Financial Aid Displacement Advisory

In accordance with Texas Education Code 56.0094, all Texas public institutions of higher education are required to provide clear information to prospective students about gift aid and financial aid displacement. This ensures that students understand how to apply for gift aid, key financial aid timelines, and how to prevent reductions in their awards. The Financial Aid Displacement Advisory, created by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), defines financial aid displacement and explains common reasons why a student’s aid may be revised or reduced.

Notice on Financial Aid Displacement

Financial aid displacement may occur when a student’s financial aid package is adjusted due to additional scholarships, enrollment changes, or other eligibility factors.

Understanding Financial Aid and Gift Aid at MSU Texas

How to Apply for Gift Aid at MSU Texas

Students can apply for gift aid (grants and scholarships that do not need to be repaid) by completing the following:
  1. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): Submit the FAFSA each year at studentaid.gov. School Code: 003592
  2. MSU Texas General Scholarship Application: Apply through the MSU Texas Scholarship Portal.
  3. External Scholarships: Report outside scholarships to the Financial Aid Office using the Outside Scholarship Notification Form or by emailing financial-aid@msutexas.edu.

MSU Texas Financial Aid Timeline

Financial Aid deadline dates

Process

Deadline / Timeframe

Notes

FAFSA Opens

October 1

Recommended to submit early for priority consideration

Priority FAFSA Deadline

January 15

Ensures consideration for limited funding

Last Date to Submit FAFSA

June 30

Federal deadline for the aid year

Admissions Application Timeline

Admissions deadline dates

Process

Admissions Application Deadline

Admissions Scholarship Deadline

Spring Deadline

December 1

November 1

Summer I Deadline

May 1

General Merit Scholarships not available

Summer II Deadline

June 1

General Merit Scholarships not available

Fall Deadline

August 1

April 1- First Year

July 1 - Transfers

For additional Admissions deadlines check: https://msutexas.edu/admissions/scholarships.php  

Tips to Maximize Your Gift Aid

  • Apply early for FAFSA and scholarships.
  • Maintain full-time enrollment and satisfactory academic progress (SAP).
  • Explore departmental and private scholarships throughout the year.
  • Keep your contact information up to date to receive aid notifications.
  • Renew your FAFSA and scholarship applications annually.

How to Avoid Reductions in Gift Aid

  • financial-aid@msutexas.edu Report all outside scholarships early. This helps prevent adjustments after aid is awarded.
  • Stay within your cost of attendance. Aid cannot exceed this federally set limit.
  • Maintain eligibility. Changes in enrollment or residency can affect awards.
  • Consult with Financial Aid before making changes to your housing, major, or course load.

Need Help?

Financial Aid Office
Midwestern State University
Hardin Administration Building, Room 102

Email: financial-aid@msutexas.edu
Phone: (940) 397-4214
Website: https://msutexas.edu/finaid