Financial Aid FAQ - Receiving Aid

The University has set up an arrangement with the Barnes & Noble Bookstore on campus to allow eligible students to charge their textbook/supply purchase for a limited time at the start of each semester. In order to charge book at the bookstore, students must have some form of financial aid accepted and be enrolled on business day prior to charging.

For exact dates on when bookstore charging is available visit the MSU Calendar.

Financial Aid will begin applying to your balance in Campus Connection within a day or two after the last day to receive a 100% refund for dropping/adding regular 16 week/full semester courses, just before the fee payment deadline each semester.

Financial aid funds (except Federal Work-Study) first get applied to pay the amounts due for the student's eligible university charges; if there is more financial aid than is needed to pay those charges a refund is generated to the student.

Work-Study awards are not applied directly to student bills; Work-Study earnings are paid through the bi-weekly student payroll process. Students receive those funds directly through scheduled direct deposits after reporting hours worked at their assigned jobs.

If the financial aid you received is greater than the balance you owe MSU, the excess aid may be direct deposited into your bank account. Instructions on enrolling in direct deposit through Campus Connection. Please allow 2-3 business days for monies to be deposited into your bank account through direct deposit.

If you have not enrolled in direct deposit you will need to pick up your excess aid check at the Business Office, located on the second floor of the Administration Building. If you are a distance education student or are unable to pick up your check in person, you will need to contact the Business Office at 701-858-3333 and request your check be mailed.

Financial aid can be used for room and board expenses whether you live on or off campus. You may indicate your living plans when completing the FAFSA. If your housing plans change after you submit the FAFSA, contact the Financial Aid Office.

A few options to consider in paying the remaining balance owed to the University, Self-pay, set up a Tuition Payment Plan with the Business Office, parents can apply for a Parent PLUS loan or alternative loans (non-federal loans).

Yes. The following reasons may cause your financial aid to be applied late to your account or not at all:

  • If you have not accepted/declined your financial aid award in Campus Connection
  • If you did not complete the Master Promissory Note at StudentAid.gov
  • If you did not complete Loan Entrance Counseling at StudentAid.gov
  • If your FAFSA application is selected for verification and you have not submitted any or all requested documents.
  • If you have not been fully admitted to Minot State.
    • To be fully admitted, students must provide all required documents to our Admissions Office. These documents include final official high school, dual credit or college transcripts as well as ACT or SAT scores.
  • If you do not meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards.
Communicate with the Business Office and explain why your bill is not paid and your financial aid is pending. You can fill out a deferment form, which then allows you a little more time to get your financial aid processed.