To be eligible for financial aid at BIU, students must meet the following conditions:

1. General Eligibility Requirements

• Enrollment Status: Students must be enrolled at least half-time in an eligible degree or diploma program at BIU. Full-time students typically have access to a wider range of financial aid options.
• Academic Standing: Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) as defined by BIU. This typically includes maintaining a minimum GPA (e.g., 2.0 on a 4.0 scale) and completing a certain percentage of attempted courses (e.g., 67%).
• Degree Program: Financial aid is only available for programs that are approved and eligible for funding. Verify that your program qualifies.

2. Scholarship Eligibility

• Merit-Based Scholarships: Typically require a strong academic record, standardized test scores (if applicable), and involvement in extracurricular activities. Specific GPA or test score thresholds may apply.
• Need-Based Scholarships: Must demonstrate financial need through the completion of financial aid applications and, if required, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or equivalent forms.
• Department-Specific Scholarships: Some scholarships may have additional criteria specific to a particular department (e.g., major, field of study).

3. Grant Eligibility

• Need Assessment: Applicants must demonstrate financial need, often assessed through a financial aid application and supporting documentation (e.g., tax returns).
• Completion of Required Forms: Some grants require additional forms or documentation to verify eligibility.

4. Loan Eligibility

• Credit Check: For certain federal or private loans, a credit check may be required. Applicants with adverse credit histories may need a co-signer.
• Enrollment Requirements: Students must maintain the required enrollment status (usually half-time or full-time) for the duration of the loan.

5. Work-Study Eligibility

• Demonstrated Financial Need: Students must demonstrate financial need as determined by the financial aid application process.
• Availability of Positions: Not all students who qualify may receive a work-study position, as funding is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

6. Renewal Requirements

• Students must reapply for financial aid each academic year. Renewal eligibility often requires:
  • Maintenance of academic performance and progress.
  • Submission of updated financial information.
  • Compliance with any specific requirements set by the scholarship, grant, or loan program.