Frequently Asked Questions

The Office of Financial Aid is located on the 5th floor of the Anderson Center (2 Pine Tree Drive) in the same suite as the Business Office. We are available for walk-ins or scheduled meetings from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

During the fall and spring terms, a financial aid counselor is available on campus (3900 Bethel Drive) for walk-ins or scheduled appointments on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Student Services Hub in the Clausen Center (CC314D).

Please use our secure upload link to submit documents.

Important note: Some specific verification documents (e.g., Identity and Statement of Educational Purpose) must be mailed to our office.

Please mail your financial forms to:

Bethel University Office of Financial Aid, 3900 Bethel Drive, St. Paul, MN 55112

Both you and your parent(s) will be able to create a studentaid.gov account (FSA ID) and complete and sign your portions of the 24-25 FAFSA. For more information on how to complete the FAFSA, please review this informational page and watch this video.

CAS/CAPS—At least 12 CPoS credits per term are necessary to be considered full-time.

GS/SEM—At least six CPoS credits per term are necessary to be considered full-time.

Please note: Some licensure program students must abide by undergraduate financial aid rules and policies.

CAS and SEM students—All financial aid (federal, state, and institutional aid) locks each term on day 10 of classes. However, eligibility for loans is not locked at this time. Loan eligibility is based on enrollment at the time the loan disburses. Students must be enrolled at least half-time to receive loans.

CAPS and GS students—Federal and institutional aid does not lock for CAPS/GS students. However, if you drop or withdraw from one or more courses during a term, your financial aid is subject to change.

CAS students: Scholarship opportunities

CAPS students: Scholarship opportunities

GS students: Scholarship opportunities

SEM students: Scholarship opportunities

CAS students: Private scholarships

CAPS students: Private scholarships

GS students: Private scholarships

SEM students: Private scholarships

Subsidized loans are for undergraduate students with financial need, as determined by your calculated SAI from the FAFSA. Subsidized loans do not accrue interest while you are in school at least half-time enrolled or during deferment periods. Your need is determined by your academic year cost of attendance budget minus SAI and other financial aid (such as grants or scholarships).

Unsubsidized loans are loans for both undergraduate and graduate students that are not based on financial need. Interest is charged while in-school, during deferment, and during grace periods. Unlike a subsidized loan, you are responsible for the interest from the time the unsubsidized loan is disbursed until it is paid in full.

Yes. After accepting your Private/PLUS loan eligibility via your my.bethel.edu checklist, your next step is to complete a separate online application for either a federal PLUS loan or a private educational loan.

Private loans for students: These are loans in the student's name and are borrowed through a bank, credit union, or other lending institution. Interest rates, terms, and fees will vary depending on the loan program. A student applying for a private loan will generally need a credit-worthy co-signer. Review and begin the application process with the lender of your choice.

Private loans for parents: These loans are in the parent's name and are borrowed through a bank, credit union, or other lending institution. Interest rates, terms, and fees will vary depending on the loan program. Parents can review options and begin the application process with the lender of their choice.

Parent PLUS Loan: This is a federal loan program available to parents of dependent undergraduate degree-seeking students. The Parent PLUS loan is borrowed in the parent's name and cannot be switched over to the student's name. Parents who are interested in borrowing through this program need to complete both an application and a Master Promissory Note (MPN) with the U.S. Department of Education. When completing the application and MPN, the parent borrower logs in using their FSA ID and password. This is the same FSA ID and password used when completing the FAFSA. Visit the Federal Student Aid website to begin the application and MPN.

Grad PLUS Loan: This is a federal loan program available to graduate degree-seeking students. The Grad PLUS loan is borrowed in the student's name. Students who are interested in borrowing the PLUS loan need to complete both an application and a Master Promissory Note (MPN) with the U.S. Department of Education. When completing the application and MPN, the student borrower logs in using their FSA ID and password. This is the same password used to complete the FAFSA. For more information and to begin the application process, visit the Federal Student Aid website.

Your direct federal loan eligibility for the academic year is determined by the FAFSA. There is no separate application to apply for direct federal loan eligibility. However, if you are a first-time borrower, you will be required to complete both Entrance Loan Counseling and a Master Promissory Note via your studentaid.gov account.

Various lenders offer non-federal private loans for students who need more than their subsidized/unsubsidized loan amounts provide. Students pursuing private loans will need to apply separately with the lender of their choice. Loans are based on credit, and a student will generally need a credit-worthy co-signer. Terms and conditions will vary by lender, and student borrowers are responsible for the interest that accrues while in school.