FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION

Applying for Financial Aid

Step 1. Apply for Admission

The first step in applying for financial aid is to apply for admission. Once admitted, you will be required to submit additional documents (e.g. high school and college transcripts, immunization records, etc.) to the Office of Admissions and Records prior to enrollment/registration for classes.

Step 2. Research Scholarships and State Aid Opportunities

Research scholarships via the U.S. Department of Labor at https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-scholarships.aspx. You can also research state financial aid opportunities per the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE) at https://scholarships.adhe.edu/scholarships-and-programs/a-z/.

Step 3. Request an FSA ID

Request an FSA ID via the U.S. Department of Education’s web page at https://fsaid.ed.gov/.

Step 4. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

You must submit your FAFSA electronically via the U.S. Department of Education’s (ED) web page at https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa. You may also apply via the ED’s new phone app, MyStudentAid. The free app is currently available in both the Apple and Google Play Stores.

**Students will choose Arkansas Baptist College as their institution

Step 5. Verification

The U.S. Department of Education occasionally selects students applying for federal financial aid for a process called “Verification”. Students (as well as parents) are required to submit additional documentation. Arkansas Baptist College has partnered with Inceptia, to provide students with a ‘Verification Gateway’ to submit required information and documents online. On behalf of Arkansas Baptist College, Inceptia will send students an email notification with detailed instructions on how to quickly navigate the process. When all of the documentation is received, your application will be ‘verified’ (reviewed for accuracy). The verification process can take 5 to 10 days, depending on the time of year. If errors are found, Inceptia will correct the FAFSA.

Step 6. Create and Complete your Handshake Profile

Make sure you create and complete your Handshake profile at https://arkansasbaptist.joinhandshake.com/login. You will use this web application regularly to schedule meetings with your financial aid, academic advisors, and employment.

Step 7. Federal Aid Eligibility and Awards Processed

When your file is complete and verified (if selected), your eligibility will be determined and you will be awarded the federal student aid.

Step 8. Apply for Loans, if necessary

On some occasions, Arkansas Baptist College may include federal student loans on your award letter. In order to apply for federal student loans, you must complete Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note via the U.S. Department of Education’s web page at https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/index.action.

If you decide to apply for a private student loan, you will need to select a lender. Arkansas Baptist College has partnered with ELM Resources and a number of private lenders to help you understand what questions you should ask your lender before borrowing. For more information, please review our ‘Apply for an Alternative Loan’ web page at http://www.arkansasbaptist.edu/apply-alternative-loan/.