A+ Program:

Missouri State University-West Plains is a participating college in the Missouri A+ Program.

Athletic Grants:

The requirements and regulations governing athletic grants are set and supervised by the National Junior College Athletic Association. Contact the coaches of each varsity sport offered at Missouri State University-West Plains for more information.

Bureau of Indian Affairs:

Bureau of Indian Affairs Grants are paid to students who are at least one-fourth Native American ancestry. Students should contact their tribal offices.

Cheer Team and Grizzly Mascot Awards:

These awards are up to $250 per semester (fall/spring). Each recipient must be a member of the Cheer Team and enrolled in at least half-time study. Contact Rachel Peterson, Cheer Team Sponsor, for details at 417-255-7978 or rachelpeterson@MissouriState.Edu.

Concurrent Admissions Program (ConAp):

ConAp is a joint program of the U.S. Army Recruiting Command, Service members Opportunity Colleges and over 1,400 participating colleges to admit new soldiers to college concurrent with their enlistment. Army and Army Reserve recruiters help new soldiers apply for admission to ConAp colleges.

Roy S. Dunsmore Scholarship and Loan Fund:

This fund serves principally as a source of loans for students who have short-term cash needs. The loan amount and repayment schedule varies with the request and the availability of funds. The fund was established by friends of Roy S. Dunsmore, a distinguished public educator, and augmented by the University.

Hope Tax Credit and Lifetime Learning Credit:

These two provisions allow eligible taxpayers to receive a non-refundable tax credit for qualifying educational expenses. Contact the Financial Aid Office for a brochure.

Spears Technology Loan Fund:

Loans from this fund will be awarded annually to a student(s) enrolled at Missouri State University-West Plains in one of the technology fields. Preference will be given to college potential as indicated by aptitude tests. The loan is payable after graduation at an interest rate of four percent. Should the student not complete the class or semester, payment is due immediately upon withdrawal. Contact the Financial Aid Office for more information.

Workforce Investment Act (WIA) formerly JTPA:

WIA provides funding for vocational training to students who qualify based on need. Contact Ozark Action (256-6147) in West Plains for more information.

Missouri Income Tax Credit:

Non-resident students may offset non-resident fees against income taxes paid to the state of Missouri. Dependent students may utilize Missouri income tax paid by their parents. Contact the Business Office at 417-255-7260 for information.

Missouri National Guard:

Educational assistance for members of the Missouri National Guard. For more information access www.moguard.com.

Nursing Education Loan Repayment Program:

Established to increase the number of professional nurses practicing in areas with a nursing shortage. Contact the Financial Aid Office for more information or access http://www.bphc.hrsa.gov.

Private Scholarships:

Many students receive scholarships from private sources. Civic and professional organizations, businesses and corporations, unions and clubs often sponsor scholarship programs. Students investigating the possibility of receiving a scholarship from a private source should contact a representative of the organization. Public libraries and high school counselors can also provide information.

Resident Assistant Awards:

Resident Assistants provide educational programming and supervision in campus residence facilities. The award is equivalent to six semester credit hours or equal dollar amount to be applied towards Residence Hall Room and Board at Missouri State University-West Plains. Each recipient must live in the residence hall. Full time enrollment is not required. Contact the Office of Student Life and Development at 417.255.7233 for more information.

Student Employment:

Part-time jobs are available at the University and in the community of West Plains. Students who wish to be considered for part-time jobs should inquire at the Career Services Office at 417.255.7230 in M. O. Looney Hall.

Trade Adjustment Assistance:

TAA is a federal program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Missouri Department of Economic Development to provide assistance to workers who have become totally or partially unemployed as the result of increased imports. TAA can provide qualified individuals a full range of services including testing, counseling, job placement, training and supportive services. Training assistance includes payment of training related costs such as tuition, books, supplies, etc. Contact the Division of Workforce Development for complete details.

Veterans Affairs:

The Missouri State University-West Plains Student Advisement  and Academic Support Center provides assistance to veterans and their eligible dependents in applying for and receiving Veterans Administration educational benefits.

Vocational Rehabilitation:

Vocational Rehabilitation assists students who have physical or emotional limitations. Benefits can include required student fees, a book allowance, and a room and board allowance. Students may inquire at any of the Vocational Rehabilitation offices located throughout Missouri.