Resources and Information
Bethel Conservatory of the Arts in partnership with Visible Music College delivers programs accredited through TRAC’s and authorized in the state of California through BPPE. Our Financial Aid Office is excited to partner with you in funding and achieving your educational goals. We are pleased to offer resources and services to help you understand the financial aid process.
Visible Music College offers various financial aid options to help students meet their various and unique needs. Alternative loan programs may be used if a student needs additional funding or if a student chooses not to receive Federal Aid. A FAFSA is required regardless.
Assess the financial support you may have around you in the pursuit of a ministry vocation. Friends, family, church, and community may help you in various ways to achieve training for ministry. Ask for help!
Complete the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using your and your parents’ (if applicable) tax information.
If applicable, apply for alternative loans
If you have questions or concerns about Financial Aid, please feel free to contact:
Tonya Williams
Financial Aid Manager
(901) 381-3939 x 228
financialaid@visible.edu
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Federal Aid Available
Visible Music College is proud to offer four types of Title IV Federal Aid (Stafford Loans, Pell Grants, FSEOG, and Federal Work Study) to all qualified students.
Applying for Federal Aid
Complete Federal Income Tax forms as early as possible for both students and parents.
Apply for your Federal FAFSA PIN Number for student AND at least one parent if not applying as an independent.
Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using figures from your federal tax forms. You can either complete the FAFSA online or obtain a paper copy at any high school or college, including Visible Music College. The Visible Music College school code number is 039823. Make sure to keep copies of your completed FAFSA.
After your FAFSA is processed, the U.S. Department of Education will send you a Student Aid Report (SAR) via email. Read it carefully and check for accuracy. If necessary, make corrections and re-submit as directed on the SAR. If there are no corrections, keep the SAR for your records.
The Financial Aid Office will receive your SAR electronically from the Central Processing System.
If you are selected by the Department of Education to complete the verification process, the Financial Aid Office will inform you of the documents needed. Verification must be complete before you receive an official award notice. If you are not selected for the verification process, the Financial Aid Office will create a Financial Aid Award package and send you the list of Financial Aid you will be eligible to receive.
To begin your Financial Aid process fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Direct Loans
These loans are taken out in the student’s name. There are two types of Stafford loans – subsidized and unsubsidized. Subsidized loans are based on need and have the government paying the interest for the student while he/she is in school and during their grace/deferment period. Unsubsidized loans are not need-based, and accrue interest while the student is still in school. Both loans have maximum amounts that can be borrowed based on the student’s grade level in school. Both loans are not required to be paid back until six months after the student graduates or drops below half time. Stafford loans carry a fixed interest rate throughout the life of the loan. However, the rate depends on what year the loan is disbursed. Fixed rate for Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans will be 2.75% on all loans first disbursed on or after 7/1/2020 but before 7/1/2021. Rates for 2021-22 are subject to change.
Pell Grant
This grant provides need-based grants to low-income undergraduates. Grant amounts are dependent on the expected family contribution (EFC), the cost of attendance, the student’s enrollment status, and whether or not the student attends for a full academic year or less. Since these are grants, they do not need to be repaid.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
FSEOGs are awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need—those with the lowest Expected Family Contribution (EFC) numbers. Federal Pell Grant recipients receive priority for FSEOG awards. Unlike Pell Grants, the amount of FSEOG funds you receive depends not only on your financial need but also on the amount of other aid you get and the availability of funds at Visible Music College.
Federal Work Study
The Federal Work-Study Program provides jobs for undergraduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to each student’s course of study. Students will earn at least the current federal minimum wage, but the amount might be higher depending on the type of work available and the skills required. Total Federal Work-Study award depends on when students apply, level of need, and the funding amount given to Visible Music College. Commissions or fees must not be paid to Federal Work-Study students. Visible Music College will pay students bi-monthly. Also, the school must pay students directly, unless students request that the school make payments to the student’s bank account or use the money to pay for their institutional charges such as tuition, fees, and room and board. Students may not work more hours than their total award can pay.
Federal Parent Plus Loan
Technically still a federal loan, but a popular after Stafford loan option. Only parents of dependent students are eligible and the parent is primarily responsible for the loan and disbursement fees. Fixed rate for Parent Plus Loans will be 7.6% on all loans first disbursed on or after 7/1/2018 but before 7/1/2019. Rates for 2019-20 are subject to change.
Other Scholarships
For additional outside scholarship and grant opportunities, please visit FastWeb or click here for some more for which you can apply.
Private Student Loan
Click on the links below to learn more about private loans and applying. Consider the following items in determining alternative loan options: interest rate, eligibility and repayment options. Our preferred lenders are Sallie Mae, Wells Fargo and Discover.
These loans are for students enrolled at least half-time who are working towards a degree. High aggregate loan limits allow students to borrow enough to cover the cost of their education. Applicants for this loan must meet credit criteria and a cosigner may be required. Interest rates are variable based on the Prime Rate. Contact the Financial Aid Office at 901.381.3939 ext. 224 for more information.
Sallie Mae disclosures | Discover disclosures | Wells Fargo disclosure