Applying for Financial Aid
Financial aid may be a way for you to move ahead with your education goals. As soon as you apply for financial aid, please be sure to complete your enrollment steps.
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Navigate the Financial Aid Application Process in 10 Easy-to-Follow Steps
- To apply for federal financial aid, please submit your initial Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid (FAFSA) during the admissions. process. If you choose to wait until after you've already started classes, you have until June 30th of each year to complete the FAFSA. The annual priority deadline to renew your FAFSA is March 30th. Use the Bellevue University School Code on the FAFSA - 002538.
Don't assume you don't qualify for federal aid. Many students are eligible to receive some amount of aid based on the information submitted, and many scholarships are based on part of this information as well.
- Submit a scholarship application (Make sure you submit a FAFSA first.) Some scholarships are need-based; others are awarded based on interests, activities, demographics, and many more criteria.
- Respond to any requests for verification of the information reported on your FAFSA.
- Check your financial aid status in the Financial Aid Portal system to ensure you have no outstanding “to do” items.
- View your financial aid award. It will be displayed in your BRUIN student account when it is available. After you log in, select the financial aid tile to access your financial aid portal. Your financial aid award cannot be calculated until you have completed all your enrollment steps. Just check with your Admissions Counselor if you have questions on your enrollment status.
- Accept, Adjust or Decline any grants, Federal Direct Loans, or Federal Work-Study you have been awarded in your BRUIN student account. After you log in, select the financial aid tile to access your financial aid portal. From your financial aid portal, select financial aid on the left, and then locate the "Review and Update" option under the financial aid award you would like to adjust/accept/decline.
- Complete Master Promissory Notes and entrance counseling requirements for any Federal Direct Loans you have been awarded. Locate the Promissory note under the "Complete Aid Process" section.
- Submit a completed PLUS Loan Application every year - IF your parent wishes to be considered for this loan. Make sure your parent/guardian borrower completes the online Master Promissory Note (MPN) as needed. If you are a graduate student, you may wish to apply for a Graduate PLUS Loan. Locate the PLUS loan application under the "Apply for Aid" Section.
- Keep your financial aid coming:
This means maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress in your course of study and remaining enrolled for the minimum number of hours required for the financial aid programs you receive. Once you have financial aid, you must do certain things to keep it, including maintaining the GPA required by your award and/or academic program.
- View how your aid is distributed:
The Disbursement of Financial Aid page offers more information on how your aid funds will be distributed and applied to your student account or refunded to you for other college expenses.
What Happens Next? A Guide to Financial Aid at Bellevue
At Bellevue, we understand that financial aid plays a crucial role in making higher education accessible to students. We strive to provide a transparent and efficient financial aid application process. In this section, we will outline what happens after you submit your financial aid application, addressing important factors such as processing time, enrollment status, and how it can impact your financial aid awards.
Application Processing and Initial Results
Once you have submitted your financial aid application, Bellevue prioritizes processing applications for all eligible students. We aim to provide you with the initial results of your financial aid application within days of your admission, given that certain criteria are met:
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a. General Qualifications: To be eligible for financial aid at Bellevue, you must meet the general qualifications set forth by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). These qualifications include being a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen, having a valid Social Security number, maintaining satisfactory academic progress, and more.
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b. FAFSA on File: It is essential to have a completed and accurate FAFSA on file with our financial aid office. The information provided in your FAFSA will determine your eligibility for various federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs.
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c. Documentation Requirements: Any documents required to make a decision on your financial aid eligibility must be resolved. These documents may include tax returns, verification documents, or other specific forms requested by our office.
Enrollment and Financial Aid Awards
Your enrollment status can have an impact on the type and amount of financial aid you receive at Bellevue. It is important to understand how enrollment affects your financial aid awards:
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a. Non-Traditional Calendar of Classes: Bellevue offers both traditional and non-traditional calendar options. Students enrolled in the non-traditional calendar may be eligible for accelerated financial aid awards, which can be disbursed more quickly compared to the traditional calendar. These accelerated awards are designed to accommodate the unique schedule of non-traditional programs.
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b. Enrollment Requirements: To qualify for federal student loans, it is necessary to be enrolled at least halftime (typically six credit hours per semester). However, please note that the specific enrollment requirements may vary depending on the type of aid or program. It is essential to review the eligibility criteria for each financial aid program you are applying for.
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c. Impact on Federal Grant Amounts: Federal grants, such as the Pell Grant, are typically awarded based on full-time enrollment status. If you are not enrolled full-time, your grant amounts may be adjusted accordingly. It is crucial to be aware of these adjustments to plan your financial resources effectively.
What if I have additional questions about financial aid?
For your questions about financial aid, billing, or payment, contact our financial services team at BRUIN Support:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1.800.756.7920 or 1.402.293.2000
Phone Hours:
Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
All hours are Central Time Zone
OneStop Welcome Center (walk-in office hours):
Monday - Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Check out these other important financial aid sites: