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College should be affordable <b>Day One.</b>
College should be affordable Day One.
That’s why we make sure students and families are equipped with information about scholarships, grants and loans to help decide the best solution for their needs.

Cost, Aid & Affordability of Northwest Missouri State University

Finding a way to pay for college can seem challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. At Northwest, we help students find the resources they need to make college affordable. We'll walk you through this process.

Earn in-state rates all across the U.S.A.

Earn in-state rates all across the U.S.A.

Bearcat Advantage criteria have changed from $8,052 for a specific segment to $8,392 for anyone out-of-state with a 2.75 GPA and above.

Traditional four-year students can save $30,000 with this scholarship over four years.

Tell me more

Merit-based & Test Optional Scholarships

Merit-based & Test Optional Scholarships

This enhanced scholarship has expanded scholarship tiers that could save students as much as $6,000 annually. These scholarships are automatically awarded based on student merit when they apply.

First-time Freshmen Scholarships

Northwest Promise

Northwest Promise

The Northwest Promise covers 100% of tuition and fees for eligible students from families with an income of $65,000 or less.

See if you qualify

FAFSA Form

FAFSA Form

Most Bearcats receive some form of scholarship or need-based aid after filing the FAFSA, making their educational goals more attainable. The FAFSA is expected to open Dec. 1, 2024 for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Check out our FAFSA guide

Tuition & Costs

NOTE: 2024-2025 tuition and fees vary based on number of credit hours, academic program and other factors.


While paying for college may be challenging, Northwest offers nearly $22 million in scholarships and grants.

Estimated Direct Expense for Undergraduate Students
(based on 30 credit hours)

In-State Out-of-State International
$25,545 $33,936 $34,716

Tuition Fee based on Graduate Program
(based on 18 credit hours)

Business Program CSIS Program Other Programs
$10,080 $10,040 $9,036

View complete cost breakdown

What do students pay on average?

What do students pay on average?

$14,197
First-year student net price (total for the whole year).

What's Net Price?

A net price is an estimate of the actual cost you and your family need to pay in a year to cover education expenses for you to attend a particular college or career school. It is the institution's cost of attendance minus any grants and scholarships for which you may be eligible.

Net Price Calculator

Show me the Scholarships

Show me the Scholarships

See what scholarships are available to you!

Scholarships

Textbooks & Laptop Included

Textbooks & Laptop Included

No need to buy and sell textbooks at Northwest!

Give me the details, please

What is a college degree worth?

Financially

A college degree can be worth millions throughout one’s career. For example, a study by the U.S. Census Bureau showed the lifetime earnings of someone with a high school degree topped out, on average, at $1.2 million. A bachelor’s degree secured an average lifetime earnings of $2.1 million.

Civic engagement

75% of bachelor’s degree holders vote compared to 52% of those with a high school diploma. Those with a bachelor’s degree are two times more likely to volunteer, and charitable contributions are 3.5 times higher than high school-educated peers.

Job security

People with degrees are more valued in their jobs than those who don't have one. If there is a need for a layoff, those with lower qualifications are targeted. Studies show during an economic recession, those with a high school diploma and fewer skills suffer job cuts.

Physical health

College graduates have better self-reported health than high school graduates. Individuals with more education are less likely to report heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, anxiety and depression. Furthermore, individuals with more education are more likely to exercise, drink less alcohol and seek preventive health care when needed.


Maximize Your Financial Aid