Financial Aid Steps References
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New/Transfer Students
This page is currently showing information for new/transfer students. Choose a different student type in the dropdown.
Start with your base costs.
| Estimated BGSU undergraduate costs, 2026-27 | Ohio resident | Nonresident |
| Tuition | $14,772 | $14,772 |
| Nonresident fee | — | $7,988 |
| On-campus housing | $6,760 | $6,760 |
| On-campus food | $4,464 | $4,464 |
| Total estimated costs | $25,996 | $33,984 |
The Falcon Tuition Guarantee locks in your tuition, housing and meal plan rates for 12 consecutive semesters. Your rate is based on your cohort (the semester you started at BGSU).
Find your cohort in MyBGSU Student Center under My Account. Then review the rates for your group.
You can also use the cost calculator to estimate your expenses.
Wondering if you can afford college? Get an honest look at what BGSU costs, what students actually pay and how they make it work.
Understand your financial aid and cost of attendance.
Your cost of attendance (COA) is an estimate of your total educational expenses and is used to determine your financial aid eligibility.
Learn what’s included in your COA, how it’s calculated and how it affects your aid.
Factor in other variables that could affect your cost.
Your estimated cost of attendance is a starting point. What you actually pay may change based on your enrollment choices, experiences and program. Review the details to learn how each may affect what you pay.
Your program or student type
Some programs have different tuition structures.
Your choices and experiences
Costs can vary depending on what you decide to pursue.
Your enrollment status
- Part-time status – Your tuition, fees and financial aid eligibility may change if you attend part time. Review your options and connect with Financial Aid before adjusting your schedule.
- Taking courses at another school (consortium agreements)
Taking courses at another school (consortium agreements)
If you take courses at another institution while earning your BGSU degree, a consortium agreement may allow those credits to count toward your financial aid eligibility.
You may need a consortium agreement if you would like to use your BGSU financial aid to:
- Take courses at another college that will transfer back to BGSU
- Participate in a study-away or specialized program
How it works
- Complete the applicable FAFSA and list BGSU as a recipient (BGSU school code: 003018).
- Complete the BGSU Student Financial Aid Consortium Agreement.
- Submit proof of enrollment, course details and tuition costs.
- BGSU Financial Aid will create a cost of attendance (COA) unique to your costs for the term.
- Financial aid is processed by BGSU. You pay the other institution directly.
Important to know
- Courses must apply to your degree program.
- BGSU enrollment may be required during the same term (see terms and conditions on the Consortium Agreement for the applicable term).
- Dropping or failing courses may affect your aid and satisfactory academic progress (SAP).
- Deadlines apply. So submit your request early.
Available to eligible undergraduate and graduate students receiving financial aid.
Plan your budget.
To create a more accurate budget, consider your own costs and spending habits. Students looking for guidance on budgeting and making informed financial decisions can work with a Student Financial Aid and Scholarships (SFA) staff member.
Payment plans are available through the BGSU bursar’s office to help manage expenses over time.
Helpful tools
Current Undergraduate Students
This page is currently showing information for current undergraduate students. Choose a different student type in the dropdown.
Reviewing your expenses and planning ahead can help you stay on track financially.
Start with your base costs.
The Falcon Tuition Guarantee locks in your tuition, housing and meal plan rates for 12 consecutive semesters. Your rate is based on your cohort (the semester you started at BGSU).
Find your cohort in MyBGSU Student Center under My Account. Then review the rates for your group.
You can also use the cost calculator to estimate your expenses.
Understand your financial aid and cost of attendance.
Your cost of attendance (COA) is an estimate of your total educational expenses and is used to determine your financial aid eligibility.
Learn what’s included in your COA, how it’s calculated and how it affects your aid.
Factor in other variables that could affect your cost.
Your estimated cost of attendance is a starting point. What you actually pay may change based on your enrollment choices, experiences and program. Review the details to learn how each may affect what you pay.
Your program or student type
Some programs have different tuition structures.
Your choices and experiences
Costs can vary depending on what you decide to pursue.
