Your Financial Aid Options Explained
Investing in your education is an important decision, and understanding your financial aid options is an important part of that decision. At Bellus Academy, you don’t have to navigate the process alone.
Our experienced financial aid representatives are available at each Bellus Academy campus to meet with you one-on-one, in person. We’ll take the time to understand your individual circumstances, explain your potential options, and help you make informed decisions about financing your education.
From federal financial aid, grants, and scholarships to military and veteran education benefits, private student loans, credit union financing, and payment plans, we can help you explore the options that may be available to you.
Because every student’s financial situation is different, you may qualify for one type of assistance or a combination of options. Your financial aid representative will explain how the application process works, what documentation may be required, and how different types of financial assistance may fit into your overall education costs.
Understanding Your Financial Aid Options
Financial aid can come from several different sources, and understanding how each type works can help you make informed decisions about funding your education. Explore the options below to learn more about the types of financial assistance that may be available to you.
Scholarships
Scholarships are financial awards that generally do not need to be repaid and may be offered based on specific eligibility criteria.
Grants
Grants are a form of financial assistance that generally does not need to be repaid and may be available from federal, state, or institutional sources, depending on eligibility requirements.
Private Student Loans
Borrowed funds that must be repaid with interest. Unlike federal student loans, private loan rates and terms vary by lender. Federal student loans have fixed interest rates.
Private Credit Union Student Loans
Participating credit unions may offer additional student loan options, giving eligible students and families another potential source of education financing.
Military & Veteran Education Benefits
Eligible service members, veterans, and their families may have access to education benefits through federal or state programs. Eligibility and benefit amounts vary based on the applicable program and individual circumstances.
Payment Plans
Payment plans may allow you to pay an eligible out-of-pocket balance through scheduled monthly installments rather than paying the full amount at once. Availability and terms may vary.
Get Personalized Financial Aid Guidance
Bellus Academy offers personalized, one-on-one financial aid appointments at each of our campuses. Whether you’re just beginning to explore your options or are ready to start the financial aid process, our team is here to answer your questions and help you understand your choices. Have questions about financial aid? Contact your Bellus Academy campus today to schedule an appointment with a financial aid representative.
You deserve to feel informed and confident about how you plan to pay for your education.
Financial Aid/VA Representatives
Bellus Academy Poway Campus
Becky Herrera Director of Financial Aid/VA Certifying Official
Phone (858) 748-1490 ext 1326
Amanda Budd
Financial Aid Representative/VA Certifying Official
Phone (619)728-2453
Gustavo Matiaz
Financial Aid Representative/VA Certifying Official.
Phone (619) 431-4329.
Julie Dobies
Financial Aid Representative.
Phone (858)266-9421.
Bellus Academy Chula Vista Campus
Mina Lopez
Financial Aid Manager
(619)396-2406
Mason Inocentes
Financial Aid Representative
(619)901-0498
Samantha Duran
Financial Aid Representative
(619) 489-1928
Bellus Academy El Cajon Campus
Bellus Academy Kansas Campus
Kristen Phillips
Financial Aid Representative/VA Certifying Official
Phone (785) 370-7006
Important Links and Documents
Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Report (HEERF)
- Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act):
Quarter 3 Report
Quarter 4 ReportAmerican Rescue Plan (ARP):
Quarter 1 Report
Quarter 3 Report
Quarter 4 ReportQuarter 2 Final Report
Poway
El Cajon
Chula Vista Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students:
Poway/Manhattan
El Cajon
Chula VistaQuarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting under CARES Act Section 18004 (a)(1) Institutional Reporting:
Poway/Manhattan
El Cajon
Chula VistaAmended HEERF Reports:
Poway Campus Quarter Ending [Amended] 9/30/2020
Poway Campus Quarter Ending 9/30/2020
Poway Campus Quarter Ending [Amended] 12/31/2020Chula Vista Campus Quarter Ending [Amended] 9/30/2020
Chula Vista Campus Quarter Ending 9/30/2020
Chula Vista Campus Quarter Ending [Amended] 12/31/2020El Cajon Campus Quarter Ending [Amended] 9/30/2020
El Cajon Campus Quarter Ending 9/30/2020
El Cajon Campus Quarter Ending [Amended] 12/31/2020
Federal Pell Grant
Federal Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship
This scholarship authorizes a Pell-eligible student whose parent or guardian died in the line of duty while performing as a public safety officer to be eligible to receive a maximum Federal Pell Grant for the award year for which the determination of eligibility is made. To qualify, a student must be Pell-eligible and have a Pell-eligible EFC, and be less than 24 years of age or enrolled at an institution of higher education at the time of his or her parent’s or guardian’s death. In subsequent award years, the student continues to be eligible for the scholarship as long as the student has a Pell-eligible EFC and continues to be an eligible student.
Federal Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant
The Federal Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant is offered to students who are not eligible for a Federal Pell Grant on the basis of their Expected Family Contribution as calculated from FAFSA data, but meet the remaining Federal Pell Grant eligibility requirements. In order to qualify, students must have had a parent or guardian in the U.S. armed forces that died as a result of military service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11. The student must have been under 24 years old or enrolled in college at least part-time at the time of the parent or guardian’s death.
Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants are available to a limited number of students with exceptional financial need. Grants are based on funds available and do not have to be repaid. Need is determined by the financial resources of the student’s family and the cost of attendance.
