STEP 1: Plan Your Visit

We recommend scheduling a campus visit one year prior to starting at Ecclesia if you will be attending the residential campus.  Students planning to attend EC at an extension site are encouraged to visit the location before applying.  Online students are welcome to visit any location, but there is no requirement for any student to visit an Ecclesia locale before applying.

You will leave knowing:

Deadlines

Applications required (federal, state, and institutional)

Types of Aid available for new students

STEP 2: Apply for Financial Aid

Create an FSA ID at https://fsaid.ed.gov. Your ID will enable you to “sign” documents electronically, access your Student Aid Report (SAR) online and make corrections to your FAFSA through the web. Both the parent and student must each apply for an FSA ID. If you have applied for aid in past years, you can reuse your FSA ID.

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at http://fafsa.gov before March 1. Our preferred date for submissions is February 14th. The amount of available aid is limited, so the best time to apply for it is as soon as possible. Currently, the soonest a FAFSA application can be filed with the Department of Education is on the October 1st preceding the academic year that you are requesting financial aid for.

Research Outside Scholarships

STEP 3: Review Student Aid Report

After you file the FAFSA, review the first page of the SAR.

Find the EFC number (Expected Family Contribution).

Review the FAFSA for accuracy. Make corrections as necessary. Please resubmit the FAFSA after making corrections.

STEP 4: Apply for Scholarships

Ecclesia offers institutional scholarships based on academics, performance, work, and leadership for students attending the residential campus in Springdale, Arkansas. There are also many scholarships available for Arkansas residents. Extension site and online students may be eligible for special scholarships as well.  View these offerings and other scholarships opportunities on the Financial Aid Page.

STEP 5: Get your Award Letter

Ecclesia will award financial aid after the student is accepted to Ecclesia and has a completed financial aid file (We will notify you if your file is incomplete.).  Ecclesia begins issuing financial aid awards to new fall students on March 1. The Financial Aid Office awards merit-based financial aid based on the requirements listed on the scholarship pages.  Ecclesia awards need-based financial aid to a student with financial aid need, as calculated by subtracting the student’s EFC from Ecclesia’s cost of attendance.  The need-based financial aid offer will not exceed a student’s total cost of attendance. The student will receive the final financial aid offer via e-mail. For online and extension site scholarships, please enquire with Distance Ed.

Remember the initial offer may not be the last offer – it is generally only a starting point. Talk to your admissions counselor or financial aid representative if you have questions or need additional assistance.