Financial Aid Eligibility

Cost of attendance

Determining your cost of attendance is the starting point for calculating your financial aid eligibility. Due to varying student expenses, Bowling Green State University uses average estimated cost. 

How we determine cost of attendance

Student Aid Index (SAI)

SAI is calculated using the information you provide on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The federally-mandated formula reviews:

• Student and parent taxable income
• Non-taxable income
• Assets
• Taxes paid
• Family size

Other student resources

You must include all additional financial resources you receive when calculating your financial need. 

These resources may include:

• Private scholarships
• Fee waivers
• Talent or merit awards
• Athletic grants
• Educational assistance from outside agencies

Financial need

Need-based financial aid starts with the assumption that you – and if you are dependent, your parents – are responsible for paying for your college education. 

To determine financial need, BGSU uses the following formula:

Estimated cost of attendance minus SAI minus other student resources = Financial need

• If your SAI is a negative number, subtract zero from the estimated cost of attendance to determine your financial need.
• If the result is a positive number, you have financial need. SFA will attempt to meet this need by providing access to federal, state and institutional funds.
• If the combined SAI and other resources are higher than the estimated cost, you are not eligible for need-based aid.
• You may still qualify for low interest educational loans and non-federal work-study jobs.

Extenuating circumstances

If you feel you have special circumstances affecting your cost of attendance or SAI, contact Student Financial Aid to discuss your situation. 

Before any adjustments can be made, you must provide supporting documentation. Complete the special consideration application to begin the process.