☰ In This Section

Grants

Undergrad Undergrad Tuition & Financial Aid Types of Aid

x Close

Tuition & Financial Aid

Grants are a form of gift aid, meaning you don’t need to repay them. Most grants are based on your level of financial need determined by the results of your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Grants may be considered taxable income at both the state and federal level.

Bethel-controlled grants and scholarships require a minimum of half time enrollment in courses required for graduation. Recipients must also be in good standing and working toward their first bachelor degree. Grants will be pro-rated for less than full time attendance. Below are the grant opportunities for new incoming students starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. If you started at Bethel in 2024-2025 or earlier, please visit our Aid Opportunities for Prior Years page.

Bethel Campus Housing Grant

Need-based grant for new students that are Bethel Promise recipients and living in Bethel campus housing.

Amount

Up to $2,000 per year ($1,000 per semester).

  • The grant is pro-rated for less than full-time attendance.
  • Bethel will adjust insitututional gift aid to avoid over-awards as summarized in Bethel's Financial Aid Terms and Conditions.

Renewal

Need-based institutional grants are not automatically renewable. Eligibility is determined annually, and the amount may vary, based on results of Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and institutional policies.

Eligibility

Recipients must qualify for the Bethel Promise Grant and live on-campus. The grant may be used for qualified educational expenses as defined by IRS publication 970 (e.g. tuition and fees).  Financial aid offers will be adjusted shortly after the beginning of the semester to add or remove the Campus Housing Grant based on students' housing decisions.
  • Must qualify for Bethel Promise Grant.
  • Must live on campus.
  • Must be admitted as a degree-seeking College of Arts & Sciences student for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Eligibility exclusions: Resident Assistants, BUILD Housing Mentors and Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) students are not eligible for this grant.

 

How to apply

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Bethel Promise Grant

Need-based grant for Minnesota residents with family adjusted gross income below $90,000.

Amount

The sum of the recipient's Federal Pell Grant, Minnesota State Grant (based on 15 credits per semester), and Bethel-controlled grants or scholarships should be within approximately $2,500 of the full-time, full-year tuition charged to a student living in Bethel on-campus housing. For those living off-campus, the sum is within $4,500 of the full-time, full-year tuition charged to a student.

  • The grant is prorated for less than full-time attendance.
  • Bethel will adjust institutional gift aid to avoid over-awards as summarized in Bethel's Financial Aid Terms and Conditions.

If you're looking for information about the Bethel Promise Grant last offered to incoming students in the 2024–2025 academic year, visit our list of past aid opportunities for incoming students.

Renewal

The Bethel Promise Grant is not automatically renewable; eligibility is determined annually, and the amount may vary based on the results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), family adjusted gross income, and institutional policies.

Eligibility

  • Must be a Minnesota resident, and
  • Have a family adjusted gross income (AGI)* as reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) below $90,000, and
  • Not be in default on a state or federal student loan, and
  • Be enrolled in at least six credits that apply toward graduation requirements, and
  • Meet satisfactory academic progress (SAP) standards, and
  • Have not already earned a baccalaureate degree, and
  • Demonstrate eligibility for the Minnesota State Grant, and
  • Have an unweighted high school or transfer* GPA of at least 2.9 (on a 4-point scale), and
  • Enroll as a degree-seeking undergraduate student in the College of Arts & Sciences for the first time in fall 2025.

*Incoming students with at least 24 post–high school college credits are considered transfer students.

Eligibility exclusions

  • Minnesota Dream Act applicants, Bethel employee tuition benefit recipients, Tuition Waiver Exchange Program recipients, and Bethel ROTC (UAROTX) scholarship recipients are not eligible for new Bethel Promise Grants.

Impact on other Bethel-controlled grants and scholarships

For the 2025–2026 academic year, Bethel Promise Grant recipients may also receive the Music and Media Performing Arts Scholarship, Church Partnership Scholarship, Holman Chemistry Scholarship, Actuarial Science & Finance Scholarship, Finance Scholarship, Edgar G. Johnson Memorial Physics Scholarship, Myers Engineering Scholarship, and the NASA Physics Scholarship.

How to apply

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

*The Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) comes from the Federal 1040 Income Tax Return, as reported on the student's Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The first year of the program is the 2025-2026 academic year and the corresponding FAFSA AGI is from 2023.

Dependent students will have the AGI of their parent(s), and stepparent if applicable, considered for the program's family AGI threshold of below $90,000. The AGI of dependent students will not be considered. When parents are divorced, separated, or never married and do not live together, the parent who provides more financial support to the student should be the parent of record for the FAFSA. This is the parent whose income will be reviewed when determining eligibility for the Bethel Promise Grant. If the parent who provides more financial support has remarried as of the date the FAFSA is filed, the stepparent's AGI will also be considered when determining eligibility.

Independent students will have the AGI of the student considered for program eligibility. If the student is married, the student and spouse's combined AGI must be below $90,000 in order to be eligible for the Bethel Promise Grant.

More information

Want to learn more? Check out frequently asked questions about the Bethel Promise Grant. 

