Students who will be enrolled for Michigan State University College of Law and Michigan State University credits (for example, MBA courses) for the year should be aware of the financial aid awarding and disbursement rules for each school. MSU and MSU College of Law, although affiliated, are separate institutions for financial aid purposes.
Most students enrolled in a joint degree program, such as the JD/MBA, will have financial aid processed by the College of Law. However, financial aid eligibility will be determined by the number of credits a student has at either institution. If a student enrolls for more MSU credits than MSU Law credits, then MSU financial aid will be awarded. (For information about MSU financial aid programs for graduate students please visit the MSU Office of Financial Aid.)
Students with College of Law scholarships who have classes in MSU schools, such as the College of Social Work, will have College of Law scholarships adjusted to reflect payment for MSU Law courses. MSU credits, even if applicable to the student’s degree, are not covered.
If Stafford Loans are awarded to a student in a dual degree program, then Master Promissory Notes (MPNs) for MSU and MSU College of Law must be completed. The Financial Aid Office at the MSU College of Law encourages all students who will be dually enrolled to complete both MPNs to allow timely disbursement of any Stafford Loan funds for which students qualify. The MPNs may be signed electronically at www.studentloans.gov.
Students will still be able to view and accept/decline/reduce Stafford Loans through "Check Your Aid" whether they have MSU or MSU College of Law financial aid.
Students who wish to borrow a private or GradPLUS loan should contact the Financial Aid Office at the MSU College of Law for guidance. If you are enrolled with MSU-only credits, for example, you will need to apply for a GradPLUS through MSU using their federal school code (002290). (Please note that the MSU College of Law federal school code is 002254.)
Tuition for dually enrolled students is always charged at the Law level, even if only MSU courses are taken during a semester. Adjustments are then made by the MSU Student Accounts Office for the tuition difference between the Law rates and MSU rates. If students have questions about tuition charges and their bills, they may contact Laurie Schlenke in the MSU Student Accounts Office at 517-355-5053.
If you have questions about the policy or procedure outlined above, then please contact the financial aid office at the MSU College of Law at 517-432-6810 or finaid@law.msu.edu.