Marguerite Ross Barnett Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established for students who are employed while attending school part-time.

Am I eligible?

To be eligible, you must:

• Have a FAFSA on file by August 1, 2009.
• Be enrolled at least half time, but less than full time (6-11 credit hours), at a participating Missouri postsecondary school.
• Be employed and compensated for at least 20 hours per week.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Demonstrate financial need.
• Be a Missouri resident and a United States citizen or a permanent resident.
• Not be pursuing a degree or certificate in theology or divinity.

How much can I receive?

The maximum annual scholarship amount is the least of:

• The tuition charged for 6 or 9 credit hours at the school where you are enrolled part time, or
• The amount of tuition charged to a Missouri undergraduate resident enrolled in 6 or 9 credit hours in the same class level at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Award amounts for students enrolled in 6, 7 or 8 semester credit hours, or the equivalent, will be calculated based on 6 semester credit hours. Award amounts for students enrolled in 9, 10 or 11 semester credit hours, or the equivalent, will be calculated based on 9 semester credit hours.

Awards are not available during summer terms.

How can I apply?

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by August 1 each year.

If your school participates, apply with your advisor in the financial aid office and provide them with a completed Marguerite Ross Barnett Employment Verification Form. The employment verification form may be obtained from the school's financial aid office or by calling the MDHE at (800) 473-6757 or (573) 751-3940. If you received this scholarship last year, inform the school of your renewal status.

Changes to the FAFSA will be accepted until August 1.

How will I know if I am eligible?

The MDHE does not provide notice to students of eligibility. Final eligibility is determined (usually in late August) by the institution you are attending. Contact your institution for your tentative eligibility status.

How do I renew my award?

Scholarships can be renewed annually until you have obtained a bachelor's degree or completed 150 semester credit hours, whichever comes first. To renew you must:

• Reapply and have your eligibility re-evaluated each year. This means that if you fail to file a new FAFSA by the deadline or your EFC increases to a point where you no longer have financial need, you may no longer be eligible for a Marguerite Ross Barnett award even though you received one in the previous year.
• Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 and otherwise maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by the school.

How do I transfer my award?

If you choose to transfer to a different participating Missouri institution, either between academic years or semesters, you must contact the MDHE at (800) 473-6757, option 4.

To transfer your award between semesters you must have been paid in the preceding fall semester or the school you are transferring to must have been on file with the MDHE by August 1.