Your enrollment status
- Part-time status – Your tuition, fees and financial aid eligibility may change if you attend part time. Review your options and connect with Financial Aid before adjusting your schedule.
- Taking courses at another school (consortium agreements)
Plan your budget.
To create a more accurate budget, consider your own costs and spending habits. Students looking for guidance on budgeting and making informed financial decisions can work with a Student Financial Aid and Scholarships (SFA) staff member.
Payment plans are available through the BGSU bursar’s office to help manage expenses over time.
Helpful tools
Graduate Students
This page is currently showing information for graduate students. Choose a different student type in the dropdown.
Understanding all your costs helps you:
- Budget accurately for the entire year
- Avoid financial stress by anticipating hidden costs
- Make informed decisions about housing, meals and spending habits
Use our calculator to estimate costs.
Review cost of attendance information.
Review cost of attendance information to better understand your financial aid. Your cost of attendance (COA) is an estimate of your total educational expenses and is used to determine your financial aid eligibility.
Learn what’s included in your COA, how it’s calculated and how it affects your aid.
Explore detailed cost information and funding sources.
Plan your budget.
To create a more accurate budget, consider your own costs and spending habits. Students looking for guidance on budgeting and making informed financial decisions can work with a Student Financial Aid and Scholarships (SFA) staff member.
Payment plans are available through the BGSU bursar’s office to help manage expenses over time.
Programs with unique tuition and funding
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students
Understand your program costs
Planning ahead and budgeting are crucial. Review the DPT program’s estimated tuition and program costs.
Plan for additional expenses
- Budget for travel, lodging and technology requirements (laptop and mobile device).
- Some clinical sites may offer stipends or housing assistance.
Apply for aid early to maximize your eligibility
Filing your FAFSA and applying for loans and scholarships can help cover your costs.
Schedule a financial aid consultation
BGSU’s Financial Aid Office offers virtual appointments to help you plan funding strategies.
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) students
Understand your program costs
Planning ahead and budgeting are crucial. Review the OTD program’s estimated tuition and program costs.
Plan for additional expenses
- Budget for travel, lodging and technology requirements (laptop and mobile device).
- Some clinical sites may offer stipends or housing assistance.
Apply for aid early to maximize your eligibility
Filing your FAFSA and applying for loans and scholarships can help cover your costs.
Schedule a financial aid consultation
BGSU’s Financial Aid Office offers virtual appointments to help you plan funding strategies.
Indiana reciprocity
BGSU offers in-state graduate tuition for students from the following counties: Adams, Allen, Blackford, Clark, Dearborn, Decatur, DeKalb, Delaware, Fayette, Floyd, Franklin, Harrison, Henry, Jay, Jefferson, Jennings, Noble, Ohio, Randolph, Ripley, Rush, Scott, Steuben, Switzerland, Union, Washington, Wayne and Wells.
All Undergraduate Students
This page is currently showing information for all undergraduate students. Choose a different student type in the dropdown.
Financial aid comes in two forms – money you don't have to pay back and money you borrow. Some aid is awarded based on financial need. Some is available regardless of need.
Most students use a mix of financial aid types to pay for college. Our goal is to make sure you know what’s available so you can put together a plan that works for you.
Money you don't have to pay back
Scholarships and grants are known as “gift aid” because you don’t have to pay them back.
Scholarships
BGSU scholarships range from one-time awards to renewable four-year scholarships. They are awarded based on all kinds of criteria, including:
- Your field of study
- Financial need
- Community service
- And more
Grants
Grants are typically need-based and are available from state and federal governments.
Your financial aid award offer from BGSU will list any grants for which you are eligible. No need to apply for them.
Important note: Grants do not require repayment unless you withdraw from your courses. Learn more how withdrawing from BGSU affects federal financial aid.
Money you borrow or earn
Loans and job earnings are considered "self-help aid.” Loans must be paid back.
Loans
There are two kinds of loans: federal loans and private loans. Each type of loan comes with its own terms and conditions. It’s important to understand how loans work and what repayment will look like before you borrow.
