Financial Aid Steps References

All of these are used as Reference Components on the Steps pages. DO NOT DELETE OR MOVE any sections on this page without consulting the Web Team. Only update the content within the designated sections.

1. Estimate tuition and costs

New/Transfer Students

This page is currently showing information for new/transfer students. Choose a different student type in the dropdown.

  1. Start with your base costs.

Estimated BGSU undergraduate costs, 2026-27Ohio residentNonresident
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.

Can I afford college?

  1. 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.

  1. 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

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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

  1. 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
  1. Use our calculator to estimate costs.

  1. 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.

  1. Explore detailed cost information and funding sources.

  1. 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.

Financial literacy resources

Programs with unique tuition and funding

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.

2. Explore types of financial aid

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.

Money you borrow or earn

Loans and job earnings are considered "self-help aid.” Loans must be paid back.

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.

How to submit your FAFSA

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. 

Types of military benefits

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.

Resources for foster and under-resourced students

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

Explore scholarships

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.

Student loan basics

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.

How to submit your FAFSA

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. 

Types of military benefits

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.

3. Apply for aid and scholarships

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

  1. 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.

Apply now

  1. Submit the FAFSA

The FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid – is required to qualify for federal grants and loans and some scholarships.

Step-by-step FAFSA guide

  1. Apply for scholarships

Fill out one general application to apply for hundreds of scholarships. The app opens in October each year.

Explore scholarships

$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.
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October

  • Attend financial aid nights hosted by BGSU at high schools and college fairs.
  • When the FAFSA opens, complete your application.
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November/December

  • Submit BGSU scholarship application(s).
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January

  • Check with your high school counselor about local scholarship opportunities and deadlines.
  • Submit any additional documents required to complete your financial aid application.
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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.
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April

  • Decide where you’ll be attending college!
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May

  • Complete loan entrance counseling and electronically sign the Federal Direct Loan Promissory Note if you’re taking out federal loans.
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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

  1. 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.

Step-by-step FAFSA guide

  1. 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.

Explore and apply for scholarships

$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.
down-arrow

October

  • When the FAFSA opens, complete your application.
down-arrow

November/December

  • Submit BGSU scholarship application(s).
down-arrow

January

  • Submit any additional documents required to complete your financial aid application.
down-arrow

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.
down-arrow

May

  • Complete loan entrance counseling and electronically sign the Federal Direct Loan Promissory Note if you’re taking out federal loans.
down-arrow

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.

  1. Submit the FAFSA

The FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid – is required to qualify for federal loans and some scholarships.

Step-by-step FAFSA guide

  1. 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.
down-arrow

October

  • When the FAFSA opens, complete your application.
down-arrow

November/December

  • Submit BGSU scholarship application(s).
down-arrow

January

  • Submit any additional documents required to complete your financial aid application.
down-arrow

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.
down-arrow

May

  • Complete loan entrance counseling and electronically sign the Federal Direct Loan Promissory Note if you’re taking out federal loans.
down-arrow

June/July

  • If you need and qualify for a private loan, submit and finalize all your applications.
  • Pay your BGSU bill by the deadline.

4. View and accept your financial aid

New/Transfer Students

This page is currently showing information for new/transfer students. Choose a different student type in the dropdown.

  1. 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.

How financial aid is allocated

How your eligibility is determined

Has your financial situation changed since submitting the FAFSA? 

Contact Student Financial Aid and Scholarships to discuss filing a special consideration appeal.

  1. 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

  1. 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

BGSU billing information

Current Undergraduate Students

This page is currently showing information for current undergraduate students. Choose a different student type in the dropdown.

  1. 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

How financial aid is allocated

How your eligibility is determined

Has your financial situation changed since submitting the FAFSA? 

Contact Student Financial Aid and Scholarships to discuss filing a special consideration appeal.

  1. 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

  1. 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

BGSU billing information

Graduate Students

This page is currently showing information for graduate students. Choose a different student type in the dropdown.

  1. 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

  1. 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

BGSU billing information

5. Manage your financial aid

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:

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.

Loan repayment tips

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.

Refund and withdrawal information

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. 

When aid may be revised

Financial aid eligibility

Aid eligibility depends on many factors. Learn how it’s determined.

Financial aid eligibility

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.

How to file a special consideration app

Additional resources

Updated: 08/28/2026 02:00PM