Applying for Aid: Steps and Deadlines

This section explains the financial aid application process for students and their parents applying for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Financial aid can significantly decrease your true yearly cost, which is why it’s important to pay close attention to the financial aid process. There are specific applications and forms you’ll need to fill out, as well as key deadlines to meet — and we’re here to help you through the process, start to finish.

Note: continuing students must reapply for financial aid every year. If you still need to apply for financial aid for the 2024-2025 academic year, please submit a 2024-2025 FAFSA as soon as possible.

Steps for Financial Aid

Get started on the financial aid process by finishing the steps below. Once you are admitted to Biola, our team will get to work on your financial aid offer. This process may be delayed due to the Department of Education’s FAFSA changes.

1. Submit your completed application for admission to Biola University.

   When you submit your application, you are automatically considered for merit-based academic scholarships ranging from $14,000 to $23,500.

2. Complete your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

   Biola University’s code is 001122.

   The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines your eligibility for need-based federal, state and institutional financial aid. For most state financial aid programs, submit applications no later than March 3, 2025.

3. California residents can also apply for the Cal Grant by completing the FAFSA. Cal Grant requires submission of a school-certified GPA by March 3, 2025.

   Please see additional/alternative instructions for specific student groups:

   • California Residents

     Students who live in California (or have established residency for at least one year through the official state process) should also submit their Cal Grant GPA Verification Form, which can help them earn additional aid (Note: The FAFSA deadline for Cal Grant eligibility is April 2).
     
     All Cal Grant applicants must complete the Cal Grant GPA Verification Form. High school seniors (who have not already completed 24 college credits) by the April 2 Cal Grant application deadline should coordinate with their high school to submit the GPA Verification Form. Students who have completed 24 college credits by the April 2 Cal Grant application deadline should coordinate with their college’s Office of the Registrar to complete the GPA Verification Form.

   • Homeschooled California Residents

     If you are a homeschooled student who is also a California Resident, the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) requires that you submit SAT or ACT test scores in lieu of a high school GPA to determine your Cal Grant eligibility. In addition to completing your FAFSA, you must submit your test scores along with a Cal Grant GPA Verification form to CSAC prior to the April 2nd Cal Grant application deadline to be considered for the grant. This form can be found on the CSAC website.

   • Dream Act Students

     Eligible AB 540 students may complete the California Dream Act Application, which allows students interested in attending eligible California universities to apply for state financial aid. This application is unrelated to the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

   • Veterans

     In addition to the FAFSA or Dream Act Application, please submit your certificate of eligibility for any of your military benefits to:

     • Office of Registrar
       13800 Biola Avenue
       La Mirada CA, 90639

   • International Students

     Students who will be attending Biola University as an international student on an F-1 or R-1 student visa are considered for financial aid upon admission to the university through the Office of International Admissions. International Students should speak with their Admissions Counselor to determine if they are a candidate for financial aid assistance. Once international students are enrolled at Biola University, they should contact the financial aid office to determine aid options beyond what (if anything) is granted by the Office of International Admissions. There is no specific annual financial aid application for International Students.

4. Respond to any additional requests from Biola University within 10 days.

   The Office of Financial Aid may need additional information to complete your financial aid file before your aid eligibility can be finalized. Pay close attention to any notifications or requests from the Office of Financial Aid through your MyAccount profile or to your biola.edu email address.

5. Apply for additional scholarships, grants or private loans.

   Explore additional financial aid opportunities including institutional and departmental scholarships, outside scholarships, or private loans. Please note that some students will not be considered for additional aid if they have not yet completed their financial aid file

Prospective First-Year and Transfer Checklist

December 2024

• Create both your student and parent Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov
• Complete the FAFSA application at studentaid.gov

January 2025

• Apply for scholarships

March 2025

• By Mar. 3 - Submit Cal Grant GPA Verification Form

April 2025

• Submit additional documents on myaccount.biola.edu if requested by BIola's Office of Financial Aid
• Review your Biola aid notification

May 2025

• May 1 – National Deposit Deadline: Submit your enrollment deposit on myaccount.biola.edu
• Apply for the Direct Parent PLUS loan, and/or alternative loans if needed

July 2025

• Choose your semester payment plan
• Jul. 15 – Submit down payment (Four Payment Plan only)

August 2025

• Aug. 15 – Submit down payment (Full, Two and Three Payment Plans)