Missouri State University was declared a disaster-area college in 2008 after a series of Midwestern disasters. Upon the school's designation as a disaster-area college, students became eligible for certain tax credits. For example, you may be eligible for the Hope credit, which allots you $3,600 for qualified educational expenses as of February 2009. However, there are requirements. You cannot have completed your first two years of schooling before 2008. You must be free of any state or federal convictions. You must be at least a part-time student. You cannot have expenses that were used to figure a Hope credit in two earlier tax years. You also may be eligible for a Lifetime Learning credit, receiving up to $4,000 in federal funds as of February 2009.
Missouri State University
901 South National Avenue
Springfield, MO 65897
417-836-5000
missouristate.edu
The county in which Northwest Missouri State University is located was proclaimed a Midwest disaster area in 2008. Through the IRS and the university, you are able to receive funds for room and board. The only listed requirement is that you are at least a half-time student. If you are a student who resides on campus, you will receive a tax credit for room and board costs at the university. If you live off campus, you are allotted a maximum allowance amount of $3,595 as of spring 2009. The maximum amount as of fall 2009 for off-campus room and board is $3,704.
Northwest Missouri State University
800 University Drive
Maryville, MO 64468-6001
660-562-1578
nwmissouri.edu
Missouri State Southern University (MSSU) is located in Jasper and Newton counties, which qualified as a disaster area as of May 10, 2008. National legislation passed allows MSSCU students to apply for and receive the Hope credit and the Lifetime Learning credit. In addition, if you are a nontraditional student who owned a home during a disaster and can provide proof of displacement from your home, you may be eligible to receive the earned income tax credit. You must prove that your current income is less than it was in the previous fiscal year. For more information contact:
Missouri Souther State University
3950 E. Newman Road
Joplin, MO 64801-1595
866-818-6778
mssu.edu