The main factor of eligibility is your financial need. All students, regardless of family income level, are encouraged to apply. By comparing the cost of attending Murray State University with your and your parents’ ability to finance your education, your need is evaluated. The Student Financial Aid Office then tries to meet that need. The information for making that evaluation comes from the Student Financial Aid application and from the FAFSA (off-site link)or from other applications. Enrollment in a program of study abroad approved for credit by Murray State may be considered enrollment for purposes of applying for federal student financial assistance.

By properly completing and submitting the appropriate financial aid applications on a timely basis, you will be considered for the Pell Grant and/or state grants.

Other awards will then be made based upon the program choices you listed on your MSU application. The MSU Financial Aid Office will follow federal guidelines giving priority to students having the greatest need. Preference will also be given for eligible Federal Perkins Student Loan and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant applicants who file their applications by the April 1 date. Federal regulations require that applicants for federal financial aid be citizens or national of the United States.

Selection of students also depends upon the guidelines of each individual aid program and the availability of funds.

Scholarships are given based on academic ability or performance.

Over 70 percent of the student at Murray State receive some kind of financial aid from federal, state or university sources. You will be notified by a letter of the final decision on your application.