Step 1

Obtain a PIN (Personal Identification Number) at www.pin.ed.gov.  

Every student, and at least one (1) parent must have a PIN.  

You will use your PIN number to electronically sign your online FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).  The FAFSA form is the Department of Education's electronic application for federal student aid.

Step 2

Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at www.fafsa.ed.gov

The school will  use the information from the FAFSA form to to determine if you qualify to receive federal student aid from the PELL grant and or loans.

You must include the School Code 002892 for the Merchant Marine Academy to receive you student aid report from FAFSA.

Step 3

Once you receive your Student Aid Report from FAFSA, the Department of Education will inform you if you have been selected for review in a process called verification.  If your application is selected for verification, you must complete and submit the items below. 

If your application is not selected for verification skip to Step 4 (Click here)

1. Complete the Verification form 2007-2008 USMMA Verification for Financial Aid

2. Submit photocopies of the signed and dated copies of your and your parent's 2006 Federal Income Tax Return forms to the Financial Aid Office.  Include all schedules, and W-2's for student and parent. 

3. The Financial Aid Office may require you to submit some additional documents. We will notify you of any other documents we may need.

The following should mailed to:

United States Merchant Marine Academy
Financial Aid Office
300 Steamboat Road, Admissions Center
Kings Point, NY 11024-1699

Step 4

Award Letter

If you are accepted to the Academy by the Admissions Office, you will receive an award letter by late May.

You must return your award letter to the Financial Aid Office using the enclosed envelope and indicate which types of aid you wish to accept.

If you accept a Federal Stafford loan, the Academy will certify your loan for the approved amount.  Once your loan is certified, you will need to complete a Master Promissory Note.

Step 5

Federal Loans

As a first year student or first time borrower, you will need to complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) for all federal loans.  The Academy uses American Student Assistance to guarantee all loans.

• Federal Stafford Loans- Complete your Master Promissory Note electronically www.usmma.edu/esign.  Click here for instructions. 

• Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Student (PLUS)- You may apply on the web www.usmma.edu/esign or by phone (800)999-9080.   Click here for instructions.

Step 6

Disbursements

Please review the disbursement schedule.  All aid is evenly disbursed each trimester. 

DISBURSEMENT SCHEDULE

If you are receiving a credit balance, you must sign up for direct deposit to your savings or checking account. 

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