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Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the fax number for Financial Aid?
To fax verification documents or other forms needed to complete you financial aid package, fax the VFAO at 1-888-225-7186. For the Financial Aid office at MSU Beckley, fax to : 1-304-461-3268.
What’s the number for the VFAO?
877-906-1723
How do I apply for Financial Aid?
Complete a FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov AND complete your online interview with the VFAO by clicking “Virtual Financial Aid Office” at our website: https://mountainstate.vfao.com/.
What is an EFC number and where does it come from?
The Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) number is determined by the federal government and is generated when your FAFSA is processed. This number is used to determine your eligibility for Pell and other grants.
What is verification and why was I selected?
Verification is a review process conducted by the federal government. The federal government randomly selects students for verification.
When I did my online interview, I opted to apply for grants only but now I want to apply for loans too. Can I change my interview?
No, you can however, request loans by submitting an online additional funds request by clicking “Virtual Financial Aid Office “ at https://mountainstate.vfao.com/ and then click “Forms & Documents.”
I am doing my online interview and only want to apply for grants. I can’t go any further in the interview unless I select I agree with all the loan information. Does this mean I am applying for loans?
No, it does not mean you are applying for loans if you select that you have read, reviewed and agree with the loan conditions. It is mandatory that the loan information be disclosed to you regardless of whether or not you are applying for loans. The only way you would apply for loans in the online interview is if you selected to process your aid package for “grants & loans” or “loans only” from the drop down window and also entered a dollar amount in the window below that. Even after that, new students applying for loans also must have an original Master Promissory Note (MPN) on file.
Do I have to complete an online interview with the VFAO every semester?
Yes, you must complete an online interview each semester that you are enrolled and that you need processed for aid.
What is the deadline to apply for West Virginia Higher Education Grant?
Your FAFSA must be completed and processed by March 1st to be considered to receive the WVHEG for the following Fall and Spring semesters.
How can I check on the status of my aid? How can I determine when my disbursements are scheduled for?
You can check the status of your financial aid online by clicking “Virtual Financial Aid Office” at https://mountainstate.vfao.com/ and then by logging in and then selecting “Student Interview Center” then “Student Financial Aid Status Report”
Why did I receive less money than I applied for in my interview?
If you were required to provide your parent’s tax information on your FAFSA, then you are still considered a Dependent student. Dependent students are only eligible for the subsidized loans. Dependents are not eligible unsubsidized loans.
Another reason may be your grade level.
Independent Freshmen (0-26 credit hours) -$4750 per semester
Independent Sophomore (27-64 credit hours)-$5250 semester
Independent Jr/Sr (65+ credit hours) -$6250 semester
Dependent Freshmen (0-26 credit hours) -$2750 per semester
Independent Sophomore (27-64 credit hours)-$3250 semester
Independent Jr/Sr (65+ credit hours) -$3750 semester
How much Pell do I qualify for?
The federal government using your EFC number, determines your Pell grant. MSU does not determine how much Pell you receive. If you have filed a FAFSA you should be receiving a Student Aid Report (SAR) and/or award letter shortly. Once we know what your EFC# is we can give you an estimate of how much Pell, if any, you can potentially receive.
How will I know if my Pell and student loans are not enough to cover my tuition/fees/books/misc?
It is recommended that the student check his/her account every month. The student can check the current balance, see if aid has posted, or if a refund check has been drafted! Go to CougarWeb at https://online.mountainstate.edu. Sign in and select "My Finances" then "My Account Information." Follow the prompts from there to review your account status. If you notice that your all of your money has been posted to your account and you still have a balance, you may need to apply for additional student loans, see Alternative Loans, or set up a payment plan with the Student Accounts Office.
What is the difference between a grant, a scholarship and a loan?
A grant is a gift that does not have to be repaid and it is based on financial need, while a scholarship is an achievement award which is usually based on academic grades, abilities, skills, test scores, class rank, etc. Loans are funds which are borrowed by the student and/or parent. In most cases, loans must be repaid with interest and a specified repayment period.
What are the factors that determine need?
Income is not the only factor in determining need. Other variables are considered such as: family size, number of family members in college, age of older parent, savings, investments, and various allowances to income and assets.
In order to receive financial aid do I have to apply every year?
Yes. In order to be considered for all programs you must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov each year.
I missed the March 1 application deadline, can I still apply for financial aid?
Yes, students may still apply for a student loan or a Pell Grant since there is no specific deadline for these two federal programs.
What is MSU's Title IV federal school code?
Our federal school code is: 003807.
Will I be required to submit additional forms to MSU other than the FAFSA?
Possibly, if you are selected for verification, the Virtual Financial Aid Office (VFAO) will contact you about what additional forms are necessary. Pay close attention to your email and you may also log on to your student financial aid account at the virtual office any time to check the status of your aid.
How do I apply for MSU Scholarships?
You need not apply for scholarships at MSU. All students are included in the search for eligibility based on merit and need.
How can I apply for work study?
Visit our Federal Work Study website at https://mountainstate.vfao.com/. You can download the application and handbook there.
Do I need to submit tax returns?
Only if the VFAO office sends a letter requesting that the forms be submitted as part of the verification process.
What does it take to be considered an independent student?
Step Three of the FAFSA is used to identify students as either dependent or independent, the definition is different when determining the status with financial aid as it is with federal taxes. To be considered an independent student, you must answer 'Yes' to at least one of the six questions listed in this step.
If my parents are separated or divorced, whose income is reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?
The parent you presently live with should complete the FAFSA. If the parent you live with has remarried, the income of that parent and their new spouse (step-parent) must be used.
Will the financial aid offered at one school transfer to another school?
No. A student’s Financial Aid will not transfer from school to school. Students who plan to transfer to another school should contact the Financial Aid Office at both schools to find out what is required.
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