Paying for College

Paying for college can be confusing.  We are here to help.  MSU gives a variety of payment options to you to fit your needs.  Our Business Office can assist you with payment plans, if available.

Paying your balance in full at the beginning of the semester is always an option.  MSU accepts the following forms of payment:  cash, check, cashier's check, money order, Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.  To avoid lines, we encourage you to take advantage of paying your account online. 

One of the first steps to applying for grants, loans or work study, is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  When completing the application, make sure you have the following documents available:

• Your social security number
• Proof of residency card (if applicable)
• Your tax record
• Your most recent W-2 forms or records of money earned

Be sure to include MSU's Title IV School Code: 003592.  You can use the data retrieval tool when completing the FAFSA.  This will allow you to retrieve income information directly from the IRS.  Remember that both you and/or a parent must sign the FAFSA to avoid a processing delay.

To receive federal, state, or institutional funds you must:

• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Demonstrate financial need (with the exception of some loans)
• Be in good academic standing and maintain satisfactory academic progress
• Be  U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
• have a valid social security number
• If male, registered with Selective Service or be exempt
• Not owe a refund on a federal grant or be in default on a federal educational loan

For more information about Financial Aid please contact: