The Process

The college financial aid process can seem pretty complicated. But our office is ready to help you and your family. In fact, you may want to print this page to serve as a checklist as you move through the process.

Every Year
Please remember: Applying for financial aid is an annual process. The yearly application deadline to receive maximum consideration for undergraduate financial aid is March 10.

If you have more than one family member attending college (for instance, a sister or brother), each person must apply individually.

Steps in the Financial Aid Process
Use these steps as your checklist through the process:

1. Locate your Personal Identification Number (PIN) or obtain one from the U.S. Department of Education. If you are a dependent student, your parent should also obtain a PIN. (Dependent means your parents claim you on their tax returns.)
   
   
2. File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). We strongly encourage you to file a FAFSA using FAFSA on the Web.  However, if you are unable to apply on the Web please contact our office. The FAFSA must be received by the federal processor on or before March 10 for students to receive priority consideration for all grants and loans. (Note: In your FAFSA and other documentation, you will need to provide Ball State's federal code, 001786.)
   
   
3. You will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). If you provided an e-mail address on the FAFSA, you will receive an electronic SAR; otherwise, one will come to you in the mail. Carefully review your SAR and make any necessary corrections.
    
4. Respond immediately to any additional information requests from our office or the State Student Assistance Commission of Indiana (SSACI).
    
5. You will receive an award letter from Ball State.  Carefully review all special messages on your award letter, and read our Guide to Understanding Your Award Letter. In addition, be sure to review our guide Dollars & Sense, which details the policies and procedures for receiving financial aid at Ball State.
    
   
6. Indiana residents will receive an award notification from the State Student Assistance Commission of Indiana (SSACI). Make sure Ball State is listed as your school choice. If not, make the correction on your notification and return it to SSACI.
   
   
7. If you choose to borrow a Stafford Loan, you must complete and submit a loan request form to the our office. Ball State participates in the Federal Direct Loan program. If you are a first time borrower with the Direct Loan program, you must complete an Electronic Master Promissory Note (MPN). An MPN can be completed online.
   
   
8. If you are a first time borrower in the Direct Loan Program, you must complete Direct Loan Entrance Counseling. To find out more information about Loan Entrance Counseling, or to complete your entrance counseling obligations online.