Direct Deposit

All fully approved funds (excluding Work Study) will first be credited to your BSU student account on approximately the 10th class day of each semester. You will want to set up a direct deposit so

  1. We know where to send your aid and
  2. You get your aid in a timely manner.

You can set up your direct deposit by

  1. Logging into e-Services and selecting “Student Employment” from the menu on the left.
  2. Select “Direct Deposit Setup.”
  3. Enter your bank information.

Voilà. #Done.

Managing Money

Your money is a huge part of your life. It can determine what you can do and where you can go. Learning how to manage your money the right way is an important step toward taking control of your life. Making wise money management decisions while in school will help prevent the need to live like a college student after graduation. Always remember the difference between “needs” and “wants”. Work and save as much as possible to keep student loans to a minimum. Students who need a credit card should shop for one with no annual fee, a balance limit of $500 or less, use it only for emergencies and pay the entire balance each month.

Budgeting

Borrowing

While student loans may be a part of financing your education, consider two things before you borrow:

  1. How much you need to cover your educational costs, and
  2. How much your monthly loan payments will be after you leave school.

Determine how much you actually need to borrow before you request the loan.

Any loan listed on your award notice is only an indicator of what you are eligible to borrow and not what you are required to borrow. It indicates the maximum allowable amount that you can borrow from federal student loans; you can always borrow less. Remember, you can borrow at any time throughout the school year and request additional loan, if needed, at a later date. Some helpful hints for borrowing money:

  • Only borrow what you need.
  • Keep a record of all your loans.
  • If you are borrowing a loan that accrues interest while in school, make interest payments (if possible).
  • Start making payments on your loan as soon as you can; even during school (if possible).
  • Notify your loan servicer if any of your contact information changes.
  • If you are unable to make your monthly payment, contact your loan servicer immediately for assistance.
  • When paying for your education, the main goal should be to keep your debt to a minimum.

You can view your Federal Direct Student Loan records online at studentaid.gov.

Deadline Reminders

Students need to opt in to receive text messages from BSU departments regarding dates and deadlines as it pertains to registration, financial aid and billing.

To begin – Take out your cell phone, go to www.bemidjistate.edu, log into your e-Services and follow these steps:

  1. Click on ‘Account Management.’
  2. Click on ‘Turn Text Messaging On or Off.’
  3. Click ‘Read & Accept.’
  4. Read the Terms and Conditions then click ‘Accept.’
  5. Click Bemidji State University, then click ‘Save School Info.’
  6. Make any necessary corrections to your cell phone number. Pick your ‘Service Provider’ and click ‘Save Cell Info.’
  7. Your cell phone will receive a text message with a PIN.
  8. Enter the PIN you received in the PIN box, and then click Save.
  9. You are now set up to receive text messages from BSU departments. You can opt-out of receiving text messages by following steps 1 and 2 and turning the text messaging off.

If your cell phone plan covers only a certain number of text messages, your cell phone service provider may charge you for any text messages from BSU if you are beyond your allotment for the month. Receiving text messages from BSU should not cost you anything if you have unlimited texting on your cell phone plan.

Student Responsibilities

It is your responsibility to:

  • Read all directions thoroughly, complete all application forms accurately and comply with all applicable deadlines.
  • Provide any supplemental information or documentation requested.
  • Regularly monitor both your BSU e-Services and email account.
  • Report to the BSU Financial Aid Office the receipt of any private funding source, such as scholarships and third-party agencies.
  • Notify the Financial Aid Office of any change in your enrollment status.
  • Satisfactorily complete coursework attempted each term you receive financial aid.
  • Accept only financial aid funds for which you are eligible and use all funds received for educational expenses.
  • Know and comply with all requirements to remain eligible for financial aid; including compliance with the Satisfactory Academic Progress and Return of Federal Title IV Funds Policies.
  • Complete entrance loan counseling and complete the loan agreement for Subsidized/Unsubsidized Direct Loan (MPN) at studentaid.gov.
  • Notify the servicer of your student loans of any change in your mailing address.
  • Repay all student loans received as agreed, regardless of program completion.

Student Loan Code of Conduct

Bemidji State University values the integrity in the actions of its employees and expects them to comply with all applicable laws, regulations and University policies in performance of their duties according to the highest standards of honesty and integrity. The Student Loan Code of Conduct Policy applies to:

  1. All employees of the university who have responsibility with respect to education loans; and
  2. All employees of the university who are employed in the Financial Aid Office.

Name Change

To change your name, you will need to submit the following to the BSU Financial Aid Office:

  • Name Change Form
  • Copy of marriage license or other legal document such as divorce decree
  • Copy of social security card with your new legal name
  • Copy of Photo ID

Getting Married

If you are planning to get married this year, contact the Financial Aid Office for advice about when to submit your FAFSA.

Separation or Divorce

If you or your parents are experiencing a separation or divorce but filed a joint tax return, contact the Financial Aid Office to discuss your options.

Financial Hardship

If you (independent student) or your parents (dependent student) have experienced financial hardship since filing your income tax returns, contact the Financial Aid Office for assistance. Financial hardship may include unemployment, retirement, severance, marital status change or a death in the family.

Multiple Baccalaureate Degrees Earned At BSU

If you are working on multiple baccalaureate degrees at BSU at the same time and applying for financial aid, please contact the Financial Aid Office so you can be advised on your aid eligibility.

Forms & Policies

View all additional forms and policies.