Financial Aid

To apply for financial aid, a student must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the Central Processor indentified in the application. The FAFSA is required for nearly every form of financial aid at the University. Electronic forms are available on line at the University’s Virtual Financial Aid Office (www.vfao.org) or the U.S. Department of Education Web site (www.fafsa.ed.gov). Paper forms are available are MSU Martinsburg campus. It is best to submit your FAFSA electronically to ensure timely processing.

Financial aid applicants are also required to obtain a personal identification number and complete an on-line interview through the Virtual Financial Aid Office. New student loan applicants should go directly to the “Visit Your Guarantor/Apply for a Loan” page of the VFAO site.

Because it takes up to six weeks for the FAFSA to be processed, it is important to submit as early as possible. The University has established priority dates of March 1 for fall (to be considered for the West Virginia Higher Education Grant), November 1 for spring, and February 1 for summer.

FAFSAs submitted after the priority date will be processed as time allows in the order received and after completion of the financial aid file. Because many programs make funds available on a first-come, first-served basis, filing after the priority date may result in a smaller award.

The Department of Education will analyze the form and determine your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which represents the amount you and your family are expected to contribute toward your education. The EFC is compared to the University’s cost of attendance, with any difference representing the student’s financial need. The University prepares any financial aid award package based on this determination of need.

Contact information: Virtual Financial Aid Office … (877) 906-1723.
Mountain State University Martinsburg
University Center
214 Viking Way
Martinsburg , WV 25401
(304) 263-4381
(888) 612-7800
(304) 263-4674 fax