Murray State University Financial Aid: Your Comprehensive Guide to Funding Your Education

Unlocking the Gateway to Success: Financial Aid at Murray State University

Murray State University (MSU) is committed to providing affordable access to higher education for all students. Through a comprehensive financial aid program, MSU strives to make your educational aspirations a reality. This guide will navigate you through the various types of financial assistance available, helping you secure the funding you need to succeed.

### Types of Financial Aid

MSU offers a wide range of financial aid options, including:

**Federal Pell Grant:** Up to $6,895 for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need.
**Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG):** Up to $4,000 for Pell Grant recipients with the most financial need.
**Federal Work-Study Program:** Provides on-campus jobs to help students offset educational expenses.
**Federal Direct Student Loans:** Low-interest loans available to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.
**Federal Parent PLUS Loans:** Loans for parents of undergraduate students to cover educational expenses.
**Institutional Scholarships:** University-funded scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, or other criteria.
**State Grants:** Grants funded by the state government to eligible students.
**Private Scholarships:** Scholarships awarded by corporations, foundations, and other organizations.

### Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for most types of financial aid, you must:

Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Be enrolled at least half-time in a degree-seeking program.
Maintain satisfactory academic progress.

### How to Apply for Financial Aid

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the primary tool used to apply for financial aid from the federal government and most universities. To complete the FAFSA, you will need to provide:

Your Social Security number.
Your income and asset information.
Your parents’ income and asset information (if you are a dependent student).

You can complete the FAFSA online at FAFSA.gov.

### Deadlines

To ensure timely processing of your financial aid application, it is crucial to submit the FAFSA by the following deadlines:

**Priority Deadline:** February 15th
**Regular Deadline:** May 1st

### Contact Information

For assistance with financial aid at MSU, contact:

Office of Financial Aid

Phone: (270) 809-3151
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.murraystate.edu/finaid/

### Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much financial aid can I receive?

The amount of financial aid you receive depends on factors such as your financial need, academic record, and the availability of funds.

2. Do I need to repay financial aid?

Grants and scholarships do not need to be repaid. Federal loans must be repaid, while some private loans may have different repayment terms.

3. What happens if I don’t have a high enough GPA to qualify for financial aid?

If you do not meet the minimum GPA requirements, you may still be eligible for some types of financial aid, such as Federal Work-Study.

4. Can I get financial aid if I’m not a U.S. citizen?

Eligibility for financial aid is based on citizenship or permanent residency status. Certain types of financial aid are available to non-U.S. citizens who meet specific criteria.

### Additional Resources

### Conclusion

At Murray State University, financial aid serves as a vital lifeline, empowering students from all walks of life to reach their educational goals. By understanding the types of assistance available, meeting eligibility requirements, and applying promptly, you can unlock the financial resources you need to succeed in college. Remember, the Office of Financial Aid is here to support you every step of the way. Embrace the opportunities that financial aid provides, and let it be the catalyst that propels you towards your bright future.