Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Priority filing date is March 1.

Electronically submit the FAFSA via the Internet at www.fafsa.ed.gov, or mail a paper application to FAFSA.  Keep in mind the electronic application has a faster processing time.  Make sure the application is complete and has all required signatures.

Receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) from the Federal Processor. This may take approximately 2-4 weeks. Review carefully!  If any corrections are indicated on the SAR, please make the necessary corrections and re-submit.

Read all communications received from the Financial Aid Office and provide any requested documentation. 

The Office of Financial Aid Services will communicate via email with all students for whom the University has a valid email address.

Please remember to always keep your address and email address current with the University.  Students have the ability to update both of these addresses on the My Info portion of the MSU website.

Students will receive an email notification with instructions on how to complete an electronic version of the Financial Aid Notification Letter.  

If we do not have a valid email address for you, we will instead send you a paper notification.  

If you are accepting a Stafford loan for the first time, you can link to the required Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note from the Loans page on our website.  

If you are accepting a Nursing or Perkins Loan, additional information will be sent to you by the Office of Financial Aid Services.

Confirm your bill with the Student Accounts Office every semester.  Neglecting to do so will hold all Aid from crediting to your account.

All Financial aid awards, except Work Study, are applied to your university account.  The Student Accounts Office will mail any residual funds to you.

Questions or Concerns? Contact the Financial Aid Office at (406) 994-2845.  We are here to help you!