FAFSA Resource Center - Bethany College
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FAFSA Resource Center
FAFSA Resource Center
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FAFSA Resource Center
Your step-by-step guide to filing FAFSA with Bethany College
The
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®)
for 2026-2027 is open — and it’s the key to unlocking grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans that make Bethany affordable.
We know the process can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. That’s why we’ve created simple resources — checklists, step-by-step guides, and a glossary — to help every student and family file with confidence.
Use Bethany’s school code
003808
when you apply to make sure we receive your FAFSA.
Complete Your FAFSA
We’ve built tools to make FAFSA simple:
FAFSA Prep Checklist & Guide
A quick list of everything you need before Oct. 1, plus clear instructions to file with confidence.
Download the FAFSA Prep Checklist & Step-by-Step Guide
FAFSA Glossary
Plain-language definitions of every term you’ll see on the FAFSA, so nothing feels confusing.
Download the FAFSA Glossary
What is the FAFSA?
The
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®)
is the form students and families complete each year to apply for financial aid. It’s how you unlock:
Federal grants, work-study, and student loans
State grants and scholarships
Bethany College scholarships and financial aid
Why File Early?
Filing FAFSA is free, takes less than an hour, and is required for almost all financial aid.
The FAFSA for 2026-2027 is open. Students who file early:
Get priority access to grants and scholarships
Receive aid packages sooner
Have more time to compare options and plan ahead
What You’ll Need
Before filing, gather:
Social Security numbers (student + parent)
FSA ID for both student and parent (create at StudentAid.gov)
Prior year tax returns & W-2s
Records of untaxed income
Bank/savings account statements
Bethany College School Code: 003808
Do I need to file the FAFSA every year?
Yes. The FAFSA must be completed every year you are in college. Your family’s situation may change, and re-filing ensures you get the maximum aid available each year.
What if my family’s financial situation has changed since our last tax return?
File the FAFSA with the information it asks for. Afterward, contact Bethany’s Financial Aid Office — we can guide you through a process called “special circumstances” to update your file and better reflect your current financial situation.
Do I have to accept loans if I file FAFSA?
No. Filing the FAFSA simply makes you eligible for aid. You can accept grants and scholarships (which do not need to be repaid) and decline loans if you choose. Filing keeps every option open.
What happens after I file my FAFSA?
You’ll receive a FAFSA Submission Summary online. Bethany will also receive your information (if you listed our school code
003808
). Our Financial Aid Office then creates a personalized aid package showing grants, scholarships, and loan options.
Does filing FAFSA cost anything?
No. The FAFSA is always free. Be cautious of websites or services that charge a fee — the official site is
StudentAid.gov
Can undocumented or non-citizen students file FAFSA?
Some students who are not U.S. citizens may still qualify for aid. If you’re in this situation, reach out to Bethany’s Financial Aid Office. We’ll help you understand what resources are available.
What if I miss the FAFSA deadline?
Each state and college may set their own priority deadlines. While Bethany reviews aid on a rolling basis, many grants are first-come, first-served — so filing as soon as possible gives you the best chance for maximum aid.
First in Your Family to File FAFSA? We’ve Got You.
Filing FAFSA can feel overwhelming if it’s new to your family — but you don’t have to figure it out alone. At Bethany, we specialize in guiding students through the process step by step.
Here’s what to know:
You and a parent/guardian each create an FSA ID at StudentAid.gov.
Have Social Security numbers, tax returns, and W-2s ready.
Add Bethany’s school code 003808 to make sure we receive your FAFSA.
After filing, you’ll get a FAFSA Submission Summary — we’ll help you review it.
We’ve created a FAFSA Glossary in plain language so every term makes sense.
Your enrollment counselor is always available for questions — by phone, text, or email.
Contact Our Center for Enrollment
Need Help?
Bethany’s Financial Aid team is here for you. Contact us anytime at
financialaid@bethanywv.edu
or 304.829.7611. Prospective students can also connect directly with your enrollment counselor — they’re ready to walk you through FAFSA step by step.
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