In general, students who are not admitted into a degree program are not eligible for student financial aid funds. However, there are some exceptions. Specifically, most Graduate Unclassified students are eligible to apply for the student loan programs, however, some Graduate Unclassified students are eligible for the Federal Stafford Loans while others are only eligible for Alternative Loans. We have listed below the types of Graduate Unclassified students and the specific student loans for which each Graduate Unclassified student may be eligible to apply.
Graduate Unclassified who has completed the Admission Office's application process and has satisfied admission requirements, which may include successfully completing the required graduate admission test, submitting academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, admission application, etc. Applicant has met the admission requirements for the degree program but must complete some prerequisite courses before the academic department will allow the student to enter the degree program. (Prerequisite courses for this purpose are those undergraduate level or lower level courses that must be successfully completed prior to the student being able to attempt the upper level graduate coursework)-
Student may apply for the Federal Stafford Loan (unsubsidized) at the fifth year senior (undergraduate) level. A completed Graduate Unclassified Certification Form must be submitted to the Department of Student Financial Aid at MSU each semester before eligibility can be certified.
Graduate Unclassified who has completed Admission Office's application process and has satisfied admission requirements, which may include successfully completing the required graduate admission test, submitting academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, admission application, etc. Applicant has met the admission requirements and has been admitted into a degree program beginning with the following semester due to the late completion of the admissions process-
Student may apply for the Federal Stafford Loan (unsubsidized) at the graduate level if all courses being attempted during the Graduate Unclassified semester are required for the graduate degree program being sought.
Graduate Unclassified who has completed Admission Office's application process but does not meet the admissions requirements. Student is enrolled in graduate level classes in hopes of being admitted into a degree program at a future date-
Student may apply for an Alternative Loan only.
Graduate Unclassified who has not completed the Admission Office's requirements.
Student may apply for the Alternative Loan only.
Graduate Unclassified who is a transient student or is taking classes but not seeking a degree from Mississippi State Universtiy- Not eligible for any financial aid.
Graduate Unclassified who are pursuing a certificate (excluding the Teacher Mississippi Institute Program) - Not eligible for federal financial aid.
This potential eligibility is only allowed for a 12 consecutive month period starting at the beginning of the first term of enrollment in this Graduate Unclassified status. Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours of coursework that is required in order to be admitted into the degree program each semester. Students can not receive any federal student aid funds after the 12 consecutive month period has ended unless admitted into a degree program.
