- Apply for financial aid for the upcoming award year.
- 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.
- If you are a recent high school graduate, your grade level will be: "never attended college & 1st year undergraduate".
- 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.
- 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.
- Use your full, legal name on the FAFSA. Do not use nicknames.
- Do not leave dollar amount questions blank. Enter zero (0) if not applicable.
- 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
- 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).
- Remember, the FAFSA application is FREE- be cautious of a person(s) or organization requesting a fee to process your financial aid application.
- Missing the priority deadline dates can limit the amount of aid for which you will be considered.
- Quickly respond to ALL Missing Information Letters from the MSU Financial Aid Office.
- Indicate the student's name and Mustang ID on all documents returned to the MSU Financial Aid Office.
- Be sure to complete the application process with the Admissions Office.
- 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.
- Keep a record of all previous loans, including the Master Promissory Note and disclosure statements.
- 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.