Minot State / Financial Aid / Eligibility / How to Apply
Financial Aid Office

Eligibility / How to Apply

Title IV School Code: 002994

FAFSA Application

2025-2026 FAFSA - Complete for fall 2025, spring 2026, summer 2026  

2026-2027 FAFSA - Complete for fall 2026, spring 2027, summer 2027

Federal Student Aid Estimator

Use this tool to see how much federal student aid you may be eligible for in the 2026-2027 academic year.

How to Prepare

1. Create a FAFSA account

All participants must create an Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID. Create your FSA ID before starting the FAFSA!

2. Stay Informed

Stay informed of the FAFSA through the FSA website and MSU Facebook, Minot State University Financial Aid Office.  

3. FAFSA Form

The 2026-2027 FAFSA is available to complete. All parent and spouse participants, with or without a SSN, can complete the FAFSA. 

Eligibility

In order for students to receive financial aid, they must meet certain eligibility requirements. Students must:

  • Be a US citizen or an eligible noncitizen.
  • Have a valid Social Security Number.
  • Be fully admitted to Minot State.
  • Be accepted into a degree granting program.
  • Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.
  • Not be in default on federal student loan(s).
  • Not owe a repayment of any grant funds previously received.
  • Students must be enrolled at least half-time in order to be eligible for student loans.
    • Undergraduate: half-time - 6 credits or more
    • Graduate: half-time - 5 credits or more

Applying for financial aid starts with an online FREE application called the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. The application can be completed at StudentAid.gov and must be completed every year.

The FAFSA is available in December for the upcoming Fall, Spring and Summer academic yea

  • 2025-2026 FAFSA - Fall 2025, Spring 2026, Summer 2026
  • 2026-2027 FAFSA - Fall 2026, Spring 2027, Summer 2027

Minot State's priority funding deadline is April 15. However, if you are past the April 15 deadline we will still process your application and offer you what you are eligible for, some funding for Federal Work-Study and University Grants are limited on a first come first serve basis. It's important to apply early and submit any requested documents as soon as possible to maximize your eligibility.

How is Your Amount of Federal Aid Determined?

12+ credits - full time
9 - 11 credits - 3/4 time
6 - 8 credits - half time
1 - 5 credits - less than half time

Your enrollment at 11:59 pm on the last day to add/drop a regular 16 week course at 100% refund of tuition and fees for fall and spring semester will determine your enrollment status for Minot State Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy, the Federal Pell Grant, ND State Grant, ND Career & Tech, ND Academic and other scholarships, be sure all changes to your enrollment are completed by that time.

Your initial offer is based on full-time enrollment. If you plan to enroll in less than twelve credits per semester, please notify the Minot State Financial Aid Office by email at financialaid@MinotStateU.edu.

For a complete schedule of dates and deadlines refer to our Minot State calendar.

The MSU Repeated Coursework Policy explains how repeating courses may affect the student's eligibility for Title IV aid. (Ex: If a student repeats a previously passed course for a second time, those credits cannot be included in the student's enrollment status.) Title IV aid includes all federal programs such as grants, loans, and work-study.

Applicants who provide an email address when completing their FAFSA will receive a response email once their FAFSA has been processed. Included in this email is a secure link to their StudentAid Report (SAR). Applicants who do not provide an email address will be mailed a paper SAR. Applicants should check their SAR for errors and make corrections. The Financial Aid Office can also assist with corrections.

After you have applied for admission and your financial aid has been completed, you will receive a financial aid offer from Minot State. Your offer will show your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) which is the amount you and your family are expected to contribute to the cost of your education. Your financial aid offer also shows the types and amounts of aid you qualify for.

Minot State reserves the right to make adjustments to your offer if additional information becomes available.  Revised offers will be emailed to students who have had their financial aid adjusted. Adjustments may be based on, but not limited to, the following:

  • Changes resulting from verification
  • Changes in enrollment status
  • Other scholarships or grants received
  • Tuition Assistance
  • Vocational Rehabilitation
  • Other third party payments

Transfer Students

Find financial aid information and guidance for students transferring to Minot State University.

Second Bachelor's Degree

Access the necessary form for students pursuing a second bachelor's degree.

How Funds are Disbursed

Learn how financial aid is processed and distributed to students at Minot State University.

Federal Aid Recipients Rights & Responsibilities

Learn about your rights, responsibilities, and requirements for maintaining financial aid eligibility.

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