Financial Aid
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Welcome

The purpose of financial aid is to help students and families meet educational expenses that cannot be met through their own resources. Financial aid can be either need-based or non-need-based. The results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) along with the cost-of-education will determine whether or not a student has financial need.

There are several types of financial aid available. Grants and scholarships are considered "gift aid" because they generally do not have to be repaid. Loans and employment are considered "self-help aid" because loans have to be repaid and by working you earn money for educational expenses. Most grants, some loans (Subsidized Stafford and the Perkins Loan), and Federal Student Employment are need-based financial aid programs. The Unsubsidized Stafford and the Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) are considered non-need-based. Scholarships can be based upon merit, financial need or both.

There are four main sources of financial aid. These include the federal government, the state government, the institution and private entities. The federal government is by the far the largest source of financial aid.

2008-2009 Scholarship Guide

For a complete listing of MSU academic, diversity, departmental/program, alumni, and regional scholarships, please view the 2008-09 Scholarship Guide (.pdf).

Information on additional scholarships (non-MSU)
can be found here.

News & Events

  • Refund checks are released every Tuesday and Thursday in the Office of Accounting and Budgetary Control, located in Howell-McDowell 207.
  • Students who wish to apply for Financial Aid for the 2008-2009 academic year should file a 2008-2009 Free Application for Federal Student (FAFSA) as soon as possible. 
  • Students may electronically sign their Master Promissory Note for Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans at the Direct Loans Master Promissory Note Website.
  • First-time student loan borrowers can complete the required Loan Entrance Counseling online. Your loan funds will not be disbursed until the counseling is completed. This will help you better understand your rights and responsibilities as a student loan borrower.
  • Students who have withdrawn or graduated can complete the required Loan Exit Counseling online. This will help you better understand the repayment process of your student loan(s). To find out who services your student loan and how to contact them, visit Loan Locator.
  • Check your Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loan amounts at the National Student Loan Database System Website.