Finances

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Expenses

The rates for tuition and student fees, and for living expenses in University housing are determined by the Minnesota Legislature and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board and are subject to change without notice.

Tuition: Resident/Non-Resident. Students who are not permanent residents of the state of Minnesota are charged a higher rate of tuition than are residents of the state. The MnSCU Board establishes the criteria by which student residency, for tuition purposes, is determined. Generally, a student's permanent residence is that location at which a student has graduated from high school, and where parents or legal guardians permanently reside. A classification of non-resident can be changed to resident at any time residency requirements are met. Students desiring to change their residency may obtain information concerning the specific requirements from the Office of the Registrar.

Tuition: Reciprocity with Other States. Students who are residents of North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Manitoba can attend Minnesota State University without paying non-resident tuition. Students from Kansas, Michigan, Missouri and Nebraska can attend Minnesota State University at a rate less than the non-resident tuition rate. Students desiring the reciprocal rate must complete a reciprocity application form, available in the Office of the Registrar, and send the form to the Higher Education Board of their home state. Students may also obtain a form from a nearby postsecondary school.

Estimated Undergraduate Tuition Rates for 2005-2006

On-Campus

1-11 credits
Resident$182.00 per credit hour
Non-Resident$385.10 per credit hour
12-18 credits (Banded)
Resident$2,275.50 flat fee
Non-Resident$4,828.70 flat fee
19+ credits
ResidentFlat fee + $263.00/credit
Non-ResidentFlat fee + $484.00/credit
Extended Learning
Resident$182.00 per credit hour
Non-Resident$385.10 per credit hour

Student Fees. Student fees are assessed based on enrolled credits. The student fee provides funds for a variety of student services and programs that benefit all students. Student fees are charged per credit hour and are the same for resident and non-resident students. The fees for the 2004-2005 academic year were $29.95 per credit hour. The $29.95 per credit hour fee was distributed to support the following services: $10.20 Student Union facility fee, $8.40 Student activity fee, $3.88 Health Services fee and a $7.00 Academic Computer Lab fee. The above fees are charged through the first 12 credit hours. A Minnesota State University Student Association fee of $.39 is charged through 15 credit hours. Fees are determined at the close of each academic year. Information about student fees for 2005-2006 can be obtained by calling the Office of Student Affairs, 507-389-2121 or (MRS/TTY 800-627-3529 or 711.)

Other Course Related Costs. In addition to tuition and fees, there may be additional course-related costs associated with enrollment in certain classes. Special costs include, but are not limited to, those for supplies and materials, facility use, liability insurance, or conference attendance costs.

Senior Citizens Fees. Minnesota senior citizens aged 62 and over may enroll for any course free of charge if they do not desire degree credit. An administrative fee of $20 per credit hour will be assessed if degree credit is desired. No activity fees will be assessed; however, any laboratory and/or course fees will be required regardless if taking the course for credit or audit. For further information contact the Office of the Registrar, 507-389-6266.

Other Fees. At various times in their academic career, students may incur other fees and charges, such as a late payment fee, matriculation fee, and graduation fee among others.

Estimated Costs for 2005-2006

The following is a summary of estimated basic education costs for undergraduates during the academic year 2006-2007, based on a course load of 30 credit hours over two semesters. Costs of attending Minnesota State University will vary according to the student's actual credit load, book and supply needs, housing arrangements and so on. Expenses such as parking permits, laundry, health needs, etc. are not included.

ResidentNon-Resident
Tuition (24-36 cr)$4,551.00$9,657.40
Room & Board (residence hall, double room, 19 meal)$4,814.00$4,814.00
Books (est.)$800.00$800.00
Total estimated education costs* (2 semesters)$10,165.00$15,271.40

* plus student fees

Payment of Tuition and Fees. Tuition and fees are payable on a per-term basis. All tuition must be processed by the fifth day of each term. An installment payment plan (three payments) for tuition/fees and residence hall is available each term for a $20.00 fee. Registrations will not be canceled for nonpayment. Students must officially withdraw from the University if they do not wish to be enrolled. Consult the per term class schedule for specific deadline dates and instructions for each term.

Refund of Tuition and Fees. Refunds and/or credits are based on the guidelines set forth by the MnSCU Board.

Refund Policy: Dropped Classes. Students registered for on-campus daytime classes will receive a full refund/credit providing the class is dropped through the fifth class day of the term or by one class after the first class session, whichever is later.

Short courses of two days or less must be dropped prior to the first class session.

