Financial Aid

Federal Direct Loan Programs are determined by filling out an FAFSA application. On non-need-based Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, the principle is deferred and interest will accrue on the funds when the loan is disbursed to Bethel University. The maximum amount a graduate student can borrow in a given year is $20,500. Payments on the loans begin six months after the last date of enrollment of at least half-time attendance.

Apply For Federal Student Loans

FINANCIAL AID PROCESS

STEP 1:

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA will allow you to be awarded federal aid for one academic year. You must file a Renewal FAFSA each subsequent year to continue receiving federal aid.

Go to www.pin.ed.gov to apply for a PIN with the US Department of Education. The PIN will be used as your signature for the FAFSA, FAFSA corrections, Direct Loan MPN, and Federal student aid record access. If you are a dependent student, one parent must also apply for a PIN in order to electronically sign the FAFSA. Keep your PIN in a secure place as you will use this same PIN each year.
Complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.gov. Bethel's School Code is 003480. You will need your current year tax return and W-2's. Tennessee residents must file the FAFSA by February 12 to be considered for the TSAA Grant.

STEP 2:

If additional information is required, you will receive a letter from the Bethel University Financial Aid Office. The US Department of Education randomly selects student FAFSA's for a process called verification. If your FAFSA is selected, the Financial Aid Office must receive documentation to verify the information you reported on your FAFSA. You will be asked to complete a Verification Worksheet and provide a SIGNED copy of your current year tax return. If you are a dependent student, we will also need a SIGNED copy of your parents' current year tax return. All documentation must be received and verification completed before an award package is offered.

STEP 3:

View your Financial Aid. Once awarded, your Financial Aid may be viewed in the Student ePortal which is
accessed from this website (See the Bethel University Homepage, right column). New students must be accepted for admission before any aid is offered. You will decline each award you do not wish to accept. If your award letter contains a Federal Direct loan, you must also apply for the loan by following the instructions on this website under

"Apply for an Education Loan" or by following the links on the ePortal Financial Aid page. IF YOU DO NOT DECLINE ANY OF THE AID LISTED WITHIN 14 DAYS, THEN ALL AID WILL BE PROCESSED ONCE YOU ARE REGISTERED FOR CLASSES FOR THE UPCOMING TERM. If you still owe a balance after your financial aid is applied, a dependent student's parent may choose to be considered for a Direct Parent Plus loan. Direct Parent Plus loan information is also found under " Apply for an Education Loan".

Direct Loans

IMPORTANT NOTICE CONCERNING ALTERNATIVE OR PRIVATE LOANS: Any education loan received based on enrollment at Bethel University MUST be counted as a financial aid resource. This federal rule applies to loans disbursed to Bethel University and loans disbursed directly to the student. Therefore receiving these private loans could impact other aid you receive. Call the Financial Aid office if you have any questions.

DIRECT STAFFORD UNSUBSIDIZED LOAN:

All new Stafford Unsubsidized borrowers must follow the steps below before we can process the loan listed in the ePortal.

STEP 1: Entrance Counseling: All NEW borrowers with Bethel University must complete this federal requirement.

STEP 2: Master Promissory Note (MPN): All NEW DIRECT LOAN borrowers must complete a Subsidized/Unsubsidized Master Promissory Note. Once completed, it is good for 10 years.

Click HERE to complete these requirements. You must have a US Dept of Education PIN. Click HERE if you do not have a PIN or do not remember it.

Bethel University
Financial Aid Office
College of Education
325 Cherry Avenue
McKenzie, TN 38201
Kim Callahan
Financial Aid Counselor
731-352-4024
callahank@bethelu.edu
731-241-0010 (fax)

Deferment Request