Frequently Asked Questions & Financial Aid Policies

Can I receive financial aid if I participate in an off campus program such as study abroad?
Beginning Fall 2022, students are charged the actual price of the study abroad program plus a fee for Bethel's administrative costs. Only non-Bethel offered aid, such as grants, outside scholarships and loans are available for semester-long study abroad programs. If you have questions, please contact your financial aid counselor.

Will repeating a class to improve my grade point average affect my financial aid?
On occasion, you may repeat a course to improve your grade point average. You may receive financial aid for the course provided you earned a grade of “W” or “F” on the original course, or you only passed the course once.

What happens to my aid if I receive a private scholarship?
A scholarship may reduce your work and/or loan eligibility to keep your total aid package within federal limits. Bethel-controlled grants and scholarships are reduced if total gift aid from all sources exceeds the financial aid budget for tuition, fees, room, board, books, and supplies.

What happens to my aid if I receive military benefits?
Bethel-controlled grants and scholarships will be reduced if students' total military benefits, grants and scholarships exceed the financial aid budget for tuition, fees, room, board, books and supplies. If you have any questions about this policy and how it would impact your financial aid, please contact your financial aid counselor.

Can I use financial aid to pay my rent if I live off campus?
Yes, if your financial aid exceeds your institutional charges. Contact the Business Office to receive a credit balance from your student account.

How many credits do I need to qualify for financial aid?
Students must be full time to receive non-need-based Bethel scholarships. If you’re considering enrolling part time (1-11 credits), dropping credits, or withdrawing from college mid-term, contact the Office of Financial Aid to determine any financial aid impact these changes may produce. Full time is 12 or more credits per semester, half time is 6 credits per semester.

When is financial aid applied to my student account?
Grants and scholarships from Bethel are normally divided equally between fall and spring terms and applied to your account about one week before the beginning of the term. The Office of Financial Aid won’t disburse funds if requests for additional information or requirements are not met. Loans are applied to student accounts after the funds are received, on or about the first day of class. Private scholarships will be applied to your account when we receive the funds.

Do I need to re-apply for financial aid each year?
Yes. You need to complete a new FAFSA each year. May 10 is the priority deadline for the following fall.

Can I get financial aid during the summer?
Institutional grants and scholarships are not available during the summer. However, private or federal loans are still available during the summer term.

What if I get married? 
Students do not always receive a better financial aid package because they are married. To determine whether it’s best for you to complete your FAFSA before you get married or after, visit www.ohe.state.mn.us/Estimator/firstQuestions.cfm. Complete two estimates, one as a single student (using parents’ data) and one as a married independent student (using your future spouse’s data). Print the results of your estimates, then schedule an appointment with a Bethel financial aid counselor to discuss the results. Bring copies of both estimate results to your appointment.

What if I drop credits or withdraw from Bethel? 
If you’re considering dropping credits or withdrawing totally from classes during a term, contact the Office of Financial Aid to determine the impact those changes may have.

What if my family's financial situation has changed?
You can complete an appeal form if your family has experienced either reduced income or unusual financial challenges. Visit bethel.edu/undergrad/financial-aid/apply/special-circumstances for the appeal form.