Welcome to the Michigan Student Financial Aid Association’s home page. MSFAA is a non-profit organization that was established in 1968 to serve the interests and needs of students, families, and the financial aid profession. Members represent post-secondary institutions, lenders, guarantee agencies, government agencies, foundations and other organizations concerned with the support and administration of financial aid for students attending universities, colleges, and other higher education institutions in the state of Michigan. The Association has sought to ensure access to post-secondary education for the many students of this state through a variety of efforts in professional development, information dissemination, as well as legislative and regulatory analysis. MSFAA believes that competent and well informed agencies and administrators are vitally important if students are to receive the financial assistance to which they are entitled as they pursue post-secondary education.

If you are a student or parent, I hope you’ll find this website helpful as you explore your options for continuing your education beyond high school. During these harsh economic times, it is crucial that students and families receive the best information and guidance possible as they prepare to answer the question “How can I afford college?” Financial aid can be complex, even for those of us who must navigate its waters on a daily basis. I sincerely hope that the facts and links provided here will provide useful direction as you take your next step.

If you are a financial aid professional, I hope you’ll find not only this website, but our entire organization to be an outstanding resource. I think you will find MSFAA to be much like a family: we don’t always agree, but at the end of the day, we respect and value each other’s opinions and share common goals. Oh, and we also do manage to have some fun along the way. If we can’t laugh and cry with each other, the ones who truly understand what we are going through, then where else can we turn?

I encourage you to become involved in MSFAA, no matter what level of expertise you think you have. Volunteering is rewarding both personally and professionally. Everyone has unique talents and gifts—everyone can make a difference. You will not find a more dedicated, industrious, or friendly group. We take our roles and our goals very seriously, but we also realize how important professional camaraderie is during such uncertain times. I would be happy to answer any questions you may have about serving on a committee or volunteering to serve in any other way. You can contact me at robwirt@ferris.edu. MSFAA’s theme for 2010 is “Living the Dream: Appreciating, Celebrating, and Sharing All We Have During Difficult Times” and I hope you will join us for what promises to be an eventful year.