Earnings from a job
Many BGSU students work on or off campus to offset college costs.
On-campus jobs
BGSU employs over 4,000 students who earn an average of $1,400-$2,800 per semester working 10-20 hours a week.
Student employment, including federal work-study, is not applied directly to your bill. You receive a paycheck.
All BGSU students can access Student Employment Services’ job postings through the University’s online employment portal – NeoEd – after attending orientation and receiving your class schedule.
Federal work-study
Students who submit the FAFSA and who demonstrate financial need may qualify to work on campus through the federal work-study program. Learn more about work-study and how it differs from other on-campus student employment.
Students who are eligible for federal work-study can participate in the America Reads program and tutor in local elementary schools.
How do I qualify for federal financial aid?
You need to submit a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to qualify for federal aid and to give yourself the best chance for all available aid (including some scholarships). All students who submit a FAFSA will be considered for federal loans.
If you’re currently serving or have served in the military, there are a variety of resources to help cover the cost of your education. These benefits may come through federal and state programs, such as the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the state of Ohio.
Active duty students may be eligible for tuition assistance (TA), as well as federal grants, loans and work-study.
Important things to know about using military benefits
- Tuition assistance is available to eligible Service members as a form of financial aid.
- Before enrolling in courses, you’ll need approval from your Education Service Officer (ESO) or a military counselor.
- Financial aid advisors can explain your options for loans, grants and work-study, but they will refer you to your ESO for details about tuition assistance.
For a full list of available benefits and personalized guidance, contact Nontraditional and Military Student Services.
Whether you’re just starting to think about college or already enrolled, there are many services and financial aid options to support you.
Graduate Students
This page is currently showing information for graduate students. Choose a different student type in the dropdown.
Scholarships
Scholarships are known as “gift aid” because you don’t have to pay them back.
BGSU scholarships are awarded based on all kinds of criteria, including:
- Your field of study
- Financial need
- Community service
- And more
Loans
Loans are considered "self-help aid" and must be paid back.
There are two kinds of loans: federal loans and private loans. Each type of loan comes with its own terms and conditions. It’s important to understand how loans work and what repayment will look like before you borrow.
Other ways to lower tuition costs
Many graduate programs offer:
- Departmental scholarships
- Graduate assistantships or fellowships
- Research and teaching positions
You could also find employment on or off campus.
These options can significantly reduce costs and provide valuable professional experience. Contact your program coordinator early to learn about deadlines and requirements.
The Graduate College also has information about funding opportunities.
How do I qualify for federal financial aid?
You need to submit a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to qualify for federal aid and to give yourself the best chance for all available aid (including some scholarships). All students who submit a FAFSA will be considered for federal loans.
Military education benefits
If you’re currently serving or have served in the military, there are a variety of resources to help cover the cost of your education. These benefits may come through federal and state programs, such as the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the state of Ohio.
Active duty students may be eligible for tuition assistance (TA), as well as federal grants, loans and work-study.
Important things to know about using military benefits
- Tuition assistance is available to eligible Service members as a form of financial aid.
- Before enrolling in courses, you’ll need approval from your Education Service Officer (ESO) or a military counselor.
- Financial aid advisors can explain your options for loans, grants and work-study, but they will refer you to your ESO for details about tuition assistance.
For a full list of available benefits and personalized guidance, contact Nontraditional and Military Student Services.
New/Transfer Students
This page is currently showing information for new/transfer students. Choose a different student type in the dropdown.
Priority deadline for FAFSA and BGSU general scholarship app: Feb. 18, 2027
Apply to BGSU
Earn merit scholarships based on your GPA and activities just by applying to BGSU. You will automatically be considered for the University Freshman Academic Scholarship and other scholarships. No essay, recommendation letters or interview are required.
Submit the FAFSA
The FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid – is required to qualify for federal grants and loans and some scholarships.
Apply for scholarships
Fill out one general application to apply for hundreds of scholarships. The app opens in October each year.
