Enrollment Requirements

Financial aid is initially awarded based on the assumption that you will enroll full-time in a degree-seeking program each semester. To receive financial aid, you must meet the minimum enrollment requirements for each aid program. Your enrollment is verified before aid is paid to your account and again after the add/drop period to confirm that you remain eligible.

Changing your enrollment status may change the amount of financial aid you receive.

If you are considering taking fewer credit hours than required for full-time enrollment, contact Mizzou Student Financial Aid and your academic advisor before making changes. They can help you understand how your enrollment may affect your academic progress and financial aid eligibility.

To receive most types of financial aid, you must be enrolled in at least the minimum number of credit hours based on your academic level:

  • Undergraduate students: At least 6 credit hours
  • Graduate students: At least 4.5 credit hours
  • Doctoral students (post-comprehensive exams): At least 2 credit hours

Some types of financial aid programs require a higher enrollment level, including full-time enrollment (12-18 hours for undergraduate students). Medical, law, and veterinary medicine students should contact their school’s financial aid office to determine their enrollment requirements.

Impact of Enrollment on Financial Aid

Your enrollment level may affect:

  • Your eligibility for financial aid
  • The amount of financial aid you receive
  • When your financial aid is disbursed
  • Your eligibility for certain grants, scholarships, and/or loans

If your enrollment changes, your financial aid may be adjusted.

Attendance Requirement

To receive financial aid, you must begin attendance in all classes used to calculate your eligibility. If you do not attend a class, your financial aid may be reduced or canceled.

If you have questions about how repeated courses may affect your financial aid eligibility, please see the Repeat Coursework section of our Terms & Conditions for Financial Aid Eligibility page.

Important Dates

For the 2026-2027 academic year

Dec. 1, 2025 - Scholarship deadline for first-time college students

Feb. 1, 2026 - Scholarship deadline for continuing & transfer students

Feb. 1, 2026 - FAFSA submission deadline