Applying for aid is a process you'll go through each year you’re here.

We give priority consideration to new students who apply by April 15. Later applicants are offered financial aid on a first-come, first-served basis. The priority deadline for returning students is May 10.

1. Complete your FAFSA.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to determine eligibility for need-based federal, state, and Bethel grants. It's also required of students and parents interested in government education loans and work study. Here’s what you should do:

The FAFSA for the 2022-2023 academic year is available beginning October 1, 2021 and requires information from your 2020 Federal Income Tax Return. The FAFSA for the 2023-2024 academic year is available beginning October 1, 2022 and requires information from your 2021 Federal Income Tax Return.

If you have never completed a FAFSA before, you will be required to create an FSA ID. Students, parents and borrowers are required to use a FSA ID, made up of a username and password, to access certain U.S. Department of Education websites. Your FSA ID is used to confirm your identity when accessing your financial aid information and electronically signing your federal student aid documents. Please create your FSA ID before you start the FAFSA.

Once you have an FSA ID you can complete and submit your FAFSA. Please make sure to select the right school year for your application.

2022-2023 School Year is from August 29, 2022 - May 26, 2023.

2023-2024 School Year is from August 28, 2023 - May 24, 2024.

Be sure to include Bethel University (code #002338) on the list of schools to receive your FAFSA information. Also, we advise that you use the Data Retrieval tool when completing your FAFSA to electronically link your tax information from the IRS into your FAFSA.

If you want to be considered for all types of aid, you will need to complete the FAFSA. Opting not to complete the FAFSA means you will not be considered for any state, federal or need based institutional aid which includes: MSG, Pell Grant, Bethel Grant/Bethel Opportunity Grant, federal subsidized and unsubsidized loans, nor can you apply for a direct Parent PLUS loan. Please tell us if you are choosing to opt out of completing the FAFSA.

2. Complete the Bethel Financial Aid Application.

If you are a new student for 2023-2024 (incoming freshman or transfer student), we ask that you submit the Bethel University 2023-2024 CAS Financial Aid Application. This will allow us to prepare the best financial offer possible for you. If we don't receive the completed application from you by March 1, 2023, we will process your financial aid package with the information we have. Returning students do not need to submit this form.

3. Apply for additional aid.

Some scholarships and grants aren’t awarded through the FAFSA. Check your eligibility and apply for additional gift aid.  

Returning students are eligible to apply for Departmental Scholarships, which are awarded upon the recommendation of Bethel professors and staff. The application process for Departmental Scholarships is only available between December 1 and February 10.

Don't forget to research private or community-based scholarships.

4. Review your financial aid offer.

We start mailing out financial aid offers in early January for the coming fall. You should receive your award within 2-3 weeks of submitting all required application materials. You can also access your financial aid offer through your Financial Aid Requirements channel in MyBethel. Click Financial Aid Award and select the appropriate academic year from the dropdown list.