Financial Aid FAQs
General Financial Aid FAQs
To better serve you, we encourage all students to schedule an appointment through our Financial Aid website. Please locate the Schedule an Appointment option in the right side menu of your screen to select a convenient time to meet with a counselor. Or, you can go directly to our booking page here: Schedule an Appointment . Unless the University campus closes, our office remains open during normal business hours.
If students meet SAP requirements, their financial aid package will remain on their account as long as funds are available. To renew aid in a new semester or term, follow the steps below:
- Complete the FAFSA as early in the calendar year as possible and no later than 30 days before Advance Registration.
- For most aid programs, the financial aid year begins in the Fall semester and ends in the Spring semester. However, for DBU, the summer semester falls at the end of the annual cycle and concludes that year's financial aid year.
If you haven't yet, complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and use the Dallas Baptist University school code 003560 when filling it out. Financial aid for the summer term is generally limited to Federal Pell Grant (if eligible) Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized Direct Loans, Federal Parent Loan (PLUS), Federal Graduate Plus Loan and private loans. For most aid programs you must be enrolled for at least six credits in total during summer (Exceptions may include federal Pell Grant or private loans).
When considering financial aid for the summer term, it's important to keep in mind that for most aid programs, you must be enrolled in at least six credit hours. This requirement applies to the Federal Pell Grant (if eligible), Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized Direct Loans, Federal Parent Loan (PLUS), Federal Graduate Plus Loan, and private loans. However, there may be exceptions for the Federal Pell Grant or private loans, so it's crucial to stay informed about the specific requirements.
Moreover, there are additional opportunities for financial aid. Undergraduate students may apply for the Christian Service Scholarship, while graduate students may be eligible for the Master's Christian Leadership Scholarship. These scholarships provide a hopeful avenue for financial support. Please call the Financial Aid Office is you have further questions on how this will be applied.
Important Financial Aid Dates
Planning ahead can help make the financial aid process easier. Financial aid deadlines and notification dates vary throughout the year, so use the timeline below to understand when important steps typically occur.
FAFSA Opens (Fall)
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) typically opens in the fall (normally October) for the upcoming academic year. Complete your FAFSA as early as possible and list Dallas Baptist University when completing the FAFSA by using school code 003560.
Early December — New Student Financial Aid Notifications
New students who have completed the FAFSA and submitted all required financial aid documents can expect to begin receiving financial aid notifications in early December. Financial aid offers are delivered digitally through email and your MyDBU account. Look for an invitation email from the MyDBU portal sent right after acceptance.
March — Returning Student Financial Aid Notifications
Returning students who have completed the FAFSA and all required financial aid documents can expect to receive their financial aid notifications beginning in March. Notifications are delivered digitally through email and your MyDBU account.
April — Advance Registration
Advance Registration typically opens in April. Review your financial aid information and make sure you have completed all required steps before registering for the upcoming term.
May — Additional Loan Applications
Applications for Federal Direct PLUS Loans and private education loans are typically available beginning in May for the upcoming academic year.
Federal Direct PLUS Loan information
Federal FAFSA Deadline — June 30
Federal FAFSA Deadlines
The federal deadline to submit the FAFSA for an academic year is generally June 30 following the end of that academic year. For example, the FAFSA for an academic year ending in the spring may remain available through June 30 of that year.
Do not wait until the federal deadline. Some federal, state, and institutional aid may have earlier deadlines or limited funding. Completing the FAFSA early gives you the best opportunity to be considered for available financial aid.
FAFSA Corrections and Updates
After submitting your FAFSA, you may need to make corrections or provide updated information. The federal government establishes a final deadline for making FAFSA corrections and updates for each award year.
Check your FAFSA and Federal Student Aid account regularly and respond promptly to any requests for additional information. Learn more at the StudentAid.gov Account Dashboard to correct your FAFSA form.
What If I Miss a Deadline?
If you miss a financial aid deadline, contact the DBU Financial Aid Office as soon as possible. You may still be eligible for some types of financial aid, depending on when you complete the FAFSA and the availability of funds.
Federal FAFSA Deadline — June 30Missing a priority or institutional deadline does not necessarily mean you are ineligible for all financial aid. However, some aid programs have limited funding or specific eligibility deadlines, so applying as early as possible is important.
Need help? Contact the DBU Financial Aid Office for assistance with your FAFSA, required documents, financial aid offer, or other questions about the financial aid process.
(214) 333-5363
Financial aid awarding and the posting of any aid can only occur after the completion and receipt of a student's Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
If you have any questions about anything financial aid related, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at (214) 333-5363 or via email at finaid@dbu.edu.
