BCAcademicCatalog2016

FINANCIAL AID

APPLICATION PROCEDURES FOR FINANCIAL AID Recognizing the increasing cost of achieving a college education, Bluefield College offers a wide variety of scholarship, grant, loan, and work possibilities. Students who wish to be considered for all types of financial aid, including Federal Programs, State Programs, and most Institutional Grants and Scholarships, should complete the following requirements no later than March 15 for our traditional students and prior to class starts for

our online students (see the academic calendar for specific dates). 1. Apply and be accepted for admission to Bluefield College.

2. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov. The FAFSA is used by the Federal Student Aid Programs to determine a student’s financial “need.” The Bluefield College Financial Aid Office uses this information to evaluate a student’s eligibility for federal and any other need-based aid.

UPCOMING FAFSA FILING CHANGES

When Student is Attending College

 When a Student Can Submit a FAFSA

Which Year’s Income Information is Required

July 1, 2015-June 30, 2016

January 1, 2015-June 30, 2016

2014

July 1, 2016-June 30, 2017

January 1, 2016-June 30, 2017

2015

July 1, 2017-June 30, 2018

October 1, 2016-June 30, 2018

2015

July 1, 2018-June 30, 2019

October 1, 2017-June 30, 2019

2016

3. If a Virginia resident, complete and return the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant Application (TAG) to the Financial Aid Office. This is a state award granted to full- time students who are Virginia residents for at least 12 months prior to enrollment. An application must be received by the Financial Aid Office no later than July 31 prior to your fall enrollment in order to secure the funding from the Commonwealth. FEDERAL PROGRAMS Federal Pell Grant: The Federal Pell Grant is available to low income undergradu- ate students. Your eligibility is based on the outcome of your FAFSA and is FREE money granted to you by the Federal Government based on your need. This award ranges from $590-$5,815. Some students may be affected by the Lifetime Eligibility Used requirements for the Federal Pell Grant. For more information visit: studentaid.ed.gov/types/grants-scholar- ships/pell/calculate-eligibility. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG): This limited campus-based federal grant is available to undergraduate students with high financial need as demonstrated by the FAFSA. The average award is $800.

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