Study Abroad

Many students want to take advantage of the opportunity for a term of study abroad while they are in college. It is possible to use many of the same sources of financial assistance for a study abroad program that are available for on-campus attendance. Contact the Center for International Education Abroad and the Financial Aid Office for further information.

To be considered for Federal financial aid (Pell Grant, Federal Direct Stafford Loans, PLUS Loan, Perkins Loan, and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant) a student must:

• Have a Federal aid application (FAFSA) on file
• Fill out a supplemental Study Abroad information sheet that collects information about the trip, its credits, and the costs
• Be degree-seeking and enrolled at least half-time
• Be sure the trip is a Truman State University approved study abroad program with credits accepted for degree credit (even if not required for your major)

***If the trip is arranged through another university, a contractual agreement would be required between Financial Aid Offices. Make an appointment to discuss your plans with the Financial Aid Director well in advance of the trip. It may, or may not, be possible to reach this agreement for use of Federal funds.

Some scholarships may be applied to study abroad expenses. Part of the Pershing Scholarship is the option of spending a semester abroad, with the University providing up to $4,000 for the semester or a proportional amount for summer. Academic scholarships may be used to offset charges paid directly to Truman State University and will count as one of the eight semesters of scholarship eligibility. Missouri Bright-Flight Scholarships may be used during the academic year, but are not available for summer programs. For further details on scholarship usage for study abroad you may visit http://studyabroad.truman.edu/finaid.asp or contact the Financial Aid Office.

Truman State University also offers Cultural Loans from university funds for study abroad programs. The maximum loan is the cost of the trip, but not more than $5,000. Students must be enrolled full-time with a 2.5 grade-point average. Preference is given to Truman State University sponsored trips.

Be sure to allow enough time to process the paperwork before you leave on your trip. It is strongly recommended that you allow at least two months for the financial aid process. And if you receive Federal funds, they cannot be released until within 10 days of your trip; so you will need enough money from another source to pay any advance deposits required.