Southeast Missouri State University 1873

Financial Aid

Open doors to put a high-quality college education within financial reach: that's what we do. 

Cost should not be the factor that stands between you and success at Southeast. We know your education and your future are top priorities, and we’re committed to doing whatever it takes to make a quality education financially possible.

Types of Aid

  • Two students sit on a bench outside Academic Hall.

    Scholarships

    Scholarships are typically awarded based on academic achievement, specific skills or other ability. SEMO considers you for all applicable Southeast scholarships when you apply as a freshman, transfer, or international student. There are also statewide scholarships and external scholarships. Scholarship awards do not need to be paid back.

  • Two students walk on the sidewalk in front of Academic Hall.

    Grants

    Federal and state governments (as well as SEMO) often provide grants based on financial need. It’s why it’s so important to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible. Grants, like scholarships, are free money and do not need to be paid back.

  • A student sits at a picnic table and works on their laptop that has a redhawks sticker on the back.

    Loans

    There are certain federal loan programs that can help bring the cost of college to a more affordable level. Before accepting a loan, be sure to keep an eye on total debt and future earnings. Unlike grants and scholarships, student loans must be repaid.

  • Three students sit together in the shade from a tree to have a conversation.

    Summer Financial Aid

    If you enroll in at least six summer hours, we’ll automatically evaluate your status to see if you’re eligible for summer financial aid. This assistance would be a continuation of the aid package you may have received for the previous academic year, should remaining funds exist.

Applying for Aid

It’s a straightforward two-step process to apply for financial aid at Southeast Missouri State University. If you get stuck in either one, please reach out. We’re happy to help guide you through the process. 

Step 1: Submit an application for admission. 

The Southeast application for admission is used to determine eligibility for Academic Scholarships. These are awarded during your admission process, prior to beginning your first semester with Southeast. Eligibility is dependent on your submission date of the application for admission and either: 

  • Incoming Freshmen - ACT/SAT score and high school GPA (6th or 7th semester only) 
  • Transfer Students - previous college performance 

Deadlines for these scholarships can vary, so be sure to get your application in as early as possible. 

Step 2: Complete the FAFSA. 

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) should be completed each year at studentaid.gov. This application is used to consider your eligibility for Federal Grants, Federal Loans, and State Grants. 

  • When you receive your FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS) by email, verify all information is correct and your FAFSA was not rejected. 

FAFSA's priority deadline is February 1. The FAFSA can still be submitted after the priority deadline, but some aid may no longer be available.

Accepting Financial Aid

We’ll notify you by email once a financial aid offer has been posted to the portal. If you’re going to accept or deny any financial aid, it has to happen in the portal. Look for “Financial Aid Offer” under the “Student Financial Services” section to complete this process.
Accepting Aid Login to the mySEMO

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is the policy that outlines minimum requirements you must meet, in order to remain eligible for financial aid. Southeast reviews progress at the end of every semester, including summer (if applicable), to verify that your cumulative GPA, completion rate, and maximum time frame meet our requirements.
Review Minimum Requirements of SAP

Student Employment

Working on campus will connect you with a large network of faculty, staff, and students interested in your academic success — and it pays to do so. Student employment allows you to work up to 20 hours per week to ensure your studies still come first.
Learn More about Student Employment See Student Worker Positions

Consortiums

In certain situations, you may be able to combine your enrollment at Southeast with enrollment at another school to become eligible for financial aid that you may not otherwise be eligible for. This combination requires a consortium agreement with participating schools, available from Student Financial Services.

Get the Assistance You Need

We know your education and your future are top priorities, and at Southeast we’re doing whatever it takes to make a quality education financially possible. Yet we understand you may be coming to the process with questions. We’re here to help and happy to guide you through it.

Student Financial Services

Contact Us

Email

Fax

sfs@semo.edu

Location

Office

Academic Hall 019

Mailing Address

One University Plaza, MS 3740
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

Hours

Weekdays: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.