Step 1

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

Every student, and at least one 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 are eligible for federal grants and/or federal 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)

A. Complete the 2008-2009 USMMA Verification for Financial Aid

B. Submit signed and dated copies of the student's and parent's 2007 Federal Income Tax Return forms to the Financial Aid Office.  Include all schedules and W-2's.

C.  The Financial Aid Office will notify you if there are additional documents required.

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 incoming student and have been accepted to the Academy by the Admissions Office, you will receive an award letter by May.  If you are a returning student, you will receive your award letter after the Office of Midshipmen Fee Accounts determines your fees for the year.

Once you receive your award letter, you must check off either "accept" or "reject:" for the aid awarded, sign, and return the letter to the Financial Aid Office within ten days.

Step 5

Federal Loans

Federal Stafford Loans- As a first year student or first time borrower, you will need to complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) for all Federal Stafford loans.  Complete and electronically sign your Master Promissory Note at www.usmma.edu/esign.  If you previously had a Stafford loan at the Academy, your loan will be certified upon the receipt of your signed award letter. 

Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)- If you are first time parent borrower, you will need to complete a Master Promissory Note and apply for the loan at www.usmma.edu/esign.

If you have previously borrowed a PLUS loan at the Academy, you will need to indicate the new amount you wish to borrow and pass a credit check.  To reapply for the loan go to www.usmma.edu/esign log-in and click on Apply for PLUS loan.  

Step 6

Disbursements

The financial assistance accepted will be credited to the student's account in three equal installments, one for each trimester.  If the amount of aid exceeds the fees, there will be a credit balance.  Credit balances will be deposited to the student's account within fourteen days after the disbursement date.  It is the Academy's policy for student to receive direct deposit for all credit balances.

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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