Applying for Financial Aid: Step-by-Step Instructions

Instructions for Freshmen

1. Apply to Truman

  • Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for admission and submit a resume/activity list by December 1 in order to ensure priority scholarship consideration. There is no separate scholarship application for University awards, unless otherwise noted on the site below.

For more information on Truman scholarships for incoming students, see Cost and Financial Aid.

2. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) 

3. Award Acknowledgement

Upon receiving a valid FAFSA, freshmen will receive a paper award letter giving them login instructions to TruView and the access to accept/decline their awards. For more information on accepting/declining financial aid awards: www.truman.edu/admission-cost/cost-aid/office-of-financial-aid/how-to-accept-or-decline-aid/

4. Stafford Entrance Loan Counseling & Master Promissory Note

  • If you chose to accept a Federal Direct Stafford Loan whether subsidized and/or unsubsidized, you must complete entrance loan counseling and the master promissory note before any Stafford funds can be released. Students may complete both the online entrance loan counseling and the master promissory note at www.studentaid.gov. FYI: Online exit loan counseling is also available on this site. All students who received a Federal Stafford loan while attending Truman State University must complete exit loan counseling any time they withdraw, transfer, receive a degree, or drop below half‐time status.
  • For more information on Federal Direct Stafford Loans: www.truman.edu/admission-cost/cost-aid/grants-loans/federal-government-aid/federal-direct-stafford-loans/

5. FAFSA Verification

Disbursement of Federal Funds

Disbursement of federal funds will begin at the start of each term and will continue on a regular basis as the student completes eligibility requirements for payment.

Federal and State Aid Refunds

Any federal and state aid in excess of your Truman charges will be refunded to you for educational purposes. A short‐term loan may be available to purchase books and supplies for students expected to have an excessive wait between their determination of eligibility and the disbursement of aid.

Instructions for Sophomores through Graduate Students

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

2.Award Acknowledgement

3. Stafford Entrance Loan Counseling & Master Promissory Note

  • First-time borrowers who are accepting a Stafford Direct Loan will need to complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN). Please go to www.studentaid.gov to complete your MPN. This must be done before loan funds can be paid to your student account. If you have never had a Stafford loan before, you will also need to complete entrance loan counseling that is located on the same web site as the MPN before funds can be applied to your student.
  • FYI: Online exit loan counseling is also available on this site. All students who received a Federal Stafford loan while attending Truman State University must complete exit loan counseling any time they withdraw, transfer, receive a degree, or drop below half‐time status.
  • For more information on Federal Direct Stafford Loans:  www.truman.edu/admission-cost/cost-aid/grants-loans/federal-government-aid/federal-direct-stafford-loans/

4. FAFSA Verification

The Federal processor selects student FAFSA results for verification. Students are notified in the cover letter of their Student Aid Report (SAR) that they have been selected for review.For more information on verification: www.truman.edu/admission-cost/cost-aid/office-of-financial-aid/verification/

5. Scholarship Renewal

  • Certain Truman scholarships must be renewed through completion of a Scholarship Renewal Proposal Form that is available under your student portal by clicking “Tools, Student, Student Tools.”  Select “Renew Scholarship Online” under the “Scholarships, Financial Aid, and Loans” section.
  • If the value of your award requires scholarship service hours, the scholarship renewal process should be completed annually beginning with the third semester of the award.
  • You do not have to submit a scholarship renewal form if your scholarship is $1,500 or less per semester and does not require service hours. The Financial Aid Office will automatically renew your scholarship as long as you meet all requirements. For more information on scholarship renewal: www.truman.edu/admission-cost/cost-aid/office-of-financial-aid/renewing-your-scholarship-faq/

Disbursement of Federal Funds

Disbursement of federal funds will begin at the start of each term and will continue on a regular basis as the student completes eligibility requirements for payment.

Federal and State Aid Refunds

Any federal and state aid in excess of your Truman charges will be refunded to you for educational purposes. A short‐term loan may be available to purchase books and supplies for students expected to have an excessive wait between their determination of eligibility and the disbursement of aid.

Additional Aid Options

Below is a list of financial aid options not previously mentioned. This aid is NOT automatically awarded by applying to Truman or by filing the FAFSA.

Alternative Loans
Alternative loans are designed for students but not guaranteed by the federal government. They are offered directly to the student by private lenders.

Foundation Loans
Four types of loans are available through the Truman Development Fund Foundation: short‐term loans, long‐term loans, computer loans, and cultural loans.

Foundation Scholarships
Currently enrolled Truman students may apply for scholarships from the Truman foundation that will be awarded in subsequent semesters at Truman.

Investing in Students
The Investing in Students Fund is supported by donations from alumni and friends of the University. The funds are awarded as grants, loans, or student employment to the students with highest need as determined by cost of attendance and FAFSA results.

Missouri Returning Heroes’ Education Act
If you were a Missouri resident when first entering the military, served in armed combat after September 11, 2001, and were discharged from military service under honorable conditions you may qualify for reduced tuition charges.

MOST Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded annually to students whose families participate in Missouri’s 529 Savings Plan (MOST).

PLUS Loans
Direct PLUS Loans are low‐interest loans for students and parents to help pay for the cost of a student’s education after high school.

Private Scholarships
Students are encourages to explore a variety of avenues for financial aid. Follow the link to learn more about free online scholarship searches.

Student Employment Options
Student employment positions are generally advertised on Trupositions.truman.edu.

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant (TEACH grant)
The TEACH Grant Program provides grants to students who intend to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low‐income families.

For more information, visit the Financial Aid website or contact the Financial Aid Office.