All provisions within this catalog are subject to change without notice. If you have questions or comments, please contact admissions@gfcmsu.edu.

Financial Aid Programs

The following federal and state programs are available at Great Falls College Montana State University. Eligibility is determined through the FAFSA application.

Federal Direct Subsidized Loans/Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans/Federal Direct Parent Plus Loans

Federal student loans are a form of self-help aid for students enrolled in an eligible program of study. Student eligibility is determined by the FAFSA, which determines whether loan funds are need-based or non-need-based. Students must be enrolled at least ½ time (6 credits or more) to qualify for funding and must be otherwise eligible for federal student aid. Student loan disbursements are made after the drop/add period for each term. A student’s enrollment status for loan eligibility is based on credits carried at the end of the drop/add period for the term. Student loans are aid that must be repaid once a student ceases enrollment.

Deferment and/or forbearance provisions for a variety of situations may be available.

Federal Pell Grant

A Federal Pell Grant is a form of gift aid for students enrolled in an eligible program of study who do not already have a bachelor’s degree. The amount of the Federal Pell Grant is determined by the Expected Family Contribution on the federal Student Aid Report and the number of credits in which the student is enrolled. Federal Pell Grant disbursements are made after the drop/add period for each term. A student’s enrollment status for Federal Pell Grant eligibility is based on credits carried at the end of the drop/add period for the term.

Students are limited to the equivalent of 12 full time semesters of Pell Grant eligibility for undergraduate work for their lifetime.

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants are a form of gift aid. Student eligibility is determined by completing the FAFSA. Preference for the FSEOG is given to students who have Federal Pell Grant eligibility and who are early applicants. Funding is limited and is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Federal Work-Study

The Federal Work-Study Program offers part-time employment for eligible students. Students seeking eligibility under this program must complete the FAFSA. A student’s earnings are limited to the amount awarded through the Financial Aid Office. Federal Work-Study students are paid every other week according to the campus payroll schedule. Federal Work-Study jobs may be on campus or in an off-campus community service organization. Funding is limited and is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

State Work-Study

The state Work-Study Program offers part-time employment for eligible students who are Montana residents and enrolled full-time. Students seeking eligibility under this program must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). A student’s earnings are limited to the amount awarded through the Financial Aid Office. State Work-Study students are paid every other week according to the campus payroll schedule. State Work-Study positions are all located on campus. Funding is limited and is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.