$236.9M+
Amount of aid given to BGSU undergraduates (2025-26)
$16,713
Average annual aid awarded to 14,000+ undergraduates (2025-26)
8 of 10
BG Campus undergraduates receive some form of financial assistance
Am I eligible for financial aid?
Learn how your eligibility for financial aid is calculated.
Applying for summer aid
Review how to apply for summer financial aid.
Resources for foster care and under-resourced students
BGSU and other agencies offer specialized aid and support to help make college possible.
Manage who can see your financial information
Learn about your FERPA rights (Family Education Rights and Privacy Act) and how to give a designated proxy access to your financial information.
Timeline to apply for aid
September
- Research deadlines for financial aid and scholarship applications.
- Create an FSA ID for the student and other FAFSA contributors in preparation for filing the FAFSA.
October
- Attend financial aid nights hosted by BGSU at high schools and college fairs.
- When the FAFSA opens, complete your application.
November/December
- Submit BGSU scholarship application(s).
January
- Check with your high school counselor about local scholarship opportunities and deadlines.
- Submit any additional documents required to complete your financial aid application.
February/March
- Watch for an email from BGSU with your financial aid award notification.
- Monitor your BGSU email and student portal for information and updates.
April
- Decide where you’ll be attending college!
May
- Complete loan entrance counseling and electronically sign the Federal Direct Loan Promissory Note if you’re taking out federal loans.
June/July
- If you need and qualify for a Parent PLUS or private loan, submit and finalize all your applications.
- Pay your BGSU bill by the deadline.
- Send outside scholarship award letters to the Student Financial Aid and Scholarships office.
Current Undergraduate Students
This page is currently showing information for current undergraduate students. Choose a different student type in the dropdown.
Priority deadline for FAFSA and BGSU general scholarship app: Feb. 25, 2027
Submit the FAFSA
You must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) every year to receive or keep most types of financial aid, including federal grants or loans and some scholarships. The good news? Once you’ve filled it out once, much of your information is saved. So renewing your FAFSA is usually faster and easier.
Apply for scholarships
You can start applying for scholarships in October when the general scholarship application opens. Even if you didn’t receive scholarships in previous years, it’s worth trying again. BGSU offers many scholarships available only to current students.
Of particular note: If you’re a current freshman with financial need who has a 3.0+ GPA, you may qualify for the Thompson Achiever Scholarship. Combined with your other aid, it will cover up to $11,000 of your tuition per year. Check if you qualify and how to apply.
$236.9M+
Amount of aid given to BGSU undergraduates (2025-26)
$16,713
Average annual aid awarded to 14,000+ undergraduates (2025-26)
8 of 10
BG Campus undergraduates receive some form of financial assistance
Am I eligible for financial aid?
Learn how your eligibility for financial aid is calculated.
Applying for summer aid
Review how to apply for summer financial aid.
Applying for study abroad aid
Check out the scholarships available for travel abroad.
Resources for foster care and under-resourced students
BGSU and other agencies offer specialized aid and support to help make college possible.
Manage who can see your financial information
Learn about your FERPA rights (Family Education Rights and Privacy Act) and how to give a designated proxy access to your financial information.
Timeline to apply for aid
September
- Research deadlines for financial aid and scholarship applications.
- If you don’t already have one, create an FSA ID for the student and other FAFSA contributors in preparation for filing the FAFSA.
October
- When the FAFSA opens, complete your application.
November/December
- Submit BGSU scholarship application(s).
January
- Submit any additional documents required to complete your financial aid application.
February/March
- Watch for an email from BGSU with your financial aid award notification.
- Monitor your BGSU email and student portal for information and updates.
May
- Complete loan entrance counseling and electronically sign the Federal Direct Loan Promissory Note if you’re taking out federal loans.
June/July
- If you need and qualify for a Parent PLUS or private loan, submit and finalize all your applications.
- Pay your BGSU bill by the deadline.
Graduate Students
This page is currently showing information for graduate students. Choose a different student type in the dropdown.
