Apply for Financial Aid
To complete the FAFSA, you will need a Federal Student Aid (FSA) user ID and password:
- Create your FSA ID as part of the FAFSA application process, or
- Create your FSA ID at Federal Student Aid-Create An Account
If you are a dependent student and parent data is required on the FAFSA, at least one parent should also apply for an FSA ID for the parent's electronic signature.
Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) for the year that you plan to attend M State. You must complete a new FAFSA each year that you want to receive financial aid. M State’s FAFSA code is 005541.
For the fastest processing time, use the IRS Data Retrieval tool (IDR). IDR allows you to transfer your federal tax data from the Internal Revenue Service to your FAFSA. If you are unable to use IDR, you should request a copy of your federal tax transcript in case you are selected for verification. If you will not file a federal tax return, keep copies of your W-2s from all jobs worked.
Please note that your name and social security number must be reported exactly as they appear on your Social Security card to avoid delays.
Turn in all documents requested by the M State Office of Financial Aid (requests are sent to your college email address). Make sure all documents are signed by you, your spouse, and parents (if applicable). It is your responsibility to complete your financial aid application file. Contact the M State financial aid office at 1.877.450.3322 or financialaid@minnesota.edu to check the status of your financial aid file.
To ensure priority consideration for all financial aid programs for the next school year, your financial aid file must be completed by June 1. Files completed after that date will be processed and awarded with funds still available.
Verification information: Students who do not use the IRS Data Retrieval tool may be asked to provide copies of their Federal Tax Transcripts and/or W-2s from all jobs worked. If you did not file taxes, you may also be required to provide a Verification of Non-Tax Filing Form from the IRS. If these documents are needed, we will send you the request via mail and email – do not submit these documents unless the Office of Financial Aid has requested them.
Two or three weeks after submitting your completed FAFSA, M State will send you an email with instructions for accessing your M State financial aid award letter. The letter explains the types and amount of aid you are eligible for, your enrollment level (number of credits registered for), and any additional steps needed to get your financial aid.
If you are attending M State for fall semester, you can expect to be able to view your award letter in mid-July. Visit Receiving Your Financial Aid Award for details.
Additional steps are necessary to receive a student loan. See Loans and Grants and the Financial Aid Checklist to learn more.
Getting started
Students who are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Students who are undocumented or qualify for DACA and meet Minnesota residency requirements can complete the Minnesota Dream Act application.
Deadlines
Completion of your financial aid application before the academic term begins allows you to review your eligibility and ensure your financial aid pays on time. We recommend allowing at least five weeks for the processing of your financial aid file. Please contact the financial aid office for the current deadline.
Students who are eligible for Minnesota state grant funds must complete their FAFSA or MN Dream Act application by the 30th day of the term in which they are applying for aid.
Application and eligibility
You must reapply for financial aid each academic year and you cannot receive aid from more than one school for the same period of enrollment.
To receive a financial aid award letter, you must be admitted to M State as a degree-seeking student.
Students with an earned bachelor's degree are not eligible for financial aid.
Financial aid application review
- Applications are only accepted when the fall or spring semesters are in session.
- Student must have a completed FAFSA for the term for which they are applying for an emergency grant and is Pell eligible. Non-eligible students may still apply if there are documented extenuating circumstances.
- Student must be enrolled with a minimum of 6 credits.
- Student must be in good academic standing (2.0 GPA and 67% completion rate).
- Applications are complete and a plan has been agreed upon between the student and college social worker for a resolution.
- Checks will be written to third party vendors.
- Any granted funds will be attached to your financial aid as "additional aid."
- Funds can NOT be used for: credit card payments, legal fees, books, tuition, and things of that nature.
- Students are encouraged to reach out to the college social worker for assistance with non-emergent needs.