Refund Policy: Withdrawal from the University. The term "Official Withdrawal" is defined terminating enrollment in all registered courses for the academic term.

Contact the Campus Hub either in person (117 Centennial Student Union) or by phone (507-389-1866) to officially withdraw.

Note: Off-campus students who are withdrawing from all course work must provide written notification to Extended Learning, Minnesota State University, Mankato, 116 Foundation Center, Mankato, MN 56001 or by e-mail to ext@mnsu.edu.

Students who have officially withdrawn from the University will receive a refund based on the schedule listed the per term class schedule.

Return of Federal Financial Aid Due to Withdrawal.

When a Federal financial aid recipient withdraws completely from the University, a portion of the Federal financial aid must be returned. The amount of aid returned is directly proportional to the length of time enrolled. After 60 % of the semester is completed, all financial aid is earned. A billing will be sent indicating the amount of the repayment.

Financial Aid

Financial aid can be awarded in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and/or part-time employment. Detailed information and instructions on all financial aid programs may be obtained in person at the Campus Hub, 117 Centennial Student Union, by phone 507-389-1866 (V), 800-627-3529 or 711 (MRS/TTY),by e-mail at campushub.mnsu.edu or by browsing the Campus Hub website.

Need-Based Programs. Some programs are available only to those students with financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application process. Need-based programs administered by the Office of Financial Aid are listed below.

Scholarships
Alliss Foundation Scholarships
Grants
Federal Pell Grants, Minnesota State Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Post-Secondary Child Care Grant
Loan Programs
Federal Stafford Loans (Subsidized and Unsubsidized), Federal Perkins Loans, Federal Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS), Student Educational Loan Fund (SELF)
Need-Based Employment
Federal Work-Study, State Work-Study

How to Apply. Students must be accepted for admission and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, available online at the FAFSA website or in paper form from high school counselors or the Campus Hub. To receive priority consideration for all funds the FAFSA must be received by the Federal Processor on or before March 15. To ensure that funding is received in time for payment of fall semester, the FAFSA must be received by the Federal Processor on or before July 1. Applications received after July 1 will be processed as time permits.

Accurate completion of the FAFSA requires the prior year's federal income tax information; therefore, early completion of tax forms, followed by prompt completion of the FAFSA, is recommended. Estimated tax data are acceptable.

Award notices outlining eligibility and awarded funds are mailed to students upon the processing of their FAFSA applications and any required documentation. Students financial award information is also accessible through the MSU e-services website.

Non-Need Based Programs. There are a number of student loan programs available to those who do not demonstrate a financial need. To be eligible for such funding, a valid FAFSA application must be on file with the university. The Office of Admissions coordinates a variety of academic scholarships and talent grant programs for new entering freshmen and transfer students. For information, contact the Office of Admissions, 507-389-1822.

A number of scholarships are awarded to students regardless of their major for participation in athletics and music programs. Students interested in athletic financial aid should contact the coach of their sport. Those interested in scholarships for music activities should contact the Department of Music, 202 Performing Arts Center, 507-389-2118.

Many scholarships are available to students majoring in a specific discipline once they have been formally admitted to a College or program. Students interested in College and departmental scholarships should contact the chairperson or scholarship coordinator of their academic department.

Part-Time Employment. In addition to the Federal and State Work-Study Programs administered through financial aid, the University offers other on-campus employment opportunities in the form of Student Help positions. Students who are currently enrolled for six or more credits are eligible to apply for these positions, with no requirements to demonstrate financial need. Because placement in Student Help positions is not guaranteed, students interested in these jobs will go through selection methods similar to those involved in any job application process.

The Student Part-Time Employment Service provides information on many on-campus and off-campus job openings. Brief job descriptions for Student Help positions and the off-campus part-time job openings of the Minnesota Job Service are posted on job boards in Wigley Administration Center, near the Academic Computing Center, and in Morris Hall.

Other Financial Aid. Other forms of financial aid are available to students who qualify for specific programs, such as Rehabilitation Services and Veterans' Benefits. Further information on these programs is available online at Campus Hub website or with the appropriate government office.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards. To be eligible for financial assistance, students must meet these federal and state mandated criteria: The minimum cumulative grade point average required is 2.0 (3.0 for graduate students). Students must maintain a 67% comulative course completion rate (completion rate is defined as the ratio of number of credits attempted compared to number of credits earned). The maximum time frame a student has to complete his/her degree cannot exceed 150% of the published program length. Additional information is provided online at www.mnsu.edu/faids or at the Campus Hub.