Financial Aid Process

Maximize your financial aid

At JBU, we understand that navigating the college financial process is a daunting and often unfamiliar task. It's vital that you stay on top of deadlines and submit the correct forms to maximize your financial aid. That's why we're here to help. With a step-by-step process, helpful checklists in your applicant portal and support from our staff, you'll always know what to do next.

Financial aid step-by-step

The steps below are a general guide. Use them to get started, and JBU's financial aid and admissions staff will guide you through the details.

1. Apply for admission

   The first step to getting financial aid is to apply for admission. Complete and submit your application for admission along with any application fees to initiate the financial aid process.

2. Complete the FAFSA form every year

   Submission of the FAFSA form is required before you will be considered for federal financial aid, including federal student loans, and may be required to receive certain state scholarships, such as the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship. The FAFSA form must be submitted every year you intend to enroll.

   Completing the FAFSA can be confusing. Our experienced admissions counselors are ready to guide you through the application step-by-step. Email your counselor to schedule a free help session and complete your FAFSA accurately and on time.

   To send your results to JBU, add JBU (federal code 001100) to your FAFSA form on the School Selection page.

   Learn more about completing the FAFSA form.

3. Submit all documents requested by the Office of Student Financial Services

   The Office of Financial Aid may need additional documents to complete your financial aid file. To ensure that you receive all the aid for which you qualify, review your financial aid checklist in Eaglenet Self-Service at least once a semester and monitor your email and phone for communication from the Office of Financial Aid.

   Incoming on-campus undergraduate students: Your financial aid checklist is also available in your applicant portal.

4. Apply for additional aid

   Additional aid opportunities include state scholarships, outside (non-JBU) scholarships, departmental scholarships, military benefits and alternative loans.

   Arkansas residents: Apply for state scholarships (including the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship) using the ADHE Scholarship Application Management System. Be sure to monitor your email for notifications and requests from the ADHE. The ADHE has strict deadlines that must be met in order to receive any aid offered.

   Veterans: Submit a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility to JBU Veteran Services via email (veteranservices@jbu.edu), fax (479-524-7278) or hand delivery to the Registrar’s Office at the main campus. For more information, review our VA Education Benefits Application Guide.

   Recipients of outside (non-JBU) scholarships: If you have been awarded a non-JBU scholarship by a third-party other than the State of Arkansas or the federal government, please submit The Outside Scholarship Form to notify the Office of Student Financial Services of your scholarship.

5. Review and accept your financial aid offer

   When your financial aid offer is ready, you will be notified and provided with instructions for accessing it. You will need to accept or decline each form of aid list on your offer letter and then electronically sign the offer to officially accept it.

   If you have a balance due for the semester, you may pay it in full or enroll in a payment plan.

   Notes for incoming on-campus undergraduate students

   JBU begins sending financial aid offers to newly admitted students as early as October. When your offer is ready, it may be accessed from your applicant portal. If your offer does not work for your family, please connect with your admissions counselor to discuss the availability of additional financial assistance from JBU. Once you've accepted your offer, you should submit an enrollment deposit to reserve your spot in the incoming class, if you have yet to do so.

   Notes for graduate and online undergraduate students

   The timeline for online undergraduate and graduate students varies depending on your entry term. Please connect with your admissions counselor for a personalized timeline.