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Financial Aid Frequently Asked Questions

What is the FAFSA and do we need to complete it?
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the first step in the financial aid process. Use it to apply for federal student financial aid, such as Pell grant, student loans and college work-study. In addition, most colleges and universities, including MSOE, use FAFSA information to award their financial aid.

For introductory instructions on how to complete the FAFSA online or on paper go to Completing the FAFSA at http://studentaid.ed.gov/completefafsa


Is it necessary to include parents' information on the FAFSA?
The IRS and U.S. Department of Education (ED) have different rules for whether or not a student is considered dependent versus independent. Moreover, a student could be considered independent by IRS rules but dependent by ED rules.  The only way a student can be considered independent for 2008-2009 by ED rules, and therefore not be required to include parental income on the FAFSA, is if the student can answer "yes" to one of the following:

  1. Were you born before January 1, 1985?
  2. At the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year, will you be working on a master's or doctorate program?
  3. As of the date you filed the FAFSA, are you married?
  4. Do you have children who receive more than half of their support from you?
  5. Do you have dependents other than your children/spouse who live with you and who receive more than half of their support from you, now and through June 30, 2009?
  6. Are (a) both of your parents deceased, or (b) are you (or were until 18) a ward/dependent of the court?
  7. Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces?
  8. Are you currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training?

If the student answers "no" to all of the above the student is required to by ED to include parental income regardless of whether or not the parents claim the student on their taxes. If the student answers "yes" to at least one of the above the student is not required by ED to include parental income, again regardless of whether or not the parents claim the student on their taxes.


If I have questions regarding the FAFSA, who do I contact?
Contact the U.S. Department of Education at (800) 4FED-AID or www.fafsa.ed.gov to:

  • Request paper FAFSA
  • Check the status of your FAFSA
  • Order a duplicate Student Aid Report (SAR)
  • Get help filing your FAFSA or correcting your SAR
  • Add MSOE's school code (003868) to your SAR
  • Obtain general student aid information


How do I apply for financial aid at MSOE?
Once you have completed and submitted the FAFSA and MSOE's Application for Admission, you will be considered for all sources of financial aid awarded by MSOE. There is no need to complete any additional paperwork.


How do we arrange to meet with an MSOE financial aid counselor?
The Financial Aid Office operates on a walk-in basis. Any available member of our office will assist you. If you prefer to make an appointment, contact our office to schedule a meeting.  

Student Life and Campus Center
Milwaukee School of Engineering
1025 N. Broadway
Milwaukee, WI  53202

Toll Free: (800) 778-7223
Local: (414) 277-7223
Fax: (414) 277-6952


Where can I find information on private scholarships?
MSOE has several resources to help you in your private scholarship search.