Furthering your education is a decision you make to develop your potential and pursue future career goals. It is also a major investment of your time, effort, and money. With so many important factors at stake, use the state’s premier go-to source to help identify the best tactics in planning and paying for college.
High school counselors play an important role in helping students plan and prepare for college. These resources can help counselors reach students with fun, interactive tools and customizable presentations.
Are you new to financial aid? Is your office facing travel limitations or tight budgets in this time of economic uncertainty? These free resources are available to meet the various needs of Missouri’s financial aid officers.
Paying for College
These resources ensure students looking to succeed in college and beyond are prepared to make informed decisions regarding educational opportunities as early as their freshman year of high school.
Grants and Scholarships
Interested in obtaining financial aid that does not have to be repaid after you graduate from college? There are several grants and scholarships available to Missouri residents interested in attending one of Missouri’s reputable postsecondary institutions.
Student Loans
Information regarding debt minimization strategies, your rights and responsibilities, interest, avoiding default, and repayment options are just a sprinkling of topics addressed to ensure you understand the “ins” and “outs” of student loans.
Filling out the FAFSA
Each year, about 15 million students apply for grants, work-study, and loans for college using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid – the FAFSA. By completing it, students apply to the U.S. Department of Education, the largest source of student aid in America. In many cases, the FAFSA is the only application needed for students to obtain aid from their state or college, too.
A number of Missouri students are not able to attend their local “brick and mortar” schools for medical reasons, or they are involved in special activities or are presently outside of the state.
Immunizations and Vaccines
Missouri K-12 students are required to receive vaccines and boosters to protect against certain preventable diseases. Learn more…
Keys to Success
Parental Involvement
Parents as Teachers began in Missouri to help educate first-time parents of newborns about child rearing. It then expanded to all 50 states and seven other countries. Learn how to get training from education professionals on the best practices for raising your child. Contact your local school district to participate.
Every school district in Missouri is required to have an anti-bullying policy. Review these resources to learn how can help stop bullies and keep your kids safe at school.
MissouriConnections.org can help Missouri citizens determine their career interests, explore occupations, establish education plans, develop job search strategies and create resumes. This is available to students, parents, guidance counselors, educators, and job seekers at no charge.
High School Equivalency Test
Many people who did not finish high school have knowledge and skills comparable to people who did graduate. Most employers, colleges and universities, and the military accept a HSE (High School Equivalency) certificate as being equivalent to a high school diploma.
Each year, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education publishes an accountability "report card" for each public school, charter school and district.
Access data about Missouri schools, such as demographic and financial information about public school districts, public charter schools and state-operated schools.
The primary goal of the A+ Schools Program is to ensure that all students who graduate from Missouri high schools are well prepared to pursue advanced education and/or employment. Learn more about the A+ Schools Program.