Financial Aid Checklist

1. Curious about how much a BU education really costs? We are more affordable than you might think! The Bellarmine University Net Price Calculator is provided to incoming freshmen to assist you in determining your total cost, and to provide you with information on your estimated financial aid package including scholarships. Click the Net Price Calculator button on the right to estimate your total cost. Please be advised that the calculator is for estimating purposes only. Final eligibility for aid is subject to a student completing the FAFSA, meeting eligibility requirements and availability of funds.
2. Apply for Admission, apply for scholarships – all in one! There is no separate application for Bellarmine University scholarships and grants. Simply submit your application for admission by February 1 to be considered for any of the competitive merit-based awards. To obtain an application for admission or to learn more about our merit-based scholarship programs, contact the Office of Admission.
3. Attend a FAFSA Workshop. Have questions about the FAFSA or financial aid? Bellarmine conducts several helpful financial aid workshops throughout the year on our campus and at high schools in the surrounding areas. Most high schools throughout the nation offer workshops for students at some point during their junior and senior years. Ask your high school counselor to find out about financial aid workshops in your area.
4. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Completing the FAFSA as soon as possible on or after October 1 of your senior year in high school will allow you to maximize your eligibility for state and federal financial aid. Be sure to list Bellarmine’s school code, 001954, on the FAFSA. The FAFSA form is the only financial aid application that Bellarmine requires. A FAFSA must be completed every year that a student is in college.
5. Follow-up with any necessary paperwork and forms. 30 percent of all students who file a FAFSA are selected by the federal government for review in a process called verification. If you are selected for verification, you will be notified by the federal processor by email and then by Bellarmine’s Office of Financial Aid with a letter. Be sure to turn in all of the requested documents so that the financial aid process can be complete.
6. Let us know about any special circumstances you and your family may face. If you and your family experience any unusual circumstances that will have an impact on your finances such as divorce, death of a parent or loss of employment, please let us know. The Office of Financial Aid will also take into consideration tuition expenses at private elementary or secondary schools that parents pay for other siblings while a child is attending college. Contact our office for more information about these circumstances.
7. Check out your financial aid package. Check out your financial aid package. Once your financial aid package is complete, you will receive a booklet in the mail letting you know that your comprehensive financial aid package is ready to review online. At that time, you will be able to accept or decline each of the financial aid options available to you and to seek out other loan options, as well.
8. Need help? Contact us! The Office of Financial Aid is always willing to assist with any questions that you may have about affording a Bellarmine education. We can be reached Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at 502.272.7300 or by calling 800.274.4723 ext. 7300. You can also email us at finaid@bellarmine.edu.