Financial Assistance
This is an exciting time—you are thinking of going back to school! At MU In The Evening we know that when it comes to paying for college, this also is a time of concern for you. We understand the large financial commitment you and your family must make in order to finance your college education. It's no surprise, but we believe that a college education is well worth the commitment it will take.
Thanks to a former MU In The Evening student who was working full-time while completing her degree, we have gathered the following information that might assist you as you plan to return to school.
Financing Your Educational Goals
- Start with the MU Financial Aid Office. They provide links to the forms you need to apply for federal financial aid, information on grants and scholarships and much more.
- Educational Assistance by Employer – Many companies and businesses offer educational assistance to eligible employees. Find out more from the Human Resource officer at your company. If your employer does not currently offer tuition assistance, it never hurts to ask if the benefit can be considered for the future.
- Veteran's Services – Education benefits are available to veterans of the armed forces and their survivors. Visit gibill.va.gov for more information.
- Scholarships for non-traditional students – The Osher Re-Entry Scholarship and the Doris P. Littrell Scholarship are available to non-traditional students like you. Visit extension.missouri.edu/education/scholarships for more information.
- Online scholarship databases – the Internet is full of sites offering scholarship search services. Be wary of these sites, but know there are a few that are filled with credible information. The University of Missouri does not endorse any specific site nor paid scholarship search services.
- Federal Financial Aid – Federal financial aid applications are available online or from the MU Financial Aid Office. Stop by their office at 11 Jesse Hall on the MU Campus.
- College loans – There are two types of federal loans: subsidized and unsubsidized. The government pays interest on subsidized loans while you are in school where as you are responsible for the interest on unsubsidized loans. MU In The Evening has a brochure available from the State of Missouri that explains some of your options. Contact us to have one sent to you.
Tips from Former Evening Students
- Create a budget. This will help you and your family help you realize your goal of returning to school.
- Ask the Financial Aid Office for advice or help. From the federal form you need to fill out, to lists of grants and scholarships, the financial aid advisers are here to help.
- Don’t be afraid to ask your employer to provide tuition assistance. Sometimes it works!
- In times of financial strain, the Cashiers office is willing to make payment arrangements with you that will fit your budget. Call the Cashiers office at (573) 882-3097 to set up a plan that works for you.
- Be prepared to do some of your own research. Scholarships are available from many local, regional and national organizations—maybe even groups to which you belong. Organizations such as unions, credit unions, churches, and philanthropic clubs often make scholarship monies available.