How to Receive Financial Aid
Here are the basic steps for current and prospective BJU students interested in obtaining financial aid.
Step 1: Apply to BJU
Some forms of financial aid can be awarded only to students who are already holding reservations at a university. You can begin the application process as early as the fall of your junior year of high school. The summer before your senior year is also a good time.
Step 2: Begin your scholarship search
Many non-government and non-BJU scholarships and grants for the upcoming school year have application deadlines between January and May, so start your search early to give yourself plenty of time to apply.
Step 3: Complete the FAFSA
You must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to apply for federal and BJU aid. The FAFSA application process will identify your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) — the amount of money the federal government expects your family to contribute toward your college expenses. It will also identify your family’s Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). Even if you are not interested in federal grants and loans, BJU’s Financial Aid Office will use your EFC and your AGI to determine your eligibility for BJU financial aid.
You can begin filling out the FAFSA as early as January 2 of the year you plan to enter college. It’s a good idea to start as soon as you can, because the process can take some time.
Step 4: Obtain your EFC
The U.S. Department of Education will process your FAFSA and send you a Student Aid Report (SAR) that will contain your calculated Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The BJU financial aid office will use your EFC to determine the type and amount of aid you qualify for. They will also notify you if your FAFSA has been selected for “verification.”
Step 5: Complete the financial aid interview online
After you receive your Student Aid Report, go to BJU’s Virtual Financial Aid Office (VFAO), click on “interview” in the left column and complete the online interview.
Step 6: Wait for your BJU award letter
If you’ve included BJU’s code (003421) on the FAFSA and have filled out the VFAO interview online, the BJU Financial Aid Office will send you an award letter, usually within six weeks. Typically this letter will list all of the federal, state and BJU-related aid you will receive (if you have received scholarships and grants from other sources, these may or may not be listed). Your award letter will help you calculate how much of your educational costs are being covered.
You must be accepted by BJU in order to receive an award letter.
If you have any questions, email the Financial Aid Office.