Due to ongoing delays in processing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), Bellarmine University has shifted its college decision deadline from May 1 to June 1.
"We recognize that financial aid is a primary concern for students and their families, and the delay in FAFSA has created challenges as they make their college choice,” said Dr. Michael Marshall, Vice President for Enrollment, Marketing and Communication at Bellarmine. “We are committed to giving them time to make a well-informed decision."
The U.S. Department of Education recently announced that colleges will begin receiving FAFSA applicant information in March. The online FAFSA application opened in late December, nearly two months later than usual, due to a significant overhaul by the Department of Education.
Bellarmine is providing students and their families with an estimated package to clarify and alleviate concerns associated with the federal application process. Admitted students can complete a short form where they provide their Student Aid Index either from their FAFSA or from the estimate tool available on studentaid.gov. After sharing this information, students will receive an estimated financial aid package within 15 days.
“We understand that for students and their families, knowing the amount of financial aid they will receive is crucial in their decision-making process,” said Marshall. “We want to provide them with a clear understanding of the aid they may be eligible for at Bellarmine.”
Although these estimates are being issued early, families will still receive a final official comprehensive package once we have the data from the FAFSA, which could reflect additional state and federal aid.
While awaiting the final official comprehensive package, students are encouraged to explore outside scholarships and institutional assistance, such as the Bellarmine Trustee Scholarship, which awards a $1,500 annual scholarship to incoming first-year students who make an official visit and submit their FAFSA. Filing the FAFSA not only determines federal aid eligibility but also ensures full consideration for institutional funds, including this scholarship. The Trustee Scholarship is on top of the other Bellarmine institutional aid already offered.
If prospective students and their families have questions about the financial aid process, they are encouraged to contact the Office of Financial Aid at finaid@bellarmine.edu or 502.272.7300.