William D. Ford Federal Direct Loans
Under the Federal Direct Loan (FDL) program the school certifies eligibility for each loan, and sends the loan details to the U.S. Department of Education. Loan proceeds are disbursed to the school electronically and then posted to the student’s account. Students must repay the loan with interest to the servicer assigned by the U.S. Department of Education after the loan is disbursed. Eligible students will receive estimated student loan amounts based on FAFSA submission and the standard need-analysis formula. The estimate will include student loan eligibility for the amount necessary to cover direct institutional costs. Students interested in borrowing in excess of direct costs may request additional funds by contacting the financial aid office. Students and parents borrowing Federal Direct Parent Loans, must complete and submit a Master Promissory Note (MPN) to the Department of Education before loans will be processed. First time student loan borrowers must also complete loan entrance counseling prior to funds being disbursed. A description of the terms and conditions for borrowers of federal education loans is available at www.studentaid.gov.
Federal Subsidized Loan
Federal Direct Subsidized loans are available to undergraduate students with financial need. The interest is paid by the federal government while students are in school. Interest begins accruing at the time students cease full-time enrollment. Regular payments begin six months after the student ceases enrollment. A fixed interest rate is established annually by the U.S. Department of Education. Current interest rates can be found at https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/loans/interest-rates#rates.
Note First-time borrowers may not receive this type of loan for more than 150 percent of the length of their program of study; U.S. Department of Education may stop paying interest if student who received Direct Subsidized Loans for the maximum period continues enrollment. Loans for students who have exceeded the maximum eligibility period could begin to accrue interest after the student exceeds the 150% limit. Interest accrued in such a manner accumulates and is added to the principal amount of the loan. For more information please see your Financial Aid Officer or visit: https://studentaid.ed.gov/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized
Federal Unsubsidized Loan
Unsubsidized Direct loans are available for students to borrow for additional education costs. With the exception of demonstrating financial need and undergraduate status, borrowers must meet all eligibility criteria of the Federal Subsidized Direct loan program. Interest payments begin immediately after the loan is fully disbursed or may be added to the principal balance. Generally, you may choose to make interest payments on the loan while you are in school or have the interest added to your principal balance (capitalized) when your repayment schedule begins. Regular payments begin six months after the student ceases enrollment. Interest rates are fixed and established annually by the U.S. Department of Education. Current interest rates can be found at https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/loans/interest-rates#rates
Federal Parent PLUS Loans
Federal Parent Loans for undergraduate students provide additional funds for credit-worthy parents to help pay for students’ educational expenses. If a parent has no credit or a poor credit history, he/she may still qualify for a loan by applying with a credit-worthy endorser. They can be combined with other financial aid resources and cannot exceed the student’s cost of education. Interest rates are fixed and established annually by the U.S. Department of Education. Current interest rates can be found at https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/interest-rates. Repayment begins immediately after the loan is fully disbursed.
Tuition Flex
We offer multiple, flexible payment plan options through Education Loan Source. These payment plans allow students to spread payments over a pre-set period of time, as opposed to paying the full amount up-front. An interest rate may apply depending on the plan chosen. A credit check may be required at the time of application, and the process is completed 100% online using an e-signature validation. Please speak to a Financial Aid Representative to find out more information.
Alternative (Private) Loans
Private loans are available to students to help pay educational expenses. Students may borrow from any lender of their choice including Sallie Mae®. Private loans have repayment terms that vary depending on the lender from which you borrow. Generally, private loans require that the borrower is a U.S. Citizen, a U.S. national, or a permanent resident and must be creditworthy. If the student has no credit or a poor credit history, he/she may still qualify for a loan by applying with a creditworthy co-borrower. Please talk to your financial aid representative for more information. Be sure to research and review each lender’s terms and conditions before making a final decision.
Additional financing options may also be available for parents or sponsors who are interested in borrowing on behalf of a student through the Sallie Mae® Parent/Sponsor Loan.
Learn More: Sallie Mae® Student Loan, Sallie Mae® Parent/Sponsor Loan, Scholly® Scholarships by Sallie℠
Alternative (Private) Loans by a Credit Union
Colleging Marketplace provides students with an additional resource for exploring private education financing options to help cover out-of-pocket education costs. Through the marketplace, students can explore financing options from participating credit unions and compare available terms and interest rates. Some participating lenders may offer options that allow students to defer payments while they are in school. Eligibility, loan amounts, interest rates, repayment terms, and approval requirements vary by lender. Students should carefully review each lender’s terms and conditions before making a financing decision. Please talk to your financial aid representative for more information.
Learn More: Colleging Marketplace
Cal Grant B
Cal Grant B is a California state financial aid program that helps low-income students pay for college. It provides money for living expenses (like housing, food, and transportation).
Cal Grant B is administered by the California Student Aid Commission and can be used at Bellus.
Students must meet income, asset, and GPA requirements and complete the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application.
Award amounts vary so please let your Financial Aid Representative know if the California Student Aid Commission has notified you of eligibility.
Cal Grant C
The Cal Grant C is available to eligible students in California. You must be a be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or have AB 540 student status, attend a Cal Grant Eligible vocational, occupational, or technical program or meet other standard criteria listed at www.csac.ca.gov. If the Commission determines you eligible for a Cal Grant C, you will be required to complete the Cal Grant C Supplement Form and return to the California Student Aid Commission by the requested deadline. To learn more visit www.csac.ca.gov
Net Price Calculator
NOTE: Bellus Academy is a private institution and is not eligible to receive funding under the California “Dream Act” (AB 540) which provides in-state tuition benefits for undocumented students and certain other students who attend or will attend public universities in California. Undocumented AB 540 students are not eligible for federal student aid, including Pell and other grants, government loans, and federal work-study. Federal financial aid is not available for students who are applying as non-immigrant alien international students under an M-1 Visa status.
