General Information

There are several types of funding resources available to adult students at Four Rivers Career Center.

Grants are financial awards (usually based on financial need) that do NOT have to be repaid

Loans must be repaid by the student for subsidized or unsubsidized Federal student loans or by the parent in the case of Federal PLUS loans.

A+ Funding

A+ Funding Usage Guidelines:

1. A+ Funding is available for up to a maximum of 6 semesters if the student is pursuing a CBHE or DESE approved program at an eligible post-secondary institution
2. Students maintain their eligibility for A+ Funding for up to 4 calendar years from the date of their graduation from an A+ approved high school.
3. A+ Funding is reduced by all Federal and State grants

Maintaining A+ Funding Eligibility:

In order for a student to continue to be eligible to receive A+ funds, students must meet the following requirements:

1. Maintain full-time student status (24 weekly clock hours)
2. Maintain 2.5 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale)

Failure to meet these requirements will result in the loss of their A+ funding for the following class session (semester, trimester, etc)

Access Missouri Grant

Access Missouri Grant is a need-based funding program that serves to increase access to your school of choice. Your financial ability is determined by your EFC (Expected Family Contribution) as calculated through the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

Access Missouri Grant Web Page

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant program provides eligible students with a foundation of financial aid to help defray the cost of postsecondary education. The amount of the grant varies depending upon the need of the student, the cost of education, and the availability of funds. Any person who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, enrolled as an undergraduate student, and working toward the first baccalaureate degree is eligible to apply for a Federal Pell Grant.

For the 2014-2015 academic year, students enrolled full-time may be eligible to receive a Pell Grant award ranging from $602 to $5,730 depending on their EFC.

Federal Subsidized Direct Student Loans

Subsidized Direct Loans are based upon financial need. Interest is not charged while the student is enrolled at least half-time. Students are required to enroll at least half-time and make satisfactory academic progress toward a certificate. The 2014-2015 interest rate is fixed at 3.4% and repayment of the loan begins six months after the student ceases enrollment at an institution of higher education.

Federal Unsubsidized Direct Student Loans

These loans are not based upon financial need and the student borrower is responsible for interest accrued while in school and during deferment periods for this type of loan. The 2014-2015 interest rate is fixed at 6.8% and repayment of the principal loan amount begins six months after the student ceases enrollment at an institution of higher education.

Parent (PLUS) Loans

Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) Loans are available to provide parents of dependent students a way to finance the student's education beyond high school. Federal Plus Loans are available to parents of students enrolled at least half-time. A parent may borrow up to the cost of education minus any other financial aid resources the student may receive. Parent borrowers must pass a credit check. Loans are available regardless of family income.

The 2014-2015 interest rate is fixed at 7.9% and repayment on a PLUS Loan begins 60 days after the loan is disbursed.

Trade Readjustment Act (TRA) or Trade Adjustment Act (TAA) Funding

These resources provide funding to persons who have lost their job and need re-training due to the closing of an American business because of foreign industry.

Applications for TRA and TAA Funding must be filed with the Missouri Career Center. Our local office information is listed below:

Missouri Career Center
1108 Washington Square
Washington, MO 63090
Phone: 636-239-6703

Missouri Career Center Website

Veteran's Benefits

Financial assistance may be available to qualified veterans.

U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs Website

Vocational Rehabilitation Funding

Vocational Rehabilitation Funding may be available for persons needing vocational training or re-training due to a handicap condition preventing them from continuing with or pursuing employment at their current level of training.

Vocational Rehabilitation Office serving our local area:

3248 Laclede Station Road
Deer Creek Center
St. Louis, MO 63143

Phone: 314-877-1900

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Vocational Rehabilitation Web Page

Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Funding

WIA Funding is grant monies available to students who meet certain income-based criteria. These funds may be used to cover the cost of tuition, supplies, materials and some need-based living expenses.

Applications for WIA Funding must be filed with the Missouri Career Center. Our local office information is listed below:

Missouri Career Center
1108 Washington Square
Washington, MO 63090
Phone: 636-239-6703

Missouri Career Center Website