Financial Aid for Undergraduates

We want you to enter into ministry with zero debt.  If you must take on debt we strive to make it as little as possible.

If you want to save money and have less debt after you graduate here’s how you should prioritize your aid:

1. Grants, Discounts and Scholarships
2. Federal & Institutional work-study programs
3. Subsidized loans
4. Unsubsidized loans

Use our calculator to add up your financial aid and to see your estimated costs as well. Learn more about our passive financial aid acceptance policy.

Financial Aid Calendar

• January 1st – First day you are allowed to submit a FAFSA.
• April 30th – FAFSA and institutional aid application due for institutional aid.
• July 1st –  FAFSA and Student Work Program application due for student employment.
• August –  College Registration Day; your federal, state, and all other aid should appear as a credit on your CampisSIS account.

Federal Government & State Aid

To determine federal and state eligibility, a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) must be completed and submitted by April 30th. This may be done online at www.studentaid.gov.

1) Grants

Federal Pell Grant

These are only awarded to undergraduate students who:

• are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens with a valid SSN;
• have a high school diploma, GED, or have completed a home-school program with a state that recognizes home-schooling;
• are enrolled in an eligible program as a regular student seeking a degree;
• and who show financial need.

Ohio College Opportunity Grant

Student must be:

• an Ohio resident,
• enrolled in an undergraduate degree program,
• Pell eligible based on EFC.

Proceeds can be used for students enrolled full-time, 3/4-time, or half-time.

2) Loans

Direct Loans

These loans can be either subsidized or unsubsidized, something determined by FAFSA results (EFC). You must be taking at least 6 credit hours while enrolled in a degree program to be eligible for a Direct loan.

These loans are borrower initiated on a semester basis; you can start the process by submitting the FAFSA and completing a Master Promissory Note at www.studentaid.gov.

Plus Loans

Plus loans are available to parents of students enrolled for at least 6 credit hours. Approval for the Plus loan is dependent upon good credit. An application can be completed at www.studentaid.gov.

3) Other Outside Aid

Federal Work-Study

Federal Work-Study allows students to earn money toward their school bill by working either 7.5 or 15 hours per week at minimum wage. The student will be given the choice to receive funds in the form of a check or have them applied directly to their student account.

Students may participate in the Student Work Program. To participate the student must do the following by July 1st:

1. apply for a position on campus and
2. complete the FAFSA

For more information about student employment, please contact Human Resources at hr@gbs.edu.

Outside Scholarships

Scholarships from non-governmental sources outside GBSC help many students pay for college.

You can search for options here or check with your local civic groups, parents’ employers, or other charitable organizations.

• Fordham University – Reputable Scholarship Sites
• Forbes Advisor – 9 Worthwhile Scholarship Websites and Search Engines

4) Institutional Aid

To be considered for our institutional aid programs, you must complete a FAFSA online along with the necessary application / verification for the institutional aid program.

Institutional Scholarships

Endowed Scholarship

Students may apply for the numerous privately funded scholarships that are available. These scholarships are awarded according to the specific criteria for each scholarship, the student’s merit and / or need. Awards range from $50 to as high as $5,500. The application deadline is April 30th.

• Endowed Scholarship Application

Music Major Scholarship

Incoming freshmen enrolling in a bachelor’s music degree program are eligible to apply for this four-year merit scholarship. Students must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA. For more information, contact musicoffice@gbs.edu.

Wingrove Taylor Legacy Award

This award is available for international students attending on campus. It covers the tuition for up to 15 credits for up to 8 consecutive semesters.

• Required: Complete the Wingrove Taylor Legacy Award Application

Tuition Discounts

Discounts are applied to tuition after federal and state grants are awarded. They do not apply to room, board, fees, or anything other than tuition unless noted. They have no cash value so no refunds will be given as a result.

Only one discount can apply per student.

Alumni Discount

Available for undergraduate students who have a parent who previously attended GBSC. It discounts tuition up to 10% per semester.

• Required: Complete the alumni scholarship application.

Christian Worker Discount

Available for undergraduate students whose family’s primary source of income is ministry. It discounts tuition up to 20% per semester.

• Required: A letter or email from a supervisor or church board member stating the family’s primary source of income is from ministry.

International Discount

Available for any online undergraduate student permanently residing outside of the United States. It discounts standard tuition 50%.

Valedictorian Discount

Available for undergraduate students who graduated as valedictorian of their class. This option is available for homeschool students as well. It discounts tuition 20% per semester for up to eight semesters provided the student maintains a 3.5 GPA.

• Required: Student’s class ranking will need to either show on their transcripts or in a letter from their school.
• Required: SAT or ACT scores that meet current requirements:
  • SAT – 1190
  • ACT (plus Writing) – 24

Salutatorian Discount

Available for undergraduate students who graduated as salutatorian of their class. This option is available for homeschool students as well. It discounts tuition 10% per semester for up to eight semesters provided the student maintains a 3.25 GPA.

• Required: Student’s class ranking will need to either show on their transcripts or in a letter from their school.
• Required: SAT or ACT scores that meet current requirements:
  • SAT – 1090
  • ACT (plus Writing) – 21

Student Employment

The institutional work-study program allows students to earn money toward their school bill. Students may apply for a position on campus by completing the FAFSA, a work-study application and submitting a resume by July 1st.

For more information about student employment, please contact Human Resources at hr@gbs.edu.

2% Cash Discount

After all aid has been applied, a 2% cash discount will be given for paying the entire remaining balance in one payment.

Graduate Program

For Financial Aid options, head to the Financial Aid for the Graduate Program.