Federal Pell Grant

Various amounts for students with high need.

Amount

21% of College of Arts and Science students received the federal Pell Grant in 2023-2024. The Pell Grant ranged from $600 to $7,395. Half of our Pell Grant recipients received between $2,900 and $6,800 with an average Pell Grant of $5,370.

Students enrolled for fewer than 12 credits per semester will receive a pro-rated Pell Grant. Below is a chart of enrollment intensity relative to full-time (we credits) enrollment.

Credit Hours

Enrollment Intensity

(used in 2024-25 and following)

Example:

2024-25

Enrollment Status

Equivalent

(used in 2023-24 and prior years)

Example:

2023-24
12 (or more) 100% $1,000 Full-Time $1,000
11 92% $920 Three-Quarter Time $750
10 83% $830 Three-Quarter Time $750
9 75% $750 Three-Quarter Time $750
8 67% $670 Half-Time $500
7 58% $580 Half-Time $500
6 50% $500 Half-Time $500
5 42% $420 Less-than-Half-Time $250
4 33% $330 Less-than-Half-Time $250
3 25% $250 Less-than-Half-Time $250
2 17% $170 Less-than-Half-Time $250
1 8% $80 Less-than-Half-Time $250

Renewal

Eligibility is determined annually, and the amount may vary based on results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)and federal policies.

Eligibility

Awarded to students with the highest financial need.

Academic requirements

Must be a student in good standing and working toward first bachelor's or associate's degree.

Must be enrolled in more than zero credits in courses required for graduation. Grants will be pro-rated for less than full time attendance.

How to apply

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

Various amounts for students who qualify for a Pell Grant.

Amount

5% of College of Arts and Science students received the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant in 2023-2024. The FSEOG range was from $1,800 to $4,000. Half of our recipients received $4000 with an average of FSEOG of $3,900.

Renewal

Need-based institutional grants are not automatically renewable. Eligibility is determined annually, and the amount may vary, based on results of Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Eligibility

Must qualify for a Pell Grant.

Academic requirements

Must be a degree-seeking student and enrolled at least half time in courses required for graduation, be in good standing and be working toward first bachelor’s degree. Grants will be pro-rated for less than full time attendance.

How to apply

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Fostering Independence Higher Education Grant

A grant that seeks to eliminate the cost of education barrier for Minnesota students who were in the foster care system.

Amount

The Fostering Independence Higher Education Grant is intended as a "last dollar" financial aid program.

Renewal

If you receive a Fostering Independence Higher Education Grant, each year you will need to reapply via the FAFSA or Minnesota Dream Act to be considered for the grant. After attempting 4 years of full-time postsecondary education, students are no longer eligible.

Eligibility

  • Must be a Minnesota resident, including students who apply for state financial aid via the MN Dream Act Application
  • Must be younger than 27 years of age
  • Must attend a Minnesota public or participating private higher education institution
  • Must be eligible for the Education Vouchers for Former Youth in Foster Care OR after your 13th birthday have been in in foster care in Minnesota, including any of the following:
    • Placement in foster care at any time while 13 years of age or older;
    • Adoption from foster care at any time after reaching 13 years of age; or
    • Placement from foster care with a permanent legal custodian at any time after reaching 13 years of age
  • Must have graduated from high school or completed the equivalent as approved by the Department of Education
  • Must be accepted for admission to, or are currently attending, an eligible institution
  • Submit a FAFSA or Minnesota Dream Act application
  • Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress

How to apply

To apply for the grant, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form OR Minnesota Dream Act application. Completing the applicable form will serve as the application for receiving a Fostering Independence Higher Education Grant, as well as other grants and financial aid resources.

More information

The Minnesota Office of Higher Education has full details on this grant opportunity.

For questions, please contact:

Please contact the Office of Higher Education at info.ohe@state.mn.us or (651) 642-0567 and select option 2.

 

International Student Grant

For citizens of countries other than the U.S.

Amount

$6,500 per year for international students enrolling for the first time in 2025-2026.

Renewal

Renewable each year.

Eligibility

Citizens of countries other than the U.S. who have support to cover most, but not all, of their Bethel expenses. Recipients of the international student grant are not eligible for other institutionally-funded or controlled scholarships.

Academic requirements

Must be enrolled at least half time in courses required for graduation, be in good standing and be working toward first bachelor’s degree. Grants will be prorated for less than full time attendance.

How to apply

Considered with the information provided on the certificate of finances form during the admissions process for international students.

Minnesota State Grant

Various amounts for Minnesota residents who demonstrate need.

Amount

In recent years, approximately 30-35% of College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) students received the Minnesota State Grant.

  • In 2023-2024, half of CAS recipients received between $5,600 and $6,100. The smallest grant was $100, and the largest was $13,900. The average was $6,600.
  • In 2024-2025, half of CAS recipients received between $4,600 and $8,400. The smallest grant was $195, and the largest was $11,200. The average was $6,000. No students will receive a Minnesota State Grant for courses taken during the summer 2025 semester due to a state budget shortfall.
  • In 2024-2026, we anticipate that Minnesota State Grant amounts will decrease compared to 2024-2025 due to a state budget shortfall.

