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Frequently Asked Questions




What happens after I file a FAFSA?

About one month after filing, you will receive the following documents: Student Aid Report (SAR) for federal programs, and Student Eligibility Notice (SEN) for New Jersey Programs. Follow all instructions on these documents. Verify that Montclair State is listed on the SAR as an institution that will receive your information. MSU will access this data electronically to prepare your aid package.

When will I hear if I am eligible to receive financial aid?

If you are eligible to receive financial aid and all of your documents have been received, you will receive notification of these awards from the Office of Student Financial Aid during late spring or early summer. Late filers are notified on a rolling basis.

If you are not eligible for need-based financial aid, you may request consideration for an Unsubsidized Stafford Loan or a PLUS Loan.

What opportunities are there for work on campus? 

Two employment programs exist for students:

Federal Work-Study (FWS)—this is a federally supported employment program. Students must meet need requirements. The rate of pay is $6.25 to $8.25 per hour. Students normally work 10-15 hours per week while school is in session. Job opportunities are posted in the Career Development Office.

Student Assistants (SA)—this is a University employment program. Financial need is not a requirement for participation. The rate of pay is $6.25 to $8.25 per hour. Students normally work 10-15 hours per week while school is in session. Job opportunities are posted in the Career Development Office.

How may financial aid be used to help pay my bill?

When you are billed for the fall or spring semester, read the instructions concerning financial aid recipients and follow them concerning payment. Every effort is made to credit term bills with all accepted and approved financial aid except anticipated FWS earnings.

The staff members of the Office of Student Financial Aid are available throughout the year to assist parents and students. Call for information if you need assistance with any forms or procedures.

How can I understand my award letter?

Your award letter will notify you of the awards for which you are eligible. Descriptions of each type of award and links to the agency that provides them are available online. Your awards are based on your reported enrollment for the academic year. Estimating your student budget is available through our online on our Cost Calculator.

Additional information may be included with your award letter. If you have been awarded Federal Work-Study, you are eligible to participate in the "America Reads" Challenge. If you have been awarded a Federal Perkins Loan, you must complete and return the Federal Perkins Loan Disclosure Statement.

How do I return my award letter?

The aid listed on the Award Information by Year page is automatically accepted (including loans) unles you complete the online Award Letter Response Form.

How do I obtain federal loan funds?

The amount you are eligible to receive from the Federal Stafford Loan program was listed on your award letter or is posted on your WESS account.  You have the option to decrease your loan amounts as long as your eligibility is maintained and you request loan amounts between $200 and the amount listed on your award letter.

If you did not request student loans on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you will not receive Stafford Loans on your award letter. To request Stafford Loans, you can complete the online Stafford Loan Request Form, as long as you have already completed the 2007-2008 FAFSA and received an award letter.

First-time Federal Stafford Loan recipients must sign the Master Promissory Note (MPN) and complete Entrance Counseling.  OpenNet - Sallie Mae loan servicing will contact you by e-mail to electronically sign the MPN and complete the Entrance Counseling online.  Both of these processes must be completed before the loan funds can be disbursed to you. 

Montclair State will honor all requests but please bear in mind if you opt for a lender without electronic access, your loan may have to be processed manually.

Information on additional education loans can be fund on the Loan Information page.

How do I revise my award letter?

There are many reasons why your award letter may need to be revised:

I. Application Corrections

  • change in family circumstances
  • audit of student information

II. Enrollment Changes

III. Other Resources

In any case, you should submit all requested documentation to the Office of Student Financial Aid within 10 days of notification. This will ensure that your aid is disbursed promptly.