Aid Eligibility
Eligibility for any financial aid program depends upon which degree you are pursuing and the type of aid in question.
| Degree Category | Description | Aid Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Undergraduate | Working on first degree and have not yet met degree requirements | Eligible for all federal and MSU aid programs. |
| Undergraduate, Ready for Degree | Working on first degree and appears to have met degree requirements per Registrar | Eligible for federal and MSU aid except Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG, and MSU programs exclusively for first-time undergraduate students. |
| Second Undergraduate Degree | Working on second degree after having received first undergraduate degree | Eligible for federal and MSU aid except Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG, and MSU programs exclusively for first-time undergraduate students. |
| Additional Major | BA or BS has been conferred, and student is working on a specialization or additional major | Not eligible for federal or MSU aid. Private loans and scholarships only. |
| Lifelong Undergraduate | Not in a degree program and has not earned an undergraduate degree | Not eligible for federal or MSU aid. Private loans and scholarships only. |
| Undergraduate Certificate, Ag/Vet Tech | Working on Agricultural Technology or Veterinary Technology certificate | Eligible for all federal and MSU aid programs. |
| Undergraduate Certificate, Other | Working on a certificate other than Agricultural or Veterinary Technology | Not eligible for federal or MSU aid. Private loans and scholarships only. |
| Provisional Admit | Admitted to a degree program but admission is provisonal and requires completion of preliminary coursework | With documentation from academic advisor, eligible for one year of Federal Stafford Loans at undergraduate maximum amount. Otherwise, only private loans and scholarships. |
| Graduate | Admitted as regular admit to graduate or graduate professional program (master's, doctoral, MD, DO, etc.) | Eligible for federal and MSU aid except Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG, and MSU programs exclusively for first-time undergraduate students. |
| Graduate Certificate, Fifth-Year Teaching | Working on a fifth-year teaching certificate | Eligible for federal and MSU aid except Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG, and MSU programs exclusively for first-time undergraduate students. |
| Graduate Certificate, Other | Working on a certificate other than fifth-year teaching | Not eligible for federal or MSU aid. Private loans and scholarships only. |
| Lifelong Graduate | Not in a degree program but has earned an undergraduate degree | Not eligible for federal or MSU aid. Private loans and scholarships only. |
Types of Aid
Federal Aid
See our page on completing your FAFSA for more information about federal aid eligibility.
State Aid
Financial aid available to residents of the State of Michigan has varying requirements. Visit the State of Michigan's financial aid website for more information.
MSU Aid
Newly admitted students are automatically considered for non-need-based (merit) scholarships from MSU. Visit the Office of Admissions website for more information about merit scholarships.
In addition, all students who complete the FAFSA will be considered for need-based aid from MSU.
Private Aid
If you are the recipient of a private scholarship or grant, you must stay informed about any requirements needed to continue receiving the award. For instance, you may lose your scholarship if you change your major or your grade point average falls below a certain level.
