Determining Eligibility - Financial Aid Guide

Bridgewater State University follows a nationally accepted philosophy in administering its financial aid programs. The basic principle of this philosophy is that the students and their families have the primary responsibility of meeting as much of the cost of attending college as is reasonably possible. Financial aid is a supplement to family resources if they are insufficient to meet college costs.

There are three components for determining financial aid: cost of attendance, family contribution and financial aid eligibility.

The cost of attendance is determined by the Financial Aid Office. Average expense budgets are used for students based on where they will be living during the academic year and their enrollment status.

The expected family contribution is determined from the information supplied on the FAFSA or Renewal Application. This amount is calculated using a nationally recognized process called “need analysis.” This process takes into account several components such as:

1. Family income (taxable and untaxable)
2. Number of family members
3. Number of family members attending college at least half-time
4. Family assets (not including the home)
5. Essential family living costs

Financial aid eligibility is determined by subtracting the expected family contribution from the cost of attendance.

minus (-) equals =

Cost of Attendance Family Contribution Financial Aid Eligibility

Changes in Status

If you change your enrollment status during the Drop/Add period, then your financial aid may be adjusted accordingly. Changes in your housing status or a change in credit hours attempted can affect your assigned cost of attendance and therefore alter your financial aid award. It is in your best interest to notify the Financial Aid Office in writing of any change in status to ensure accurate financial aid packages. A student’s total financial aid (including veteran benefits) can never exceed the total cost of attendance.

 

Last Modified: August 12, 2010