FAFSA Verification Process
Occasionally, a student's record is selected for a process called verification. This process is typically initiated by the U.S. Department of Education to verify the accuracy and consistency of the information submitted on the FAFSA. If selected for verification, students will be required to submit additional documentation to substantiate the information reported on their FAFSA. Please note that selection for verification is a random process, and being selected does not imply any wrongdoing.
If a student’s file is selected for verification, all requested documentation must be submitted before the student’s financial aid file can be paid to the student’s account.
For more information on the verification process, please refer to our Important Financial Aid Policies page.
Order of Financial Aid Awarding
For financial aid programs that are based on financial need, the awarding process follows this order:
- Federal Pell Grant: This grant is awarded to eligible students first based on financial need.
- Other Federal and State Programs: Following the Pell Grant, other federal and state aid programs are posted.
- Institutional Aid: Any available institutional aid such as academic awards, awards based on talent, or scholarly achievement are then applied.
- Gift Aid: This includes external scholarships, Church Gifts, and eligible Matching Grants.
- Self-Help Aid: Once all other financial aid options have been exhausted, loans will be considered to cover any remaining unmet need.
It is important to note that programs with limited funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Getting your application filed as early as possible is important. However, financial aid applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the semester. Retroactive applications are not permitted after the conclusion of an enrollment period. Learn more here.
Financial Aid Notification
Upon completion of the awarding process, students will receive a Financial Aid Notification via email and it will be posted on their Self-Service portal under their MyDBU account. The Award Letter will detail the names and amounts of the financial aid the student is eligible to receive. Additionally, the Award Letter will include important instructions and information about the conditions and restrictions that may affect the student's eligibility for the awarded amounts. It is essential to review this document carefully.
We have provided specific information regarding this topic under the DBU Cashier’s Office webpages, where you can learn all about refunds and how to set up your eRefund account. You can reach the Cashier’s Office at (217) 333-5336 or email them at cashier@dbu.edu.
Yes. Changes in enrollment heavily affect both charges and aid.
When awarding, the Office of Financial Aid attempts to award students using the most current enrollment information available. A student’s current enrollment, changes in enrollment, and the timing of these changes can all affect aid eligibility and amounts, as well as tuition charges.
Students who drop or withdraw from any classes (who cease to be enrolled full-time) may be subject to an adjustment of previously awarded aid based on eligibility requirements for each individual Federal and State, or institutional award eligibility, requirements, and policy criteria. Students are cautioned that dropping classes after being awarded on a full-time basis may affect their eligibility for certain types of aid.
The estimated amounts for scholarships and grants that are paid per semester hour will be adjusted to the actual number of hours enrolled at registration. Awards offered in set amounts may, in some cases, be pro-rated for enrollment that is less than full-time.
Since financial aid rules can be complex and can vary by the particular type(s) of financial aid, we encourage students to contact our office ahead of considered changes to classes or enrollment.
For the purposes of financial aid budgeting and awarding:
For Undergraduate Students:
- Undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least 12+ credit hours or more during a semester or term (Fall, Spring, and/or Summer) to be considered full-time.
- Undergraduate students taking 6 to 11 credit hours are considered to be attending part-time during a semester or term (Fall or Spring semester or Summer term), and
- Undergraduate students taking 3 to 5 credit hours are considered to be attending less than half-time during a semester or term (Fall or Spring semester or Summer term) and not eligible for federal student loans.
For Graduate/Master's Level Students:
- Graduate students in – Master's Programs (42 semester credit hours or fewer) must be enrolled in at least 6+ credit hours during a semester or term (Fall, Spring, and/or Summer) to be considered full-time.
- Graduate students in the Master of Arts in Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care (MACHP.CHPC) must be enrolled in at least 9+ credit hours during a semester or term (Fall, Spring, and/or Summer) to be considered full-time.
- Graduate students in the Master of Arts in Professional Counseling (MAPC.COUN, MAPC.COUN.BR, MAPC.COUN.5YEAR) must be enrolled in at least 9+ credit hours during a semester or term (Fall, Spring, and/or Summer) to be considered full-time.
- Graduate students in the Master of Arts in Psychology (MPA.PSYC, MAP.PSYC.LSSP, MAP.PSYC.BR, MAP.PSYC.5YR, MAP.LSSP.PSYC.5YR) must be enrolled in at least 9+ credit hours during a semester or term (Fall, Spring, and/or Summer) to be considered full-time.
- Graduate students in the Master of Education in School Counseling (MEDSC.EDSC) must be enrolled in at least 9+ credit hours during a semester or term (Fall, Spring, and/or Summer) to be considered full-time.
