Tuition & Financial Aid
Applying for Federal Aid
Steps to apply for federal financial aid
STEP 1—Get a PIN*
Request a personal identification number (PIN) from the U.S. Department of Education. Your PIN will be emailed to you within 24 hours.
STEP 2—Submit your FAFSA
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), as required by the U.S. Department of Education.
What do I need to complete the FAFSA?
Have your tax return and bank statements available.
Capella school code: 032673
For help, call 1.800.4FEDAID (1.800.433.3243) or call financial aid at Capella: 1.866.808.8681.
Student Aid Report
After your FAFSA is processed you'll receive your Student Aid Report (SAR), which summarizes the information you reported on the FAFSA. Capella will also get a copy of your SAR if you entered the school code (032673) on the FAFSA. Review your SAR for accuracy; it will include instructions on how to make corrections.
Federal Verification
The U.S. Department of Education randomly selects over 30% of all federal aid applications to review for accuracy. If you're selected, Capella will walk you through the steps of Federal Verification.
STEP 3—Complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN)
A Master Promissory Note (MPN) is the contract between you and your lender that states the terms and conditions under which you promise to repay the loan. Important: Keep this document until the loan has been repaid.
Complete a Direct Loan Program Master Promissory Note and click on "Sign Master Promissory Note." You will need your Department of Education PIN.
Loan entrance counseling
The U.S. Department of Education requires you to complete loan entrance counseling, which provides information about interest rates, repayment, and more. If you're borrowing Stafford and Graduate PLUS loans, online loan entrance counseling is available for both loans.
STEP 4—Report any other tuition assistance
To receive federal financial aid, you must report any other source of tuition assistance, like financial assistance from your employer, external scholarships, or VA benefits. This information must be disclosed so that you're financial aid award is accurate.
STEP 5—Certification Statement, application submission, & direct deposit
Your Certification Statement will help you understand your financial aid rights and responsibilities. This statement is also the place where you authorize your financial aid funds to be applied toward any outstanding balance at Capella, and any remaining aid to be refunded directly to you.
Review and submit your application
Review your application carefully to make sure that all of the information is accurate and that you've completed all necessary steps before you submit the FAFSA. You can't make changes after it's submitted.
Optional direct deposit
If you're entitled to a financial aid refund, you can receive it faster by having it deposited directly into your checking or savings account. You'll have to complete a form authorizing the direct deposit. Make sure to double-check the account information you provide, because errors will cause delays in receiving your refund.
We can help
If you have questions or concerns about federal financial aid, email Capella's financial aid office at fao@capella.edu or call 1.866.808.8681.