Modifications to Student Support

The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) is authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), Public Law 117-2, signed into law on March 11, 2021, providing $39.6 billion in support to institutions of higher education to serve students and ensure learning continues during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ARP funds are in addition to funds authorized by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA), Public Law 116-260 and the Coronavirus Aid, Recovery, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Public Law 116-136. Emergency funds available to institutions and their students under all emergency funds total $76.2 billion.

MSSU was approved to receive funding for financial grants to students. We estimate that 4,345 students will be eligible for HEERF III grant funding. More information will be posted very soon before November 2021. Current students should watch their MSSU email account for further instructions.

In August 2021, MSSU was approved for $7,636,833 in financial grants to students, which may be used for any component of the student’s cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care), or child care.

Students eligible for grants under the HEERF III at MSSU are those who:

Were enrolled at MSSU as of 9/24/21,
Are degree-seeking at MSSU in a certificate, associate, bachelor or master’s academic program OR are a non-degree seeking or dual-credit student.

We prioritized students with exceptional need by awarding them in the first round distribution in October 2021, with the following criteria:

Degree-Seeking Students with EFC 0-12000 = $1200 HEERF III grant
Degree-Seeking Students with EFC >12000 or no FAFSA = $ 800 HEERF III grant
Students classified as Dual-Credit or Non-Degree Seeking = $ 300 HEERF III grant

This grant will be paid to eligible students by the MSSU Bursar via electronic refund or a paper check by mail. As of October 23, 2021, MSSU distributed $4,012,400 to 4,344 eligible students.

Students eligible for grants during the Spring 2022 semester under the HEERF III at MSSU are those who:

Were enrolled at MSSU as of 2/11/22,
Are degree-seeking at MSSU in a certificate, associate, bachelor or master’s academic program OR are a non-degree seeking or dual-credit student.

We prioritized students with exceptional need by awarding them in the first round distribution in March 2022, with the following criteria:

Degree-Seeking Students with EFC 0-12000 = $1227 HEERF III grant
Degree-Seeking Students with EFC >12000 or no FAFSA = $ 825 HEERF III grant
Students classified as Dual-Credit or Non-Degree Seeking = $ 300 HEERF III grant

This grant will be paid to eligible students by the MSSU Bursar via electronic refund or a paper check by mail. As of March 11, 2022, MSSU distributed $3,635,526 to 3,820 eligible students.

Students eligible for grants during the Summer 2022 semester under the HEERF III at MSSU are those who:

Were enrolled at MSSU as of 6/16/22, and
Are degree-seeking at MSSU in a certificate, associate, bachelor, or master’s academic program.

This $45 summer grant will be paid to eligible students by the MSSU Bursar via electronic refund or a paper check by mail. As of June 23,2022, MSSU distributed $58,300 to 1,325 eligible students.

HEERF III FAQs

Please review the FAQs below for additional guidance regarding HEERF III student grant distributions.

Why did I get this money?

Eligible students will receive either $300, $800, or $1200 HEERF III grants (beginning October 2021) or $300, $825, or $1227 HEERF III grants (beginning March 2022) beginning October 2021, until funds are exhausted, and before the one-year expiration date. MSSU students are able to use these funds to assist with expenses related to any component of their cost of attendance or emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care), or child care. Recipients were notified via a message to their MSSU email account.

HEERF III email to students $300
HEERF III email to students $800
HEERF III email to students $1200

HEERF III email to students $300 Spring 2022
HEERF III email to students $825 Spring 2022
HEERF III email to students $1227 Spring 2022

HEERF II email to students $45 Summer 2022

Which students are eligible for HEERF III grants?

HEERF III student grant funds will be awarded as a block grant to MSSU students who:

Were enrolled at MSSU as of 9/24/21, for fall semester, or as of 2/11/22 for spring semester.
Are degree-seeking at MSSU in a certificate, associate, bachelor or master’s academic program OR are a non-degree seeking or dual-credit student.