Renewal

Each year, a student’s eligibility for a Minnesota State Grant is calculated based on the results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). After attempting four years of full-time postsecondary education, students are no longer eligible.

Eligibility

Minnesota residents with demonstrated need. For complete eligibility requirements, see the Office of Higher Education.

Academic requirements

Students must be making satisfactory academic progress.

The amount of a Minnesota State Grant varies depending on how many credits you take each semester. The maximum award is offered to those taking at least 15 credits per semester.

Students must enroll in a minimum of 1.0 credit in courses required for graduation, be working toward their first bachelor's degree, and be in good standing.

For CAS students: When you are initially awarded financial aid, it will be based on you taking 15 credits per semester. Three weeks after the start of the semester, the Minnesota State Grant will be revised based on your current semester enrollment. If you are not enrolled in at least 15 credits, your grant will be reduced based on your actual enrollment.

Beginning with 2023-2024, there will be no separate interim term. Credits cannot be "migrated" to either semester for Minnesota State Grant purposes. Credits taken in fall will count in fall, and credits taken in spring will count in spring.

How to apply

Complete the FAFSA before the deadline. The deadline for the 2024-2025 academic year was June 30, 2025. On November 18, 2024, the Minnesota Office of Higher Education changed the deadline for the 2024-2025 academic year.

 

Minnesota Student Teacher Grants

Various amounts for Minnesota residents who demonstrate need.

Amount

On a funds available basis, selected undergraduate and graduate students may receive awards of up to $7,500 for one term.

Eligibility

In general, applicants must:

  • Be enrolled in an eligible Minnesota college or university in an eligible teacher preparation program that requires at least 12 weeks of student teaching
  • Be student teaching for the term in which student is applying for the grant
  • Be meeting satisfactory academic progress as defined by Bethel
  • Demonstrate financial need
  • Meet one or more of the following requirements:
    • Intend to teach in a designated rural school district in Minnesota
    • Intend to teach in an identified license shortage area
    • Belong to a racial or ethnic group underrepresented in the Minnesota teacher workforce

How to apply

  1. Complete and submit the Student Teacher Grants application via the MNAID Student portal. View application instructions.
  2. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Minnesota Dream Act and demonstrate financial need.
  3. Notify the Office of Financial Aid via email that you have submitted the application.

Priority deadlines for both student and college sections of the application

  • Fall 2024—July 26, 2024
  • Spring 2025—November 8, 2024

All awards are based on funds availability. Applications will still be accepted after the priority deadlines but eligible students will most likely be placed on the waitlist. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

More information

More information is available at the Office of Higher Education.

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant (TEACH)

Up to $4,000 per year for students enrolled in teaching programs and commit to serving low-income students in a high-need field.

Amount

Eligible full-time students may receive up to $2,000 per term. This amount will be adjusted for less than full-time enrollment. The maximum total for undergraduate students is $16,000 and $8,000 for graduate students. (Due to federal sequestration, TEACH awards first disbursed after March 1, 2013, are subject to change.)

Renewal

Students must apply each year.

Eligibility

Students must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens completing the coursework required to become a teacher. Recipients of a TEACH Grant must serve as a full-time, highly qualified teacher in a high-need field, in a school serving low-income students for a minimum of 4 years within 8 years of graduation.

This grant reverts to a Direct Unsubsidized Loan (with interest accrued from the date of each grant disbursement) if students don’t complete teaching requirements.

Please note that students who have a felony conviction may not be successful in obtaining a teaching position and therefore would not be able to fulfill the required teaching service.

Academic requirements

Eligible students must be enrolled in one of the following approved education programs:

Undergraduate majors:

  • All education majors
  • Biochemistry/Molecular Biology
  • Biology
  • Business
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Spanish
  • Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) K-12

Undergrad students must score above the 75th percentile on an admissions entrance test (e.g., ACT, SAT) or have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 GPA (high school GPA for first-year undergrads, college GPA for continuing and transfer students).

Graduate programs:

  • M.A. in Special Education
  • M.A. in Teaching

Graduate students must be pursuing a master’s degree to be eligible (licensure-only students are not eligible). Graduate students who are not current teachers must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 from their most recent schooling; however, students who are current teachers or who are retiring and have expertise in a subject in which there is a shortage of teachers have no GPA requirement.

How to apply

Apply for aid through Bethel by completing your FAFSA. Then complete the TEACH Grant Counseling and the TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve or Repay (Agreement) online.

More information

If you don’t complete the required teaching service or other requirements, your grant will convert to a Direct Unsubsidized Loan. The loan must be repaid in full, with interest (accrued from the date of each grant disbursement), to the Department of Education. Once a TEACH Grant is converted to a loan, it cannot be converted back to a grant. From disbursement on, TEACH Grants are all serviced by the same servicer, FedLoan Servicing. For TEACH customer service and service obligation questions, please vist MyFedLoan.org/TEACH.

After graduating or withdrawing from school, students must complete online TEACH Exit Counseling on the federal student aid website.