» Financial Assistance » Types of Aid
See additional resources for more information. For assistance in searching for additional private scholarships, visit Private Scholarship Resources.
Northwest Missouri State University has a Pay It Forward Fund available for students administered through the Office of Student Affairs.
The purpose of this fund is to provide assistance to Northwest students who are struggling financially, while engaging them in the resources available to be successful financially, socially and academically. Such purposes include, but are not limited to, supplemental textbooks and course supplies, unexpected medical costs, tuition assistance, emergency transportation needs, and so forth.
In the pursuit of equity and accessibility for all students and employees, the Bearcat Food Pantry will provide a source of food and necessities for Northwest students and employees. The target audience is individuals who are experiencing food insecurity and hunger. By providing a food pantry, our goal is to help students and employees be successful.
Generally, students attending an institution of higher education (i.e., college, university, trade/technical school) more than half-time are not eligible for SNAP unless they meet an exemption. The institution of higher education determines what is considered ‘half-time’ enrollment. Students who meet an exemption must also meet all other SNAP eligibility requirements.
The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more. The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands.
If you have any physical or emotional disability which could negatively affect your academic or vocational ability, you may be eligible for educational benefits. Contact your local vocational rehabilitation office for more information.
If you are of Native American descent, you may be eligible for educational benefits. Contact your tribal council for information.
To view information regarding veterans benefits, please visit Veterans Resources.
The Immediate Needs Emergency Grant 
(formerly Director’s Choice Emergency Grant) from the Missouri Scholarship & Loan Foundation (MSLF) fund grants to benefit students in a crisis with an immediate, urgent financial need which serves as a barrier to their educational success. Eligible students attending an eligible Missouri institution are identified by the Financial Aid Director at the school.
Immediate Needs Emergency Grant (formerly Director’s Choice Emergency Grant)—A new name for the program to better fit the purpose which is to help students in a crisis with an immediate, urgent financial need. The Director of Financial Aid will continue to sign the request form in support of the grant, and someone from the school still provides a statement of support. There are a few minor updates to the application as well.
The Finish Line Degree Completion Grant from the Missouri Scholarship & Loan Foundation (MSLF) is a program designed to assist Missouri students who either have left school with an outstanding balance or who are in their final semester and have exhausted all federal financial aid options.
The Purdy Emerging Leaders Scholarship Program , named in honor of Allan Walker Purdy, is designed to provide scholarships to emerging leaders who are outstanding students and who have a need for additional resources for higher education. We are looking for leaders on Missouri college campuses! This scholarship supports candidates who demonstrate leadership, character and academic performance. Additionally, these students have a vision, are eager to make their contribution to the world and have the work ethic to bring their dreams to fruition.
This application opens January 1 through April 1.
Show-Me to College Scholarship (formerly Access EXTRA Scholarship)—Opens February 1!
The Show-Me to College Scholarship is a private scholarship for students with a Student Aid Index of 12,000 or less and who have earned a cumulative 3.50 or higher on a 4.0 scale weighted or unweighted GPA through at least seven semesters at a Missouri high school.
This application opens February 1 through April 1on My Scholarship Central.
"MyMO" Scholarship Promise will assist Missouri students from low-income backgrounds on their pathway to college starting the 9th grade year. The yearly benchmarks benefit students by better preparing them to go to college. To be eligible, the family must show exceptional need when completing the Federal Student Aid Estimator and open a 529 College Savings Account.
This application opens January 1 through March 1.
MSLF is excited the announce the launch of a small grant opportunity focused on connecting Missouri students to career opportunities, corporate partnerships, pathways to college degree completion, and careers beyond college. The grant’s objective is to strengthen career pathways for students while fostering relationships with community businesses. Key activities include career counseling, exploration, internships, job shadowing, mentorships, and workforce development opportunities. Examples may include touring and visiting local businesses or colleges, hosting events that showcase a specific career path (e.g. healthcare), and connecting students to job shadowing opportunities and mentorships.
We will prioritize grant requests of $1,000 or less. Applications will be accepted through April 1, 2025, or until funding is depleted. High schools, colleges, and nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply, and you may request an application by emailing info@moslf.org.
The Quest Grant is funded through a partnership between the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development and the Missouri Job Center. It provides support services to students who are experiencing a significant barrier which may impact their ability to complete their college program. Support Services include, but are not limited to childcare, transportation assistance (vehicle repair, fuel purchase), and emergency aid for housing and utility assistance.
The Quest Pre-Screening Questionnaire should be completed to request these services. The completed form should be sent to SpecialGrants@dhewd.mo.gov. You will receive information about an eligibility determination or needed next steps through your local Missouri Job Center.
