Financial Aid Step-by-Step Guide | Financial Aid Office | BYU-Idaho

# Financial Aid Step-by-Step Guide for New Students

How much is school going to cost? Study our Cost of Attendance so you know what to expect!

Then follow our step-by-step guide for Financial Aid success. Maximize your potential by applying for every Financial Aid opportunity!

## Step-by-Step Guide

How Do I Apply for FAFSA? 
What Scholarships Are Available to Me? 
What Are the Best Kept Financial Aid Secrets? 
How Can I Plan Ahead? 
Consider Loans Carefully 
Where Can I Get More Help?

## Step 1: How Do I Apply for FAFSA?

All financial aid opportunities "Start with the FAFSA"

Apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at Federal Student Aid.

- Access low interest Direct Student Loans - subsidized and unsubsidized
- Qualify for Pell Grants (free money for college)
- The FAFSA is used for many scholarship applications, including the BYU-Idaho Scholarship

Apply now ****to see what you qualify for!****

Start Your 2024-25 FAFSA® Form

What Happens After Your FAFSA® Form Is Processed?

Some of our students are chosen for Verification:

- A process to confirm the information on the FAFSA is correct
- Check your financial aid portal for any documents and submit them quickly

Once your FAFSA has been processed you will receive aid offers in your financial aid portal.

- This tutorial will help you understand your portal

## Step 2: What Scholarships Are Available to Me?

BYU-Idaho offers thousands of scholarships for incoming and current students. Explore these scholarship opportunities:

- 4-Year Merit Scholarship (automatic qualification)
- Academic Scholarship (BYU-Idaho or Transfer grades)
- BYU-Idaho Scholarship (need-based)
- Talent Scholarships (Art, Dance, Journalism, Music, Theater)
- Returned Missionary Scholarship
- Search for private scholarships: 
 - State Scholarships

## Step 3: What Are the Best Kept Financial Aid Secrets?

Most students don't learn these secrets until they have a problem receiving aid, or dropped a class and have an aid return! Learn these three secrets to help you keep your aid!

1. Know how dropping classes affects aid - you could owe money back! 
 1. Understand FADD and know important Dates and Deadlines
2. Use the Program Applicability Tool to see if your classes are eligible for aid 
 1. Academic Advising decides if your courses apply to your major
3. Maintain SAP (Satisfactory Academic Progress) 
 1. 2.0 cumulative GPA
 2. Complete 67% of the classes you attempt

## Step 4: How Can I Plan Ahead?

Financial aid awards may not be enough to cover the Cost of Attendance****.**** Because everyone's financial aid journey is different, you need to make a plan!

- Save money before starting college
- Make and stick to a budget
- Look for on-campus and local jobs
- Know important dates and deadlines

## Step 5: Consider Loans Carefully

Some students might find their job earnings, Pell Grant, and scholarships don't cover all school costs. Student Loans can help fill the gap if used wisely.

- Accept loans only if necessary in your Financial Aid Portal
- Complete required Entrance Counseling and sign a Master Promissory Note

## Step 6: How Do I Get My Money?

- Aid is added directly to your student account the first week of the semester

 - Tuition, fees, and on-campus housing is paid first
 - You canauthorize the school to pay for other charges on your account
- Sign up for eRefund for direct deposit refunds to your bank account

 - It can take a few days for funds to get to your bank account

You can learn more by watching the tutorial, "How do I know if my aid has been disbursed?"

****Remember****: If you change your classes, your aid will change too!

## Step 7: Where Can I Get More Help?

Here are the quickest ways to get help from Financial Aid Specialists:

- Kimball 196 for in-person help
- Use the conversation bubble on this page and ask to speak to a human
- Email financialaid@byui.edu