Submit the FAFSA
The FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid – is required to qualify for federal loans and some scholarships.
Apply for scholarships and funding
Fill out one general application to apply for hundreds of scholarships. The app opens in October each year. The Graduate College also has information on funding opportunities.
Am I eligible for financial aid?
Learn how your eligibility for financial aid is calculated.
Applying for summer aid
Review how to apply for summer financial aid.
Manage who can see your financial information
Learn about your FERPA rights (Family Education Rights and Privacy Act) and how to give a designated proxy access to your financial information.
Timeline to apply for aid
September
- Research deadlines for financial aid and scholarship applications.
- If you don’t have one already, create an FSA ID for the student and other FAFSA contributors in preparation for filing the FAFSA.
October
- When the FAFSA opens, complete your application.
November/December
- Submit BGSU scholarship application(s).
January
- Submit any additional documents required to complete your financial aid application.
February/March
- Watch for an email from BGSU with your financial aid award notification.
- Monitor your BGSU email and student portal for information and updates.
May
- Complete loan entrance counseling and electronically sign the Federal Direct Loan Promissory Note if you’re taking out federal loans.
June/July
- If you need and qualify for a private loan, submit and finalize all your applications.
- Pay your BGSU bill by the deadline.
New/Transfer Students
This page is currently showing information for new/transfer students. Choose a different student type in the dropdown.
Review your financial aid offer.
BGSU uses your Student Aid Index (SAI) from the FAFSA to calculate your financial aid eligibility. The financial aid team will send you an email in March when your offer is ready to view.
- Log in to your MyBGSU.
- Select Student Center → Financial Aid tile
Review our guide to understanding your financial aid offer and what your next steps are.
Has your financial situation changed since submitting the FAFSA?
Contact Student Financial Aid and Scholarships to discuss filing a special consideration appeal.
Finalize your offer.
Most aid is automatically accepted for you – no action required:
- Federal and state grants
- Most merit scholarships (See terms and conditions of your scholarship for details.)
If you were offered loans, you will need to decide whether to accept them and how much to borrow.
While there is no official deadline for finalizing financial aid, keep in mind that no aid will apply to your student bill until it has been finalized. Student Financial Aid and Scholarships (SFA) recommends you complete all aid requirements no later than July 1 or six weeks before the start of the semester.
How to finalize your financial aid
Federal direct unsubsidized and subsidized student loans
Student loan offers will appear as accepted in MyBGSU > Financial Aid Awards but are not finalized until required loan documents are completed. Students may reduce or decline loans in MyBGSU before funds are disbursed to the student account.
Are you a first-time borrower?
You must complete:
- Loan agreement (Master Promissory Note or MPN) – The loan agreement (MPN) will serve as the student's authorization to borrow and promise to repay loans through the direct loan program. The loan agreement (MPN) can be used for federal student loans for up to 10 academic years. A single loan agreement (MPN) will be used for all of your federal student loans at BGSU. For example, if you enroll in college as a freshman and borrow under the direct loan program for all years of study, you are able to borrow under this MPN for all years.
- Entrance loan counseling – Ensures that you have a full understanding of the rights and responsibilities you incur upon accepting their loan.
Loans will not apply to the student's bill until both have been completed. Once the loan agreement (MPN) and entrance counseling have been completed, the loans will show as anticipated aid on the student's bill.
Note: Loan amounts listed in the student's account are maximum amounts for that academic year. You are encouraged to only borrow what you need to cover your bill. All loan amounts can be cancelled or lowered through MyBGSU or by contacting SFA.
Federal Parent PLUS loans
Parents of dependent undergraduate students may borrow a federal direct Parent PLUS loan to help cover remaining charges after the student’s aid is applied.
For new PLUS loans borrowed on or after July 1, 2026, the maximum amount is $20,000 per year (with a lifetime aggregate limit of $65,000 per dependent student).
For borrowers who received a PLUS loan prior to July 1, 2026, SFA determines the maximum amount, which cannot exceed the student’s cost of attendance for the year.
