | Cell: 573.416.2844
Emily Copeland
Central Missouri Community Action
Counties Covered: Boone, Cooper
Home office: 807-B N Providence Rd, Columbia, MO 65203 Phone: 573-200-6114
WASH-U PLEDGE- Washington University Tuition-Free Program
Washington University-St. Louis 1 Brookings Drive St. Louis, MO 63130
1-888-547-6670 https://financialaid.wustl.edu/announcements/washu-pledge/
Missouri Job Center
Content updated Oct. 18, 2024
The Columbia Missouri Job Center connects people to jobs, free of charge, through trainings, workshops, and job connections.
101 Park DeVille Dr. Suite E
Columbia, MO 65203
573-441-6361
Visit website
Scholarships
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.
Student Loans
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.
Finish Line Degree Completion Grant
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
Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) Discharge - Student Loans
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.
Midwest Special Needs Trust
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 - AP and CLEP Courses
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.
Early College Program
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.
Missouri Scholarship and Loan Foundation
633 Spirit Dr. Chesterfield, MO 63005 636-733-3716
email: info@moslf.org