Getting Started

  10 STEPS TO APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID
2012 - 2013

You MUST reapply for financial aid each year. Awards are not automatically renewed

Step 1. TAXES

You and your parents need to file 2011 Federal Income tax returns.   If it is not possible to file your taxes earlier, use ESTIMATED income on your FAFSA.

Step 2.  FAFSA

Complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.gov.  The school code for Bethune-Cookman is 001467.PLEASE CHOOSE THE IRS DATA RETRIEVAL OPTION when completing the FAFSA. The IRS data retrieval option is available within 1-2 weeks of electronically filing your taxes and within 6-8 weeks of filing a paper federal tax return. For assistance with your FAFSA, go to the following website, http://www.finaid.ucsb.edu/FAFSASimplification/index.html.  For assistance with the IRS data retrieval option, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W47_YTRVYD4&context=C38450b8ADOEgsToPDskIL03WHdy5ZrYipQvH99dhb

Step 3.  SIGN YOUR FAFSA

You and your Parent, if a dependent student, will need a PIN to electronically sign your FAFSA.  If you don’t have a PIN, you can apply for one at the time you electronically sign your FAFSA.

Step 4.  SCHOLARSHIPS

To be considered for additional scholarships, please complete your BCU ON-LINE APPLICATION at https://pfweb.cookman.edu/NetPartnerStudent/. Select the APPLY ONLINE tab after log in.

Step 5.  VERIFICATION

Review information sent to you from the Financial Aid Office.   If you have been selected for Verification, you and your Parent (if a dependent student) will need to submit copies of your 2011 Federal IRS Tax transcript(s) and a 2012-2013 Verification Worksheet.  A 2011 IRS tax transcript can be obtained by calling 1-800-TAX-1040. A 2012-2013 Verification Worksheet can be obtained from http://www.cookman.edu/financial_aid/gettingstarted/faDocs.html.   (Copies of THE 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ TAX RETURNS are no longer accepted DUE TO federal regulations).

Step 6.  FRAG (FLORIDA RESIDENTS ONLY)  

In order to qualify for Florida State funds you must complete the Florida Resident Access Grant Application at http://www.cookman.edu/documents/finaid_docs/FRAG3.pdf.  Florida residents are required to provide two forms of Florida Residency documentation. If you are a dependent student, parent documentation is required.

Step 7.  FERPA

Complete your Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act form.  FERPA protects your privacy of student aid records by requiring prior written consent before disclosing personal information to a third party.  This form can be accessed at (http://www.cookman.edu/financial_aid/gettingstarted/faDocs.html).

Step 8.  MPN/ENTRANCE INTERVIEW

Complete the Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Interview for your Direct Federal Stafford loans.    MPN/Entrance Interviews only have to be completed once.  Both the MPN and Entrance Interview can be completed at the following website www.studentloans.gov.

Step 9.  PLUS LOAN

After you have been awarded financial aid, have your Parent apply for a DIRECT PLUS loan to assist with your college expenses.  Even if your Parent’s DIRECT PLUS loan is denied; you will still qualify for an Additional Unsubsidized Stafford loan for $4000 (if you are a freshman or a sophomore) and $5,000 (if you are a junior or a senior).

Step 10.  APPLY FOR PRIVATE ALTERNATIVE STUDENT LOANS

Private loans help bridge the remaining amount of funds needed for your education.   A separate application is required directly with the lender.  Below are a few lenders you and your Parent may want to consider.

HEA Compliance United Methodist Church Affiliated