Parents are encouraged to borrow only what is needed to cover the student’s bill. Loan amounts may be adjusted by contacting SFA.
How to apply for a Parent PLUS loan
Once credit is approved, the parent will need to complete a master promissory note (MPN) for a Parent PLUS loan.
If the parent's credit is denied, the parent has several options:
- Add an endorser
- Pursue a credit override
- Do not pursue a PLUS loan
- Undecided
If the parent chooses to pursue the PLUS loan by either adding an endorser or pursuing a credit override, SFA will add the PLUS loan to the student’s financial aid package.
If the parent chooses not to pursue the Parent PLUS loan or undecided, SFA will automatically offer an additional federal unsubsidized student loan to the student. The additional unsubsidized student loan will be offered on the student’s financial aid and will require the student to accept the loan in MyBGSU before it can be processed.
Log in to MyBGSU > Student Center > Financial Aid > Select current aid year > Accept/Decline > Edit and use dropdown to Accept, Decline or Reduce.
Call the Student Financial Aid and Scholarships Office with any issues.
Private loans
Students may pursue private loans to help pay your bill if a Parent PLUS loan is not an option for your family or you still have a gap. We encourage you to borrow only what you need to cover your expenses. A credit-worthy co-signer may be required.
Learn more about private loans and how to apply
Note that the private loan application processing time typically takes at least 2-3 weeks. Apply as early as you can, so that funds arrive in time for the bill due date.
Federal work-study
Once you are enrolled in classes you will be able to access the Student Employment Portal, a platform that will simplify finding and applying for open on-campus jobs. To find a work-study job, search through job postings and contact listed employers to apply. SFA will apply federal work-study funds to pay you once you are hired.
Work-study students interested in tutoring at local elementary schools may find work with America Reads.
Outside scholarships
Promptly notify SFA in writing if you receive any scholarships, grants, loans or other forms of financial aid that are not listed on your BGSU financial aid offer. We encourage scholarship providers to use our secure payment portal to streamline processing and ensure funds are applied promptly to your student account.
Pay your bill.
Learn how to:
- View your bill
- Make a payment
- Use the BGSU payment plan
- Share access to your financial information with a proxy
Current Undergraduate Students
This page is currently showing information for current undergraduate students. Choose a different student type in the dropdown.
Review your financial aid offer.
BGSU uses your Student Aid Index (SAI) from the FAFSA to calculate your financial aid eligibility. The financial aid team will send you an email in April when your offer is ready to view.
- Log in to your MyBGSU.
- Select Student Center → Financial Aid tile
Has your financial situation changed since submitting the FAFSA?
Contact Student Financial Aid and Scholarships to discuss filing a special consideration appeal.
Finalize your offer.
Some aid is automatically accepted for you – no action required:
- Federal and state grants
- Most merit scholarships (See terms and conditions of your scholarship for details.)
If you were offered loans, you will need to decide whether to accept them and how much to borrow. It is also important to report any outside scholarships you receive.
While there is no official deadline for finalizing financial aid, keep in mind that no aid will apply to your student bill until it has been finalized. Student Financial Aid and Scholarships (SFA) recommends you complete all aid requirements no later than July 1 or six weeks before the start of the semester.
How to finalize your financial aid
Federal direct unsubsidized and subsidized student loans
Student loan offers will appear as accepted in MyBGSU > Financial Aid Awards but are not finalized until required loan documents are completed. Students may reduce or decline loans in MyBGSU before funds are disbursed to the student account.
Are you a first-time borrower?
You must complete:
- Loan agreement (Master Promissory Note or MPN) – The loan agreement (MPN) will serve as the student's authorization to borrow and promise to repay loans through the direct loan program. The loan agreement (MPN) can be used for federal student loans for up to 10 academic years. A single loan agreement (MPN) will be used for all of your federal student loans at BGSU. For example, if you enroll in college as a freshman and borrow under the direct loan program for all years of study, you are able to borrow under this MPN for all years.
- Entrance loan counseling – Ensures that you have a full understanding of the rights and responsibilities you incur upon accepting their loan.
