3 - Applying for financial aid

There are currently two application processes for financial aid at M State. 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 apply through the MN Dream Act process. 

FAFSA 

This application process is for federal and state financial aid programs. The M State Office of Financial Aid recommends you apply electronically by using the online FAFSA process (available in English or Spanish). Applications for financial aid should be made well in advance of the time when funds are needed. We recommend allowing at least five to six weeks for the processing of your financial aid file. Please keep in mind you must apply for financial aid for each academic year and you cannot receive aid from more than one school for the same period of enrollment. In order to receive a financial aid award letter you must be admitted to M State as a degree seeking student. 

Need help getting an FSA ID for yourself or your parents? Check out this link for guidance.  

Need help with your FAFSA?  Sign up for a FAFSA session.

MN Dream Act 

This application process is for Minnesota state financial aid programs. You can apply electronically at the Minnesota Office of Higher Education website (available in English and Spanish). Applications for financial aid should be made well in advance of the time when funds are needed. We recommend allowing at least five weeks for the processing of your financial aid file. Keep in mind you must apply for financial aid for each academic year and you cannot receive aid from more than one school for the same period of enrollment. In order to receive a financial aid award letter, you must be admitted to M State as a degree seeking student. 

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. 

The 2022-23 deadline to complete this process is 120 days after you were last enrolled, or June 30, 2023; whichever is earlier. 

Students who are eligible for MN 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 process

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STEP 1: Apply for your Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID

Apply for your FSA ID

Your parents should also apply for an FSA ID (if you’re a dependent student). Your FSA ID serves as your electronic signature. For fastest processing, we encourage you to get your FSA ID before you file the FAFSA (you can also request your FSA ID before you submit your FAFSA). 

STEP 2: Complete the FAFSA online

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online here 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. 

Your name and social security number must be reported exactly as they appear on your Social Security card, or there will be delays. 

Helpful hint! For the fastest processing time, we recommend that you use the IRS Data Retrieval (IDR) tool. 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 a copy of your W-2s from all jobs worked. For an online tutorial on using IDR, watch this YouTube video created by the University of California, Santa Barbara

STEP 3: Turn in all documents

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; M State encourages you to take a proactive approach to make sure that you have done all you need to do. Reach out to us at 1.877.450.3322 or financialaid@minnesota.edu to check the status of your financial aid file. We want to make this process as easy and understandable as possible. 

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. 

STEP 4: Your financial aid award letter

When your file is complete (i.e. all documents requested have been submitted), it will be reviewed. If the Office of Financial Aid needs additional information, a request for that information will be emailed to you at your M State email address. If we have all the information needed, your financial aid award will be calculated and we will email you when your financial aid award is ready for your review in e-services. 

Your award letter will tell you what types of aid you are eligible for and the specific amount you are eligible for and your enrollment level (number of credits registered for).