There are a number of things that prospective students can do to help themselves prepare financially to meet their educational costs. These include:
Reduce consumer debt. The financial aid budget does not provide sufficient funds for students to carry substantial consumer debt. If you have credit card debt or other consumer obligations, you will be much better off financially if you eliminate or reduce these obligations before you begin at Bastyr.
Have some funding set aside for emergencies, if at all possible. If you have savings, work with the financial aid advising staff to determine how best to plan for the use of your funds in conjunction with available financial aid.
Consider the relationship between enrollment pattern and available aid. Many students choose to attend four quarters per year and, in the ND program, may opt to spread their education across five years. Students are eligible for new loans every three academic quarters. ND students need to consider that their borrowing lifetime maximum is capped at $224,000. When this limit is reached, the only federal aid available is the Graduate PLUS Loan. It is the student's responsibility to look at their program's length and keep track of how much has been borrowed.
The Federal Government has a new website to assist students manage their money. The web address is www.mymoney.gov. You can also get a "My Money" tool kit that has helpful publications on savings, investing and protecting your money.
Request our Outside Scholarship Search brochure to help identify possible outside scholarships that you may qualify to receive. You can email us at fawork@bastyr.edu to request a copy.
Financial Aid Checklist
To request the Bastyr University Financial Aid packet,
contact the Financial Aid Office at (425) 602-3329 or email fawork@bastyr.edu.
To be considered for financial aid:
Fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Applications are available January 1, 2010. Make sure you list Bastyr University school code 016059. Complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Complete the Bastyr University financial aid application which can be printed from the Bastyr University web site and send it to: Office of Financial Aid, Bastyr University, 14500 Juanita Drive NE, Kenmore, WA 98028.
If you have any questions, contact the Financial Aid office at 425-602-3329 or email fawork@bastyr.edu.