First-Time Aid Applicant
When to apply
Apply as soon as possible! While you are able to apply for financial aid at any time during the year, we recommend applying for the FAFSA between January 1 and March 2 to be considered for all available funds. You should also complete the BC Financial Aid Application (see steps below) and follow up with our office no later than the end of April so the we can assist you in verifying the required documents needed. We also recommend that you apply for admissions no later than May 1st, 2013. You need an BC Student ID and BC student email in order to fill out the Financial Aid Application.
See all of our Important Dates and Deadlines.
Tip! You have to apply for aid each school year. You’ll sign up for a PIN one time, but you’ll need to submit a FAFSA and the BC Financial Aid Application every year.
Steps for applying
Step 1: Complete the FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov
Use BC’s federal school code: 003769
- Obtain a PIN number (www.pin.ed.gov) which you’ll use to complete the application. (Tip: Parents of dependent students must also obtain their own PIN to use as their signature on the FAFSA.)
- Apply for financial aid by submitting a FAFSA each year between January 1 and March 2 to be considered for all available funds.
It usually takes 1-2 weeks for our office to receive the results of your FAFSA.
Step 2: Review your Student Aid Report (SAR) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov
Verify your information and make corrections according to instructions given. (Reminder: If you have used estimated income figures, submit your and/or your parents’ actual financial information as soon as available).
Your SAR will indicate additional documents you might need to turn into our office, so it's important to review your SAR carefully.
Step 3: Apply for admissions to Bellevue College
Notice for Distance Education Students
Attention non-Washington State residents interested in enrolling in Bellevue College online classes.
New US Department of Education regulations for all U.S. colleges may affect Bellevue’s ability to accept your application at this time. The regulations become effective July 1, and Bellevue is seeking authorization to serve you. We will have a decision by May 31.
If you have questions, please call the Distance Education office at (425) 564-2438 or email us at disted@bellevuecollege.edu.
Step 4: After you've been accepted, get a Bellevue College Student E-mail
BC-issued e-mail will be required starting Spring 2011 and will be the primary way the Financial Aid office sends you communications about your aid. After you’ve applied and been accepted for admissions to the college, set up your BC e-mail online.
To sign-up, you’ll need to provide your student ID (SID) and PIN number the college assigns you after you apply for admissions.
Step 5: Complete the BC Financial Aid Application
Receiving your money
Your initial financial aid offer is an estimate based on full-time enrollment. The amount of funds disbursed to you will be adjusted based on the actual number of credits you take (i.e. enrolled credits). Learn more about how to get and keep your aid.
Understanding your Student Aid Report (SAR)
After you receive e-mail notification that your SAR is available, check to see if additional information is required. Here are some explanations of the types of additional information you may need to provide.
Error Resolution
- Missing signatures
- Numerical mismatches from tax information
- Need to turn in citizenship documentation
- Resolve social security number discrepancies
- Prove Selective Service Registration
- Other errors
Verification
If you're selected for FAFSA Verification, follow steps below.- Submit a Verification Worksheet
- IRS tax transcript from students and, if applicable, parents (for instructions on how to obtain a tax transcript or to use the IRS Retrieval Tool, visit our forms link and look under "IRS Tax Transcript Information".)
- Submit any other required income information
If you need assistance understanding your application results call the federal processor at 1-(800) 433-3243 or the BC Financial Aid office at (425) 564-2227.
