Frequently Asked Questions

I don't think I qualify for aid. Should I apply anyway?

YES! Many families mistakenly think they don't qualify for aid and prevent themselves from receiving financial aid by failing to apply for it. In addition, there are a few sources of aid such as unsubsidized and PLUS loans that are available regardless of need. The FAFSA form is free.

Do I need to be admitted before I can apply for financial aid at MSUN?

No. You can apply for financial aid any time, usually after October 1 for the following aid year. The 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 FAFSA's are currently open! To actually receive funds, however, you must be admitted and enrolled at the university.

What and when is the priority filing date?

The priority filing date is the date set by a university by which the federal processor must receive your financial aid application for priority consideration for financial aid. At MSU-Northern, the priority filing date is usually in February of the year for which you are applying for financial aid. 

How do I apply for financial aid at MSUN?

The first step to apply for financial aid at MSU-Northern is to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Certain types of aid do require additional paperwork after you have been awarded, but the FAFSA is the only application required to determine your eligibility unless you are selected for the verification process. How to apply

What is the FAFSA?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the application for all federal and state aid programs. Indicate Montana State University-Northern's code (#002533) in the school release section of the application.

What is a FSA ID?

The FSA ID is a username and password that must be used to log in to certain U.S. Department of Education websites. Your FSA ID confirms your identity when you access your financial aid information and electronically sign Federal Student Aid documents. If you do not already have an FSA ID, you can create one here.

What records will I need to complete my FAFSA?

Generally, all you will need is your federal tax return (IRS 1040, 1040A). You may also want to have your W-2 forms and any other records of money earned in the tax year you are using to complete the FAFSA. This would include records of untaxed income, such as welfare, social security, AFDC or ADC, or veteran's benefits. You may also need to use current bank statement, business or farm records and any records of stocks, bonds or other investments.

Do I have to apply for financial aid every year?

YES! You must reapply for financial aid each year by completing the next year's Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov. Renewal of your financial aid package also depends on your making satisfactory academic progress toward a degree, such as earning a minimum number of credits and achieving a minimum GPA.

What are the general eligibility requirements?

  • Be properly admitted or currently enrolled in a degree-granting or certificate program.
  • Be enrolled at least half-time to receive aid for most programs.
  • Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
  • Be making satisfactory academic progress.
  • Have a valid social security number.
  • Not be in default on any educational loan.
  • Not owe a refund on a Federal Pell Grant or on a Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant.

How do I know my application was processed by the federal processor?

You will receive your FAFSA Submission Summary, which is verification that you filed the FAFSA and that it has been processed, by e-mail 3-5 days after your FAFSA has been processed, if you provided an e-mail address when you applied. This e-mail will contain a secure link so you can access your FAFSA Sumbission Summary online. If you have a “junk” folder or “spam” folder in your e-mail files, check it. The e-mail from us might be delivered there instead of your inbox. You will receive a paper FAFSA Sumbission Summary by mail in 7-10 days after your FAFSA has been processed, if you do not provide an e-mail address when you apply. FAFSA will automatically send your data electronically to the schools you listed on your FAFSA. Questions about FAFSA processing can be directed to the Federal Student Aid Information Center (1-800-433-3243). You can also determine the status of your FAFSA application through the Department of Education's FAFSA web site.

How can I verify that MSUN will receive the results?

Check to make sure MSU-Northern is one of the schools listed on your FAFSA Submission Summary.

My FAFSA Submission Summary isn't accurate. Do I need to correct it?

Since corrections to your financial aid application data may affect your eligibility, you should contact the Financial Aid Office to find out whether or not the corrections are necessary and whether or not the Financial Aid Office can make those corrections electronically. You may also be able to correct your information through the Department of Education's FAFSA web site.

MSUN isn't listed on my FAFSA Submission Summary, how can I add MSUN’s School Code?

You can make a correction to your FAFSA online and add MSU-Northern’s school code (002533) electronically. MSUN can do this if you provide the Financial Aid Office with certain information from your FAFSA Submission Summary including the DRN. You can also call the federal processor at 1-800-433-3243 and have MSU-Northern added by phone. You will need to provide the federal processor with some information from your FAFSA Submission Summary and the Title IV School Code Number for MSUN which is: 002533.

Am I considered an independent or dependent student?

Please visit studentaid.gov for a list of personal circumstance questions to determine your dependency status.

Why was I picked for verification and what do I have to do now?

The Department of Education randomly selects FAFSA applicants for verification. If you were picked for verification you will need to contact the Financial Aid Office at 406.265.3787, finaid@msun.edu, or refer to your Banner Web MyInfo account.