Step 1: Submit the FAFSA
Before your senior year...
If you want to begin exploring your financial aid options and get an early start on the financial aid process, use the FAFSA4caster. This tool will give you an early estimate of eligibility for federal student aid.
During your senior year...Federal funds include need-based and non-need-based scholarships and grants, work-study and loans. After January 1 of your senior year, you and your parents need to complete federal tax returns for the previous year as soon as possible. Remember to make copies of your tax returns. These documents will be needed to complete your financial aid applications.
You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov after January 1 of your senior year. The online application contains built-in edits to help prevent costly mistakes. Make sure you meet your colleges’ priority deadlines. Most families submit the FAFSA in February or March. The information on the FAFSA is used to calculate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Click here for details on the EFC formula.
Review for accuracy your Student Aid Report (SAR), which is sent to you after you file the FAFSA. If necessary, make and submit corrections. If you have any special circumstances, contact the school’s financial aid office.
Step 2: Complete Mississippi aid applications
Learn about the state grants and eligibility criteria at www.mississippi.edu. The Mississippi Office of State Financial Aid offers scholarships and grants based on merit and financial need. Complete applications for state financial aid such as MTAG, MESG and HELP if you qualify and will be attending college in Mississippi. You can complete the application after January 1 of your senior year. Applications for HELP are due March 31, but MTAG and MESG may be submitted until September 15.
Step 3: Act on your financial award notice
You will typically receive an award notification indicating your financial aid and scholarship amounts in the spring. You may need to accept or reject the award by a deadline, so read carefully. If you receive awards from several colleges, remember to decline those from the schools you will not be attending.
To learn more about the various types of financial aid you may be awarded, click on a topic below:
Complete any additional paperwork the school requires. If you are receiving a student loan, you will need to complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and entrance loan counseling