We prioritized students with exceptional need by awarding them in the first round distribution in October 2021, with the following criteria:

Degree-Seeking Students with EFC 0-12000 = $1200 HEERF III grant
Degree-Seeking Students with EFC >12000 or no FAFSA = $ 800 HEERF III grant
Students classified as Dual-Credit or Non-Degree Seeking = $ 300 HEERF III grant

We again prioritized students with exceptional need by awarding them in the first round distribution in March 2022, with the following criteria:

Degree-Seeking Students with EFC 0-12000 = $1227 HEERF III grant
Degree-Seeking Students with EFC >12000 or no FAFSA = $ 825 HEERF III grant
Students classified as Dual-Credit or Non-Degree Seeking = $ 300 HEERF III grant

I got this money as a refund. Does this mean my MSSU account balance has been paid off?

Not necessarily. Distribution of HEERF III funds is made directly to students, unless the student authorized consent to apply their grant funds directly to their outstanding student account balance. This designation was offered via email before the distributions were made.

Receipt of HEERF III funds does not indicate the recipient has satisfied their financial obligations to MSSU for any debts incurred during the fall 2021 term or any terms prior. Students should check their current account balance in LioNet to determine what they may still owe.

Can I use this money to pay off my MSSU balance?

Yes. Once the funds are received as a refund, the student may choose to use the funds to pay off any outstanding student account balance. Bursar@mssu.edu 417-625-9381 www.mssu.edu/paymybill

Am I eligible to receive HEERF III funds if I am not meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards?

Yes. Guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Education indicates that students not meeting Financial Aid SAP standards (or other Title IV student eligiblity criteria) are still eligible for HEERF III distributions.

Are Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students eligible for HEERF III funds?

Yes. This is new guidance issued by the U.S. Deparment of Education from prior HEERF/CARES fund distributions as of September 30, 2021.

Are International students eligible for HEERF III funds?

Yes. This is new guidance issued by the U.S. Deparment of Education from prior HEERF/CARES fund distributions as of September 30, 2021.

Do I have to pay this money back?

No. Any funds a student receives from the HEERF III funds do not need to be repaid.

Does this money count against my financial aid package?

No. Grant funding from HEERF III is not considered financial assistance under federal statute, nor U.S. Department of Education regulations. As such these funds will not impact your eligibility for regular financial aid (e.g., grants, scholarships, students loans).

Is money received from HEERF III considered taxable income?

No. HEERF III grants are not treated as taxable income or untaxed income for Title IV federal student aid purposes. All students are encouraged to talk with a personal tax professional relating to any questions about the treatment of the funds.

Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund – Round 2

“HEERF II”

The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (“CRRSAA”) was passed by Congress and signed into law on December 27, 2020, to provide additional economic relief from COVID-19. Section 314 of the CRRSAA authorizes the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (“HEERF II”), which provide funds to institutions of higher education, like MSSU, for certain expenses related to the COVID-19 global pandemic and incurred on or after December 27, 2020. Notably, a portion of these funds are intended to be distributed directly to eligible students.

In January 2021, MSSU was approved for $2,378,137 in financial grants to students, which may be used for any component of the student’s cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care), or child care.

Students eligible for grants under the HEERF II at MSSU are those who:

Were enrolled at MSSU as of March 2, 2021,
Are degree-seeking at MSSU in a certificate, associate, bachelor, or master’s academic program,
Meet U.S. Citizen or national, permanent resident, or other eligible non-citizen status, and
Complete a FAFSA for 2020-21 academic year and have a valid Expected Family Contribution (“EFC”).
1. Students with an EFC 0-12,000 will receive HEERF II grant of $800.
2. Students with an EFC greater than 12,000 will receive HEERF II grant of $450.

