Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant

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Qualifying adult students may receive free tuition with this grant to pursue a certificate, degree or industry-recognized credential in an area designated as high need.

Check out MSU's qualifying degrees and certificates

How much does this grant provide?

The Fast Track grant is designed to ensure, when combined with other governmental financial aid, that tuition and fees are fully covered.
Awards will be for any remaining tuition and fees not covered by other state and federal student aid programs.
For individuals for which other aid covers the full tuition and fee costs, students are eligible for an award of up to $500 to cover other education-related expenses.

Need more information?

Fast Track Eligibility Requirements

This grant may be renewed by meeting all of the initial requirements listed below and by making satisfactory progress, which includes maintaining at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA.

- You must be at least 25 years old or have not been enrolled in an education program at any level within the past two years.
- You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- You must be a Missouri resident,
- an active duty member of the U.S. military transferred to Missouri,
- or the spouse of an activity duty military member.
- If you are a student who is a Missouri resident, you must have been a Missouri resident for at least two years prior to receiving the grant.
- Apprentices need to be a Missouri resident, but do not need to be a resident for at least two years prior to receiving the grant.
- Enroll at least half-time at Missouri State University in one of MSU's qualifying degrees and certificates.
- For apprentices, be formally participating in a U.S. Department of Labor-approved and DHEWD designated apprenticeship and meeting any requirements defined by your apprenticeship provider.
- Have not yet earned a bachelor's degree.
- Earning no more than $40,000 per year as single tax filer, or no more than $80,000 per year as a joint tax filer.
- Receipt of the grant for four semesters or the equivalent.
- Receipt of a bachelor’s degree.
- Reaching 200 percent of the academic time typically required to complete the program of study.

Are you eligible? Ready to get started?

5 Steps to get on the Fast Track

If you need assistance, Missouri State's Adult Student Services office can help.

Step

Select an approved program.

See list

Step

Submit your college application.

Apply

Step

File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

File Application

Step

Create a state student financial aid portal login.

Set-up login

Step

Use the state financial aid portal to complete the Fast Track application.

Apply now

Complete the FAFSA each year you are enrolled (or are planning to enroll) in college. Individuals interested in receiving Fast Track for the 2023-2024 academic year will need to complete the 2023-2024 FAFSA, using tax information from 2021.

Visit Missouri Department of Higher Education for details

Talk to an advisor

Book your appointment with Jaime

Check out MSU's qualifying degrees and certificates

Please call 417-836-6929 or email FastTrack@missouristate.edu if you have additional questions.