Getting Started

Everything you need to know about student financial aid is right here.

The menu to the left will tell you everything you need to know about getting financial aid at Bay State. Financial aid is available to those who qualify, and we are here to guide you every step of the way, from your first questions through your final application.

Every student has different needs. We’ll put the right package together for you.

Financial Aid is available to those who qualify. Our college financial aid staff works one on one with every student. Whether you’re seeking scholarships and grants, loans, payment plans, or some combination, we can guide you to find out what is best for your specific situation.

Have specific questions? Get directly in touch to get your answers. Please feel free to call the financial aid department at 617.217.9000.

Just follow these 5 easy steps!

1. Apply for a U.S. Department of Education PIN

   • If you do not already have a PIN, go to www.pin.ed.gov and click on the "Apply for a PIN" icon and follow the instructions.
   • If you are a dependent student, please also have one of your parents apply for a PIN.
   • You will receive a confirmation page once you have completed the PIN process.
   • See Related Links to the right for more information

2. Collect financial documents and complete the 2011-2012 FAFSA online

   • Before completing the FAFSA, make certain to have your PIN and your 2010 TAX RETURN in hand. If you have not completed your tax return, we recommend you use estimates and provide corrections upon completing your actual tax return. If you have already filed a tax return, but are in need of a copy, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to request a tax transcript.
   • Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov and select "Filling out a FAFSA."
   • Select "Fill out a FAFSA" if this is your first time completing the FAFSA. If you are "Renewing" or "Making Corrections" to your FAFSA, you should select either of the appropriate options.
   • Read the instructions and scroll down to select "2011–2012 FAFSA."
   • If you meet the browser requirements select "Next" and then select "Yes" to sign your application using your PIN.
   • Next you will CONFIRM YOUR IDENTITY and CREATE YOUR PASSWORD and then enter the information requested to complete the FAFSA. Please utilize School Code 003965 for Bay State College.
   • If you are a dependent student, your parent should e-sign the FAFSA utilizing their PIN.

3. Complete the Federal Stafford Loan Entrance counseling

   • If you are a first-time Bay State College student loan borrower, you are required to complete student loan Entrance counseling and an electronic Stafford Master Promissory Note.
   • Select "Stafford Entrance" from the site menu under "Stafford Loan Counseling Interview." Complete Step 1 by selecting "Massachusetts" for the state and "Bay State College" for the school to begin loan counseling. When you have successfully completed the loan counseling, you will see a confirmation page and receive a confirmation number. In addition, Bay State College will be notified electronically that you have successfully completed your required Entrance Counseling.

4. Complete the Federal Stafford Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN)

   • To complete your electronic Stafford Master Promissory Note, go to www.studentloans.gov. Click on the green "Sign In" button (top left).
   • Enter your social, first 2 letters of last name, date of birth, and FAFSA pin number.
   • Click "Complete Master Promissory Note".
   • Click "Subsidized/Unsubsidized" loans and begin to follow the instructions for completing and signing your electronic Master Promissory Note (MPN).

5. Call the Financial Aid office to set up an appointment with your individual Financial Aid Counselor

   • Your Financial Aid Counselor will work with you and your family to ensure that you have all the information necessary to make financial decisions that will allow you the opportunity to attend Bay State College.