Financial Aid

You have reached the financial aid section and we are glad that you are here. We know that financial aid availability is a key component of your academic program. A high percentage of students utilize various types of financial assistance during their educational journey. It will be important that you follow the steps outlined below when applying for financial aid with MSU.


Steps To Apply For Financial Aid

  1. Submit Applications - Admissions
    Entering students must complete the MSU admission application process before eligibility for student financial aid awards can be determined.
  2. Complete The Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
    Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov. Our school code to put on the FAFSA is 002423.
  3. Complete Verification If Selected
    If your FAFSA has been selected for verification by the Department of Education, you need to log into your myState account and review the outstanding documents under Eligibility Requirements.
  4. Finalize Award Notification
    Once Financial Aid receives your FAFSA and it is processed we will award federal student aid funds. The Department of Student Financial Aid will notify the applicant of the awards as follows:
    • Currently enrolled students will receive an electronic notification that will direct them to the myState web portal where they can then accept or decline awards and complete the Supplemental Information Form online.
    • Entering students will receive a paper "Informational" Award Notification through the U. S. Postal Service. This award notification will display the initial awards that have been processed and will direct the award recipient to MSU's myState web portal where they can then accept or decline awards and complete the Supplemental Information Form online.
  5. Disbursing Of Funds
    Once your awards are finalized online at myState, the funds will begin to disburse ten days prior to the beginning of the term. Any excess aid (financial aid awarded – tuition and other charges) will then be disbursed directly to the student.

Financial Aid Basic Eligibility

To receive aid from our programs, you must:

  • Demonstrate financial need (except for certain loans).
  • Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student working toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program.
  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.
  • Have a valid Social Security Number.
  • Register with the Selective Service if required. You can use the paper or electronic FAFSASM to register, you can register at www.sss.gov, or you can call 1-847-688-6888. (TTY users can call 1-847-688-2567.)
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress once in school.
  • Certify that you are not in default on a federal student loan and do not owe money on a federal student grant.
  • Certify that you will use federal student aid only for educational purposes.

Financial Aid Application Checklist

Make Sure you have completed all the following steps below so that your financial aid package will be processed.

Download or request the MSU Financial Aid Handbook here.
Request a PIN from the Department of Education at www.pin.ed.gov
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov and submit electronically
Review your Student Aid Report (SAR) which is sent to you via email or postal mail five days after you file the FAFSA
For Mississippi State residents complete the online state scholarship application at http://www.mississippi.edu/riseupms/financialaid-state.php
Check your MyState financial aid account online at my.msstate.edu for updates about your financial aid
Check your MSU email frequently for updates from the Financial Aid Office concerning your aid package
If selected for verification from Department of Education, turn in all necessary paperwork to the Financial Aid Office. You can review what forms/paperwork you need to submit by reviewing your status online at https://my.msstate.edu/cp/home/displaylogin
Once all necessary paperwork has been submitted and processed, electronically accept/adjust/decline your aid package online at https://my.msstate.edu/cp/home/displaylogin
Complete the Master Promissory Note (MPN) online at www.studentloans.gov (only complete this item if you are receiving a student loan)
Complete the entrance loan counseling at www.studentloans.gov (only complete this item if you are receiving a student loan)
If awarded a Federal Work-Study (FWS) award review open positions at www.career.msstate.edu.
At the end of the term review your academic progress online at https://my.msstate.edu/cp/home/displaylogin to verify you are meeting the minimum standards to remain aid eligible

The Department of Student Financial Aid, is one of the main sources for financial aid guidance for MSU and MSU-Meridian students.

The following sections will be available to you at Student Financial Aid Website

  • How to Apply
  • Types of Aid
  • Forms
  • Loans
  • Helpful Links
  • Policies and Procedures

Stop & Review Or Download Now

Student Financial Aid Handbook