Counseling Department
Bethel Virtual Academy
Scholarships
Scholarships are free financial aid that does not have to be repaid, and you don't need to be a perfect student to earn them. Scholarship providers emphasize commitment (such as playing in the band all four years), special circumstances (such as overcoming a cancer diagnosis), and similar interest (such as studying for the same degree).
Also see the Scholarships page for more details and resources
Types of Scholarships
Merit - awarded based on academic, athletic, artistic, or special interest accomplishments
Financial Need - awarded based on financial need
How do I find scholarships?
Search engines, local school scholarship lists, individual schools, and more!
What can I do to maximize my chance of earning scholarships?
Get involved - play a sport or join a club
Keep your GPA high and take challenging courses
Community service or volunteer hours
Consider leadership roles - running a club, varsity in sports
Grants
What are Grants?
Need-based, financial aid used to cover education-related expenses
Different types/levels: Federal, State, & School
Do I have to pay them back?
No except under certain circumstances:
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You withdraw early from a program for which the received the grant
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Your enrollment status changes (ex: switching from full-time to part-time, the grant will be reduced)
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You received Federal Pell Grant funds from more than one school at a time
Federal Government Grants
What are Federal Pell Grants?
Awarded to undergraduate students who have not earned a Bachelor's graduate, or professional degree
Awarded based on financial need per the FAFSA
Guaranteed to every student who qualifies
How much will I get?
The amount awarded depends on
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Student Aid Index (based on FAFSA form)
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Cost of attendance
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Full-time or part-time status
Maximum amount is $7,395 for the 2026-27 award year
Washington State Grants
What is the Washington College Grant?
Grant program created to provide funding to attend community, vocational, university, career, and college-sponsored apprenticeship programs.
How much will I get?
The amount awarded depends on
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Family size
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Income
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Cost of attendance
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Institution/Program Type
Maximum amount ranges from approximately $3,700 to $13,200. Actual award amount varies due to individual student eligiblity.
Work Study
What is Work Study?
Must complete the FAFSA and demonstrate financial need
Provides part-time jobs for students
Work Study award sent by regular paycheck for hours worked
Jobs available on-campus as well as off-campus at non-profit organizations
General Information
Funding and jobs are not guaranteed each year
Funding is meant to be used for day-to-day expenses
You must keep your grades up to be eligible
Loans
Federal Loans
What are Federal Loans?
These are fixed-interest-rate loans available to students and/or families
Types
What are Direct Subsidized & Unsubsidized Loans?
The most common types of loans
Available directly to students
Requirements & annual maximums depend on type - see table below
Subsidized Loans | Unsubsidized Loans | |
|---|---|---|
Basic Eligibility | US Citizenship or permanent resident Enrolled at least half-time Qualifiying program & school | US Citizenship or permanent resident Enrolled at least half-time Qualifiying program & school |
Available To | Undergraduate Students only | Undergraduate Students Graduate Students |
Financial Need Required | Yes | No |
How Interest Works | Department of Education pays interest while student is enrolled | Student is responsible for paying interest for the entire life of the loan |
Annual & Aggregate Maximums
Dependent Student | Independent Student | |
|---|---|---|
Freshmen Undergraduate | $5,500 (up to $3,500 subsidized) | $9,500 (up to $3,500 subsidized) |
Sophomore Undergraduate | $6,500 (up to $4,500 subsidized) | $10,500 (up to $4,500 subsidized) |
Junior Undergraduate | $7,500 (up to $5,500 subsidized) | $12,500 (up to $5,500 subsidized) |
Senior Undergraduate | $7,500 (up to $5,500 subsidized) | $12,500 (up to $5,500 subsidized) |
Aggregate Maximum | $31,000 (up to $23,000 subsidized) | $57,500 (including up to $23,000 subsidized) |
Other Loan Types
Institution Loans - some schools have their own loans to offer students
Private (for-profit) company loans - companies provide additional loans for when all other financial aid has been used