Financial Aid

Hello from BHSU Student Financial Aid Team!

Because most college students receive some type of financial aid, it is a worthwhile effort for your family to explore all possible options. And we’re here to help! This includes loans, grants, scholarships, and work-study provided through federal, state, institutional, and local resources.

Financial aid can be awarded based on financial need or merit, which considers high school academic performance, and can encompass a wide range of assistance—from loans that must be repaid, to grants and scholarships that are gifts, to work-study opportunities that enable students to earn money.

Quick Links

Check out some resources we've put together.

Meet the Team Types & Sources of Financial Aid FAQ FAFSA FAQ FERPA Forms

Office Info

Hours:

School Year: 8am to 5pm
Summer: 7:30am to 4:30pm

Location:

Spearfish Campus: Woodburn 114
BHSU - Rapid City: 114

Phone:

605.642.6145

Email:

BHSUFinancial@BHSU.edu

Mailing Address:

Student Financial Aid Office
1200 University Street, Unit 9670
Spearfish, SD 57799-9670

Feel free to reach out to us, and we will help you in any way we can. We are available for meetings in person, virtually, or by phone. Please call or email to arrange an appointment. Be sure to have your student ID number handy.

Use template from here: https://www.bhsu.edu/admissions/pay-for-college/financial-aid/FAFSA
Will need to update dates

September
- Check with your high school counselor about scholarship options that they may be aware of and apply for ones

October
- The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the upcoming academic year opens.
- We encourage you to prepare for the FAFSA and complete the FAFSA early when it becomes available. The University will review your information and start sending you of items needed for your financial aid profile by the end of December.

January
- Financial Aid Offers begin going out to first-year and transfer students.
- If you are admitted to the University and have completed the financial aid process, you will receive a Financial Aid Offer from BHSUfinancial@BHSU.edu to your University email account as well as your FAFSA email account.
  - NOTE: you must have your University email account set up in order to log in and see your Aid Offer.
  - The preliminary figures in the Financial Aid Notice are based on the Estimated Cost of Attendance (COA).
  - Please review your offer. If your offer includes loans or work study, you can accept, decline, or reduce the amount you’ve been offered. You need to complete the required loan documentation before you receive any loans that are accepted with your financial aid offer.

March
- Returning students Financial Aid Offers begin going out

Mid-July
- Student Account charges assess to accounts

Approximately one week before classes start (Fall and Spring semesters)
- During the week before classes start, your financial aid will be applied to your University student account if your file is complete.
- If you have excess funds after your tuition, fees, housing, and other authorized charges are paid, that money will be sent to you via check or direct deposit.
- If you have additional tuition, fees, housing or other charges that are not covered by your financial aid, you will receive a bill for those charges.
- Financial aid continues to be offered and disbursed throughout the term as students accept and respond to their offers. Please contact us if you have already responded to your aid offer and need to make changes.

Meet the Staff

Types & Sources of Financial Aid

At Black Hills State University, we understand that funding your education can often be confusing and overwhelming. Here, we will break down the types and sources of aid to help you and your family navigate the differences between loans, grants, and other aid.

Financial aid is an important part of helping you reach your educational goals. We will work with you to find the best individualized way to pay for your education. We have trained financial aid personnel who have years of experience in student financial aid to help you with any questions you have about grants, work-study, or loans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Financial Aid Forms

Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Education Records Release Form Directory Information Opt-Out Student Directory Information Policy Annual Disclosure

Financial Aid

Hello from BHSU Student Financial Aid Team!

Types & Sources of Financial Aid

Federal

State

Institutional

Scholarships of Distinction

Make a Difference Scholarship

The Horatio Alger Denny Sanford Scholarship

The Humbert Hall Room Scholarship

Joseph F. and Martha P. Nelson Scholarship Application

F.W. Hatterscheidt Scholarship Application

South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship (SDOS)

BHSU Music Scholarships (talent/audition-based)

S-STEM Scholarships

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for financial aid?

I/My parents make too much money for FAFSA. What options do I have?

Will my request for financial aid have any impact on my ability to be admitted to college?

What types of aid can I get?

Are there deadlines?

When will I be notified of my financial eligibility?

Will my aid offer change if i get a scholarship?

Why isn't financial aid covering my whole bill?

Can I set up a payment plan?

What is work-study?

Why was I selected for verification? What does it mean?

Why hasn't my financial aid paid to my account?

Where's my refund?

Where do I get my books and course supplies?

Do I need to do anything to get my federal loans deferred?

How do I know how much I've borrowed?

I still have questions. Who do I contact?

Financial Aid Forms

FAFSA Frequently Asked Questions

Who should complete the FAFSA® form?

Why should I complete the FAFSA® form?

When should I complete the FAFSA® form?

Where do I go and what do I need to complete the FAFSA® form?

What else do I need to know or do after I submt the FAFSA® form?