State Sponsored Missouri National Guard Member Educational Assistance Program

PURPOSE: This rule defines the administration of the Missouri National Guard Member Educational Assistance Program. (1) Definitions. “Active military affiliation” shall be defined as a soldier or airman who is a member of the Missouri National Guard (MONG) in good standing and is satisfactorily participating in all required training. (2) Eligibility and Qualifications of Applicants. (A) Under this section the Office of the Adjutant General shall certify each member’s eligibility and qualifications for participation in the Missouri National Guard Educational Assistance Program. (B) An applicant shall be eligible for an initial or subsequent educational assistance grant only if, at the time of his/her application and throughout any periods during which s/he is receiving such assistance, s/he meets all of the following requirements: 1. Is a member of the Missouri National Guard and is certified by the appropriate commander as maintaining active military affiliation; 2. Has not previously received a bachelor’s degree from an accredited postsecondary institution; 3. Is enrolled, or has been accepted for enrollment, as a full-time or part-time undergraduate student in an approved private or public institution as defined in section 173.1102 RSMo; 4. Maintains academic eligibility. Applicants must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least a two point five (2.5) on a four point (4.0) scale, or the equivalent on another scale approved by the program administrator. A. An applicant with no postsecondary academic record is deemed eligible for educational assistance when the school s/he plans to attend enrolls or accepts him/her for enrollment. B. An applicant with a postsecondary cumulative GPA of less than two point five (2.5) will be on probation from the beginning of the term; 5. Has never been convicted in any court of an offense involving the use of force, disruption, or seizure of property under the control of any institution of higher education to prevent officials or students in such institutions from engaging in their duties or pursuing their studies; 6. Has not received educational assistance under the Missouri National Guard Educational Assistance Program which exceeds or is expected to exceed financial assistance for more than a total of one hundred fifty (150) credit hours. (3) Fiscal Management. (A) In accordance with section 173.239, RSMo, state educational assistance is permitted only after the federal funds outlined therein have been exhausted for the applicable term and after the service member has successfully submitted the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). (B) The maximum number of hours eligible for educational assistance is fifteen (15) for each fall and spring semester and nine (9) for the summer semester or the equivalent, for a maximum of thirty-nine (39) hours for each state fiscal year (July 1 through June 30). (C) Payments for recipients’ educational assistance will be made directly to the institution attended. The Office of the Adjutant General Educational Assistance Program designee will notify recipients of the amount awarded and submit timely payment upon receipt of the educational institution’s invoice. Applicants will notify the Office of the Adjutant General Educational Assistance Program designee of any dropped classes. (D) Loss of Membership. 1. If a recipient of state educational assistance ceases to maintain his/her active military affiliation while enrolled in an academic semester or term for any reason except death, disability, or medical disqualification, then the educational assistance shall be terminated and the recipient shall repay to the state of Missouri any amounts awarded for the academic semester or term. 2. Recipients of state educational assistance who cease to be members of the Missouri National Guard, and who are required to reimburse the state of Missouri, will be notified of the amount owed by certified letter from the program administrator. Reimbursement payments are to be made in the form of check or money order payable to the Treasurer, State of Missouri. A. In the event a recipient drops or fails to complete a course or courses (fails to receive a grade) for which educational assistance was received, the recipient must reimburse the state of Missouri for the credit hour costs of educational assistance awarded and not completed. B. Recoupment action will be taken against all recipients not reimbursing the state of Missouri within forty-five (45) days of notification. The adjutant general may utilize any available administrative or legal process to collect educational assistance payments awarded to effect recoupment and satisfaction of the debt incurred. (4) Application Procedures. (A) Members of the Missouri National Guard must complete the prescribed application form and attach all required documentation. The responsibility to prepare an application belongs solely to the applicant. A complete application must be completed prior to every semester, quarter, term, or equivalent. AUTHORITY: section 173.239, RSMo Supp. 2025.* This rule originally filed as 11 CSR 10-3.015. Emergency rule filed July 30, 1998, effective Aug. 28, 1998, expired Feb. 25, 1999. Original rule filed July 30, 1998, effective Feb. 28, 1999. Emergency amendment filed July 20, 2000, effective Aug. 28, 2000, expired Feb. 23, 2001. Amended: Filed July 20, 2000, effective Jan. 30, 2001. Amended: Filed June 25, 2007, effective Dec. 30, 2007. Amended: Filed Nov. 24, 2014, effective June 30, 2015. Moved to 23 CSR 10-3.015, effective Dec. 8, 2022. Amended: Filed Oct. 30, 2025, effective May 30, 2026. *Original authority: 173.239, RSMo 1994, amended 1995, 1998, 2000, 2005, 2006, 2024.