How to Get Financial Aid
Looking for financial aid? Don’t know what to do next? Here are the basic steps you’ll need to take.
Step 1: Apply to BJU
Some financial aid can be given only to students who are already holding reservations at a university, so you’ll want to apply as early as you can. 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 to apply.
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Step 2: Begin your scholarship search
Many private 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.
In order to take advantage of all possible financial aid opportunities, be sure to complete the FAFSA and all non-government and non-BJU scholarship, grant and loan applications by April 1.
Step 3: Complete the FAFSA as soon as you can
You must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to apply for federal and BJU aid. The FAFSA 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. Start as soon as you can, because the process can take some time.
Step 4: Wait for your EFC
The U.S. Department of Education will process your FAFSA and send you a Student Aid Report (SAR) that will contain your Expected Family Contribution and your AGI. The BJU financial aid office will use your EFC to determine the type and amount of aid you qualify for, and they’ll notify you if your FAFSA has been selected for a process called verification.
Step 5: Complete the financial aid interview online
After you get your Student Aid Report, go to BJU’s Virtual Financial Aid Office (VFAO), click on “interview” 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. This letter should 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). You must be accepted by BJU in order to receive an award letter.
If you have any questions, email the Financial Aid Office.