This grant will be paid to eligible students by the MSSU Bursar via electronic refund or a paper check by mail. We are working on the first round distribution of HEERF II grant funds to occur in March 2021. We estimate approximately 3,200 students at MSSU will be eligible in the first round.
As of March 19, 2021, MSSU will be distributing $2,279,300 to 3,215 eligible students. As of April 9, 2021, $19,250 additional funds were paid to 28 eligible students. As of June 30, 2021, a total of $2,378,137 has been distributed to a total of 3,253 students. This fulfills our grant awards to students, and we no longer have additional Federal HEERF II grant funding available to students.

HEERF II FAQs
Please review the FAQ items below for additional guidance regarding HEERF II student grant distributions.

- Why did I get this money?
  The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (“HEERF II”) is authorized by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA), Public Law 116-260, signed into law on December 27, 2020.
  Eligible students will receive either $800 or $450 HEERF II grant beginning March 2021 until funds are exhausted, and before the one-year expiration date. MSSU students are able to use these funds to assist with expenses related to any component of their cost of attendance or emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care) and child care.Recipients were notified via a message to their MSSU email account.
  EMAIL TO STUDENT HEERF II $800 GRANT RECIPIENTS
  EMAIL TO STUDENT HEERF II $450 GRANT RECIPIENTS
  EMAIL TO ALL CAMPUS HEERF II

- Which students are eligible for HEERF II grants?
  HEERF II student grant funds will be awarded as a block grant to MSSU students who meet these criteria:
  -Enrolled at MSSU as of March 2, 2021,
  -Degree-seeking at MSSU in a certificate, associate, bachelor or master’s academic program,
  -U.S. Citizen or national, permanent resident, or other eligible non-citizen status, and
  -Completed a FAFSA for 2020-21 academic year and have a valid Expected Family Contribution (“EFC”).
  Students with an EFC 0-12,000 will receive HEERF II grant of $800.
  Students with an EFC greater than 12,000 will receive HEERF II grant of $450.

- I got this money as a refund. Does this mean my MSSU account balance has been paid off?
  No. Distribution of HEERF II funds is made directly to students and not applied by the University toward any outstanding balances that may still be owed by the student. As such, receipt of these funds does not indicate the recipient has satisfied their financial obligations to MSSU for any debts incurred during the spring 2021 term or any terms prior. Please check your current account balance in LioNet to determine what you may still owe.

- Can I use this money to pay off my MSSU balance?
  Yes. MSSU is not authorized to apply HEERF II funds toward any outstanding balances that may still be owed by a student without prior authorization. However, once the funds are received as a refund, students may choose to use the funds to pay off their outstanding account balance. Bursar@mssu.edu 417.625.9381 www.mssu.edu/paymybill

- Am I eligible to receive HEERF II funds if I am not meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards?
  Yes. Guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Education indicates that students not meeting Financial Aid SAP standards (or other Title IV student eligibility criteria) are still eligible for HEERF II distributions.

- Are Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students eligible for HEERF II funds?
  No. Guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Education indicates that students must meet citizenship requirements to qualify for the HEERF II funds. This limits eligibility to U.S. Citizens or nationals, permanent residents, or other eligible non-citizens.

- Are International students eligible for HEERF II funds?
  No. Guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Education indicates that students must meet citizenship criteria in order to receive HEERF II funds. This limits eligibility to U.S. Citizens or nationals, permanent residents, or other eligible non-citizens.

- Do I have to pay this money back?
  No. Any funds a student receives from the HEERF II funds do not need to be repaid.

- Does this money count against my financial aid package?
  No. Grant funding from HEERF II is not considered financial assistance under federal statue, nor U.S. Department of Education regulations. As such, these funds will not impact your eligibility for regular financial aid (e.g., grants, scholarships, loans).

- Is money received from HEERF II considered taxable income?
  HEERF II grants are not treated as taxable income or untaxed income for Title IV federal student aid purposes.
  In addition, because the emergency financial aid grant is not includable in a student’s gross income, students are not able to claim any deduction or credit for expenses paid with the grant including the tuition and fees deduction, the American Opportunity Credit, or the Lifetime Learning Credit. See section 139(h) of the Internal Revenue Code.
  All students are encouraged to talk with a personal tax professional relating to any questions you may have about the treatment of the funds.

