Bethel University Financial Assistance Programs
Bethel scholarships are awarded to new traditional undergraduate students based on academic ability, special talents or specified requirements of the endowed scholarship programs. The level of scholarship awarded upon admission to the university remains the same for the extent of the student’s academic career unless specified otherwise. Some awards are reduced or eliminated if a student does not live on campus.
In no case will the combination of scholarship and grant assistance (institutional, federal and state programs) exceed full-time (12-17 credit hours) tuition and campus housing costs. If the total of scholarships and grants exceed tuition and campus housing costs, Bethel funding will be reduced to bring the total back to the direct tuition and campus housing costs.
Academic Scholarships
Bethel Grant –High school performance, as indicated in a student’s application for admission, is the basis for this grant. Award amounts vary and are determined by high school GPA and SAT/ACT scores. A minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA is required to maintain the grant. Transfer student grants are determined by prior academic performance at an accredited university or university.
Bethel Award/Bethel Scholarship –High school academic performance, as indicated in a student’s application for admission, is the basis for this award. Award amounts vary and are deter-mined by high school GPA and SAT/ACT scores. A minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA is required to maintain the award. Transfer student awards are determined by prior academic performance at an accredited university or university.
Scholarship Guidelines
No formal scholarship application is required for new students to Bethel University, as the awards are determined from high school transcripts and SAT/ACT scores submitted with the application for admission. The highest composite score submitted prior to enrollment will be used. Bethel University also superscores SAT and ACT scores.
Only one academic scholarship/award may be received by a student in a given year. Prior to enrollment at Bethel University, if a scholarship is upgraded because of an improved GPA or SAT/ACT scores, the lesser scholarship is dropped.
Transfer student awards are determined by prior academic performance at an accredited university or university. Official transcripts from every institution previously attended should be sent directly from that institution to the Bethel University Office of Admission.
Awards are applied to direct tuition costs for full-time undergraduate students only. In no case will the combination of scholarship and grant assistance (institutional, federal and state programs) exceed full-time (12-17 credit hours) tuition and campus housing costs. If the total of scholarships and grants exceed tuition and campus housing costs, Bethel funding will be reduced to bring the total back to the direct tuition and campus housing costs. Scholarships and grants are applied to the school bill first. Bethel funds may never generate a credit balance on a student’s account and may not be used for off-campus living expenses or textbooks.
These awards may be used for a maximum of eight semesters of continuous full-time enrollment. A student is no longer eligible for Bethel funding if they drop below full-time enrollment unless enrolled in his or her final semester.
To continue receiving funding, students must maintain satisfactory academic progress to avoid being placed on financial aid suspension. Appeals for the loss of funding may be made to Bethel’s office of financial aid.
Scholarships may be reduced if a student does not live on campus
Pilot Grants are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA. Award amounts vary and may change according to changes in financial need.
Art Scholarships are awarded by the Art Department based on digital or hand carried portfolio.
Athletic Scholarships are awarded in each of the university-approved sports for men and women. Award amounts vary from sport to sport. Students must live on campus or with parents.
Billy Kirk Leadership Awards are given to incoming freshmen minority culture students based on student’s academic record, leadership ability and extracurricular involvement. Recipients must complete the FAFSA, participate in an interview day, are required to live on campus and attend pre-university sessions on campus during the summer following their senior year in high school.
Field Scholar Program is an opportunity for local college-age students to attend and graduate from Bethel University with little to no debt. This low debt option is attained through a combination of a student being a commuter, generous donors, Bethel, State, and Federal grants, and the student working a job that pays $12/hr. or higher. The expectation is that the FSP student would work approximately 15 hours/wk. during the school year and full-time during the summer. Bethel University is committed to providing local students the opportunity to gain valuable work skills while providing the very best educational experience possible.
Music Scholarships are awarded by the Music Department and are based on an audition. Dollar amounts vary, but scholarships are available to music majors, minors, and talented elective students.
Theatre Arts Scholarships are awarded by the Theatre Department and are available to theatre majors and minors and require an audition or interview.
Endowed Scholarship Programs –Through the generosity of private individuals, several endowed scholarship programs have been established. These awards vary in their selection requirements and dollar value. Inquire by contacting the office of financial aid.
Church Matching Scholarship —Dollar for dollar, Bethel University will match a church scholarship up to $1,000 per year for students living on campus and up to $500 per year for students living off campus. Applications must be submitted by April 1. Funds are limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
For information regarding additional Bethel University Scholarships and Grants, please see betheluniversity.edu/academics/undergrad/financial-aid/scholarships-grants/scholarship.html