Financial Aid for Education

As you plan the steps in your career path, you may discover your dream job requires more or different education than you have earned. The cost of education and training necessary to earn a degree, license or certificate can be expensive. Each year, billions of dollars in student financial assistance is provided from a variety of sources.  

The most common forms of financial aid are:

• Grant: needs-based aid that usually does not have to be repaid
• Scholarship: financial aid that is usually based on merit or talent and does not have to be repaid
• Loan: funding available to pay for education that is typically provided with a low-interest rate

Student financial aid is offered from many sources nationwide:

• U.S. Department of Higher Education Federal Student Aid programs
• State-sponsored grants, scholarships, and programs
• Institutional financial aid provided directly through colleges and universities
• Private organizations, businesses, community groups, religious and civic organizations offering grants and scholarships

If you have been affected by a lay-off, are a veteran or an individual affected by a disability, education and training assistance may also be provided through workforce development program funding. Stop by your local Missouri Job Center where experienced staff are available to provide information and assistance.

For more information about financial aid, refer to the Related Resources section at the bottom of this page.