Loans will not apply to the student's bill until both have been completed. Once the loan agreement (MPN) and entrance counseling have been completed, the loans will show as anticipated aid on the student's bill.
Note: Loan amounts listed in the student's account are maximum amounts. You are encouraged to only borrow what you need to cover your bill. All loan amounts can be cancelled or lowered by contacting SFA.
Federal Parent PLUS loans
Parents of dependent undergraduate students may borrow a federal direct Parent PLUS loan to help cover remaining charges after the student’s aid is applied.
For new PLUS loans borrowed on or after July 1, 2026, the maximum amount is $20,000 per year (with a a lifetime aggregate limit of $65,000 per dependent student).
For borrowers who received a PLUS loan prior to July 1, 2026, SFA determines the maximum amount, which cannot exceed the student’s cost of attendance for the year.
Parents are encouraged to borrow only what is needed to cover the student’s bill. Loan amounts may be adjusted by contacting SFA.
How to apply for a Parent PLUS loan
Once credit is approved, the parent will need to complete a master promissory note (MPN) for a Parent PLUS loan.
If the parent's credit is denied, the parent has several options:
- Add an endorser
- Pursue a credit override
- Do not pursue a PLUS loan
- Undecided
If the parent chooses to pursue the PLUS loan by either adding an endorser or pursuing a credit override, SFA will add the PLUS loan to the student’s financial aid package.
If the parent chooses not to pursue the Parent PLUS loan or undecided, SFA will automatically offer an additional federal unsubsidized student loan to the student. The additional unsubsidized student loan will be offered on the student’s financial aid and will require the student to accept the loan in MyBGSU before it can be processed.
Log in to MyBGSU > Student Center > Financial Aid > Select current aid year > Accept/Decline > Edit and use dropdown to Accept, Decline or Reduce.
Call the Student Financial Aid and Scholarships Office with any issues.
Private loans
Students may pursue private loans to help pay your bill if a Parent PLUS loan is not an option for your family or you still have a gap. We encourage you to borrow only what you need to cover your expenses. A credit-worthy co-signer may be required.
Learn more about private loans and how to apply
Note that the private loan application processing time typically takes 2-3 weeks. Apply as early as you can, so that funds arrive in time for the bill due date.
Federal work-study
Once you are enrolled in classes you will be able to access the Student Employment Portal, a platform that will simplify finding and applying for open on-campus jobs. To find a work-study job, search through job postings and contact listed employers to apply. SFA will apply federal work-study funds to pay you once you are hired.
Work-study students interested in tutoring at local elementary schools may find work with America Reads.
External scholarships
Promptly notify SFA in writing if you receive any scholarships, grants, loans or other forms of financial aid that are not listed on your BGSU financial aid offer. We encourage scholarship providers to use our secure payment portal to streamline processing and ensure funds are applied promptly to your student account.
Pay your bill.
Learn how to:
- View your bill
- Make a payment
- Use the BGSU payment plan
- Share access to your financial information with a proxy
Graduate Students
This page is currently showing information for graduate students. Choose a different student type in the dropdown.
Finalize your offer.
If you were offered a federal direct unsubsidized loan, you will need to decide whether to accept it and how much to borrow. It is also important to report any outside scholarships you receive.
While there is no official deadline for finalizing financial aid, keep in mind that no aid will apply to your student bill until it has been finalized. Student Financial Aid and Scholarships (SFA) recommends you complete all aid requirements no later than July 1 or six weeks before the start of the semester.
How to finalize your financial aid
Federal direct unsubsidized student loans
Student loan offers will appear as accepted in MyBGSU > Financial Aid Awards but are not finalized until required loan documents are completed. Students may reduce or decline loans in MyBGSU before funds are disbursed to the student account.
Are you a first-time borrower?
