Financial Aid

How to apply for financial aid

Bethel University is committed to helping every student access the resources they need to fund their education. Filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the single most important step you can take. The FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal grants, state awards, institutional need-based aid, loans, and work-study.

Bethel's Federal School Code: 003480

1. Submit your FAFSA
Complete and submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online. The FAFSA opens on October 1 of each year.

In-Person Undergraduate Students:
Bethel’s priority deadline to file the FAFSA for Spring is December 1 and for Fall is February 1. Bethel has limited funds and filing your FAFSA before the priority deadline will allow us to award the maximum funds possible.

Adult Degree & Graduate Programs
Students applying for Bethel's adult degree and graduate programs should file their FAFSA as soon as possible.
To make sure we receive your information, include Bethel University’s Title IV school code — 003480 — on your application. This helps our Financial Aid Office begin creating your aid package as soon as possible.
2. Check your Student Aid Report
After you submit your FAFSA, you’ll receive a Student Aid Summary (SAS) by email from the U.S. Department of Education. Be sure to review it carefully for accuracy and follow any instructions provided. If you notice any errors, make the necessary corrections and submit an updated FAFSA. Bethel will automatically receive your information from the federal processor.
Verification
Some FAFSA applications are randomly selected for verification. If selected, you'll receive a notification through your Bethel student email and ePortal with instructions on which documents to submit. Common documents include IRS tax return transcripts, verification worksheets, and identity statements.
Important: Your financial aid will not be finalized until all verification documents have been received and reviewed. Submit materials as quickly as possible to avoid delays.
3. Apply for other Bethel Scholarships
When you apply to Bethel, you will automatically be considered our Academic Merit Scholarships. Some Bethel scholarships may require a separate application.

Students interested in Athletics should indicate their interest through one of Bethel's coaches, an information request or through their application. Bethel's Athletics program will then assess the student's athletic talent and award a scholarship offer. Students are required to sign a contract to accept their scholarship offer.
Students interested in Renaissance should indicate their interest in the program through an information request or through their application. Students who successfully audition and are offered a Renaissance scholarship are required to sign a contract to accept their scholarship offer.
Students in Adult Degree Programs
If you have received a Bethel Scholarship through a partner, you must notify your admissions counselor of the scholarship you've been awarded so that it can be added to your financial aid package.
4. Sign Contracts (if applicable)
Students who have been offered a contract from Athletics or Renaissance must sign their scholarship contracts before their financial aid can be awarded.

When you receive your contract, please be sure to read it carefully and make note of any requirements necessary to retain your scholarship.

Once you have filed your FAFSA and signed your contract, Bethel's financial aid office can complete your financial aid package.
5. Receive your Financial Aid Offer & Sign your Financial Aid Contract
Once Bethel's Financial Aid Office has received and reviewed your FAFSA, you will receive a financial aid award notification via your application portal if you are a new student or your Bethel student email if you are a current student. Your award may include grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study.
Review your award carefully. Your notification includes the types and amounts of aid offered, along with any conditions or requirements.
Check your ePortal. Outstanding requirements, verification documents, and updates will be communicated through your ePortal and student email.
Review the Cost of Attendance page on the SFS website to estimate your total expenses and plan accordingly.
Report outside scholarships. You are required to report any scholarships or benefits from sources outside Bethel. Additional assistance may require an adjustment to your package.

Maintaining your Financial Aid

To keep receiving financial aid, you must make Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and reapply by filing a new FAFSA each year.

Stay enrolled full-time. Awards are based on full-time enrollment: 12+ credit hours per semester for undergraduates, 6+ for graduate students. Dropping below full-time may reduce your aid.

Meet academic standards. Maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA (undergrad) or 3.0 GPA (graduate), earn at least 66.67% of attempted credit hours, and complete your program within 150% of the published length.

File the FAFSA every year. Aid amounts may change from year to year based on your financial circumstances and available funding.

See the Satisfactory Academic Progress page for complete details on SAP standards, warnings, and the appeals process.

Learn more about SAP

Understanding Your Financial Aid

Your financial aid award may include funding from several different sources. This section explains the federal and state programs available to Bethel students, what each type of aid means, and how to maintain your eligibility throughout your time at Bethel.

Conditions of Your Financial Aid Award

Financial aid is awarded for the designated academic year only. Awards are based on full-time enrollment: undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours per semester, and graduate students in at least 6 credit hours. Reductions in enrollment may result in adjustments to your award.

Processed financial aid applies directly to your student account. Institutional scholarships are awarded for the fall and spring semesters only and are not available for summer terms. Students must reapply each year by filing a new FAFSA.

All Title IV financial aid is awarded without regard to race, sex, or age. Federal and state aid programs are subject to annual congressional and legislative action, and funding may be adjusted accordingly.

Federal Financial Aid Programs

Eligibility for the following federal programs is determined by the FAFSA.

