How to Apply

Step 1:

Create an FSA ID at StudentAid.gov. This will be your FAFSA login. *Every contributor - anyone (student, the student's spouse, a biological or adoptive parent, or the parent's spouse) who is required to provide information on the FAFSA form will need an FSA ID to access and complete their section of the online form.

Step 2:

Apply online for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at StudentAid.gov.

  • Indicate MSU-Northern’s school code #002533 in the school release section of the application.

Step 3:

The processor sends information electronically to schools listed on the FAFSA and sends a FAFSA Submission Summary to you.

  • After completing the FAFSA online, you will receive a FAFSA Submission Summary notification, in about 3-5 days. The Financial Aid Office receives this document electronically.

Step 4:

Complete the Student Data Form for the appropriate aid year. 

Step 5:

If you were picked for Verification by the Federal Processor (you will find this information on your FAFSA Submission Summary) you will need to do the following:

  • Refer to the Financial Aid tab on MyInfo to view missing requirements.

Step 6:

Send all requested documents to MSUN for processing.

Step 7:

MSUN notifies you of your eligibility in the form of a Financial Aid Offer.

  • New students will receive a paper copy in the mail and a notification to view their Electronic Financial Aid Offer through MyInfo.
  • Continuing students will receive a notification to view their Electronic Financial Aid Offer through MyInfo.

Step 8:

You will then accept or decline the offered aid.

  • New students will need to either return a signed paper copy of their Financial Aid Offer to the MSUN Financial Aid Office or complete the Electronic Financial Aid Offer.
  • Continuing students will need to complete the Electronic Financial Aid Offer.

Please Note: There are some additional steps in the process when applying for any of the Federal Direct Loan Programs (Federal Direct Subsidized, Federal Direct Unsubsidized, and Federal Direct Parent PLUS). Specific information will be included with your Financial Aid Offer.