We've assembled a list of frequently asked questions regarding the Prospective Engineering Loan Forgiveness program offered by the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority (MOHELA).

MOHELA makes the Prospective Engineering Student Loan Forgiveness available for first-time freshmen and sophomores completing a designated pre-Engineering or Engineering program in the State of Missouri. The program offers up to $3,500 in student loan forgiveness applied to a student's freshman year Stafford Loan for coursework completed at a Missouri college or university. Eligible students must be working toward the completion of a two-year pre-Engineering or a four-year Bachelor's degree in an accredited Engineering program.

How do I qualify?
Be enrolled as a first-time freshman during or after the 2007-2008 school year with a declared pre-Engineering or Engineering major.

Eligible students must:

• Have outstanding Federal Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized Stafford student loan balances borrowed for coursework completed after 7/1/07 to meet first-time college freshman year expenses.
• Enroll in a designated two-year pre-Engineering or a four-year Engineering program at a regionally accredited Missouri college or university.
• Be enrolled at least half-time.
• Have eligible loans owned and serviced by MOHELA.
• Have maintained satisfactory academic advancement in required coursework, as verified by your school's Registrar.
• Borrow through a participating Prospective Engineering Student Loan Forgiveness Program lender (list: http://www.mohela.com).
• Return appropriate coupon(s) to your school's Financial Aid Office by July 1, immediately following the most recently completed academic year in which eligible credit hours were earned to obtain loan forgiveness.*

*Only one coupon per level per student permitted.
** This program is designed to benefit formal pre-Engineering and Engineering majors. Computer Science and related degrees are not eligible.

What's the difference between "engineering" and "pre-engineering?"
First-time freshmen pursuing an engineering degree at Missouri S&T begin their studies as an "engineering" major. However, students considering Missouri S&T's transfer model programs from community colleges and other institutions that don't offer their own engineering curriculum may begin their studies at those schools in a "pre-engineering" program with the intent to transfer to Missouri S&T or another accredited engineering program at a later date.

Is a FAFSA form necessary?
Yes. Students wanting to take advantage of the Engineering Loan Forgiveness Program must submit a FAFSA by March 1, 2008 for the Fall 2008 academic semester and accept an automatically-offered Stafford student loan on their 2008-09 Financial Aid Award Letter.

Are there financial-need qualifications for the program?
No.  The program is not tied to the 'Expected Family Contribution' calculated by the FAFSA.

Is the program available to students at all universities and community colleges in the state of Missouri?
Yes & No. If you're planning to enroll next fall at an institution other than Missouri S&T, you'll want to check with that institution's Financial Aid Office to see if they utilize MOHELA's student lenders. While the program is available to all Missouri colleges and universities, some use loan providers using servicing organizations other than MOHELA.

If I'm not graduating from a high school in Missouri, can I still take advantage of this program?
Yes. As long as you're attending Misssouri S&T or another institution which utilizes MOHELA's student lenders.

Is specific coursework required as part of my degree to receive loan-forgiveness?
Yes. This coursework is outlined in a coupon booklet you will receive once you have started your academic program and accepted a qualified student loan. To take advantage of the full $3,500 loan forgiveness, students must successfully complete the coursework required for their school's pre-Engineering or Engineering program, including humanities/social science electives.

If I change my major to something other than engineering, what happens?
You can still take advantage of any benefits you have received for qualified coursework (outlined in your coupon booklet) completed up to the date which you changed your major.

If I'm pursuing a double-major, what happens?
Students enrolled at Missouri S&T that have declared a dual-major at PRO (Preview, Registration & Orientation) in which at least one intended degree is an engineering field, can take advantage of the program assuming they meet all coursework requirements outlined in their coupon booklet.

This information is being provided by Missouri S&T as a service to prospective students for the Fall 2008 academic semester. The program is administered by the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority.