SB 579 - This act modifies provisions relating to the Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program. The act replaces the term "expected family contribution" with "student aid index", which defines the amount a student's family should contribute toward the cost of postsecondary education, as calculated by the United States Department of Education. Starting with the 2025-26 academic year, the act increases the financial assistance award for eligible recipients of the Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program. For students attending public two-year institutions, the maximum award increases by $400 (from $1300 to $1700), and the minimum award increases by $200 (from $300 to $500). For students attending public four-year institutions, the maximum award increases by $700 (from $2800 to $3500), and the minimum increases by $250 (from $1500 to $1750). Additionally, the act authorizes the Coordinating Board for Higher Education to increase the number of recipients by extending the application deadline if appropriated funds exceed the amount necessary. This act is substantially similar to HB 265 (2025) and a provision in CCS/HCS/SS/SB 150 (2025), and is similar to HB 2326 (2024) and a provision in SCS/HCS/HB 1569 (2024). OLIVIA SHANNON