The Biz by Bentley University

More than 70 percent of Bentley students receive some form of financial aid each year. Find out what Lauren Sullivan, Director of Financial Assistance, says you can do to make the application process easier.

  1. Get your Federal Student Aid ID now 
    To apply for aid, you and your parent will need to provide information on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and sign it. Having an FSA ID, allows you to electronically sign the form and make any corrections. You’ll use this FSA ID to reapply for aid and access your federal loan information each year (if you are a borrower) so be sure to keep this information safe.
  2. Apply online and on time
    Applying online makes the financial aid process much easier, as most forms have logic built in to ensure you don’t omit any responses or input incorrect responses. Online applications can be processed more quickly, allowing you to receive timely financial aid decisions. Be sure to meet deadlines as well. Both the FAFSA and the CSS Profile are available on October 1 of each year for the following fall.
  3. Apply for private scholarships
    Use a free search engine such as FastWeb or Big Future from the College Board. You can enter in your information and be matched to scholarships that are a good fit for you. Also be sure to check in with your guidance counselor for information on scholarships offered by your school and town. Organizations to which you belong may also offer scholarships, and ask your parents to check with their employers for scholarship opportunities. 
  4. Don’t fall for scams
    The FAFSA is free — don’t pay to fill it out online. College testing services will not call you to ask for your credit card information. And if you have to pay money for a scholarship, think twice.  The
    Federal Trade Commission has information on avoiding being scammed during the college search process.fa
  5. Let us know if something has changed
    Financial aid for fall 2020 is based on tax returns filed in 2018. If there have been changes to your family’s financial circumstances, please contact your financial aid counselor and let us know the situation. We will work with you to get the most up to date information.