Student Financial Aid

Distance and correspondence

Financial aid is available for students who enroll in courses through the Center for Distance and Independent Study (CDIS). To receive aid, you must also be admitted to a degree-seeking program at MU and meet other eligibility requirements.

Correspondence courses

Fees and terms

Fees for correspondence courses must be paid to the Center for Distance and Independent Study at the time of registration. Your financial aid might not be ready for disbursement when you register for the course.

Courses taught by MU professors are entered into the University Registrar’s system in advance. If you register for the course prior to the Registrar’s census date, the course is considered for enrollment and financial aid purposes for that current term. If you register for the course after the Registrar’s census date, it is entered for the following term.

Courses taught by University of Missouri System faculty from campuses other than MU are not entered by the Office of the University Registrar until they have been completed and a final academic transcript has been received. MU does not process financial aid for these courses.

Enrollment status and aid eligibility

Students who enroll only in correspondence courses will be considered halftime students, per federal regulations, and will be eligible only for Pell Grants (at the halftime rate) and loans after filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The Pell Grant will not be disbursed until halfway through the semester. You must also have completed 50 percent of the coursework to receive your Pell Grant.

If you enroll in a combination of correspondence and regular coursework, these courses can be counted in your cost of attendance for the term in which they are entered. You will be considered to receive all types of federal, state and institutional aid if you have met all eligibility requirements and deadlines. Pell Grant-eligible students must complete the coursework by the end of the session in which the coursework is entered by the Office of the University Registrar.

Continuing and distance education courses (MU Direct)

Fees and terms

Fees are billed through the Office of Cashiers. Non-resident fees are not charged for telecommunication courses.

Enrollment status and aid eligibility

Enrollment in MU Direct courses can be counted in your cost of attendance for the term in which you are enrolled. You will not be eligible for aid intended to reduce non-resident fees. There are no other restrictions on aid if you have met all other eligibility requirements and deadlines.

See a complete listing of MU Direct courses.