by Mike David, Drury University: Drury GO
The Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development’s FAST TRACK is a financial aid program for eligible adults over 25 years of age who meet the following requirements:
- Have not been enrolled in any school in the last two years
- Have not earned a bachelor’s degree already.
- Individuals who earn less than $80,000 jointly or $40,000 for all other filing status annually.
What’s the Catch?
The FAST TRACK program is an initiative by the State of Missouri to invest into Missourian’s educational and financial security. Those who receive the grant will be required to live and work in Missouri for 3 years after graduation to prevent “the grant from becoming a loan that must be repaid with interest”. This program is great opportunity in combination with other financial aid to reduce and even eliminate out of pocket costs for students.
You must also attend an approved institution for a recognized program. A list of eligible schools and program can be found on the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development’s website here. You can choose from various programs at the associate and bachelor levels.
Here at Drury University options include the associate and bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration, Emergency Management, Criminal Justice, Education, and many more. Some of these degrees and certificates are available 100% online with no campus visits required.
FAST TRACK isn’t just limited to academic credit programs. Students may also take certificate level programs like Clinical Medical Assistant, Computer Technician CompTIA A+, Dental Assisting, Medical Administrative Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, and Phlebotomy Technician.
How Much Will FAST TRACK Pay?
FAST TRACK as a grant is designed to pick up where other funding sources end. “Awards will be for any remaining tuition and fees not covered by other state and federal student aid programs”. For individuals who have aid that covers all tuition and fees, there is an award of up to “$500 to cover other education related expenses”. FAST TRACK is great because you can avoid paying interest on other forms of aid like student loans, and reinvest into your community after graduation.
Deadline to Apply:
The FAST TRACK application for the 2020-2021 academic year is due May 15, 2021.
How Can I Apply?
You must have a FAFSA on file for the academic year. You can find information about FAFSA and applying on their website here.
All information referenced from: https://dhewd.mo.gov/initiatives/fasttrackgrant_for_students.php
Drury University is an accredited nonprofit university in Springfield, Missouri. It’s known for its high academic quality, small class sizes, and personalized attention. A Drury education enables students to learn and grow as they make genuine impacts in their communities.
Drury GO makes it easy with four distinct career-focused pathways. Each will support you at any stage of your education. Build skills with a single course, or earn a full degree. Drury GO is designed with your goals in mind.
- Drury GO offers more than just degrees. Customized academic pathways are designed to give you the credentials to quickly grow your job advancement.
- Drury is a fully accredited university. The classes you take will be recognized and respected.
- Whether you’re taking classes in person or online, your advisor is only a message or meeting away.
- Flexible and affordable courses allow you to take classes in a way that works for you.
- Instructors have real-world knowledge and expertise to help you apply what you’re learning right away.
No matter how you choose to journey down your path, Drury GO empowers you to achieve.
For more information about your options, please contact Mike David, at 417.873.6661 or mdavid005@drury.edu.
