What You Need to Know About Scholarships and Financial Aid
Bellevue University awarded over $5 million in scholarships in 2023-2024
Are you feeling overwhelmed about how to pay for college? Take a deep breath. Understanding what you need to know about scholarships and financial aid can make higher education more affordable.
This guide will walk you through the essentials of scholarships and financial aid, helping you make well-informed decisions about your educational future. We'll cover the different types of scholarships, navigate the ins and outs of other types of financial aid, and help you plan for the costs associated with college. Let's dive into how to maximize the opportunities available through scholarships and financial aid.
Understanding Scholarships
Scholarships are a form of financial aid awarded to students based on criteria like academic performance, athletic ability, other merits, or financial need. Unlike loans, scholarships do not need to be paid back, making them an attractive option for funding your education without adding debt.
Students have various types of scholarships available to them based on who you are and what you've done:
Freshmen Scholarships
Freshmen scholarships are designed to help you ease the financial burden of the first year, so you can concentrate on what matters most—your education and student experience. The scholarship team or high school/residential admissions team can help you apply as a freshman.
Merit-based Scholarships
These are awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional academic or extracurricular achievements. They recognize and reward dedication and hard work. These would include athletics scholarships, art or performance-based achievements, and awards for leadership or community engagement. The college or university itself often awards 'institutional' scholarships selected by internal scholarship committees through a scholarships and grants program.
Need-based Scholarships
Need-based scholarships are granted to students who can prove they have a financial need. They aim to provide financial assistance to those who may not have other resources to pay for their education. These scholarships may include endowed awards or annual awards funded by donors.
Renewable Scholarships
Renewable scholarships may fit into one of the above categories, but they also can be renewed from year-to-year* as long as the award criteria and requirements are met. These types of scholarships may include need- or merit-based, or based on membership in specific groups or organizations, the region where you live, or upon other criteria.
*Up to four or five years in most cases or until you achieve your bachelor's degree.
Will you be attending school in Nebraska?
Check out the Nebraska Career Scholarship available to in-coming freshmen or transfer students, for up to $10,000 per year (AY).
Eligible students who are admitted to Bellevue University or other Nebraska schools in qualifying degree programs can apply.
Additional "Outside" Scholarships
Many more scholarships are offered by donors outside the college or university and are open to students based on a wide variety of factors, merits or memberships. Numerous online scholarship search engines and databases can help you find scholarships that align with your qualifications and interests. But stick to trusted, known organizations or your university's scholarship program website to safely navigate them. Be wary of any advertising scholarship information for a fee or 'guaranteed money.'
We'd love to hear from you! Email the Bellevue University Scholarship team at [email protected].
To find and apply for scholarships, start by consulting your college or university's financial aid and scholarship office. They will offer sound information on scholarships specific to their institution.
Explore all scholarship and grant possibilities before looking into student loans.
It's important to distinguish scholarships from other forms of financial aid like grants and loans. While scholarships are generally awarded based on merit or other attributes, grants, such as the federal Pell Grant, are typically based solely on financial need and do not require repayment. Scholarships and grants offer a unique opportunity to receive financial support without the burden of repayment. Loans, conversely, must be repaid with interest. Therefore, maximizing your financial aid options and avoiding excessive debt involves careful planning and research.
Navigating Financial Aid
Financial aid is vital if you are a student pursuing higher education at any level. Various types of financial aid provide assistance to cover tuition, fees, books, and the many other expenses you will incur.
What is financial aid and how do I navigate the application process?
There are three primary types of financial aid beyond scholarships:
-
Loans: Borrowed funds that must be repaid with interest after graduation. They may be federally-funded or through private lenders. Student loans may be necessary for some, but it's important to carefully consider the terms and repayment options.
-
Grants: Typically, grants are awarded based on financial need and do not require repayment. They are either federally or state-funded or offered through private donors.
-
Work-study Programs: Work-study is part-time employment at a college or university that allows students to earn money while studying. Work-study programs can help cover some expenses. Once you apply for financial aid through FAFSA, you may express interest in work-study, if eligible, at your chosen college.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Apply here to Bellevue University, then complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov (studentaid.gov is an offical website of the United States government.)
The Bellevue University FAFSA school code is 002538
FAFSA Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid from the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators
The FAFSA is your entry point to receive any federal money for school. Submit your FAFSA application early to increase your chances of receiving federally-funded aid. Some needs-based scholarships also require the information contained in the FAFSA. See the deadlines for submitting the FAFSA form here.
The FAFSA is a critical step in the financial aid process. It collects information about your family's financial situation and determines your eligibility for federal and state aid programs. Completing the FAFSA accurately and on time is essential to receiving the maximum amount of financial aid you qualify for.
You may have your FAFSA results sent to more than one school. Each college you apply to has a FAFSA school code to input on the form, so ask for it from an admissions counselor.
At Bellevue University, we recognize the importance of scholarships and financial aid in making education accessible. Our dedicated financial aid team is here to guide you through the process and help you make informed decisions about financing your education. Contact us today to learn more about your options. Read more about additional options for paying for college.
Planning for College Expenses
Planning for college expenses is a crucial part of the college application process. Understanding the cost of higher education is the first step toward creating a realistic budget and financial plan.
Cost of Attendance
College costs can vary depending on factors such as the type of institution, location, and program of study. Common expenses include tuition, fees, room and board, textbooks, and other supplies. Researching and comparing the costs of different colleges and universities can help you make informed decisions.
Once you have a clear idea of the costs, creating a budget and financial plan becomes essential. Budgeting involves estimating your income and expenses, including housing, transportation, and personal expenses. This will help you determine how much money you need and identify areas where you can save.
Financial planning for college may involve exploring various funding options beyond scholarships, grants and loans. While scholarships and grants are excellent sources of money, other funding sources may also be available to you.
The Net Price Calculator
You can receive an estimate of how much students similar to you paid to attend Bellevue University by following the instructions on the screens in the Bellevue University Calculator.
Net Price CalculatorFederal Student Aid Estimator
The U.S. government provides a Federal Student Aid Estimator for an ESTIMATE of how much federal aid a student may be eligible to receive. These estimates are based on the Student Aid Index (SAI), an index to determine federal student aid eligibility.
Student Aid EstimatorCorporate and Military Tuition Assistance
Another potential source of funding is through employee tuition assistance programs, which are becoming increasingly common as employers recognize the benefits of helping their workers achieve their educational goals or upskilling for the future. Check with your employer for eligibility for tuition assistance or education benefits.
Additionally, military personnel, veterans and dependents may be eligible for grants and scholarships to cover the cost of education. Some schools also offer special tuition pricing for military members and their spouses. (See Military Preferred Programs)
Alternative financing options can open up opportunities for you without the stress of overwhelming student loan debt. Thoroughly research and explore all these options and reach out to your enrollment counselor or the financial aid office for assistance.
At Bellevue University, we understand the financial challenges that can come with pursuing higher education. Our dedicated scholarships and financial aid team is available to assist you in navigating the scholarship search and financial aid application process. We offer a range of scholarships and grants to help make your college education more affordable. Contact us today to learn more about the opportunities available to you.
Contact Us Today
For questions about financial aid, billing, or payment, contact Bellevue University by emailing [email protected], or by calling 1-800-756-7920 or 1-402-293-2000.
Contact the Scholarships team at [email protected].
© 2025 - Bellevue University