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BSC Students and Instructors
Bismarck State College - 1500 Edwards Avenue - PO Box 5587 - Bismarck, ND 58506 - 701-224-5400 or 800-445-5073
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 Types of Financial Aid

Student financial aid is designed to assist students who, without such aid, would be unable to attend college. The various types of aid available through federal and state programs are considered a supplement to the student's own financial resources. Grants, loans, scholarships, tuition waivers and part-time employment are the types of aid available from federal and state programs.

In addition, local scholarship programs are available to students on a basis other than financial need. Students should apply for all types of financial aid before March 15 to receive full consideration. Application must be made each academic year because renewal of financial aid is not automatic.

Following are descriptions of federal, state and local programs available to Bismarck State College students. Further information is available from the Financial Aid Office in Schafer Hall, or visit our BSC Financial Aid Office Web Site.

FEDERAL PROGRAMS
Students who wish to be considered for federal financial aid programs need to do the following:
  1. Complete all admission requirements.
  2. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Click these links to complete the Application for Admission and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

The Financial Aid Office processes applications using a priority funding deadline date of March 15. The amount of aid awarded to students depends on the funds made available from the federal government. To be considered for federal financial aid programs (Pell Grants, SEOG, Perkins Loans, Stafford and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, PLUS, and Federal Work-Study), students must be enrolled in an eligible program, be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, demonstrate satisfactory progress in school (maintain at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average), not be in default on any existing student loans, not owe a refund on any U.S. Department of Education grant, be registered with the Selective Service (if male) and demonstrate financial need.

For a complete detailed listing of the following federal financial aid programs, please request a copy of the "Student Guide" from the Financial Aid Office. This document is also available at http://studentaid.ed.gov/guide.

Federal Pell Grant. A Pell Grant provides financial assistance awarded by the federal government to undergraduate students on the basis of need. Grants are available to all students who qualify, regardless of their enrollment status. The grant may be used toward tuition, room and board, books, or other educational costs.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG). These grants are provided to a limited number of undergraduate students with financial need. They must be awarded to students who are eligible for the Federal Pell Grant and meet the priority deadline of March 15.
Federal Perkins Loan. Perkins Loans are funded by the federal government at a low interest rate and awarded to students who qualify and have met the priority funding deadline of March 15. Repayment and interest begin nine months after a student graduates, leaves school, or drops below half-time enrollment. Requires at least half-time enrollment.
Federal Stafford Loan. This loan program makes it possible for eligible students to borrow from a bank or other financial institution. The federal government pays the interest on the loan while the student is in school. Repayment and interest begin six months after the student graduates, leaves school, or drops below half-time enrollment. Requires at least half-time enrollment.
Federal PLUS Loan. This loan program is not need-based and allows parents to borrow from a bank or other lender. Repayment of principal and interest begins within 60 days of loan disbursement. Parents may borrow up to the cost of education, less other financial aid the student receives. Requires at least half-time enrollment.
Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan. This loan program is not need based and allows students to borrow from a bank or other financial institution. The program has the same benefits and interest rates as the Federal Stafford Loan, except that the student is responsible for the interest from the time the loan is obtained. Requires at least half-time enrollment.
Photo: BSC Women's Basketball Player Federal Work-Study Program (FWS). This is a government supported program which provides part-time jobs to students who need help paying college expenses. Workstudy jobs are awarded to qualified students who have met the priority funding deadline date of March 15. Requires at least half-time enrollment.
Tribal Grant. Financial programs are available to deserving and qualified Native Americans. Interested students should contact the education specialist at their local tribal agency. Requires full-time enrollment.
Veteran's Benefits. Funds may be available to eligible veterans through the Veteran's Administration. Further information is available from the veteran officer in the BSC Financial Aid Office, or from any Veteran Administration regional office.

STATE PROGRAMS
Some financial assistance is available through several state agencies. For further information and applications, contact the agency as indicated.

North Dakota State Grant Program provides eligible students with non repayable grants. Grants are limited to North Dakota residents who attend North Dakota institutions of postsecondary education. For further information contact the N.D. Student Assistance Program, State Capitol, Bismarck, ND 58505. Phone (701) 328-4114. Requires full-time enrollment.
North Dakota Indian Scholarships are available to qualifying Native American students. Contact ND Indian Affairs Commission, State Capitol, Bismarck, ND 58505. Phone 701-328-2166.
North Dakota Nursing Education/Loan applicants must be North Dakota residents enrolled in a N.D. nursing program. Contact ND Nursing Education/Loan, ND Board of Nursing, Kirkwood Office Tower, 7th and Arbor Avenue, Suite 504, Bismarck, ND 58504. Phone 701-328-9777. The Web site is www.ndbon.org.
Vocational Rehabilitation. Students with a physical limitation or health problem may be entitled to certain benefits such as tuition, fees, and text book reimbursement. Contact the nearest Division of Vocational Rehabilitation at the district or general office.
Workforce Investment Act, formerly known as JTPA, pays for required fees, books and supplies for participants who are attending college. This program helps economically disadvantaged persons who have limited job skills or experience. Contact the local Job Service office for information.
North Dakota Department of Transportation Scholarship/Loans are available to eligible students entering their sophomore, junior or senior years of college in fields which meet the needs and mission of the department. Recipients are guaranteed employment by the Department of Transportation. Scholarships are awarded when the department has employment available in designated fields. Contact the Human Resources Division, ND Department of Transportation, 608 E. Boulevard Ave., Bismarck, ND 58505-0700. Phone (701) 328-2608.