Can I receive financial aid if I participate in an off campus program such as study abroad?
Yes, as long as you’re studying in a Bethel-sponsored, off-campus program that complies with federal Satisfactory Academic Progress regulations. Bethel grants and scholarships can apply to only one semester of studying abroad. If you plan on studying abroad for multiple semesters, contact a financial aid counselor to determine the effect on your financial aid. Your gift aid will not increase if your study abroad program costs more than a semester at Bethel. You can apply for additional loans to cover the difference. Visit bethel.edu//undergrad/academics/study-abroad for additional information.
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.
Where can I find additional private scholarships (outside of Bethel)?
We encourage you to pursue scholarships outside of Bethel! Begin your search on Bethel’s website at bethel.edu/financial-aid. Also talk to your high school guidance office, your local civic organizations, and your employers (yours and your parents’).
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 is the Partnership Program?
The Partnership Scholarship provides an opportunity for church scholarships of up to $2,000/year to be matched for students. To learn more about the partnership program, visit bethel.edu/undergrad/financial-aid/types/scholarships.
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.
What is the TEACH grant and who qualifies?
If you plan to be a teacher, the TEACH grant provides up to $4,000 per year to eligible students. You must complete the FAFSA, an Agreement to Serve, and TEACH entrance counseling each year you receive a TEACH Grant. Undergraduate students must score above the 75th percentile on at least one admissions entrance test component (e.g., ACT, SAT) OR have a cumulative 3.25 GPA from your most recent schooling (high school GPA for first-year undergraduates, or college GPA for continuing and transfer students). You must serve as a full-time, highly qualified teacher in a high-need field in a school serving low-income students for a minimum of four years within eight years of completing your course of study, or this grant reverts to a Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Visit teach-ats.ed.gov/ats/index.action for additional information or to complete the agreement to serve and/or receive entrance counseling.
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.