Student Eligibility and Receiving Your Aid

Op5.08-3 Receiving Your Aid

The Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) calculates a financial aid package for admitted students based on the results of the FAFSA. A student must have the FAFSA sent to MSU by including the federal school code of 002503.

General eligibility requirements for most federal, state, and university aid programs require that a student be a degree-seeking student. A student must comply with the Required Enrollment Policy and prove lawful presence in the United States in order to be eligible for financial aid.

Eligibility requirements for specific programs are as follows:

  • Supplemental Educational Opportunity grant– requires that your FAFSA be filed by February 1 and that you are Pell eligible. Other eligibility considerations may apply based on funding allocations.
  • Perkins loan– requires that your FAFSA be filed by February 1; students with high need will be given first consideration. Other eligibility considerations may apply based on funding allocations.
  • Federal Work Study– requires that your FAFSA be filed by February 1; students with high need will be given first consideration. Other eligibility considerations may apply based on funding allocations.

Award notices will be made to new students in late March or early April if their application is complete and all required documents have been received and reviewed. Award notices for continuing students will be available after spring semester grades are posted. The award notice will list and explain the aid available for the following school year, and may include tentative awards which will be so indicated.

To receive aid, a student must accept the award offer online at My Missouri State. In addition, some sources of aid, like the Parent Plus Loan, may require additional applications and procedures.

Financial aid funds will be applied to a student’s University account no earlier than the first class day after the Change of Schedule Period each semester (see academic calendar). Students whose aid exceeds their account balance will receive a refund approximately one week after funds are applied.