Grants
Grants generally do not need to be repaid, although repayment may be required under certain circumstances.
Financial Aid Guide
How Financial Aid Works
A plain-language guide to FAFSA®, financial aid offers, grants, student loans, disbursement, eligibility, and repayment.
Paying for college can involve several types of financial assistance. Understanding the process can help you plan for education costs, review your options, and know which steps may apply to you.
FAFSA®
Federal aid application
Grants
May not require repayment
Loans
Borrowed funds generally repaid
Work-Study
Earn through eligible employment
StudentAid.gov is the official Federal Student Aid website of the U.S. Department of Education.
Financial Aid 101
Understanding the College Financial Aid Process
Federal student aid may include grants, federal student loans, and Federal Work-Study, depending on eligibility. Students may also qualify for state, institutional, private, or other forms of financial assistance.
Important:
Federal student aid requirements, eligibility rules, deadlines,
programs, and repayment provisions may change. Students should use
StudentAid.gov
as the official source for current federal student aid information.
Step 1 — Plan
Start by Understanding College Costs
Before applying for financial aid, it helps to understand the potential cost of attending college.
College costs can include more than tuition. Depending on your program and individual circumstances, your estimated education expenses may include several categories.
Step 2 — Apply
Complete the FAFSA®
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is the application used to apply for federal student aid.
Students generally complete a FAFSA for each academic year in which they want to be considered for federal aid.
Information submitted through the FAFSA helps determine eligibility for federal student aid and may also be used by states and colleges when determining eligibility for certain other forms of assistance.
You may need information from:
- Yourself
- Your spouse, if applicable
- Your parent or parents, if they are considered contributors under current FAFSA rules
- Other contributors identified under applicable FAFSA requirements
- Financial, tax, identity, and other information required by the FAFSA
The exact information and contributors required depend on your circumstances. Follow current instructions published by Federal Student Aid.
Step 3 — Review
Review Your Financial Aid Offer
After your FAFSA has been processed and Beckfield College has the information needed to determine your eligibility, you may receive a financial aid offer.
Federal Student Loans
Federal student loans are borrowed funds that generally must be repaid with interest.
Federal Work-Study
Federal Work-Study provides eligible students an opportunity to earn money through qualifying employment.
Other Assistance
Depending on eligibility and availability, students may also receive or pursue state, institutional, scholarship, employer, private, or other education assistance.
Financial aid eligibility and amounts vary by student.
Completing the FAFSA does not guarantee a particular type
or amount of financial assistance.
Understand Your Options
Know What You Are Accepting
Not every type of financial aid works the same way. Before accepting aid, understand the terms and responsibilities associated with each part of your offer.
Does it have to be repaid?
Grants and scholarships generally work differently from student loans. Loans create a repayment obligation.
How much are you borrowing?
You do not necessarily have to borrow the maximum amount offered. Consider your education costs and other available resources before accepting student loan debt.
What are the interest and repayment terms?
Interest and repayment terms affect how much a borrower may ultimately repay. Review current federal loan information before accepting a loan.
Are there enrollment requirements?
Dropping classes, withdrawing, changing programs, or otherwise changing enrollment status may affect financial aid eligibility or amounts.
What is Satisfactory Academic Progress?
Students receiving federal student aid generally must continue meeting applicable Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements.
Do you need additional documentation?
Financial aid processing may require additional documents, confirmations, or other information before aid can be finalized.
Financial Aid at a Glance
The Financial Aid Process in Five Steps
Plan
Understand college costs and explore financial resources.
Apply
Complete the FAFSA® and provide required information.
Review
Review your financial aid offer and understand each type of aid.
Receive
Complete required steps so eligible aid can be processed.
Manage
Maintain eligibility and understand repayment if you borrow.
Step 4 — Receive
Receiving Your Financial Aid
Being offered financial aid does not necessarily mean funds are available immediately.
Students generally must complete applicable requirements before eligible aid can be disbursed.
