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Applying for Aid: Steps and Deadlines

Possible financial aid delays for Fall 2024 admits. The Department of Education delayed opening the FAFSA for the 2024–25 school year from the previous October 1 date to December 31, 2023. Due to this, financial aid offers will be delayed for students admitted to the Fall 2024 term. We will send admitted students more details as they become available.

This section explains the financial aid application process for students and their parents applying for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Financial aid can significantly decrease your true yearly cost, which is why it’s important to pay close attention to the financial aid process. There are specific applications and forms you’ll need to fill out, as well as key deadlines to meet — and we’re here to help you through the process, start to finish.

Note: continuing students must reapply for financial aid every year. If you still need to apply for financial aid for the 2023-2024 academic year, please submit a 2023-2024 FAFSA as soon as possible.

Steps for Financial Aid

Get started on the financial aid process by finishing the steps below. Once you are admitted to Biola, our team will get to work on your financial aid offer. This process may be delayed due to the Department of Education’s FAFSA changes.

 

  1. Submit your completed application for admission to Biola University.

    When you submit your application, you are automatically considered for merit-based academic scholarships ranging from $14,000 to $23,000.

  2. Complete your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

    Biola University’s code is 001122.

    The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines your eligibility for need-based federal and state financial aid. For most state financial aid programs, submit applications no later than April 2, 2024.

  3. California residents can also apply for the Cal Grant when you apply for the FAFSA. Cal Grant requires submission of a school-certified GPA by April 2, 2024.

    Please see additional/alternative instructions for specific student groups:

    • California Residents

      Students who live in California (or have established residency for at least one year through the official state process) should also submit their Cal Grant GPA Verification Form, which can help them earn additional aid (Note: The FAFSA deadline for Cal Grant eligibility is April 2).

      All Cal Grant applicants must complete the Cal Grant GPA Verification Form. High school seniors (who have not already completed 24 college credits) by the April 2 Cal Grant application deadline should coordinate with their high school to submit the GPA Verification Form. Students who have completed 24 college credits by the April 2 Cal Grant application deadline should coordinate with their college’s Office of the Registrar to complete the GPA Verification Form.

    • Homeschooled California Residents

      If you are a homeschooled student who is also a California Resident, the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) requires that you submit SAT or ACT test scores in lieu of a high school GPA to determine your Cal Grant eligibility. In addition to completing your FAFSA, you must submit your test scores along with a Cal Grant GPA Verification form to CSAC prior to the April 2nd Cal Grant application deadline to be considered for the grant. This form can be found on the CSAC website.

    • Dream Act Students

      Eligible AB 540 students may complete the California Dream Act Application, which allows students interested in attending eligible California universities to apply for state financial aid. This application is unrelated to the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

    • Veterans

      In addition to the FAFSA or Dream Act Application, please submit your certificate of eligibility for any of your military benefits to:

      • Office of Registrar
        13800 Biola Avenue
        La Mirada CA, 90639
    • International Students

      Students who will be attending Biola University as an international student on an F-1 or R-1 student visa are considered for financial aid upon admission to the university through the Office of International Admissions. International Students should speak with their Admissions Counselor to determine if they are a candidate for financial aid assistance. Once international students are enrolled at Biola University, they should contact the financial aid office to determine aid options beyond what (if anything) is granted by the Office of International Admissions. There is no specific annual financial aid application for International Students.

  4. Respond to any additional requests from Biola University within 10 days.

    The Office of Financial Aid may need additional information to complete your financial aid file before your aid eligibility can be finalized. Pay close attention to any notifications or requests from the Office of Financial Aid through your MyAccount profile or to your biola.edu email address.

  5. Apply for additional scholarships, grants or private loans.

    Explore additional financial aid opportunities including institutional and departmental scholarships, outside scholarships, or private loans. Please note that some students will not be considered for additional aid if they have not yet completed their financial aid file

 

When you will be notified

  • Please note – information on your Financial Aid Award and notification for the Fall 2024 semester is impacted by the federal government’s FAFSA Simplification Act.
  • Provided you have met all deadlines and eligibility requirements, including promptly submitting any additional documentation that is requested, you will receive notification regarding your financial aid summary in March, 2024 unless there are further delays to the 24/25 process.
  • You may have additional financial aid tasks to complete on MyAccount. Check your MyAccount frequently to make sure this does not slow down your financial aid process.
  • Incoming students will receive an email notifying them that their financial aid award is available online. The financial aid summary for all students will be viewable via the link in this email.

Prospective First-Year and Transfer Checklist

December 2023

  • Create both your student and parent Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov.

January 2024

  • Complete the FAFSA application at studentaid.gov.
  • Apply for scholarships.

March 2024

  • Mar. 4 - Deadline for Cal Grant GPA Verification Form

April 2024

  • Submit additional documents on myaccount.biola.edu if requested by Biola’s Office of Financial Aid.
  • Review your Biola aid notification.

May 2024

  • May 1 – National Deposit Deadline: Submit your enrollment deposit on myaccount.biola.edu.
  • Apply for the Direct Parent PLUS loan, and/or alternative loans if needed.

July 2024

  • Choose your semester payment plan.
  • Jul. 17 – Submit down payment (Four Payment Plan only).

August 2024

  • Aug. 15 – Submit down payment (Full, Two and Three Payment Plans).

Important Dates to Remember

When can you expect to hear about your financial aid offer? When are forms and applications due? We’ve mapped out the important dates for you, so pay close attention to the following steps and mark your calendars. Don’t miss out on deadlines for important forms like the FAFSA and California Dream Act Application.

Graduate Students

Fall Start

October

Although many priority dates occur in the spring (March and April), you can begin the financial aid process the year before as soon as October (and we recommend completing these steps as soon as possible). The process includes:

  • Submitting the FAFSA form.
November–July
February–March
  • Connect with your Admissions Counselor to review all available aid options for your program, which may include department-specific scholarships.
April 15
  • This is the priority date to complete your student financial aid file.
    • Review and submit requested financial aid forms on MyAccount, your online enrollment profile where you will receive a personalized list of enrollment steps. To access MyAccount:
    • Biola’s Office of Financial Aid will send a financial aid notification that may include grants and loans to admitted students. Emails are sent to Biola email addresses for confirmed students and to personal email addresses for not-yet-confirmed/deposited students.
June 1
  • Apply for any federal loans (if eligible) and/or any other alternative loans if needed.
August 15

 

Spring Start

July

You can begin the financial aid process for a spring start as soon as the FAFSA for that academic year is available. For example, spring 2025 uses the 2024-2025 FAFSA.

August–November
October 15
  • This is the priority date to complete your student financial aid file.
    • Review and submit requested financial aid forms on MyAccount, your online enrollment profile where you will receive a personalized list of enrollment steps. To access MyAccount:
    • Biola’s Office of Financial Aid will send an estimated aid offer that may include grants and loans to admitted students. Emails are sent to Biola email addresses for confirmed students and to personal email addresses for not-yet-confirmed/deposited students.
November 1
  • Apply for any federal loans (if eligible) and/or any other alternative loans if needed.
December 15

Additional Resources

More Financial Aid Tools

The Office of Financial Aid provides different resources that can help you plan out your finances as you pursue your Biola education.

Financial Aid Counseling

Have questions about the process? Call us or come by our office for a drop-in appointment with a knowledgeable financial aid counselor — they can help.

Connect With a Counselor

Contact Us

The Office of Financial Aid is here to answer questions you have about the financial aid process. Contact us in person, by phone or email.

View Contact Information