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant is awarded to undergraduate students who have not yet earned a bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree. Eligibility is based on your Student Aid Index (SAI) as calculated by the FAFSA. Pell Grant funding is limited to 12 semesters or the equivalent (600% lifetime eligibility).

Learn more about the Pell Grant at studentaid.gov

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

The SEOG Grant is awarded to Pell-eligible students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. Awards range from $500 to $4,000 per year. Funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Federal Direct Loan Program

The Federal Direct Loan Program offers government-guaranteed loans to degree-seeking students enrolled at least half-time. Repayment begins six months after a student graduates, leaves school, or drops below half-time enrollment.

Direct Subsidized Loans are need-based. The federal government pays the interest while you are enrolled at least half-time.

Direct Unsubsidized Loans are not need-based. You are responsible for the interest, which may be paid while enrolled or capitalized (added to the principal).

First-time borrowers at Bethel must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Loan Entrance Counseling at studentaid.gov before loan funds will be disbursed.

Annual Undergraduate Direct Loan Limits

Grade Level
Hours
Dependent Student*
Independent Student
First-Year
0–27
$5,500 (max $3,500 subsidized)
$9,500 (max $3,500 subsidized)
Sophomore
28–59
$6,500 (max $4,500 subsidized)
$10,500 (max $4,500 subsidized)
Junior
60–95
$7,500 (max $5,500 subsidized)
$12,500 (max $5,500 subsidized)
Senior
96+
$7,500 (max $5,500 subsidized)
$12,500 (max $5,500 subsidized)

* The total amount of financial aid received (including loans) cannot exceed the cost of attendance. If a parent is denied a Parent PLUS Loan, a dependent student may be eligible for additional Direct Unsubsidized Loan funds.

Annual Graduate Direct Loan Limit

Graduate students may borrow up to $20,500 per year in Direct Unsubsidized Loans. The total of all financial aid cannot exceed the cost of attendance.

Aggregate Loan Limits

Student Type
Aggregate Limit
Undergraduate Dependent
$31,000 (no more than $23,000 subsidized)
Undergraduate Independent
$57,500 (no more than $23,000 subsidized)
Graduate & Professional
$138,500 (no more than $65,500 subsidized)

Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan

Available to credit-worthy parents of dependent undergraduate students. Parents may borrow up to the cost of attendance minus any other financial aid the student receives. Repayment begins within 60 days of final disbursement, with a standard ten-year term. Parents may request deferment until six months after the student drops below half-time enrollment. If a parent is denied a PLUS Loan, the student may be eligible for additional unsubsidized loan funds.

Apply for a Parent PLUS Loan at studentaid.gov

Federal Work-Study Program

The Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program provides part-time campus employment for students with demonstrated financial need. Students earn a paycheck for hours worked — work-study is not automatically applied to your student account. You may choose to apply earnings toward your balance through the Business Office. FWS funds are limited.

TEACH Grant

The TEACH Grant provides up to $4,000 per year to students completing coursework to begin a teaching career. Recipients must sign a TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve, committing to teach in a high-need subject area at a low-income school for at least four years within eight years of completing their program. If the service obligation is not met, the grant converts to a Direct Unsubsidized Loan with interest accrued from the date of disbursement.

Learn more about the TEACH Grant at studentaid.gov

Tennessee State Financial Aid Programs

Tennessee residents may be eligible for the following state-funded programs. Most require the FAFSA and are administered through the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC).

Explore all Tennessee financial aid programs

Tennessee Student Assistance Award (TSAA)

Awarded to Tennessee residents with demonstrated financial need. Students must be enrolled at least half-time. Funds are limited and awarded first-come, first-served — file the FAFSA as early as possible after October 1.

Bethel's TSAA school code: 12

Full-time award amount: $4,000

Note: The TSAA is assigned to the first Tennessee school listed on your FAFSA. Update your school choice through the TSAC Student Portal.

Learn more about TSAA

Tennessee HOPE Scholarship

Funded by the state lottery, HOPE provides financial assistance to Tennessee residents at eligible institutions.

HOPE for Traditional Students: Awarded to entering freshmen who enroll within 16 months of graduating from a Tennessee eligible high school.

HOPE for Non-Traditional Students: Available to independent Tennessee residents who have not yet earned a bachelor's degree and have a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA after 12 attempted credit hours.

Learn more about the Hope Scholarship

Tennessee Promise

A last-dollar scholarship for students enrolled full-time in an eligible associate degree program. Requires participation in a mentoring program and 8 hours of community service per enrolled term.

Learn more about Tennessee Promise

Tennessee Reconnect Grant

Available to non-traditional Tennessee residents enrolled in an eligible associate degree program who are classified as independent on the FAFSA and have not yet earned an associate or higher degree. This is a last-dollar grant — the award may be reduced by other grants and scholarships received.

Learn more about TN Reconnect

Other Tennessee Aid

Additional grants and scholarships may be available to Tennessee residents based on academic achievement and other criteria.