Bethel College

General Information

Stretch your college dollars with Bethel’s financial aid programs.

You’ll typically combine college scholarships, state and federal grants, campus work and student loans (only loans must be repaid after graduation) to bridge the gap between the cost of your education and the amount your family is able to pay.

Choose a payment plan from our array of options that best fits your specific needs. Take advantage of our free financial aid counseling to create a personal plan for your education, evaluate the costs and apply for financial assistance.

Let us help you and your family plan for your future. Contact Clark Oswald, director of financial aid, who can work with you individually to help bring your college costs within reach.

  • 1 of only 8 colleges that combine “great values with good value” – Mother Jones
  • #1 Kansas small college for highest earning graduates – Zippia, 2018
  • $5,500 scholarship available for gaining work experience as a volunteer

Ready to invest in your future?

How do I… When will I… Where can I…?

Keep the financial aid timelines in mind as you progress through school. In the meantime, we’ve attempted to answer many frequently asked questions. But don’t hesitate to contact Clark Oswald, director of financial aid, if we missed the answer to your most burning financial aid question.

How do I apply for a PLUS Loan?

A parent (PLUS) loan application is sent to all new students with a link to the government website. By definition, an eligible parent may borrow up to the total cost of the student’s education minus the aid the student is receiving.

Is there a limit to the amount of financial aid I can receive?

Yes. The federal government says we can only award enough aid to cover the cost of school.

When will I find out how much in scholarship and financial aid I am getting?

When you’ve been accepted for admission to Bethel College and we have received your completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with the Student Aid Index (SAI) information, we’ll send you a financial aid award notice.

My church isn’t Mennonite, but it has a church aid program. Will Bethel honor that?

Yes. Bethel will match church funds from any denomination, dollar for dollar up to $1,000.

What do I have to do to retain my academic scholarship level?

Most of our academic scholarships are renewable up to 10 semesters based on maintaining a 3.0 Bethel College GPA. The Merit Scholarship is renewable with a 2.8 GPA.

Does Bethel have a payment plan?

Yes. Bethel offers three payment options. Students can pay: (1) twice a year with no finance charge; (2) four times a year with a $40 processing fee; or (3) nine times a year (monthly) with a $100 processing fee.

When do I have to pay?

Due dates for the three different payment options above are: (1) registration day (the day before classes start); (2) registration day and halfway through the semester; and (3) monthly.

What if my parents’ tax returns aren’t completed by the FAFSA due date of April 1?

To be eligible for the Kansas Comprehensive Grant (for Kansas residents), your FAFSA must be received before April 1. The federal aid processing center will still process your application after April 1 for other types of aid. We encourage families to estimate their incomes and taxes if necessary in order to make the April 1 deadline. If you are mailing your FAFSA, you should have it mailed by March 15.

My parent just lost her/his job. How can I afford Bethel?

While financial aid is based on eligibility as determined by the FAFSA, there are circumstances that can affect that eligibility. A job loss, unusual medical expenses, or parents attending college are some examples that can lead to unusual financial circumstances. Under “Professional Judgment,” the financial aid officer can review the situation to determine if changes need to be made to the FAFSA.

The financial aid director has the authority to use professional judgment (PJ) on a case-by-case basis to consider unique or unusual circumstances which may affect the family’s ability to pay for higher education.  Those circumstances must be documented and reason for actions taken must be listed in the student financial aid file. Proper documentation may include, but is not limited to, an application and/or request for unusual circumstance letter or form, appropriate third-party financial documentation, letters from employers, tax return transcripts, W-2 forms, and receipts.

Areas of Special Circumstances:

  • Unemployment
  • Parent is divorced or separated after applying for aid
  • Parent loses job or dies after applying for aid
  • Parent’s work, or family’s financial circumstances is affected due to a national emergency

Areas of Unusual Circumstances:

  • Events that cause a change in a student’s dependency status

Student’s may pursue an adjustment based on special or unusual circumstances by contacting Bethel’s financial aid office at: finaid@bethelks.edu

If I receive an outside scholarship (Rotary Club, etc.), how will that affect my financial aid?

Generally outside scholarships are a great addition to the financial aid package and can reduce your out-of-pocket expense. At Bethel, we encourage students to apply for outside scholarships. However, there are federal, state and college guidelines that have to be followed which may limit the amount of financial aid a student can receive from outside sources.

Where can I find out about other scholarships or financial aid information?

The largest free scholarship search available on the Internet is www.fastweb.com. You can find additional information about financial aid at www.finaidfacts.org or www.finaid.org.

Can I get financial aid if my parents don’t fill out a FAFSA?

You will still qualify for Bethel scholarships and awards, but you will not be eligible for any federal or state funds.