Step 1: When to Apply

The financial aid department at Minnesota State Community and Technical College processes applications for assistance on an on-going basis. It is recommended that you apply as soon as possible after January 1 if you plan to enroll next fall semester. It is beneficial to have your tax returns for the prior calendar year completed before filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the upcoming academic year. You may be asked to submit a copy of your tax returns to the M State financial aid department for verification of your application. Make sure to keep a copy of your tax return for your records.


Step 2: Apply for your Federal Personal Identification Number (PIN)
Each student applying for financial aid will need to apply for a PIN; this PIN serves as your electronic signature. If you are a dependent student, your parents should also apply for a PIN. You can apply for a PIN.


Step 3: Apply for Grants, Loans, and Student Work-Study

You must complete the FAFSA each year.


You may complete the FAFSA following the on-line instructions. Be sure to include the Title IV school code for M State, which is 005541. The 005541 school code will show up on your Student Aid Report (SAR) as M State-Perham , MN . This code is used by all four M State campuses, as well as for M State distance education programs.


Step 4: You will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR)

You will receive an electronic SAR approximately 15 days after you apply online and sign using your PIN. The SAR is the summary of the information that you provided on the FAFSA. Be sure to review the SAR information carefully and make any necessary changes by going to the FAFSA website. If you need assistance with this process, contact the financial aid office at the campus you are attending.


Step 5: M State receives FAFSA information electronically

When M State receives your FAFSA information, we will send you a request for additional information (if needed). Some students will be selected for verification by the U.S. Department of Education, which requires the college to request additional information from the student and/or parent.


Step 6: You Receive a Financial Aid Award Letter

Your financial aid award letter will list the amount of grants and loans for which you qualify. Students will receive a financial aid award letter after their FAFSA is processed and verification documents (if requested) are received.


Transfer Students:

If you complete your financial aid file at another school and later decide to attend Minnesota State Community and Technical College during that same year, you must also complete your financial aid file at M State. Financial aid does not transfer from one institution to another. To get your financial aid process started at M State, you must add the 005541 school code to your processed FAFSA.

You have two options (choose only one) to add M State to your processed FAFSA:

Process the change electronically. This is the recommended method. To request the change electronically:

• You must have a PIN. You can request your PIN at www.pin.ed.gov.
  
• Once you have your PIN, go to www.fafsa.ed.gov.
  
• Select FAFSA follow-up, and then make corrections
  
• Add M State school code #005541
  
• OR call the Central Processor and request the change be made.

To request the change by phone:

• Locate your Data Release Number (DRN), found in the lower left hand corner of your Student Aid Report.
  
• Call the Central Processor toll free at (800) 433-3243.
  
• Follow the directions of the automated response system to add M State code #005541. M State will receive your information in approximately 10 days.