The 2024-2025 FAFSA is being redesigned! Click here to learn more.

 

Apply for Financial Aid

 

Step 1: Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Complete your FAFSA on the Web 
MTSU School Code of 003510

Once you have applied for admission, your next step is to apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is required in order for you to be considered for assistance through federal programs (grants, work-study, student / parent loans), state programs (TN Student Assistance Award, Lottery Scholarships, etc.), and various need-based scholarships.

  • You (and parent as applicable) should apply for a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID at studentaid.gov. The FSA ID is used to login to certain federal websites to access financial aid information and to electronically sign federal student aid documents such as the FAFSA.
  • For the 2023-2024 award year (Fall 2023, Spring 2024, and Summer 2024), you can complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov beginning October 1, 2022.
    • The 2023-23 FAFSA income information is based on prior-prior year (2021) income, which eliminates the need to estimate tax information.
    • On the FAFSA, enter the MTSU school code of 003510 so that we get the results.
    • If eligible, you (and parents / spouse as applicable) are strongly encouraged to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) to import your 2021 IRS tax information into the FAFSA. Doing so will reduce the chance that MTSU will be required to verify the accuracy of your information. 
    • The 2023-24 MTSU FAFSA filing priority date is February 1, 2023 to be considered for maximum financial aid assistance. However, you should complete the FAFSA as soon as possible beginning October 1, 2022.

  • For the 2024-2025 award year (Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025), you can complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov in December 2023 (date to be announced).
    • The 2024-25 FAFSA income information is based on prior-prior year (2022) income, which eliminates the need to estimate tax information.
    • On the FAFSA, enter the MTSU school code of 003510 so that we get the results.
    • You (and parents / spouse as applicable) are required to use the IRS FUTURE Act Direct Data Exchange (FA-DDX) to import your 2022 IRS tax information into the FAFSA. Doing so will reduce the chance that MTSU will be required to verify the accuracy of your information. 
    • The 2024-25 MTSU FAFSA filing priority date is April 1, 2024 to be considered for maximum financial aid assistance. However, you should complete the FAFSA as soon as possible.
  • You can find more information on completing the FAFSA here.

Step 2: Monitor outstanding requirements on PipelineMT (Financial Aid tab)

  • The Department of Education notifies those selected to verify the FASFA information.  MTSU will also email you to check Pipeline for a list of required items and instructions.
  • Unsatisfied requirements can be viewed in the Financial Aid Requirements & Holds section of your PipelineMT account.  Further Instructions can be found here.
  • Financial aid can't be awarded or paid to your student account unless all requested information and documentation has been submitted and reviewed by the Financial Aid Office.

Step 3: Review your award notice and accept your aid 

Your award notice will be sent by email to your MTSU email address.

  • View your award (PipelineMT link)
  • Complete the MTSU Financial Aid Terms and Conditions
  • Accept (or decline) your awards
  • Check student requirements and active messages frequently on your PipelineMT account.

Step 4: Complete requirements for any Federal Student Loans by JULY 1 

Did you accept a federal student or Parent PLUS Loan? Follow the instructions in the Financial Aid Requirements & Holds section of your PipelineMT account to complete any outstanding loan requirements.

You must apply for your loans and complete requirements by July 1 (November 1 for Spring term) for the funds to be available when your tuition is due. 

Step 5: Financial aid refunds 

Financial Aid in excess of your bill will be refunded to you by direct deposit the first week of classes.
* For the summer term, there are several start dates. 

Go to Direct Deposit for more information about setting up your direct deposit account or contact the MT One Stop at MTOneStop@mtsu.edu.  Not signing up for direct deposit will delay your refund.