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How to Apply for Aid

File the 2025-2026 FAFSA

You can begin to file the 2025-2026 FAFSA on December 1, 2024. The FAFSA will be processed by mid-February. For an estimated award letter, you can email your FAFSA confirmation email that includes your estimated PELL and SAI to our Associate Vice President of Financial Aid and Enrollment at jbittel@bethanywv.edu.

You must file a FAFSA every year to be considered for financial aid. West Virginia and PA state grant deadlines is May 1. Bethany College offers 100% need awarding, so filing as soon as the FAFSA is released is important.

Bethany College, WV Federal School Code: 003808

Taking the guesswork out of college costs

Bethany College is proud to announce a proactive initiative to alleviate financial uncertainty for prospective students who are currently experiencing issues related to the nationwide update of theFree Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).The delay in FAFSA updates has left many in limbo, unable to determine their eligibility for federal aid. Recognizing the stress this situation brings, Bethany College is taking measures to support these students, ensuring they can confidently plan their academic future without financial worries. Learn more by reaching out to  financialaid@bethanywv.edu or 304.829.7611. 

 

Step 1 (Can be Done Now): Get an FSA ID

Get an FSA ID

Before you can file the FAFSA, you will need to create a Federal Student Aid Account. When you create your account, you’ll set up an FSA ID. Your FSA ID is the username and password you will use to access all Federal Student Aid websites, including StudentAid.gov. Your FSA ID must be created and matched by the Social Security Administration before you can start your FAFSA, so create your FSA ID early!

Tips for Creating an FSA ID:

  • Be sure to enter your information accurately. The Social Security Administration will verify your information, and making a mistake, especially with your social security number, birth date, or name, will cause delays.
  • If you are a dependent student, parent information will be required on the FAFSA. Your parent(s) — referred to on the FAFSA as “contributor(s)” — will also need their own FSA ID to access and sign their section of the FAFSA.
  • You will use your FSA ID for multiple purposes over the coming years, so be sure you can remember all of the important information associated with your FSA ID.
  • Keep in mind that an email address and mobile phone number can only be associated with one FSA ID. Students and parents cannot use the same email address or the same mobile phone number.
  • If you have an email address other than your high school email address, use that one to set up your FSA ID. Your high school email access will likely expire over the summer. You will need to use your FSA ID for years to come, so link it to an email address that you will continue to use.
  • Make sure you have access to your email or mobile phone when creating your FSA ID and filing the FAFSA. To create an FSA ID and to file the FAFSA, you must have access to either your mobile phone or email (ideally both) so that you can receive a secure code that will need to be entered into the website. Once verified, your mobile phone and/or email can be used to retrieve your username, reset your password, or unlock your account. A verified mobile phone number or email address can also be used in place of your username.
  • You must set up two-factor verification. To protect your account, you will be required to set up two-factor verification. This will result in a secure code being sent to your verified mobile phone, verified email, or to an authenticator app (if you set it up) each time you log into any of the StudentAid.gov websites. This code must be entered to access the website. If none of these options exist, the backup code that was provided when the account was created can be used, but you will also need to answer two challenge questions.
Step 2: Gather Your Information

Gather Your Information for the 2025-2026 FAFSA

You will need to gather some information before you begin filling out the FAFSA. For the 2025–2026 school year, you will need your 2023 income information.

If you are a DEPENDENT STUDENT, you will need:

  1. Your and your parents’ FSA IDs. To create one, go to StudentAid.gov and click on “Create Account.”
  2. Your and your parents’ social security numbers (SSN)
  3. Your and your parents’ 2023 W-2 forms and other records of money earned
  4. Your and your parents’ 2023 federal income tax returns (including all applicable schedules)
  5. Your and your parents’ current bank statements

If you are NOT A DEPENDENT STUDENT, you will need:

  1. Your FSA ID. To create one, go to StudentAid.gov and click on “Create Account.” If you are married but you and your spouse file separate tax returns, your spouse will also need an FSA ID.
  2. Your social security number (SSN)
  3. Your (and if married, your spouse’s) 2023 federal income tax return (including all applicable schedules), 2023 W-2 forms, and other records of money earned
  4. Your current bank statements

If applicable, you will also need:

  • Your current business and investment mortgage information, business and farm records, and stock, bond, and other investment records
  • Your Permanent Resident Card (Form I-151 or I-551C) or Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) with an eligible status (if you are an eligible non-U.S. citizen)
Step 3: Complete the FAFSA

Complete the FAFSA

  • Submit the FAFSA as soon as possible once it becomes available in December.
  • The 2025–2026 FAFSA requires 2023 income information.
  • The FAFSA is a roles-based form; students will see only their section and parents (referred to as “contributors”) will see only their section. Each contributor will use their FSA ID to access their respective section.
  • If a dependent student begins the process, they will be prompted to provide contributor information in their section. If the parent “contributor” starts their section first, they will be required to provide student information in their section.
  • You will be prompted to consent to having tax information from the IRS sent to Federal Student Aid using the Financial Aid Direct Data Exchange, even if you are not required to file taxes. You must consent by checking the box. If you do not check the box, you will not be eligible for any federal student aid.
  • The schools you list on your FAFSA will receive your FAFSA information electronically. You can list up to 20 colleges on the FAFSA.

*Keep the current Complete the FAFSA box and place it last under this step.

After you file the 2025-2026 FAFSA

After you File the 2025-2026 FAFSA

Your FAFSA will be processed by the Federal Processing Center typically within 2-3 business days.

Review Your FAFSA Submission Summary.

  • Your FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS) is a summary of the information you provided on your FAFSA. If you provided an email address on your FAFSA, you will be sent an email with a link to your FSS once your FAFSA has been processed. Your FSS can also be found by logging in at FAFSA.gov with your FSA ID.
  • Review your FSS carefully. If there is an asterisk next to your SAI, that means you have been selected for verification.
  • If corrections are needed, log in to FAFSA.gov using your FSA ID (username and password), make the corrections, and resubmit your FAFSA. Make sure you and a parent (if required), sign the FAFSA again using your FSA IDs.
  • If information has changed or the FAFSA data no longer reflects your current situation, contact Bethany Financial Aid Office.

You May Be Selected for Federal Verification.
Verification is a random selection process that requires schools to collect additional income and household information from some students. If you were selected for federal verification, please contact financialaid@bethanywv.edu.

You May Be Selected to Submit Additional Information to Resolve FAFSA conflicts.
The Bethany Financial Aid Office will reach out to you via mail and email with a Missing Information Letter Notice detailing the information and steps needed. Make sure to resolve so your financial aid can be disbursed to your bill.

Important Dates:

December 1 – FAFSA Opens

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid opens for the following academic year. File your FAFSA as early as possible. Enter our college code: 003808. (*Delayed until December 1, 2024 for 2025-26 academic year.)

Application Deadline – Rolling

We accept applications on a “rolling” basis. However, to ensure you can reserve a spot, we recommend applying as early as possible.

Recommended Deposit Deadline – May 1

While we accept deposit payments after this date, it’s best to get it in before May to ensure you get your first choice in housing.

The Bethany Affordability Pledge

  1. We will meet 100% of your demonstrated need through a combination of federal, state, and institutional aid.
  2. Unless your need changes, your financial aid is guaranteed for each of your four years of enrollment. We enroll graduates, not first-time students.
  3. Our professionals are available to work with you, to discuss the best strategies to meet your family’s financial circumstances.

%

of students receive financial assistance