Applying for Financial Aid
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The FAFSA, available on the Web at fafsa.ed.gov, is an application process provided free by the federal government. It is used to determine eligibility not only for federal grants and loans, but also for some state and university aid programs.
The FAFSA website has many resources to help you file the form correctly. Using the online application is significantly faster and more accurate than using the paper application.
When to file the FAFSA
File each year as soon as possible after January 1 for the upcoming academic year. If you have not completed your tax return, you may estimate on the FAFSA and make corrections later. You must reapply each year.
MSU's School Code is 002290. Enter this number on the FAFSA where indicated on the application. (If you're applying to the MSU College of Law, use school code G02254.)
Eligibility to file the FAFSA
To be eligible to file the FAFSA and qualify for federal grants and loans, you must
- be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- be enrolled in an eligible program
- have a high school degree or G.E.D.
- be registered with Selective Service if you are male
- have a valid Social Security Number
- not have been convicted of a drug offense while receiving financial aid
Full FAFSA requirements are listed on this federal website.
Department of Education PIN
(Personal Identification Number)
For fastest processing, you (and your spouse or parents if required) may "sign" the FAFSA electronically with a PIN. If you don't have a PIN or have forgotten it, you may apply for one at pin.ed.gov.
