Financial Aid Timeline

Prospective students entering Bethel in the fall semester often begin exploring financial aid options up to a year before beginning classes. However, students can complete the financial aid process in as little as three weeks from the date they are admitted, assuming they don't need any private student loans.

3-12 months before starting classes

Apply for scholarships from private sources, prioritizing businesses and organizations in your local community where you have a connection. Deadlines for private scholarships vary widely. It is best to start this search soon (a year ahead of when you begin classes). See types of aid>scholarships>private scholarships, on the left hand navigation of this page for additional options.

1-6 months before starting classes

• Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Include Bethel's Federal School Code (002338) so your results are sent to Bethel.
• Military Service Members should meet with their Educational Service Advisor (ESO) and complete Bethel's Military Verification Benefits form.
• After receiving a financial aid offer letter from the Bethel Financial Aid Office, finalize arrangements for loans and/or payment plans (best practice is to complete by July 1 for fall semester). First-time Direct Loan borrowers will need to complete loan entrance counseling and master promissory notes, too. Submit any additional required documents.
• Utilize the Bethel Proxy process to grant family or caregivers permission to access your financial aid records via MyBethel.edu, or to discuss your financial aid with Bethel employees.
• Review Dates and Deadlines for a projection of deadlines associated with your school (CAPS, GS, or SEM) for the specific school years.

 After starting classes

• Connect with your financial aid counselor if you have questions about financial aid options.
• Watch the Bethel E-Announcements for notifications about additional scholarships, and be sure to apply for returing student Departmental Scholarships (applications normally open in November and close in February).
• Submit your FAFSA for the next academic year sometime after October 1 (most returning students do their FAFSA after the start of the new calendar year).