Scholarships & Aid

An Affordable Christian Education Starts at Bethel University

Your education at Bethel University is an investment in your future. We are certain that your time at Bethel will help you become the best version of yourself, with the potential for your future to become even more than you can imagine!

Our goal is to partner with our students and families to connect them with the resources they need to help their dreams become reality. Financial aid, grants, outside scholarships, academic and athletic scholarships, loans – it can be overwhelming and confusing. While there are common steps for every institution when it comes to financial aid, there are also some unique requirements at Bethel.

Group of students

Undergraduate

A quick overview of all the information available in our financial aid section can assist you in navigating your way to an easier experience in planning to pay for your education.

Start by applying for the FAFSA. Use tools like our Net Price Calculator and then check out available scholarships, grants and sample financial aid packages.

Students living near campus in Mishawaka, South Bend, Elkhart or any other nearby community are always encouraged and welcome to make an in-person appointment with our financial aid office to discuss your unique needs and situation. If you have questions right now, our helpful Frequently Asked Questions can provide immediate answers to common questions about scholarships, tuition and fees.

Finally, we have loan information that will help you make an informed decision on how a loan can help you realize your dream of a college education.

FAFSA Information

Apply by April 15 to receive maximum aid.

To complete the FAFSA you will need the following information:

  • An FSA ID (username/password) or an email address to create one
  • Social Security Number or Alien number
  • Date of birth
  • Federal tax information
  • Bethel School Code: 001787

Scholarships

Awards and scholarships are available for all traditional undergraduate students. Scholarships, awards and grants varying in amount from $6,000 to $18,000 per academic year are available for new students!

We have additional awards for art, music, theatre, athletics, leadership, international students and ROTC.

Grants

There are other grants available through state and federal governments, as well.

Loans

Taking out a loan to help cover the cost of your education is a worthy and valuable investment.

Sample Award Packages

Jasmine Pilot: Commuter Student

Jasmine is an Indiana resident who would like to live at home. Jasmine completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by April 15, 2024.

  • SAI: -1,500
  • GPA: 3.30

JASMINE’S TOTAL FINANCIAL AID AWARD PACKAGE: $38,239

Emily Bethel: Residential Student from Out of State

Emily grew up in Illinois and attended a missionary church. She completed the FAFSA and is not eligible for the Federal Pell Grant.

  • SAI: Ineligible
  • GPA: 4.0

EMILY’S TOTAL FINANCIAL AID AWARD PACKAGE: $31,944

Alex Wilhelm: Residential Student from Indiana

Alex is an Indiana resident who would like to live on campus. Alex completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by April 15, 2024.

  • SAI: 0
  • GPA: 2.9

ALEX’S TOTAL FINANCIAL AID AWARD PACKAGE: $40,139

* Other Expenses reflect costs a family will incur during the academic year but will not actually pay to Bethel University. They include but are not limited to books and supplies, transportation costs and other personal expenses.

** EFC is the Expected Family Contribution, as calculated by the US Department of Education from information supplied on the FAFSA.

*** Direct Costs reflect the amounts that will be reflected on a student’s bill from Bethel University. They include but are not limited to tuition and fees, as well as room and board for students living on campus.

Frequently Asked Questions

How and when do I apply for financial aid?

  1. Visit StudentAid.gov.
  2. You can complete your FAFSA for the upcoming year as early as Oct. 1. The filing deadline to be considered for Indiana state grants is April 15. We recommend that you file as soon after Oct. 1 as possible, as some scholarship and grant funds can be exhausted.

What types of financial aid are offered at Bethel?

  1. Federal Aid – financial aid from the federal government is available to help you pay for education expenses. Grants (Pell, TEACH, SEOG), loans (subsidized, unsubsidized, PLUS) and work-study are types of federal student aid; you must complete the FAFSA to apply for this aid. More information regarding federal aid can be found on their site.
  2. State Aid – Indiana residents may be eligible for grants from the state of Indiana to be applied to their direct tuition costs. These grants are need-based and the FAFSA must be completed by April 15 to be considered for any applicable state grants. Read more information regarding Indiana state financial aid.
  3. Institutional Awards – Bethel University awards many types of institutional scholarships and grants to full-time undergraduate students. Awards may be based on merit or need and may be restricted to tuition costs only. Financial aid awards and policies are subject to change. Review an expanded list of institutional awards and financial aid policies.
  4. Students can apply for an alternative loan to cover remaining educational expenses, but most will need a credit-worthy cosigner. Learn more about your alternative loan options.

What do I need to do to apply for a loan?

  1. For federal direct loans (subsidized and unsubsidized), students must complete entrance counseling and sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN). This must be completed before loan funds are first disbursed for a student and will remain valid for 10 years following. Both requirements can be completed on this site, which includes step-by-step instructions.
  2. For federal PLUS loans, parents must complete the PLUS Request and sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN). The PLUS MPN only needs to be completed once in most cases, but the PLUS Request must be completed annually. Both requirements can be completed on this site, which includes step-by-step instructions.
  3. Students can apply for an alternative loan to cover remaining educational expenses, but most will need a credit-worthy cosigner. Learn more about your alternative loan options.

Meet the Financial Aid Team

You may have more questions related to scholarships or aid, and our Financial Aid team is here to answer them.

 

Adult & Graduate Studies

All scholarships and aid for our Adult & Graduate Studies programs can be found on their website.