If I do not qualify for any HEERF II funding are there any other emergency funds for which I can apply?
Students should contact the MSSU Financial Aid Office to see what options are available in your particular situation. finaid@mssu.edu 417.625.9325

Federal CARES Act emergency grant/stimulus funds

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed by Congress and signed into law to provide economic relief from COVID-19. One component of the Federal CARES Act establishes the Higher Education Emergency Relief (“HEERF”) fund, which provides funds to institutions of higher education, like MSSU, for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations caused by the COVID-19 global pandemic. Notably, a portion of these funds are intended to be distributed directly to eligible students.

MSSU applied, was approved, and is eligible to receive $4,756,273. Fifty percent of these funds are for emergency grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the pandemic, including expenses such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and childcare.

Students eligible for grants under the Federal CARES Act are those who:

were not enrolled in an exclusively online program prior to March 13, 2020,
experienced a disruption in campus operations due to COVID-19 pandemic, and
are eligible for federal student aid and comply with the following federal requirements:
1. Are enrolled in degree, certificate program, or other eligible program
2. Have a high school diploma or equivalent credential (and not currently enrolled in elementary or secondary school)
3. Are making satisfactory academic progress requirements
4. Have no owed overpayments from any federal student grant or loan
5. Are not in default on any federal student loan
6. Have an SSN
7. Are a citizen or national, permanent resident, or other eligible non-citizen
8. Have not been found guilty of any fraud relating to the federal student aid program, or have made restitution if convicted of or pled guilty or no contest to such charges
9. Have not fraudulently obtained federal student aid funds in excess of annual aggregate limits; if obtained inadvertently, returned those funds
10. Are in compliance with the U.S. Selective Service registration requirements, if applicable
11. Are not currently incarcerated
12. Have no federal or state conviction for drug possession or sale, with certain time limitations.

Federal CARES Act distributions and email notifications will begin to eligible students in May 2020. We estimate approximately 3,500 students at MSSU will be eligible. As of May 15, 2020, MSSU will be distributing $2,065,700 to 3,178 eligible students. As of June 5, 2020, $30,550 additional funds were paid to 47 eligible students. As of June 30, 2020, $3,900 additional funds have been paid to 6 more eligible students. As of July 20, 2020, $2,378,137 has been distributed to 3,236 students. This fulfills our grant awards to students, and we no longer have additional Federal CARES Act grant funding available to students.

Notifications to Students:

These federal grants will be disbursed to eligible students by the MSSU Bursar via electronic refund or a paper check by mail. Students should have a valid bank account setup for electronic refund at www.mssu.edu/paymybill

Ensure their mailing address is correct with the MSSU Registrar. Students can update mailing address here.

Please review the FAQ items below for additional guidance.

Why did I get this money?
- The U.S. Department of Education made Federal CARES Act funds available to students who incurred expenses as a result of COVID-19 related disruptions to their campus operations. MSSU identified eligible students that have been adversely affected by COVID-19 disruptions to normal campus operations.
- Eligible students received a $650 Federal CARES Act grant beginning May 2020 until funds are exhausted, and before the one-year expiration date.
- Eligible students received a second distribution of $85 in July 2020 to further exhaust available funds.
- Recipients were notified via a message to their MSSU email account.

