Missouri State University students may soon see a boost to their bank accounts.

The university’s Springfield campus received about $20.8 million of federal stimulus funds through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The West Plains campus received another $1.8 million.

The Board of Governors Executive Committee recently approved the plan to distribute this money to students. The funds should be available for eligible students in October.

“Our students are always the top priority,” said MSU President Clif Smart. “Our hope is this will alleviate some of the financial burden for our students, so they can focus on being successful and reaching their goals.”

How it will work

The funds will be distributed per the U.S. Department of Education guidelines. To be eligible, students must be currently enrolled in at least one credit hour and be classified as degree-seeking.

• Pell-eligible students will receive about $1,500-$1,600.
• All other domestic students – graduate or undergraduate – will receive about $1,000.
• International students may apply for assistance online in October and may receive about $750.

These funds are separate from the funds allocated to the university to offset lost revenue and certain COVID-19-related expenditures.