Financial Aid Terms and Policies

Cost of Attendance – The cost of attendance is a comprehensive estimate of a family’s educational costs for an academic year. It includes costs paid directly to the institution (Direct Costs) as well as additional expenses, like transportation, books and other supplies.
Direct Costs – The direct costs are determined by the institution annually, and includes the university costs for tuition, room, board and mandatory fees.
Expected Family Contribution (EFC) – The expected family contribution is determined by the information that is provided on the FAFSA. The US Department of Education processes the FAFSA and determines the EFC; once completed, the information is sent to the financial aid office.
Financial Need – Financial need is calculated by subtracting the expected family contribution (EFC) from the cost of attendance. Financial need can help determine eligibility for certain financial aid programs.
Verification – Based on criteria established by the federal government, students who receive federal or state financial aid may be selected for verification. This process is designed to confirm the financial information provided when applying for financial aid. A verification worksheet and the parent’s and student’s federal tax information is required to complete the process. Additional information may also be required. In order to be considered for all financial aid, requested information must be submitted within 30 days of the university’s written request. In no instance will verification information be processed beyond the student’s enrollment period.
Appeal Policy – Any questions or appeals concerning financial aid policy must be made in writing to the university Financial Aid Committee and submitted to the office of financial aid with a complete Financial Aid Appeal form.
Final Semester Policy – Students who are in their final semester of enrollment prior to graduation and are enrolled less than full time (12 hours) may be eligible to receive institutional scholarships at a pro-rated amount. In general, the equivalent percentage of discount created by institutional awards toward full-time tuition is applied toward part-time tuition charges.
Maximum Award Policy – In no case will the combination of scholarship and grant assistance (institutional, state and other tuition-restricted programs) exceed full-time (12-17 credit hours) direct tuition costs. If the total of tuition-restricted scholarships and grants exceeds direct tuition costs, Bethel funding may be reduced to not exceed tuition costs.
Outside/Private Scholarships Policy – Any financial assistance that is received from sources other than federal, state or university must be reported to the office of financial aid. This includes private scholarships, veterans’ benefits, vocational rehabilitation benefits and fee reduction remission benefits. Adjustments may be made to your institutional financial awards if the additional grant and scholarship assistance causes you to receive more financial assistance than direct costs. (See Maximum Award Policy).