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Students who apply for financial aid are considered for all aid programs for which they are eligible. The most common types of financial aid are listed below: 

Grants

Grants are awarded to undergraduate students who have not earned their first bachelor’s degree. Grants prorate for students enrolled in less than full-time in a term. Eligibility is determined using the information reported in the FAFSA and reviewed by the Financial Aid Office.   

Federal Pell Grant

Federal Pell Grants are awarded to undergraduate students who have not earned their first bachelor’s degree and have not reached the Pell Grant Lifetime Eligibility limit. Pell eligibility is determined by a formula developed by the U.S. Congress and is applied consistently to all applicants using the information reported in the FAFSA. 

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

This grant is awarded to undergraduate students who have not earned their first bachelor’s degree and have financial need. Priority is given to students who receive Pell Grants and have high financial need (i.e. the lowest Expected Family Contribution or “EFC”) as determined by a formula developed by the U.S. Congress and is applied consistently to all applicants using the information reported in the FAFSA. 

State & Institutional Grants

To qualify for one of the state or institutional grants, a student must be a Montana resident, be eligible for financial aid, and be an undergraduate who has not earned their first bachelor’s degree. Enrollment in at least six credits is required for most state grants. Eligibility for these funds are determined by using the information reported in the FAFSA. 

Work-Study and Student Employment 

Federal and State Work-Study Programs

The federal and state work-study programs provide students with part-time employment both on-campus and off-campus (off-campus work-study jobs are limited to community service employment). Students can request to be considered for work-study by answering ‘yes’ to the “Interested in Work-Study” question on the FAFSA. Eligibility is determined using the information reported in the FAFSA. For more information visit our Workstudy page

Student Employment

The Job Locator and Developer (JLD) assists MSU Billings students in obtaining part-time employment in the community. Area businesses list job opportunities with the Job Locator. The Job Locator Service is free to all MSU Billings students and is not based on financial need. Students who are interested in obtaining employment should refer to the Career Link  for available job listings. 

Loans

Loans are a major source of financial aid for students.  Student loans must be repaid after the student graduates, withdraws from school, or drops below six-credits in a semester.  Interest rates, grace periods, and repayment requirements vary depending on the type of loan.  For more information visit our Loans page

MSUB Scholarships

MSU Billings awards $1.5 million in scholarships each year.  To be considered for all MSUB scholarships students must complete the General Scholarship Application online. Priority is given to those who apply by February 1st of each year for the upcoming fall semester, however late applications are encouraged as awarding occurs all year long. 

Tuition Waivers

MSU Billings has tuition waivers for veterans, American Indians, faculty and staff (and their dependents), advanced honor students, athletes, graduate students, war orphans, dependents of firemen and policemen killed in the line of duty, and students with certain majors. Eligibility and selection criteria vary. Certain waivers require a separate application form and in some cases additional documentation in order to qualify. To be eligible for Department waivers students must complete the General Scholarship Application by the February 1st priority date. Inquire at the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships for specific information regarding tuition waivers. For more information visit the Montana University System website

Other Programs Available

Outside Scholarships

The MSU Billings Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships provides additional links and helpful tips for finding and applying for scholarships on our Scholarships website.

State Vocational Rehabilitation Service

Students with disabilities may qualify for educational assistance through the Montana Department of Social and Rehabilitation Service.  Contact your local office for more information.

Tribal Higher Education Funding

Tribal Higher Education Funding is available for many American Indian students. Each Tribe determines eligibility based on its criteria and standards. Students should contact their Tribal Higher Education office for more information. Tribes require the MSUB Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships to complete a needs analysis form. We recommend that students submit this form to the MSUB Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at least two weeks prior to the tribal deadline.

Veterans’ Benefits

Students may apply for veterans’ educational benefits through the Veterans Administration. For more information, students should contact the MSUB Office of Admissions and Records or their local Veterans Administration office. For more information on additional services offered for veterans visit our Veterans webpage.