- Doctoral students must be enrolled in at least 6+ credit hours during a semester or term (Fall, Spring, and/or Summer) to be considered full-time.
- Note: For purposes of estimating award amounts on the award notification letter, the expected full-time enrollment for undergraduate students is 15 hours per semester. For Graduate students, full-time is based on 6 to 9 hours per semester based on the program of study, and for Doctoral students, 6 hours of enrollment per semester is considered full-time. Students should check with the Registrar’s office or their individual program to ensure full-time status.
Withdrawing from one or more classes, whether officially or unofficially, can have significant effects on your financial aid. If you choose to withdraw from all your courses, you might find yourself responsible for repaying some or all of the financial aid you’ve received from the government or the university. Additionally, withdrawing can affect your financial aid eligibility in future terms, as every financial aid recipient is required to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress standards to maintain their aid, with certain programs imposing specific renewal guidelines.
Dropping courses or receiving failing grades can also influence your financial aid in various ways. Financial aid eligibility is determined by your enrollment status on the Census Date, which the university designates and usually marks the conclusion of the add/drop period. On this Census Date, your budget and financial aid are finalized according to the number of credits you are registered for at that time. Therefore, the timing and number of credits you drop can significantly alter the effects on your aid.
Failing a class is a daunting thought for anyone. It carries potential consequences that might surprise you, such as receiving an F on your transcript, incurring additional costs to retake the course, jeopardizing your compliance with federal guidelines or satisfactory academic progress, and having to grapple with the same material again, which can be quite tedious.
Have you considered what failing a class might mean for your FAFSA? Are you concerned that it could reduce your financial aid or even disqualify you from receiving the Pell Grant? These worries are common and valid.
Before making decisions about dropping classes or if you're struggling in a course, it’s essential to consult with your academic advisor and the financial aid office. They are there to assist you with vital information and guidance regarding how these choices might impact both your academic standing and your financial aid. Remember, you don’t have to face this decision alone.
Tuition and fees, along with housing and meals, are essential components of a student's annual budget. Tuition covers the cost of academic instruction, while fees typically fund student services, technology, and other campus amenities. Housing and meal costs vary based on the type of accommodations and meal plans selected. In addition to these primary expenses, students should also budget for textbooks, supplies, transportation, personal costs, and health insurance, if applicable. To stay on track with your budget, it's important to regularly monitor your spending, utilize any available financial aid, scholarships, or payment plans, and set aside a contingency fund for unexpected expenses. Check out our financial literacy resources and budgeting tools to help you manage your finances throughout the year.
Self-Service FAQs
Self-Service is a secure, web-based portal that provides 24/7 access to academic records, registration information, financial aid, student accounts, and other scholarship opportunities. Watch the self-service video below to learn more. DBU Self-Service Video Library >>
Within the Self-Service portal, you have access to the following financial aid functions:
- View documents needed to complete your financial aid application
- Submit documents through a Secured Document Submission Upload
- Check the status of documents submitted to Student Financial Services
- Check which funds have been paid to your student account
- Check your student account balance
- Review your account for any holds that need to be resolved
- Review your satisfactory academic progress
- Review and accept your Financial Aid Award Package
- Review and sign your Financial Aid Offer Letter
- Access health insurance waiver
- Review college financing plan
We encourage you to explore Financial Aid Self-Service and familiarize yourself with the features that it offers.
- Current undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students
- Newly admitted freshman students who have committed to DBU
- Newly admitted transfer graduate and doctoral students
Students may log in to Self-Service with their DBU account here: Self-Service >>
If you are unable to log in to Self-Service or have forgotten your user ID or password, please submit a ticket through the IT Support Portal for assistance.
If you have questions about the information presented on Self-Service, you may access our video tutorial page for answers to many of your questions. Or feel free to contact DBU Information Technology (214) 333-5500 or email itsupport@dbu.edu.
- DBU Information Technology
- New User Account Setup
- Initial Password Reset Instructions
- Multifactor Authentication
- MyDBU Account - single sign-on portal that contains relevant information and applications needed for day-to-day life at DBU. Customized information and applications are available to admitted students, current students, and employees.
- Proxy Access - Students can grant parents or authorized users, called a "Proxy", access to view their student information in a secure, online environment. For more information, visit the DBU Proxy Access page.
