Extenuating Circumstances
- Students who have signed up for the MSU Denver ONECard will have their funds directly deposited into their USBank checking or savings account.
- Students who did not sign up for the MSU Denver ONECard will have their refund check mailed out the Friday after their funds disburse.
How do I get a scholarship?
Scholarships are awarded to qualified students who have applied for a scholarship and have been selected by the scholarship committee. Most scholarships are based on merit (your GPA). Please read about campus-based scholarships at our Scholarship page. You can also do a scholarship search on the Internet at http://www.fastweb.com.
Why didn't I get a grant?
Grants are need-based aid. If your income (or your parents' income, if you are dependent) was too high based on the number of people in the family and the number attending college at least half time, you will not be eligible for grant aid.
My parents don't support me. Why do I need their information on the FAFSA?
The Federal government has guidelines that determine whether you are dependent or independent. Generally, if you are under the age of 24, not married, have no dependents other than a spouse, have not been in the military, are not an orphan, and were not a ward of the court until you were 18, you are considered a dependent student.
For the 2010-2011 academic year, students who are not able to obtain all of the required parental information for the FAFSA may now have access to borrow a Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan. To learn more about this information please click one of the following links:
2010-2011 NOPAR form (
42 KB)
2011-2012 NOPAR form ( 61 KB)
How can I be independent?
Although your status is based on Federal guidelines, it may be possible for you to be independent through a process called "professional judgment." If you have extenuating family circumstances, independent status may be granted. Please refer to the Applying for Financial Aid section for more information.
What is an EFC?
EFC stands for Expected Family Contribution. This is the amount of your (or your parents') income that is considered available for your education. It is not necessarily the amount you will be expected to pay to the University for your education. Please refer to the Eligibility section for more information.
Do I get the whole amount of my budget in aid?
Most students do not get the full amount of their budget in aid. Student financial aid is intended to help students to gain a college education. Because there is not enough money to fully fund every student, aid is awarded based on need. Please refer to the Packaging Policy section for more information.
I took out a student loan at another college. Why do I have to do an entrance interview again for MSU Denver State?
It is our policy to require every first-time borrower at MSU Denver State to complete an entrance interview.
How many credits do I need to take to get a student loan?
As an undergraduate student, you must be enrolled in at least 6 credits at MSU Denver State each semester you wish to receive a loan. As a graduate student you must be enrolled in at least graduate level credits to be eligible for a student loan.
Do I need to be registered to get a loan?
Although you do not need to be registered to turn in a loan application, your application will not be processed until you are enrolled in at least half time at MSU Denver State. Your loan funds will not be disbursed to you if you are not enrolled in at least, 6 credits as an undergraduate student or 5 graduate level credits as a graduate student, when your Direct Loans transmits your money to MSU Denver State.
