Family Get Involved
SMSU believes that family plays an important role in helping students find the right school that will allow them to attain their post-secondary education goals. Get involved today!
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SMSU believes that family plays an important role in helping students find the right school that will allow them to attain their post-secondary education goals. Get involved today!
…the SMSU Financial Aid Office is here to help your son/daughter attain their post-secondary educational goals. WE CARE!
…it is imperative that your son/daughter be involved in the entire financial aid process – from the application through awards and disbursement. The Financial Aid Office will contact the student with any questions that may arise. The students need to understand what types of aid they have and know what loans they are applying for.
…the Financial Aid Office can provide general information to anyone. However, to provide specific information about your son/daughter’s financial aid application/award a signed release from the student indicating those individuals we can discuss their confidential information with is required. Students provide this release on the SMSU Financial Aid Application. This policy meets the rules and regulations set forth by the Federal and State Privacy Act (FERPA and MGDPA)
- How do we apply for Financial Aid?
- What types of Financial Aid are available?
- What types of Loans are available?
- What types of Scholarships are available?
- What types of student jobs are available?
- How much will it cost?
- How do we apply for Federal Stafford Loans?
- How do we apply for a Parent Loan (PLUS)?
- How do we apply for Alternative Loans in my son/daughter’s name?
November – Plan to attend a local Financial Aid Information Night with your son/daughter. Information nights are held in most areas in November through January. Check with your high school or college/university in your area.
December – Student and one parent should apply for a Personal Identification Number (PIN) at www.pin.ed.gov. This PIN number will be used every year to apply for financial aid. It will serve as an electronic signature for the FAFSA and other documents.
January – Complete prior years income tax return forms as soon as possible. Complete the FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The FAFSA also serves as the application for MN State Grant, Work Study, and Loan funds.
Complete the SMSU Financial Aid Application which was mailed to the student and is also available on the SMSU website.
February – Make certain that the student has completed and submitted all Financial Aid application forms and other requested documents.
May – Financial Aid Letters will be sent to students who have been accepted by the SMSU Admission Office and have all Financial Aid applications complete. The letter will instruct the student to view their award on the SMSU e-services link. Students should review all information on the award letter and complete loan applications. Determine whether or not additional funding will be required to cover costs for the year.
June – Notify the Financial Aid Office of new scholarships awarded to the student from their high school or local clubs and organizations.
July – Student should decide if they will be accepting loans they are eligible for and complete the application process. If the student has been awarded a Perkins Loan,a paper application will be sent to the student. Stafford Loans which are being accepted are applied for via a link on the e-services award letter. More Stafford Loan processing information is provided here.
The SMSU Business Office will send the student a postcard notifying them that they can view their charges under My Account on the e-services website. No paper bills will be sent to the student.
August – Fall semester has arrived. Students must make adjustments to their fall course schedule by the end of the fifth day of courses. The balance of the students charges (bill minus financial aid) are due on the fifth day of classes. Financial Aid will be automatically applied the evening of the fifth day – this includes grants, scholarships and processed loan funds.
Sept – Nov – relax
December – do you still have the PIN numbers? If not, request a duplicate at www.pin.ed.gov. Begin preparing for the next financial aid application cycle – thinking about tax preparation.
January of every year - Complete income tax returns for prior calendar year. Complete the Renewal FAFSA application at www.fafsa.ed.gov. All information that remains constant will be entered already – review for updates and accuracy. Complete the SMSU Financial Aid Application form.
Never hesitate to contact the SMSU Financial Aid Office at 507-537-6281 or 1-800-642-0684. We are here to assist you and your student.
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