You must complete:
- Loan agreement (Master Promissory Note or MPN) – The loan agreement (MPN) will serve as the student's authorization to borrow and promise to repay loans through the direct loan program. The loan agreement (MPN) can be used for federal student loans for up to 10 academic years. A single loan agreement (MPN) will be used for all of your federal student loans at BGSU. For example, if you enroll in college as a freshman and borrow under the direct loan program for all years of study, you are able to borrow under this MPN for all years.
- Entrance loan counseling – Ensures that you have a full understanding of the rights and responsibilities you incur upon accepting their loan.
Loans will not apply to the student's bill until both have been completed. Once the loan agreement (MPN) and entrance counseling have been completed, the loans will show as anticipated aid on the student's bill.
Note: Loan amounts listed in the student's account are maximum amounts. You are encouraged to only borrow what you need to cover your bill. All loan amounts can be cancelled or lowered by contacting SFA.
Private loans
You still have time to pursue private loans to help pay your bill. We encourage you to borrow only what you need to cover your bill.
Learn more about private loans and how to apply
Note that the private loan application processing time typically takes at least 2-3 weeks. Apply as early as you can, so that funds arrive in time for the bill due date.
Pay your bill.
Learn how to:
- View your bill
- Make a payment
- Use the BGSU payment plan
- Share access to your financial information with a proxy
How financial aid is paid into your account
When we apply funds to your bursar account, it’s called a disbursement. You can view your account and aid details in MyBGSU.
Here are a few key terms and an explanation of how your aid is applied:
Anticipated aid
Before the fall and spring semesters begin, any confirmed financial aid appears as anticipated aid — an estimated payment toward your University charges. You’ll need to pay or arrange payment for any remaining balance. Details about BGSU’s payment plans are included with your bursar statement.
Private scholarship checks sent to BGSU are applied directly to your bursar account (unless the donor specifies otherwise). Once notified, Student Financial Aid adds these to your aid package.
Disbursed aid
At the start of the semester, anticipated aid becomes disbursed aid if you:
- Are registered for the correct number of credit hours
- Have met individual program requirements
Most financial aid disburses automatically once all requirements are met. We’ll notify you if a loan promissory note or other documentation is required before we can add the funds to your account. (See Finalizing Aid on the View and Accept Aid page.)
Funds not automatically disbursed:
- Federal work-study – Paid directly to you via paycheck
- Outside scholarships – Follow donor or SFA instructions for processing.
How we apply your aid to pay your costs
Federal aid is first applied to:
- Instructional, general and non-resident fees
- University housing and meals
- Special course fees
Some forms of aid – especially federal student aid – can only cover specific charges (like tuition and general fees). Miscellaneous fees, such as legal or parking fees, may not be covered. If you receive a refund for excess aid, you could still owe for other charges. Check your bill regularly and contact the Office of the Bursar with questions.
Satisfactory academic progress
You must maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) toward your degree or certificate to stay eligible for federal, state and institutional aid.
Review the SAP policy and appeal process
Loan repayment
More than half of all BGSU students borrow money to help pay for college. Understanding how repayment works can help you feel more confident about managing repayment successfully.
How to submit outside scholarships
Scholarships that you receive from institutions and organizations outside of BGSU must be reported to the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
How to submit outside scholarships
What happens to my aid if I add or drop a class, withdraw or don’t attend class?
If you add or drop a class, your aid may change based on your enrollment and the effective date of the add or drop in credit hours. A change in your enrollment may also impact your satisfactory academic progress and ability to renew scholarships. Contact SFA for more information.
If you withdraw or stop attending classes, federal law may require you to repay a portion of your aid.
Changes in aid package
Your aid may be revised due to changes in eligibility, enrollment or funding. Student Financial Aid may adjust or cancel awards at any time based on federal, state or institutional policies. If aid has already been applied to your account, you may be responsible for repaying part or all of it.
Financial aid eligibility
Aid eligibility depends on many factors. Learn how it’s determined.
Special consideration application
We know financial circumstances can change. You may qualify to submit a special consideration application if your family has experienced job loss, hardship or a major change in income since filing your FAFSA.
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Graduate Student Links
Updated: 08/28/2026 02:00PM