Aid for Traditional Undergraduate Students

Each year, Bethel University awards students more than $9,000,000 of institutional funds in the form of scholarships and grants.

While the financial responsibility for a college education rests primarily with the student and parents, Bethel University is committed to helping students find the financial resources to assist in paying their college bill.

All students seeking assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine qualification for federal or state assistance programs for federal or state assistance programs, as well as additional grants that are need-based. You can complete the FAFSA online by visiting FAFSA.ed.gov after Oct. 1 each year, prior to the fall semester you plan to attend.

Note:

All federal, state and institutional grants and scholarships will post to your student account at the start of each semester, once all requirements have been met. Some grants or scholarships may have minimum enrollment or housing requirements; endowed scholarships often require a thank-you note from the recipient to be sent to the donor. Some federal programs require additional steps to be completed prior to funds being released, such as the direct loan and TEACH grant.

New to Bethel?

1. Apply and be accepted to Bethel University

Financial aid is awarded to accepted students and are automatically considered for a merit award from Bethel.

Apply to Bethel

2. Complete the FAFSA using your FSA ID

The FAFSA is available each year on October 1. Be sure to add the Bethel University school code: 001787 to your FAFSA so we will receive a copy. Priority filing date for Bethel is March 1. The filing deadline for the state of Indiana is April 15. You will need your FSA ID to sign and submit your FAFSA. Apply for a FSA ID here.

3. Watch the Mail

We will begin mailing completed award packets to your home address after Nov. 1. Note: some students might be selected for the verification process. If so, you may be asked to submit additional information to our office.

4. Search for More Scholarships and Grants

Continue to look for additional scholarships through outside sources. Find some helpful tips and search suggestions. Don’t forget to ask your church about a Church Matching Scholarship!

5. Apply for Student Loans

If you plan to utilize the Federal Direct Loans we have offered, you may begin that process after May 1. For step-by-step instructions, go to our Loans page.

6. Sign up for a semester based Nelnet payment plan, if needed

The college offers a 5-month payment plan, using Nelnet. Learn more in the Student Account section.

Already a Bethel Pilot?

1. Complete the FAFSA each year using your FSA ID

The FAFSA is available each year on Oct.1. Be sure to add the Bethel University school code: 001787 to your FAFSA so we will receive a copy. Priority filing date for Bethel is March 1. The filing deadline for the state of Indiana is April 15.

2. Watch the Mail

We will begin mailing completed award packets to your home address after February 1. Note: some students might be selected for the verification process. If so, you may be asked to submit additional information to our office.

3. Search for More Scholarships and Grants

Continue to look for additional scholarships through outside sources. Find some helpful tips and search suggestions here. Don’t forget to ask your church about a Church Matching Scholarship!

4. Sign up for a semester based Nelnet payment plan, if needed

The college offers a 5-month payment plan, using Nelnet. Learn more in the Student Account section.

Watch Mail

Rohr Realizes the Dream of Attending College

Sophomore Keri Rohr, an education major from Nappanee, Ind., was recently named a "Realizing the Dream" recipient at the organization's annual banquet in Indianapolis, and awarded a $2,500 grant toward her college expenses. "Realizing the Dream," funded by the Lilly Endowment Inc. since 1989, is an Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) program for first-generation college sophomores who graduated from Indiana high schools and attend an ICI college or university. To be eligible, students must achieve a superior grape point average their freshman year, and have demonstrated leadership in activities on campus or in the community.

Each student is asked to designate an elementary or secondary teacher or mentor who had the greatest influence in enlarging their educational horizons. At the banquet, teachers/mentors receive a $1,000 professional development grant. Rohr selected Gary Miller, her elementary teacher, to honor.

"It meant a lot to me to receive the scholarship," says Rohr. "Not only am I happy that I was rewarded for my hard work but it makes me happy that I could give back to a teacher. Mr. Miller had a lasting impact on my life and on the teacher that I want to become so I am so thankful that I could reward him as well."

Rohr plans to pass her love of education on to the next generation after graduating from Bethel.

Learn more about scholarship opportunities at Bethel.