Apply for Aid

Applying for financial aid is a simple, yearly process to help you plan for your Bethel education.

Submit your FAFSA by April 15 for priority consideration as a new student. After that, financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. If you're a returning student, be sure to apply by May 10 to keep your aid on track.

1. Complete your FAFSA.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is your key to unlocking need-based federal, state, and Bethel grants, as well as student loans and work-study opportunities.

The FAFSA for both the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 academic years are available online on studentaid.gov and require tax information from two years prior. For example, the 2025-2026 FAFSA uses 2023 tax returns, and the 2026-2027 FAFSA uses 2024 tax returns. Be sure you are submitting the correct FAFSA for the correct academic year.  

Here’s what you need to do:

• Create your FSA ID (if you haven’t already). Do this before you start your FAFSA! Both students and parents need one. This is your secure login for federal student aid websites.
• Complete and submit your FAFSA. Be sure to select the correct school year:
  • 2025-26 FAFSA for returning students
  • 2026-27 FAFSA for new incoming freshman students
• Include Bethel University (school code: 002338) on the list of schools to receive your FAFSA information.
• Give consent for the IRS Direct Data Exchange. This allows the IRS to transfer tax information directly into your FAFSA.

If you don’t complete the FAFSA, you won’t be considered for state, federal, or need-based aid—including the Minnesota State Grant, Pell Grant, Bethel Promise Grant, and federal loans. You also won’t be eligible for a Direct Parent PLUS Loan. If you are choosing to opt out of the FAFSA, let us know. 

2. Apply for additional aid.

Some scholarships and grants aren’t included in the FAFSA, so be sure to apply for additional gift aid:

• Departmental scholarships. Returning students can apply for scholarships awarded by Bethel professors and staff. The application is open from mid-December to February 10 each year.
• Private or community-based scholarships. Research outside scholarships that may be available through organizations in your community.

3. Review your financial aid offer.

Financial aid offers start mailing out in mid-February for the upcoming fall semester. You should receive yours within two to three weeks of submitting all required materials.

To view your award:

• Log in to MyBethel.
• Click “Financial Aid Award” in your financial aid requirements channel.
• Select the correct academic year from the dropdown menu.