Depending on the type of aid, those requirements may include completing requested documentation, accepting aid, completing required loan steps, establishing eligible enrollment, or satisfying other requirements.
Step 5 — Manage
Continue Meeting Financial Aid Requirements
Receiving financial aid during one term or academic year does not necessarily mean the same aid will continue automatically.
Students may need to continue completing steps and meeting applicable requirements to remain eligible for financial aid.
- Submit a FAFSA for each applicable academic year
- Continue meeting financial aid eligibility requirements
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress
- Complete requested documentation
- Meet applicable enrollment requirements
- Respond to changes that may affect eligibility
- Complete requirements associated with specific aid programs
Federal Student Loans
If You Borrow, Understand Repayment
Federal student loans generally must be repaid.
Before borrowing, understand that the amount accepted today can create a financial obligation after you leave school.
Before graduating, leaving college, dropping below an applicable enrollment level, or otherwise entering repayment, borrowers should review current information about their loans.
Explore Federal Loan RepaymentOfficial Federal Resources
Federal Student Aid Information
Federal student aid programs and requirements can change. Use StudentAid.gov for current federal information.
Official U.S. Department of Education Resource
StudentAid.gov
Federal Student Aid provides official federal information about FAFSA®, grants, federal student loans, Federal Work-Study, eligibility, account information, and repayment.
Beckfield Financial Aid
Review financial aid information related to attending Beckfield College.
Financial Aid Services →Net Price Calculator
Use Beckfield's Net Price Calculator as a planning tool for estimated education costs.
Use the Net Price Calculator →Academic Catalog
Review current Beckfield policies and institutional information.
View the Academic Catalog →Need Help?
Understanding Your Financial Aid Options
Financial aid can involve multiple steps, documents, eligibility requirements, and types of assistance.
Beckfield College Student Financial Services can help prospective and current students understand the financial aid process, Beckfield's financial aid information, and the steps that may apply to them.
Financial aid is available to those who qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions
Financial Aid FAQs
Do I need to complete the FAFSA every year?
Students generally complete a FAFSA for each academic year in which they want to be considered for federal student aid. Follow the current FAFSA instructions and deadlines available through StudentAid.gov.
Does completing the FAFSA guarantee that I will receive financial aid?
No. Completing the FAFSA is an important step in applying for federal student aid, but it does not guarantee eligibility for a specific type or amount of aid. Eligibility depends on applicable requirements and individual circumstances.
Is financial aid the same as a student loan?
No. Financial aid can include different forms of assistance. Federal student aid may include grants, federal student loans, and Federal Work-Study. Other assistance may include scholarships, state aid, institutional aid, or other resources.
Student loans are borrowed funds that generally must be repaid.
Do grants have to be repaid?
Grants generally do not have to be repaid, although there are circumstances in which repayment may be required. Students should review the conditions associated with any grant they receive.
Can my financial aid change after I receive an offer?
Yes. Financial aid eligibility and amounts can change based on factors such as enrollment, eligibility information, documentation, academic progress, changes in circumstances, or applicable program requirements.
Can dropping a class affect my financial aid?
It may. Changes in enrollment can affect financial aid eligibility or amounts. Students receiving financial aid should contact Beckfield College Student Financial Services if they have questions about the possible financial aid impact of an enrollment change.
Where can I find Beckfield College financial aid policies?
Students should review Beckfield College's current financial aid information and Academic Catalog for applicable policies, procedures, and requirements.
Important Information
About This Financial Aid Guide
This page provides general educational information about the financial aid process. It does not replace Beckfield College's official financial aid policies, individual financial aid communications, the College's Academic Catalog, an enrollment agreement, or official information published by the U.S. Department of Education.
Federal student aid programs, requirements, eligibility standards, deadlines, and repayment provisions may change. For current federal student aid information, visit StudentAid.gov .
Your Next Step
Have Questions About Paying for College?
Learn more about Beckfield College, estimated education costs, admissions, financial aid information, and the steps involved in beginning your education.
