Accepting Award – Loans and Grants

What is the Federal Pell Grant?

The Federal Pell Grant is gift assistance that is funded and awarded by the federal government. Recipients must be enrolled in an undergraduate program leading to a first bachelor's degree and meet all other eligibility criteria required for receipt of federal assistance, including Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). To receive a Pell Grant, an eligible student's Expected Family Contribution (EFC) must be less than or equal to the maximum figure established by the federal government for the academic year. EFC is determined from the information reported on the FAFSA.

What is the Federal Pell Grant?

The Federal Pell Grant is gift assistance that is funded and awarded by the federal government. Recipients must be enrolled in an undergraduate program leading to a first bachelor's degree and meet all other eligibility criteria required for receipt of federal assistance, including Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). To receive a Pell Grant, an eligible student's Expected Family Contribution (EFC) must be less than or equal to the maximum figure established by the federal government for the academic year. EFC is determined from the information reported on the FAFSA.

How do I apply for a Pell grant?

Your eligibility for a Pell grant determined when you completed your FAFSA.

What is the FSEOG grant?

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is free assistance funded by the federal government and awarded by Bellevue University. The FSEOG is for undergraduates with exceptional financial need and low Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Priority consideration is given to students who receive the Federal Pell Grant, meet the priority deadline, and demonstrate the greatest financial need. Recipients must meet all the eligibility criteria required for receipt of federal assistance, including Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).

What's the difference between a FSEOG and a Federal Pell Grant?

The US Department of Education guarantees that each participating school will receive enough money to pay the Federal Pell Grants of its eligible students. There's no guarantee every eligible student will be able to receive a FSEOG; students at each school are paid based on the availability of funds.

How do I qualify for the Nebraska Opportunity Grant (NOG)?

You must be a resident of the state of Nebraska and must be PELL eligible. The award is given to students with the highest unmet need. This award does not have to be paid back. You also must be enrolled at least half-time to qualify.

Where can I get free information about state student aid?

Free information about state programs may be obtained from the 'state education agency' (usually in the capital of your state). You may also contact our office for phone numbers and addresses.

What is the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized Federal Direct loans?

Subsidized Federal Direct Loans are based on financial need, and the government pays the interest to the lender while you are in school at least half-time, as well as during any deferment periods. Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans, on the other hand, are not based on need, and borrowers are responsible for all interest accrued on the loan. Interest payments can be deferred until graduation and then will be capitalized and added to principal of the loan. You also can make payments on the interest while in school by contacting your lender.

Am I eligible for my books prior to the start of my classes?

What is a Book Waiver?

A book waiver allows eligible students to purchase all or a portion of their books from the Bellevue University Bookstore using their excess financial aid funds. The amount spent is then added to the student's tuition account to be paid for when their aid is disbursed to their student account.

Who is eligible for a Book Waiver?

Students must have their financial aid award complete. If their combined Federal Direct Student Loans, Pell, SEOG, and Nebraska Opportunity Grants exceed the cost of their tuition and fees, they may qualify for a Book Waiver to help with the cost of books.

How much can a student receive?

The maximum total allowable waiver is $600 each semester, or the total of their excess funds, whichever is less. Book waiver amounts are subject to change due to changes in enrollment, academic standing, or status.

How do students request a waiver?

No earlier than 30 days prior to a student's class start, a student can contact OneStop Service Center at 800-756-7920, option 0, or OneStop@bellevue.edu

I'm not eligible for a Federal Direct loan. What are my options?

Many banks and other private lenders offer educational loans to help you pay for your education. Interest rates may not be as low as the federal programs can offer, but some lenders are able to offer attractive loan options. These loans are based on credit worthiness and not need.

I only attend part time; can I still receive financial aid?

You must be attending half time to be eligible for financial aid. Your enrollment status (full time, ¾, or ½) determines the amount for grant and loan money you are eligible for.

Undergraduate
Full-time = 8 credit hours
¾ Time = 6 credits hours
½ Time = 4 credit hours
Graduate
Full-time = 6 graduate credit hours
½ Time = 3 graduate credit hours

How do I calculate how much I owe to secure my classes for each term based on my pending/anticipated Financial Aid?

Once financial aid funds are disbursed to your account as pending/anticipated aid, you can subtract the terms aid amount from your terms "Charges Due." The calculated difference is either the amount you owe the university or the amount the university will refund to you.

What can I do if I do not have enough funds to cover my total term balance?

Prior to the university payment due date, students can select a payment plan to cover the amount owed.

What is the Federal Work-Study Program?

This program provides financial assistance to students through part-time employment on and off campus. Students with documented unmet need may participate in the work-study program. A work-study award is the total amount of money that a student may earn during the school year. If a student is hired in a work-study position, his or her earnings are drawn from the work-study award. Depending on hours worked during the year, a student may or may not earn the total amount awarded. Federal Work-Study offers off-campus community service job opportunities in a variety of fields and locations. Students eligible for work-study assistance are encouraged to contact the Student Financial Services Office early in the school year. Positions are limited.

Where do I apply for Federal Work Study?

To use Federal Work Study you should indicate so on your FAFSA.

If you didn't select FWS on your FAFSA but would like to pursue that as a financing option please send a written request to finaid@bellevue.edu

Will I be notified of acceptance or denial of Federal Work Study?

If your request for Federal Work Study is accepted you will be notified and sent a link to complete an application for opportunities within the University.