Adult students can receive free tuition through the state's new Fast Track program

The Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant is a new financial aid program that addresses workforce needs by encouraging adults to pursue a certificate, degree, or industry-recognized credential in an area designated as high need. The financial aid program ensures, when combined with other government resources, that tuition and fees are fully covered for eligible students age 25 and older who are seeking a degree, certificate or industry-recognized credential in a high-demand career. Students younger than 25 also may be eligible to receive the grant if they haven’t been enrolled in any educational program within the last two years.

Grant recipients must maintain Missouri residency and work in Missouri for three years after graduation to prevent the grant from becoming a loan that must be repaid with interest.

Missouri State-West Plains programs approved for funding

*The program can be completed online.

Degrees include:

• Business (AAS) *
• Business (AS) *
• Child and Family Development (AA)
• Child and Family Development (AAS)
• Culinary and Hospitality Management (AAS)
• Health Information Technology (HIT)* (AAS)
• Law Enforcement (AAS)
• Nursing (ASN)
• Teaching (AAT)
• Technology (AAS)
• Technology (AS)

Certificates approved for funding include:

• Advanced Business Studies *
• Advanced Child and Family Development
• Advanced Industrial Maintenance
• Advanced Fabrication Technology
• Advanced Manufacturing Technology
• Agricultural Business *
• Alternative Energy
• Basic Child & Family Development *
• Basic Bookkeeping *
• Basic Business Studies *
• Foundations of Business *
• HIT, Electronic Records Specialist *
• HIT, Medical Administrative Office Assistant *
• HIT, Medical/Clinical Assistant
• HIT, Medical Coding *
• Human Resources
• Information Technology
• Law Enforcement
• Technology Management *

Non-Credit Certificates approved for funding include:

• Certified Nurse Assistant
• Industrial Drafting
• Machining Technology
• Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification Program

For more information on the non-credit certificates, call Greater Ozarks Center for Advanced Technology (GOCAT) at 417-255-7784.

Fast Track grant awards will cover any remaining tuition and fees not covered by other state and federal student aid programs. When other aid programs cover all tuition and fees, students could receive up to $500 to cover other education-related expenses.

Am I eligible?

• At least 25 years old OR have not been enrolled in an education program at any level within the past two years.
• Enroll at least half-time at a participating institution in a program designated as eligible.
• Have not yet earned a bachelor's degree.
• Earning no more than $40,000 per year as single tax filer, or no more than $80,000 per year as a joint tax filer.

How do I apply?

• Select one of Missouri State-West Plains’ eligible career track programs
• Complete the Fast Track application through the State Student Financial Aid Portal. Register for the portal and to complete your Fast Track application.
• Complete a self-certification form for each disbursement. Return the form to:
  • Missouri Department of Higher Education
    Attn: Fast Track
    P.O Box 1469
    Jefferson City, MO 65102
• Complete the FAFSA each year you are enrolled (or are planning to enroll) in college. Individuals interested in receiving Fast Track for the 2019-2020 academic year will need to complete the 2019-2020 FAFSA, using tax information from 2017.

For more information about the program and how to apply, visit the Missouri Department of Higher Education’s Fast Track website, MoFastTrack.com.

For more information on how Fast Track can be used for Missouri State-West Plains’ degrees and certificates:

• New students can contact the admissions office at 417-255-7955 or WPAdmissions@MissouriState.edu
• Current Missouri State-West Plains students can contact the financial aid office at 417-255-7243 or WPFinancialAid@MissouriState.edu