Through a grant provided by the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority, three computer workstations are available for the public to use to apply for federal aid, complete scholarship searches, and access information about any college in the nation. SMSU-WP students and individuals from area communities are encouraged to utilize the center. The Higher Education Resource Center is located in M. O. Looney Hall. Returning students who have participated in the Work-Study program are given priority. New students are placed in the remaining vacancies.
Most students earn the minimum wage and work eight to twelve hours per week.
Students are paid monthly for the number of hours worked the previous month. The amount of the grant is based on the calculated financial need of the student's family. Students receive one-half of their Pell Grant at the beginning of each semester. The Stafford Loan carries a variable interest rate not to exceed 8.25 percent. Repayment begins after the student leaves school or drops below half-time enrollment.