Southeast Missouri State University

Graduate with Less Debt:

you'll do that here.

At Southeast Missouri State University, we believe everyone deserves the chance to further their education with the personal, academic, social, and financial support they need to be successful. Combine low tuition with abundant real-world learning opportunities. We are living proof that high quality doesn't have to mean high cost.

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Funding Opportunities

Grants

Grants are a sum of money that doesn't need to be repaid. They're usually given by the government or other organizations for a particular purpose, like paying for college.

TIP: Many grants require you to show that you need financial help. You can do this by filing the FAFSA before you start college.

Scholarships

Scholarships are awards you earn that don't need to be repaid. You might earn scholarships for your grades and test scores or for being involved in certain activities in high school and college.

TIP: Apply for admission to Southeast by December 1 of your senior year, and we'll automatically consider you for scholarships.

Student Loans

Loans are borrowed funds that the lender expects you to pay over a period of time, usually with interest. There are federal, interest-free, and private student loans to choose from.

TIP: Not all loans are the same! Read the terms before borrowing, crunch the numbers, and borrow only what you need as a last resort.

Working on Campus

If your schedule allows, consider holding a part-time job while you're in college. You may also be eligible for a Federal Work Study position.

TIP: Many campus employment opportunities don't require you to work when the campus is on a break, will work around your class schedule, and are conveniently located.

70%

of Southeast students are eligible for the Copper Dome Scholarship program

$20 million

Southeast awards more than $20 million in scholarships annually

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Start Saving Now

Get an early start on saving for college.

Start a savings account specifically for storing your college fund
Establish a weekly budget and stick to it
Avoid using credit cards
Keep your grades up and get involved to make yourself eligible for scholarship opportunities
Meet with an admission counselor who can help you determine your financial aid opportunities
Apply to college before the scholarship deadline passes
Find a job that you can work during the summers or part-time while you're still in high school

FAFSA 101

The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. You'll want to file yours between October 1 and February 1 of your senior year to take advantage of need-based scholarships and financial aid. Like the name suggests, it's FREE to fill out!

I think going to Southeast is well worth the cost. All of my classes have been dramatically better than my high school classes. For the value, I can't think of a place I'd rather be.

- Brandon S.

Education Major

$0 Tuition & General Fees

40% of Southeast students receive Pell grants, but we understand that isn't always enough to pay for college. We think everyone should have access to education, so we introduced the Will To Do Award, a scholarship for students who are also eligible to receive a Pell grant. Here's how it works:

A Federal Pell Grant is money from the federal government to pay for your education. It's a grant, not a loan. The amount is based on your family's income.

The Will To Do Award covers any amount remaining after applying other tuition specific grants and scholarships, ensuring you'll pay $0 in tuition and fees.

ELIGIBILITY
Federal Pell Grant eligible
Missouri resident
2.75+ cumulative high school GPA
FAFSA on file by March 1 of senior year in high school

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Crunch the Numbers

Use our cost and scholarship calculator to see how affordable Southeast Missouri State University is!

Calculate

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