What is Federal Financial Aid?
Federal financial aid is funding provided by the United States Department of Education to help students pay for college expenses. Federal aid may include grants, student loans, and work-study opportunities. To be considered for most federal aid programs, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year.
While federal financial aid can help reduce the cost of attendance, it is intended to supplement educational expenses and may not cover all costs associated with attending college.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the application used to determine eligibility for federal financial aid programs.
Students should complete the FAFSA each academic year they plan to attend Mississippi State University.
Important FAFSA Timeline
| Timeline Milestone | Description |
| FAFSA Availability | The FAFSA becomes available annually for students seeking financial aid for the upcoming academic year. |
| Mississippi State Priority Deadline | Students are encouraged to submit the FAFSA by the university's priority deadline for timely processing and consideration of available aid programs. |
| Mississippi State Documentation Priority Deadline | Students selected for verification or required to submit additional documentation should complete all requirements by the priority deadline for timely processing of available aid programs |
| Federal FAFSA deadline | The U.S. Department of Education establishes a final FAFSA submission deadline for each academic year. |
Need specific dates? Visit the Financial Aid Calendar for a complete list of financial aid deadlines, processing timelines, and important dates.
How to Apply for Federal Financial Aid
- Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each academic year
- Submit any additional required documents
- Check your Financial Aid Dashboard in your myState account for any offers
- Accept or decline your federal aid in your Financial Aid Dashboard
- Maintain eligibility by meeting good Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and enrollment requirements
Start the FAFSA View Your Financial Aid Dashboard
Types of Federal Financial Aid
Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant is a grant awarded to eligible undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need. Pell Grant eligibility is determined through the FAFSA and the award amount is based on factors such as financial need, enrollment status, and federal eligibility criteria. As a grant, these funds typically do not have to be repaid.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
The FSEOG is additional grant funding awarded to students with exceptional financial need. Funding is limited and awarded to eligible students based on availability.
Federal Direct Loans
Federal Direct Loans are student loans provided by the U.S. Department of Education to help eligible students pay for college expenses. Students must complete the FAFSA to be considered for federal student loans. Unlike grants, loans must be repaid with interest according to the terms of the loan program. There are several types of Federal Direct Loans available. Eligibility and borrowing requirements vary by loan type. For more information about federal student student loans including loan types, borrowing limits, interest rates, entrance counseling, and repayment, visit our Federal Student Loan information page.
Learn More About Federal Student Loans
Federal Work Study
Federal Work-Study provides eligible students with opportunities to earn money through part-time employment while enrolled in school. Students receive a paycheck for hours worked rather than receiving the funds as a direct credit to their student account.
Learn More About Federal Work Study
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant
The TEACH Grant provides funding to students who plan to teach in a high-need field at a low-income school after graduation. Recipients must meet specific service requirements or the grant may convert to a loan.
Learn More About Federal TEACH Grant
Types of Federal Aid at a Glance
| Type of Aid | Repayment Required? | Based on Financial Need |
| Pell Grant | No | Yes |
| FSEOG | No | Yes |
| Work-Study | No (earned wages) | Yes |
| Subsidized Loan | Yes | Yes |
| Unsubsidized Loan | Yes | No |
| PLUS Loan | Yes | No |
| TEACH Grant | No* | Not solely based on need |
*Must meet teaching service requirements to remain a grant.
Who is Eligible for Federal Financial Aid?
To be eligible for federal financial aid, students must meet certain eligibility requirements. Eligibility requirements include:
- Completing the FAFSA
- Being admitted to an eligible degree program - Exceptions to this Policy
- Being enrolled in eligible coursework
- Meeting enrollment requirements - Learn More About Enrollment and Federal Financial Aid Eligibility
- Being a United States citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
- Not being in default on a federal student loan
- Not exceeding annual or aggregate federal student loan limits - Learn More About Federal Student Loan Limits
- Not owing a refund or repayment on a federal grant
- Using financial aid funds only for educational purposes
- Meeting other requirements established by federal, state, and institutional regulations and policies
- Meeting applicable eligibility requirements if incarcerated — Incarcerated students have limited eligibility for federal student aid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FAFSA?
The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid used to determine eligibility for federal financial aid purposes.
How do I apply for federal financial aid?
Students apply for federal financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each academic year.
Do I have to complete the FAFSA every year?
Yes. Students must submit a FAFSA each academic year to be considered for federal financial aid programs.
What tax information is used on the FAFSA?
The FAFSA uses federal tax information from the prior-prior tax year. For example, students completing the 2026–2027 FAFSA will report tax information from tax year 2024.
Whose income is reported on the FAFSA?
It depends on your dependency status. Dependent students are required to provide parent financial information on the FAFSA. Independent students generally report only their own financial information and, if applicable, their spouse's information. For more information on dependency status, visit our FAFSA Dependency Status page.
Will federal financial aid cover all of my college costs?
Not necessarily. Federal financial aid is designed to assist with educational expenses and may not cover the full cost of attendance.
What happens after I submit the FAFSA?
After your FAFSA is processed, your information is sent to the schools you listed. We review your eligibility and notify you via your Mississippi State email address of any additional requirements or federal financial aid offers.
What happens if I am selected for verification?
You may be asked to provide additional documentation to confirm information reported on your FAFSA. Financial aid processing cannot be completed until all requested documents are received and reviewed. For more information on verification, visit our Federal Aid Verification page.
Do federal grants have to be repaid?
Federal grants generally do not have to be repaid as long as students remain eligible and meet program requirements.
Do federal student loans have to be repaid?
Yes. Federal student loans must be repaid with interest according to the terms of the loan program.
What is the difference between a subsidized and unsubsidized loan?
Direct Subsidized Loans are awarded based on financial need, and the federal government pays the interest during certain periods. Direct Unsubsidized Loans are not based on financial need, and interest begins accruing when the loan is disbursed.
Can I receive federal aid if I attend part-time?
Some federal aid programs are available to part-time students, although eligibility and award amounts may differ from those available to full-time students. For more information, visit our Enrollment and Financial Aid Eligibility page.
Where can I view my financial aid information?
Mississippi State University students can view their financial aid requirements and awards through their Financial Aid Dashboard in their myState account.