Which students are eligible for Federal CARES Act grants?
- Federal CARES Act grant funds will be awarded as a block grant to students who meet these criteria:
  - Pursuing an MSSU degree program (including undergraduate, graduate, certificate)
  - Eligible to file Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  - Eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended. (e.g., be eligible to receive federal financial aid funds such as the Pell Grant, TEACH Grant, Direct Loans, etc.) –see federal student aid requirement list above
  - Enrolled in at least 3 credit hours towards a degree-seeking program at MSSU as of 3/13/20
  - Not enrolled in an exclusively online program on or prior to 3/13/20
I got this money as a refund. Does this mean my MSSU account balance has been paid off?
- No. Distribution of Federal CARES Act funds is made directly to students and not applied by the University toward any outstanding balances that may still be owed by the student. As such, receipt of these funds does not indicate the recipient has satisfied their financial obligations to MSSU for any debts incurred during the spring 2020 term or any terms prior. Please check your current account balance in LioNet to determine what you may still owe.
Can I use this money to pay off my MSSU balance?
- Yes. MSSU is not authorized to apply Federal CARES Act funds toward any outstanding balances that may still be owed by a student. However, once the funds are received as a refund, students may choose to use the funds to pay off their outstanding account balance.
  Bursar@mssu.edu 417.625.9381 www.mssu.edu/paymybill
Can MSSU just apply the funds to my account balance with my approval or permission?
- No. Federal regulations stipulate that all Federal CARES Act funds must be disbursed directly to the student and may not be applied toward outstanding balances. To use these funds to pay an outstanding balance with MSSU, a student must make a payment to their account through the Bursar’s Office. Bursar@mssu.edu417.625.9381 www.mssu.edu/paymybill
Am I eligible to receive Federal CARES Act funds if I am not meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards?
- No. Guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Education indicates that students not meeting Financial Aid SAP standards are not eligible for Federal CARES Act fund distributions.
Are Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students eligible for Federal CARES Act funds?
- No. Guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Education indicates that students must be eligible to submit a FAFSA in order to qualify for the Federal CARES Act funds. This limits eligibility to U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents, or other Title IV eligible non-citizens.
Are International students eligible for Federal CARES Act funds?
- No. Guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Education indicates that students must be eligible to submit a FAFSA in order to qualify for the Federal CARES Act funds. This limits eligibility to U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents, or other Title IV eligible non-citizens.
Do I have to pay this money back?
- No. Any funds a student receives from the Federal CARES Act will not need to be repaid.
Does this money count against my financial aid package?
- No. Grant funding from the Federal CARES Act is not considered financial assistance under federal statue, nor U.S. Department of Education regulations. As such, these funds will not impact your eligibility for regular financial aid (e.g., grants, scholarships, loans).
Is money received from the Federal CARES Act considered taxable income?
- This grant is not includable in a student’s gross income. Emergency financial aid grants under the Federal CARES Act for unexpected expenses, unmet financial need, or expenses related to the disruption of campus operations on account of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as unexpected expenses for food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, or childcare, are qualified disaster relief payments under section 139 of the Internal Revenue Code.
- In addition, because the emergency financial aid grant is not includable in a student’s gross income, students are not able to claim any deduction or credit for expenses paid with the grant including the tuition and fees deduction, the American Opportunity Credit, or the Lifetime Learning Credit. See section 139(h) of the Internal Revenue Code.
- All students are encouraged to talk with a personal tax professional relating to any questions you may have about the treatment of the funds.
If I do not qualify for any Federal CARES Act funding are there any other emergency funds for which I can apply?
- Students should contact the MSSU Financial Aid Office to see what options are available in your particular situation. finaid@mssu.edu 417.625.9325

Student Loan Repayment

All loans owned by the U.S. Department of Education have a 0% interest rate beginning 3/13/2020 – 9/31/2021, this include Federal Direct Loans (subsidized and unsubsidized).

Federal Direct Loan (Subsidized and Unsubsidized) payments have been suspended with an administrative forbearance, until 9/31/2021.

Please note: The Perkins Loans received, while attending Missouri Southern State University, continue to accrue 5% interest and payments continue to be due. If payments are not able to be paid, please contact University Account Service at 844-870-8701.

For further information, please refer to the following site:

https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus

If you have questions about your specific student loans, please contact your loan servicer. (Please see servicer websites below.)

If a student’s federal loan is at least 31 days past due, the loan will be placed automatically into forbearance and their account will be brought current. For more information, see StudentAid.gov

Loan Servicer contacts

Great Lakes

FedLoan Servicing

OSLA Student Loan Servicing

Perkins