Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant
Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development
Covers remaining tuition and fees (or apprenticeship costs) for Missouri adults 25+ training for high-demand jobs; up to $500 for other costs if tuition is already covered.
- How much
- Remaining tuition and fees after other non-loan aid (public schools fully covered; private capped at the comparable public rate), or up to $500 for other costs if tuition is already covered
- Who qualifies
- Age 25+, or not enrolled in any education program for 2 years; Missouri resident for 2+ years (students), or active-duty military transferred to Missouri or their spouse; AGI <= $80,000 joint / $40,000 other; at least half-time in an eligible program; no bachelor's degree; renewal requires 2.5 cumulative GPA.
- For adults going back to school, undergrads, trade school students
- For state-designated high-demand programs and apprenticeships students
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Need-based: your FAFSA decides how much you get.
- When to apply
- Check dates Application in the State Financial Aid Portal; no deadline published on the program page.
- How to apply
- Create an account in the MDHEWD State Financial Aid Portal, choose Estimate Eligibility, pick the academic year, and click Apply next to Fast Track
- Upload your most recent Missouri 1040
- File the FAFSA if your school requires it
- What you'll need
- state application + FAFSA
- Last checked
- October 24, 2026, against the official page (dhewd.mo.gov) and page 2
The details
For adults pursuing a certificate, degree, industry credential or DOL-approved apprenticeship in a high-demand field designated by the state. Last-dollar: combined with other state and federal non-loan aid, covers full tuition and fees at public 2- and 4-year schools, and direct apprenticeship costs (tools, books, uniforms). At private schools, up to the comparable public in-state rate; 2025-26 limits: private 4-year $597.60 per credit hour plus $607.00 fees, private 2-year $435.00 per credit hour plus $708.00 fees. If other aid already covers tuition, students can get up to $500 for books, housing or transportation. Income limit: AGI of $80,000 or less (married filing jointly) or $40,000 or less (other). Lasts up to 4 semesters (60 credit hours or 1,800 clock hours), 48 months for apprentices, a bachelor's degree, or 200% of normal program time. No longer converts to a loan, but recipients must report employment and residency for 3 years.
More money from Missouri
- Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program$1,700 max per year at public 2-year schools; $3,500 max per year at public 4-year, State Technical College, private and approved virtual schools (minimums $500 / $1,750; may be less depending on funding)
- Bright Flight Scholarship (Higher Education Academic Scholarship Program)Up to $3,000 per year (top 3% of ACT/SAT scores); up to $1,000 per year (top 4th-5th percentile)
- Advanced Placement Incentive Grant$500 one-time
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Arkansas, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Tennessee
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.