How to apply for financial aid

Applying for financial aid is easy if you follow these simple steps. Make sure that all of the appropriate documents are completed on time to ensure that you are eligible for the maximum amount of aid available.

Step 1 -- submit the FAFSA
Fill out and submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the federal processor. You can complete the FAFSA online or pick up a paper copy from your high school guidance counselor's office. The priority date for completion of the FAFSA is March 1 each year. Be sure to indicate Belmont's Title IV code on your application -- 003479 -- to ensure that our Office of Student Financial Services receives your application results. 

Step 2 -- Review your SAR
You should receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) in the mail within approximately six weeks of the date that the federal processor receives your FAFSA. Review the SAR for accuracy and follow any instructions on the report. If your SAR is incorrect, please make the corrections and submit the corrected form to the federal processor. If your SAR is correct, there is no need to return it. Belmont will receive an electronic version from the federal processor.

Step 3 -- Apply for scholarships and grants
Upon admission to the university, you are automatically considered for all sources of merit aid. However, some scholarships and grants may require a separate application. If necessary, obtain and complete any extra scholarship or grant applications and return them as early as possible.

  Step 4 -- Wait for your money
Belmont's Office of Student Financial Services begins reviewing SARs as soon as possible after March 15. Awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis. Award letters are mailed to students as awards are completed, along with any additional paperwork that students will need to complete, such as the Master Promissory Note or PLUS Loan Application.

Step 5 -- Complete additional paperwork
Complete the Master Promissory Note, PLUS Loan Application, and any other required paperwork as soon as you receive it and return it to the Office of Student Financial Services. We will fill out any areas that require information from us and submit the applications to your chosen lender. You will receive notification from your lender of your loan approval.

You may be asked to complete a verification worksheet to compare the data entered on your application with you and your parents' tax forms. You may download this form online:
Dependent Verification Worksheet
Independent Verification Worksheet
 

Step 6 -- Complete Stafford Loan entrance counseling
If you are a first-time borrower at Belmont, be sure to complete your loan entrance counseling before the payment due dates. You can complete loan entrance and exit counseling on the Student Financial Services web site.

You should now be ready for your first year at Belmont!