Documents You’ll Need to Apply
Make sure you keep these documents on hand when applying for financial aid (Free Application for Federal Student Aid—FAFSA).
- Social Security Number
- A-Number (Alien Registration Number if you’re not a U.S citizen)
- Federal Income Tax Returns & Records: This includes records of child support received, as well as current balance of cash, savings and checking accounts. You will need the Federal 1040 tax form and applicade schedules.
- Bank Statements and Records of Investments: Net worth of investments, businesses and farms.
- Records of Untaxed Income
- FSA ID (username and password) for student and parents.
Note: You can complete the FAFSA before being admitted—and we encourage you to do so early. However, financial aid can only be awarded to admitted students.
Step by Step Instructions for Receiving Financial Aid
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Complete the FAFSA:
Visit FAFSA.gov and fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It’s your first step to accessing grants, loans and work study opportunities. Use code 002360 to send your information to MSU.
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Monitor Your Status:
Check your email regularly for updates on your application. You can also track your progress in the Financial Aid Portal.
You may be asked to provide additional documents or information (through email or the portal) to help us complete your financial aid review.
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Review Your Award Letter:
Once you’ve been awarded aid, you’ll receive a notice to review your financial aid awards outlining the types of aid for which you're eligible.
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Accept Aid:
Log into your E-Services account to accept your financial aid awards and make any necessary adjustments.
- Select "Financial Aid"
- Choose "View Your Award Notification" under Next Steps.
- Review your award details and respond accordingly.
- To accept a Federal Direct Student Loan, select "request loan." You will be taken to a separate page—follow the instructions there to complete the process.
- Provide any additional information requested.
- Submit your Award Response to finalize your selections.
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Review Your Student Account and Pay Balance
Log in to E-Services to check your account balance and financial aid status.
- Make sure your financial aid has paid all your charges for the semester.
- If you still owe money, you’ll need to pay the remaining balance before you can register for next semester.
Contact Student Financial Services with questions about your bill or financial aid.
Types of Financial Aid:
Need-based financial aid that you don't have to pay back.
Borrowed money that must be repaid with interest.
Earn money by working part-time on or off campus.
Aid for education and other expenses provided by the University or other organizations — no repayment required.
Need-based financial aid that you don't have to pay back.
Borrowed money that must be repaid with interest.
Earn money by working part-time on or off campus.
Aid for education and other expenses provided by the University or other organizations — no repayment required.
Financial Aid Disbursement
Financial aid is disbursed when aid exceeds University charges. Any leftover funds are refunded to you through direct deposit or a mailed check. Get your refunds, wages, and other University payments faster and more securely with direct deposit.
Disbursement typically happens during the second week of each semester.
Make sure you're enrolled and your financial aid steps are complete so your aid can be processed on time.