Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for Financial Aid?

Every student that wishes to receive any type of Financial Aid must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) every year. For Montana Tech every student must also complete a Student Data Form. The links on the right can take you to the FAFSA website and our institutional forms.

When should I apply for Financial Aid?

The priority deadline at Montana Tech is to have your FAFSA sent to the processor by March 1st of each academic year. You can apply at any time during the academic year. However, you cannot apply until January 1st for the next academic year. Montana Tech recommends that you and your parents (if needed) complete your Federal Tax Returns prior to completing the FAFSA. The FAFSA refers to line items on your federal return. It is much easier to complete the FAFSA with this information in front of you. The Federal School Code is 002531.

What is a PIN?

Please click on the luv button PIN Site (right hand side of this page). This will take you to the Department of Education's web site regarding PINs and can answer all of your questions.

Will I be asked for additional information?

You could be asked to provide copies of Federal Tax Returns and copies of W-2 forms if your Student Aid Report (SAR) is selected for a process called verification. There will also be a Verification form that will be sent to you from our office that will need to be completed and the Work Sheets A, B, & C that you used to complete the FAFSA. The Director may also request marriage licenses, birth certificates, social security cards, DD214s, social security statements, and a variety of other documents depending on situations.

Where can I find out information regarding fee waivers not related to those given as scholarships?

Please visit http://www.mus.montana.edu/financial_aid.htm.

What is an academic year?

For Montana Tech an academic year consists of Summer, Fall, and Spring Semesters. You may receive aid for any combination of semesters.

Can I receive Financial Aid for summer?

Yes. Summer Financial Aid is determined from the FAFSA application for the year you wish to receive aid. For example, you must complete the 2006-2007 FAFSA in order to receive aid for Summer 2006. Summer Financial Aid cannot be disbursed until after July 1st. If loan funds were awarded for summer, a student may have to wait an additional two weeks or more to receive their loan proceeds. You do not receive additional Financial Aid to attend summer per se. More than likely, your aid will be divided in three installments rather than two. Pell Grants are paid according to the number of credits a student takes. For example, if a student is full time summer, fall, and spring, the student will receive half of their Pell for summer and half for fall. There will be no Pell Grant left for spring semester.

*For more information about summer financial aid, please see the Financial Aid Office.