1. Apply for financial aid for the upcoming award year.
  2. You must complete and sign the FAFSA in its entirety. Since dependent students must provide parent information, a parent must sign the FAFSA as well. If completing the FAFSA online, you must obtain a FSA ID; otherwise, you must print a signature page, sign, and mail to the Central Processing Service (CPS) Center, as instructed in the FAFSA.
  3. If you are a recent high school graduate, your grade level will be: "never attended college & 1st year undergraduate".
  4. If your parents are divorced, report tax information for the supporting parent only. If that parent has remarried, you must also include your step-parent's income.
  5. Double-check your Social Security Number and date of birth. This information must be correct or the processing of your FAFSA application will be delayed.
  6. Use your full, legal name on the FAFSA. Do not use nicknames.
  7. Do not leave dollar amount questions blank. Enter zero (0) if not applicable.
  8. Be sure to list your school's Title IV school code on the FAFSA.  (NOTE: MSU's Title IV school code is 003592).

 

Other Tips to Remember

  1. You must submit a FAFSA each year. The new FAFSA is available on/after October 1 of each year for the upcoming MSU award year (Fall, Spring and Summer semesters, respectively).
  2. Remember, the FAFSA application is FREE- be cautious of a person(s) or organization requesting a fee to process your financial aid application.
  3. Missing the priority deadline dates can limit the amount of aid for which you will be considered.
  4. Quickly respond to ALL Missing Information Letters from the MSU Financial Aid Office.
  5. Indicate the student's name and Mustang ID on all documents returned to the MSU Financial Aid Office.
  6. Be sure to complete the application process with the Admissions Office.
  7. If you do not receive a SAR after submitting your application, contact the Central Processing Service (CPS) Center at 1-800-433-3243 to check the status of your FAFSA application.
  8. Keep a record of all previous loans, including the Master Promissory Note and disclosure statements.
  9. Don't be afraid to ask questions if you are unclear on the application process. You may email the MSU-FAO  or call 940:397-4214 should you have any specific questions.