Financial Services

Financial aid refers to a wide variety of programs available to help students and parents pay for college. It is a means to help finance an education when family and personal resources are not adequate to meet the total cost of attending school. The basic steps of the financial aid process are the same for everyone looking for federal help in paying for an education.

FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid

To Apply for Federal Student Aid click the image below.

FAFSA

Current and future students must apply/reapply for financial aid every year.  Mountain State College recommends completing and submitting the FAFSA as soon as possible on or after October 1st each year.  The FAFSA also serves as an application for the West Virginia Higher Education Grant. To qualify for the state grant, submit the FAFSA before April 15th (other criteria apply) each year.

The easiest way to complete the FAFSA with accurate tax information is by using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.  Most students and parents who filed a tax return can transfer information directly into the FAFSA.  For assistance with answering income information questions call 1-800-4FEDAID (1-800-433-3243).

FAFSA on the Web has a list of documents needed to prepare for filling out the FAFSA. If planning to complete the FAFSA on the Web, Mountain State College recommends completing the FASFA on the Web Worksheet before completing the online application. This worksheet asks the FAFSA questions in the same order FAFSA on the Web does.

Mountain State College's OPEID (Federal School Code) is: 005008.

Loan Counseling

Federal regulations require that any student receiving a federal student loan complete Entrance and Exit Counseling as part of the process of educating student borrowers about federal student loans (interest rates, repayment options, terms and conditions of the loan, etc.) and their rights and responsibilities.

Entrance Counseling

Student borrowers must complete Entrance Counseling before receiving a federal student loan. All first-time borrowers are subject to a mandatory thirty-day delay of their first disbursement of student loan funds. This also applies to returning students who have withdrawn from school. Direct Loan Entrance Counseling is conducted online at www.mappingyourfuture.org and in person. After starting classes, students are required to contact the Student Financial Services Office to schedule an appointment to meet with a financial aid representative.

Exit Counseling

Prior to graduation or withdrawal from school, the student borrower must schedule an Exit Interview with the Student Financial Services Office. Online counseling is also conducted at www.mappingyourfuture.org. Information concerning the borrower's loan includes, but is not limited to: the terms and conditions of the loan, an example of or actual monthly payments, available repayment options, deferment and forbearance options, the consequences of default. Emphasis will be placed on the borrower's obligation to repay the full amount of the loan even if the borrower did not graduate, is unable to find employment, or is dissatisfied with the educational program or other services provided by the school. Repayment begins six months after borrowers leave school for any reason; even if borrowers do not receive a bill or a coupon book, payments are due.

Other Counseling

Student borrowers are not required to complete other counseling; however, Mountain State College highly recommends the following:

Financial Literacy - This counseling session will guide you on the path to financial success.
Grace Period and Repayment - Whether your loans are in the “grace period” (payment will begin soon) or already in repayment, this session provides information about how to manage your student loan after college. This information can be especially beneficial if you are having difficulty repaying your loans.
Loan Management - Loan management, financial literacy, and career planning information to assist student borrowers preparing for graduation are provided in this session.
Non-Traditional Student - This counseling session provides a variety of topics about returning to school ranging from working while going to school, choosing a field of study, financial aid, getting assistance, and money management.


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