How to Apply

The Financial Aid Office of Belmont College administers various federal, state, college, and private financial aid programs. Financial aid is available to help eligible students meet the expenses of a college education. All financial aid programs are managed according to federal, state, and college guidelines, and accepted accounting practices.

Students applying for financial aid are considered for all programs for which they may be eligible. The amount of financial aid awarded is generally a combination of grants and loans. Awards are based on the student’s financial need, which is determined by subtracting the resources of the student and his/her Student Aid Index (SAI) from the student’s financial aid budget.

The SAI is based on the amount of the family’s income, assets, and family size as submitted on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). All financial aid awards are finalized by the Financial Aid Office. An award notification is mailed or emailed to each financial aid applicant but may be subject to change. Students are strongly advised to apply for financial aid as early as possible for the upcoming academic year in order to avoid delays.

In compliance with Public Law 93-380 (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act – FERPA – of 1974) as amended, all information received in connection with application for financial aid is held in the strictest confidence. No information is released regarding financial aid except by written request of the student.  For more information or current policies and procedures, please visit our website. All subject to change.

Applying for Financial Aid

  1. New students must apply for admission to Belmont by going to www.belmontcollege.edu and completing the online application.
  2. New students completing the FAFSA need to obtain a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID. The parent(s) of dependent students will also need to obtain a FSA ID to process the FAFSA. Go to https://studentaid.gov.
  3. Complete the FAFSA by going to https://fafsa.gov. Belmont College’s School Code is 009941. Students are strongly advised to complete the FAFSA as early as possible for the upcoming academic year not only to allow for the verification process, but also to ensure that they will receive all eligible financial assistance available.
  4. Review your FAFSA Submission Summary. Once you complete the FAFSA, the U.S. Department of Education will send your FAFSA Submission Summary results. Read this carefully as it contains messages and possible errors you will need to correct. If you find any errors, correct them by going to https://fafsa.gov.
  5. Submit any missing documents to the Financial Aid Office. Check your financial aid status online through your MyFAO account to see if you have missing documents such as Verification Worksheets or tax documents. For more information, see What is Verification?
  6. Once all forms are complete, the Financial Aid Office will process your Financial Aid award and mail or email you a Financial Aid Award notification showing any estimated grants or scholarships you may be eligible to receive. Students who wish to borrow Federal Direct Student Loans will be required to complete a Federal Direct Student Loan Request Form each semester even if you have had a loan in the past. This application is available in-office or on our website.
  7. If you apply for a Federal Direct Student Loan, new borrowers must complete the Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note. Returning borrowers need to complete the ASLA (Annual Student Loan Acknowledgement). These can be done online at https://studentaid.gov.
  8. Make sure your bill is covered. If you receive a balance due, do not assume your financial aid will cover it. If your file is incomplete, you are not eligible for any Financial Aid awards. Check your Financial Aid status on the MyFAO or by contacting the Financial Aid Office at 740.695.8510 or financialaid@belmontcollege.edu. Payment arrangements must be made with the Business Office (740-695-9500).

What is Verification?

The U.S. Department of Education may purposely or randomly select a financial aid application for verification. This is much like an audit of the information you provided on your FAFSA. Belmont is required to verify or confirm the information reported on all of the selected applications. The College may also require verification or correction of any application that may be in question. In these cases, certain information will be requested to help determine the accuracy of the information and to determine the student’s eligibility for financial aid. The U.S. Department of Education and the Financial Aid Office will notify all aid applicants who are selected for verification. You may be asked to provide tax information, identifying information, and to complete a federally required worksheet.  Please respond promptly to the Financial Aid Office’s request for these required documents.