FAQs about Federal Student Aid

What is the FAFSA save key?
  • The Save Key is a code you create that is between 4 and 8 characters long. It is created for temporary use, and allows you or your parent(s)       to return and complete an unsubmitted FAFSA.

What is the FSA ID and how do I create one?          
What is the GRTS school code needed to complete a FAFSA?
  • Grand River Technical School: 005531

What is a FAFSA application and why do I need to fill it out?
  • FAFSA is an acronym which stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid
  • The FAFSA will determine your eligibility for federal grants & must be completed for Missouri's A+ program
  • If you’re hoping to receive any type of government financial aid for college, you would file a FAFSA
  • You can apply for FAFSA by going to studentaid.gov

What information do I need to fill out my FAFSA application?
  • FSA ID to sign the FAFSA electronically
  • Social Security Number or your Alien Registration Number (if you are not a U.S. citizen)
  • Your (and your spouse’s, if married) federal income tax returns (2021 return for the 2023-2024 FAFSA, and 2022 return for the 2024-2025 FAFSA), W-2s, and any other records of money earned (if applicable)
  • You may be able to transfer your federal tax return information directly into the FAFSA by using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool. You will need the exact address as it appears on your tax return down to punctuation and abbreviation
  • Your parent(s) information and income tax return if you are considered an dependent student as determined by the FAFSA
  • Bank statements and records of investments (if applicable)


FAQs About Missouri A+

How do I apply?
  • You do not have to complete a paper A+ Scholarship application for the MDHEWD. GRTS requires the A+ seal/stamp to be on your high school transcript in order to confirm your A+ eligibility.
  • In addition, you must complete the FAFSA each year. If you are attending a school that does not participate in Title IV programs you must complete the student aid estimator, which is a tool for estimating your level of need for federal financial aid. ​

What are the requirements for receiving A+?
  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  • Enter into a written agreement with your high school prior to graduation.
  • Attend a designated A+ high school for 2 years prior to graduation.1
  • Graduate from an A+ designated high school with an overall grade point average of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
  • Have at least a 95% attendance record overall for grades 9-12.
  • Perform at least 50 hours of unpaid tutoring or mentoring, of which up to 25% may include job shadowing prior to graduation. 2
  • Maintain a record of good citizenship and avoid the unlawful use of drugs and/or alcohol while in grades 9-12.
  • Have achieved a score of proficient or advanced on the Algebra I end of course exam or a higher level DESE approved end-of-course exam in the field of mathematics.  (If you meet all of the eligibility requirements except the end of course exam requirement, you may establish eligibility by achieving a combined ACT math subscore and high school GPA in accordance with the following scale. You may achieve the qualifying score as a high school or post-secondary student. If you achieve the score as a post-secondary student you may be eligible for an award in the same term that you take the test.)

I want to attend a post-secondary institution...now what?
  • Enroll and attend full-time at a participating public community college or vocational/technical school, or private two-year vocational/technical school. (Students who have a disability as defined by Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and are unable to enroll full time because of their disability but are enrolled in at least six credit hours may be considered to be enrolled full time.)
  • Be seeking a degree or certificate at the school in which you are enrolled.4
  • Not be pursuing a degree or certificate in theology or divinity.
  • Not have a criminal record preventing receipt of federal Title IV student financial aid
  • Make a good faith effort to secure all available federal financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you are attending a school that does not participate in Title IV programs you must complete the student aid estimator, which is a tool for estimating your level of need for federal financial aid. 
  • Achieve at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point on a 4.0 scale at the end of the fall semester (or at the end of the initial payment period for non-semester- based programs) and otherwise maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by your school.
  • Complete 12 semester credit hours or the equivalent (6 hours during the summer term) each term in which you receive an A+ award in order to maintain eligibility for the next term.  Students in clock hour programs must complete 90% of the clock hours required for the applicable federal payment period.

I have completed a year under my A+, is there anything I have to do if using it a second year?
  • Continue to meet the eligibility requirements for initial students, except for the 2.0 CGPA fall semester requirement.
  • Maintain a 2.5 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale and otherwise maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by your school.5
  • Make a good faith effort to secure all available, non-loan federal financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)each academic year.  If you are attending a school that does not participate in Title IV programs you must complete the student aid estimator, which is a tool for estimating your level of need for federal financial aid. 
  • Complete 12 semester credit hours or the equivalent (6 hours during the summer term) each term in which you receive an A+ award in order to maintain eligibility for the next term.  Students in clock hour programs must complete 90% of the clock hours required for the applicable federal payment period.
​The Grand River Technical School adheres to a policy of non-discrimination on the basis of age, color, creed, handicap, marital or parental status, national origin, race, religion, or sex in admissions, educational programs, activities, financial aid, and employment.
Public Notice - Non Discrimination Statement - Chilliocthe RII School District
The Chillicothe R-II School District complies with all federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination, including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1974 and the American Disabilities Act (ADA). It is the policy of the school district that no person, on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or handicap, shall be discriminated against in employment, educational programs and activities or admissions. Inquiries or complaints concerning the Chillicothe R-II School District’s compliance with the regulations implementing Title II, Title VI, Title IX, Section 504 or the American Disabilities Act (ADA) may be directed to: Superintendent Office, Chillicothe R-II School District, P.O. Box 530, Chillicothe, Missouri, 64601. (660-646-4566).