Financial Aid in Missouri (2026–27)
Your FAFSA deadline, Missouri's grant programs, and how to get every dollar you qualify for: federal, state, and scholarships.
Missouri FAFSA deadline for state aid
February 2, 2026 for priority consideration; applications accepted through April 1, 2026.
The FAFSA for 2026–27 opened October 1, 2025; the federal deadline is June 30, 2027. State and school funds often run out well before deadlines, so file early either way.
Not sure what you'll get? Estimate your federal aid in 2 minutes
Missouri grant programs
Access Missouri Grant
Need-based grant for Missouri residents, with larger awards at four-year and private schools.
Bright Flight Scholarship
Merit award for Missouri's top ACT/SAT scorers who stay in-state.
Administered by Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development. Filing the FAFSA is how you're considered for most state programs.
Scholarships for Missouri students
Grants and federal aid have income cutoffs. Scholarships don't, and they stack on top of everything above. Award Scholar matches Missouristudents with scholarships they actually qualify for (including state-specific awards) and writes the application essays. It's free.
Common questions
When is the FAFSA deadline in Missouri?
For 2026–27 state aid: February 2, 2026 for priority consideration; applications accepted through April 1, 2026. The federal FAFSA deadline is June 30, 2027, but state and school money often runs out far earlier, so file as soon as you can.
What grants does Missouri offer?
Access Missouri Grant: Need-based grant for Missouri residents, with larger awards at four-year and private schools. Bright Flight Scholarship: Merit award for Missouri's top ACT/SAT scorers who stay in-state. You're considered for most of these automatically when you file the FAFSA as a Missouri resident.
How do I apply for financial aid in Missouri?
File the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. It covers federal aid (Pell Grants, loans, work-study) and is how Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development determines state awards. Then apply to scholarships separately; they stack on top of everything else.