Types of Financial Aid

Federal Student Aid

All students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is available online at www.fafsa.gov. Eligibility is based on the outcome of data you submitted on your FAFSA. Pell-eligible students may receive between $275 and $2,750 per semester.

Students may be eligible for the following aid from the federal government:

Pell Grant
Federal Direct Loan Program

Federal Direct PLUS Loan (to parents of dependent inSpire students)

Under the Federal Direct Loan program, most inSpire program students qualify for $6250 per semester in Direct loans. If you have not reached junior level (58 credit hours) or if you are considered Dependent by FAFSA standards, the amount you can borrow will be less, but is generally sufficient to cover your tuition charges.

State Aid

The Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) is available to qualified residents of Virginia attending select Virginia private institutions including Bluefield College. The amount of this award is set by the General Assembly annually and is subject to change. The estimated amount for the 2012-13 school year is $2,800 (Fall and Spring semesters only). A link to the VTAG application is available on the financial aid forms section of the website. Completed, signed applications should be submitted to the Financial Aid Office, and must be received by July 31 to ensure funding availability. Secondary deadlines are open through December 1 for possibility of an award, depending on funding from the Commonwealth and a variety of restrictions. Additional eligibility information can be obtained from your admissions counselor or from the Financial Aid staff in BCCentral.

Scholarships & Other Assistance

We encourage students to seek assistance for outside organizations, including churches and civic organizations. Your employer may also offer full or partial tuition assistance. In addition, conosider whether you may be eligible for Veterans Benefits.

Alternative Options

Employer Tuition Assistance

Alternative Loan Programs

Monthly Payment Plan (SallieMae Tuition Pay Plan)

The bottom line: Even if you only have access to Federal Direct Student loans, you CAN afford to obtain your degree online through Bluefield College!