Office of University Communications 

Missouri State University expands eligibility for Promise Scholarship

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Beginning this fall, more low-income students will qualify for a tuition, fees and books need-based scholarship at Missouri State University. The income cap for the Missouri State Promise Scholarship, which was awarded for the first time in the fall of 2007, will increase from 100 percent to 150 percent of the national poverty level for freshmen and transfer students entering the university in the fall of 2008.

“Low family income is a very significant barrier for students to attend and graduate from college,” said Missouri State University President Michael T. Nietzel. “Low-income students are seven times less likely to complete college than their peers with higher incomes. Missouri State University sees education as a great equalizer. We’re committed to helping low-income students attain a college degree without incurring a great deal of debt. More than 30 students benefitted from this scholarship in 2007-08, and we expect 30-50 more students to qualify as a result of raising the income cap.”

The university was able to increase its support for the Promise Scholarship because of a revised state program, approved in 2007, to better address financial need and because of significant contributions from private donors.

“The Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program has increased the amount of support that many low-income Missourians received to attend college,” said Nietzel. “This additional state support and the generosity of donors have allowed us to extend our university assistance to more families.”

First-time freshmen who are Missouri residents are eligible for the Promise Scholarship, as are transfer students from Missouri community colleges who are Missouri residents and have earned an associate’s degree. To qualify, students must be from families that are at or below 150 percent of the poverty level as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau. For a family of three, the current level is $26,400. Students must also meet the selective admission requirements on the Springfield Campus.

Incoming freshmen will be eligible to receive the scholarship for four years, provided they continue to meet academic requirements, document financial need and meet the income threshold. Transfer students will be eligible to receive the scholarship for two years, provided they meet the same renewal requirements.

The Missouri State Promise Scholarship pays the difference between the cost of tuition and required fees and any grant or gift aid the student might have received, such as a Pell Grant, state aid and scholarships from private donors or other grant programs. The scholarship covers tuition and required fees for 15 credit hours for both fall and spring semesters, and up to $900 per year for books. In short, students who are at or below 150 percent of the poverty level will not pay a cent nor have to take out any loans for tuition, fees and books for their education at Missouri State – four years for incoming freshmen and two years for transfer students. 

For example, with the estimated cost of tuition and fees for 2008-09 being $6,356, and for a student who has $4,731 in Pell grant and $1,300 scholarship aid, Missouri State would pay the difference between the two: $325. In addition, the university would provide up to $900 annually to cover the cost of books, for a total Missouri State Promise Scholarship of $1,225.

“It is important to understand, however, that this is not a free ride,” said Nietzel. “Students will still need to pay housing and living expenses. We hope this will allow qualifying students to support their remaining expenses with one part-time job or other income.”

For more information, contact the office of financial aid at (417) 836-5262 or (800) 283-4243. More information is also available at www.missouristate.edu/promise/.