Applying for Financial Aid
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The MSUM Federal School Code is 002367. You will need an FSA ID number as well as one for your parent(s) (if parent information is being provided). The FSA ID is your electronic signature on the FAFSA and other federal student aid documents.
Create your FSA ID How do I create my FSA ID?
For academic year 2023-2024 (Fall 2023; Spring 2024; Summer 2024), submit the FAFSA beginning October 1, 2022 using 2021 tax information. For academic year 2024-2025 (Fall 2024; Spring 2025; Summer 2025), submit the FAFSA beginning January 1, 2024 using 2022 tax information. Work Study and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) awards are based on early application and eligibility requirements. Submit your FAFSA prior to Thanksgiving.
Once we receive your FAFSA, a status letter will be sent to you. Respond promptly to information requests. Your financial aid file will be on hold until we receive the requested documents/information.
The financial aid application process consists of several steps. At each step we may ask for information or documentation. The entire process can take 6-12 weeks, so early application is encouraged for funds to be available when bills are due.
Check out “Do You Need Money for college or Career School?” for more information on Federal Student Aid.
The financial aid application process differs depending on your status. I am a…
If you’ve graduated from high school or completed the GED and have not yet attended a post-secondary institution, you are classified as a freshman in the admission process. You are also classified as a freshman if you have attended a post-secondary institution while still in high school.
A first year student is someone who has graduated from high school or completed the GED but decided to wait a semester or more before beginning college.
Transferring to another college or university can be a confusing process. At Minnesota State University Moorhead, we hope to ease the confusion when transferring between schools.
Students who return to school for a second bachelor’s degree or teacher certification have limited eligibility for financial aid. You must identify your courses and degree program using the Degree Certification form.
To be classified as a second-degree student, you must be seeking a second undergraduate degree different from your first degree, pursuing teacher certification, or undergoing preparatory work for a graduate program at MSUM.
Students seeking a second major or minor are not eligible for federal aid, but may apply for SELF or through other private loan programs.
Funding is available through Federal or State Work Study, Federal Direct, Federal PLUS, SELF or through other private loan programs. Priority for work study goes to students seeking their first degree. Requirements in these programs may limit your eligibility.
If you continue your education beyond your undergraduate degree, you must assume more financial responsibility than is expected of undergraduate students. Financial aid for MSUM graduate students is usually a form of self-help such as Federal or State Work Study or unsubsidized direct loans.
You must be admitted to a graduate degree program to be considered for graduate-level funding. Awards are based on full time enrollment in graduate-level courses. Full time for graduate students is 8 credits; half time is 6 credits.
Discover how to apply for financial aid as a distance learner by selecting the category which best describes your current status.
If you are unsure whether a school is part of the Minnesota State system, see a map of Minnesota State campus locations.
I am...
- Not seeking an associate or bachelor degree, but am taking classes at MSUM
- Dual Enrolled
- Seeking a Bachelor’s Degree from MSUM but taking at least one course from another Minnesota State system school
- Seeking a Bachelor’s Degree from another Minnesota State system school but taking at least one course from MSUM
- Seeking a Bachelor’s Degree from MSUM but taking at least one course from a non-Minnesota State system school
- Seeking a Bachelor’s Degree from a non-Minnesota State school but taking at least one course from MSUM
Financial Aid Probation & Suspension
Federal and state regulations require that all students make satisfactory academic progress toward completion of degree or certificate requirements to receive student aid. All prior terms of attempted enrollment, including summer, are considered in determining satisfactory academic progress, regardless of whether aid was awarded for the term.
Failure to meet satisfactory progress standards results in ineligibility for state and federal aid programs, including: grants, loans, campus work study, vocational rehabilitation, post-secondary childcare, Indian scholarships and university scholarships. Standards are published yearly. MSUM reserves the right to withdraw aid at any time if it becomes readily apparent you have not maintained satisfactory academic progress.
A letter will notify you that you are no longer eligible to receive financial aid if you fail to meet the minimum standards. It is possible for you to be placed on financial aid suspension for failure to meet more than one type of satisfactory academic progress standard. If you have not received financial aid in the past, you are immediately subject to these standards when you apply for financial aid.