- Self-Service Student Tutorial Videos
- Introduction
- Accessing self-service
- Viewing your degree progress
- Adding a note to your advisor
- Scheduling courses
- Using the course catalog
- Registering for courses from your schedule
- Understanding Notifications
- Using the timeline in self-service
- Accessing the Financial Aid Module
- Student Agreements
FAFSA FAQs
Yes, especially if you have never filed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Many families mistakenly think they will not qualify for aid and prevent themselves from receiving financial aid by failing to apply for it. The FAFSA form is free and is often used to establish state and institutional financial aid scholarships as well as federal aid.
We have provided specific information regarding this topic on the Important Financial Aid Steps page.
The FAFSA typically becomes available in the fall for the upcoming academic year (normally around October 1). The exact opening date may vary from year to year. Check the Federal Student Aid website for the current FAFSA availability date.
The federal government establishes a final FAFSA submission deadline for each academic year. However, the federal deadline should not be considered your recommended deadline. Federal FAFSA Deadline — June 30
DBU, federal/state agencies, and individual financial aid programs may have earlier priority deadlines. Some types of financial aid also have limited funding. Completing the FAFSA as early as possible gives you the best opportunity to be considered for available federal, state, and institutional aid.
What if I need to make corrections to my FAFSA?
If you need to correct or update information after submitting your FAFSA, you may do so within the federal correction period established for that academic year. Check your FAFSA and Federal Student Aid account regularly and complete any requested corrections or updates as soon as possible. Learn more at the StudentAid.gov Account Dashboard to correct your FAFSA form.
Best Practice
Complete your FAFSA as early as possible—ideally when it first becomes available in the fall. Early completion can help you meet priority deadlines, allow additional time to resolve issues with your FAFSA, and maximize your opportunity to be considered for available financial aid.
For more information about completing the FAFSA, visit the Federal Student Aid FAFSA website.
Students should complete the FAFSA for the academic year in which they plan to enroll. The FAFSA is released annually (normally in October) and is used to determine eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid.
When completing the FAFSA, be sure to include Dallas Baptist University (DBU), Federal School Code 003560, so DBU receives your FAFSA information.
Tip: Complete your FAFSA and any required DBU financial aid forms as early as possible. Early completion gives you more time to resolve issues and ensures that you are considered for available financial aid based on applicable deadlines and eligibility requirements.
Students wanting to be considered for financial aid should complete the FAFSA each year they plan to attend college. Completing the FAFSA allows students to be considered for federal, state, and institutional aid, including grants, scholarships, work-study, and federal student loans.
A parent, spouse, or other contributor may also need to provide information on the FAFSA, depending on the student's circumstances.
A new FAFSA is required each year you want to receive financial aid.
- Determine your eligibility status. Find out whether you are considered a dependent or independent student—this will help you understand whose information will go on the FAFSA.
- If you’re a first-time filer, you’ll need to set up an account at studentaid.gov to create an FSA ID username and password. You’ll need a working email address (not tied to your school account) to set this up.
- If you’re a returning filer, you’ll need to remember your FSA ID username and password so you have them readily available when it’s time to file.
Dependent Students
For students considered dependents, both the student's and the parent's information will be collected. Both parents and students need an FSA ID username and password.
For students whose parents are divorced, the parent who provides the most financial support must include their financial information. This is different than in previous years. Visit this page for more about who is considered your parent when filing the FAFSA.
Independent Students
For students who meet all the criteria to be considered an independent student, only their information and their spouse’s information, if applicable, will be used on the FAFSA.
Unusual Circumstances
Federal Student Aid has made it possible for students to file the FAFSA to the best of their ability if they can’t provide parent information. Students should follow the prompts within the FAFSA to utilize this process and to understand next steps. Students who are homeless or are in foster care will also need to follow the FAFSA prompts in order to input the correct information into the FAFSA. The DBU Financial Aid will contact you to request additional information if needed.
The FAFSA asks for information about you, your family, and your financial circumstances. This information is used to determine your eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid.
You may be asked to provide information such as:
- Your name, date of birth, and Social Security number
- Your citizenship or eligible noncitizen status
- Your household information
- Federal tax information and income
- Certain assets, investments, and business or farm information
- Information about your parents if you are a dependent student
The FAFSA uses a secure data-sharing process (FUTURE Act Data Direct Exchange (FA-DDX) to obtain federal tax information from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). You and your required FAFSA contributors, such as a parent or spouse when applicable, must provide consent for the U.S. Department of Education to access and use federal tax information.
In some cases, you will need to manually enter tax information because it can't be transferred electronically through the IRS data-sharing process. In such cases, be aware that the FAFSA uses Prior-Prior Year (PPY) federal tax information. This means the FAFSA uses tax information from two tax years before the academic year for which you are applying for financial aid.
