Apply for Aid

Applying for aid is a process you’ll go through each year you’re here.

We give priority consideration to new students who apply by April 15. Later applicants are offered financial aid on a first-come, first-served basis. The priority deadline for returning students is May 10.

1. Complete your FAFSA.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to determine eligibility for need-based federal, state, and Bethel grants. It’s also required for students and parents interested in government education loans and work-study. Here’s what you should do:

The FAFSA for 2024-2025 became available in December 2023 and requires information from your 2022 federal income tax return. The FAFSA for 2025-2026 will be available December 1, 2024, and requires information from your 2023 federal income tax return.

If you have never completed a FAFSA before, you’ll be required to create an FSA ID. Students, parents, and borrowers are required to use an FSA ID, which consists of a username and password, to access certain U.S. Department of Education websites. Your FSA ID is used to confirm your identity when accessing your financial aid information and electronically signing your federal student aid documents. Please create your FSA ID before you start the FAFSA.

Once you have an FSA ID, you can complete and submit your FAFSA. Be sure to select the correct school year for your application.

The 2024-2025 school year is from August 26, 2024, to May 23, 2025.

The 2025-2026 school year is from August 27, 2025, to May 22, 2026.

Be sure to include Bethel University (code #002338) on the list of schools to receive your FAFSA information. When completing your FAFSA, you’ll need to provide consent for the IRS Direct Data Exchange. To use the IRS Direct Data Exchange, click on the button “LINK TO IRS” in the parent and/or student financial information section.

If you want to be considered for all types of aid, you’ll need to complete the FAFSA. Opting not to complete the FAFSA means you will not be considered for any state, federal, or need-based institutional aid, which includes: the Minnesota State Grant (MSG), Pell Grant, Bethel Promise Grant, federal subsidized and unsubsidized loans. Nor can you apply for a Direct Parent PLUS Loan. Please tell us if you are choosing to opt out of completing the FAFSA.

2. Apply for additional aid.

Some scholarships and grants aren’t awarded through the FAFSA. Check your eligibility and apply for additional gift aid.

Returning students are eligible to apply for departmental scholarships, which are awarded upon the recommendation of Bethel professors and staff. The application process for departmental scholarships is only available between mid-December and February 10.

Don’t forget to research private or community-based scholarships.

3. Review your financial aid offer.

We start mailing out financial aid offers in mid-February for the coming fall. You should receive your award within 2-3 weeks of submitting all required application materials. You can also access your financial aid offer through your financial aid requirements channel in MyBethel. Click Financial Aid Award and select the appropriate academic year from the dropdown list.