The FAFSA may also ask additional questions when your current family or financial circumstances differ from the information available through your federal tax records.
The FAFSA is free to complete. You should never have to pay to submit the FAFSA.
Only use the official Federal Student Aid website to complete your FAFSA:
If a website asks you to pay to complete or submit the FAFSA, you are likely not on the official FAFSA website.
Beginning with the 2024-25 FAFSA cycle all individuals – regardless of their citizenship status – are required to have a StudentAid.gov account to access and sign the FAFSA form. View this FSA website to review the process for individuals without a social security number (SSN) to create their StudentAid.gov account. Contact FSA at 1-800-433-3243 if you have any questions.
DBU's School Code for filing the FAFSA is: 003560 This code is used to inform the U.S. Department of Education which college you are interested in attending and where you want your FAFSA information sent.
To apply for financial aid at DBU, applicants must complete the following steps:
- Obtain a Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID) from the U.S. Department of Education. One parent will also need an FSA ID if you are considered a dependent student (see note below).
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form as soon as possible. The FAFSA becomes available in December each year.
When completing the FAFSA, you will use tax return data from the prior-prior year (i.e. two years before the year you plan to enroll). The FAFSA requires all contributors (both students, spouses (if applicable), and parents (or other contributors) are required to give consent to transfer their tax information from the IRS to the FAFSA or to confirm their non-filing status, ensuring accurate and efficient data transfer.
Your FAFSA should be fully completed no later than 30 days before Advance Registration begins. Otherwise, the student will be expected to make payment arrangements with the Cashier's Office using personal resources when he or she registered for classes.
Late aid applications will be processed after registration for aid as it becomes available. Each scholarship program has an individual deadline that must be met to be considered for an award from that particular scholarship program.
Attention Fall Enrollees
Complete your financial aid file by March 15 to be eligible to receive the maximum amount of federal and/or state financial aid funds.
Note about Dependent or Independent Student Status
A student is NOT considered an independent student just because parents have not included them on their income tax filing, if parents provide little financial support, or if a student will be paying for all their own expenses. The information below lists what constitutes an independent student. If these do not fit your situation, you must file with your parents' information and signature.
To be considered an independent student, the student must be at least 24 years old by January 1 of the award year. A student who has not attained this age is also considered to be independent if he or she:
- is married;
- is a graduate (master) level or above or professional student;
- applies for and is approved for a dependency override;
- is not married but has legal dependents, as defined by Federal regulations;
- is a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces or currently serving on active duty for purposes other than training; or
- is an orphan, in foster care, an emancipated minor, homeless youth, or a ward of the court (documentation required for confirmation).
Learn more about Dependency Status >>
If you are still unsure if you qualify as an independent student, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at (214) 333-5363 or finaid@dbu.edu.
After the FAFSA has been processed, the federal processor will send a FAFSA Submission Summary to you and an electronic version to DBU if you include DBU’s school code on the FAFSA. The Financial Aid Office will then begin the financial aid awarding process and contact you by e-mail about your financial aid award.
The FSS indicates whether you have been selected for a process called verification and whether you are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant. If you do not have a copy of your FSS, you can request a duplicate copy from the Federal Student Aid Information Center by calling 1-800-433-3243.
The Student Aid Index (SAI), previously the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), is an index number that college financial aid staff use to determine how much financial aid you would receive if you were to attend their school. The information you report on your FAFSA is used to calculate your SAI.
The SAI is calculated according to a formula established by law. Your family's taxed and untaxed income, assets, and benefits (such as unemployment or Social Security) all could be considered in the formula. The SAI Formula guide shows exactly how an SAI is calculated.
Your SAI is not:
- a dollar amount of aid you’ll receive,
- what your family is expected to provide, or
- your final financial aid offer.
Your SAI is an index number used by financial aid professionals when creating an aid offer. Your SAI is calculated using information that you (and other contributors, if required) provide on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.
There are helpful tools and tips throughout the application which should assist you with the questions you may have. You can also visit the Filling Out the FAFSA Form page on the Federal Student Aid website and you can always reach out to the Financial Aid Office.
Be sure to visit the rest of our DBU website for more information that may meet your specific questions and needs. If you need further assistance, please feel free to contact us for more information about the financial aid process, status of your awards or how to submit documents.
DBU Financial Aid Office
Phone: (214) 333-5363
Fax: (214) 333-5586
Email: finaid@dbu.edu
DBU Financial Aid will be available to assist you with any questions to help you file your FAFSA. Please contact us if you have financial aid questions or need help completing your FAFSA.