Types of Financial Aid

Federal Pell Grant - Awards generally range from $0-$7,395 per academic year. Students may be enrolled less than half-time.

Federal Work-Study Program (FWSP) - Students may work at designated sites on during the academic year. Maximum amount that can be earned is $10,920 per academic year. Students must be enrolled at least half-time without exceeding unmet need and continue to meet all work-study program requirements.

Direct Stafford Loan - Requires a student loan application that can found at https://www.batestech.edu/financial-aid-forms/.

Students are required to complete a Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling at www.studentaid.gov. For current loan limits, see the Financial Aid Office. Students must maintain half-time enrollment. There is no filing deadline for the student loan, but it must be processed prior to the end of the quarter for which you have requested the loan.

Student loan application must be received two weeks prior to the end of the quarter you are requesting the loan to ensure the loan can be processed. There are two types of Direct Stafford Loans:

Subsidized Loan - The interest on the loan is paid for by the federal government while a student is in school. The student makes no interest or principle payments until six months after graduation or dropping below half-time status.
Unsubsidized Loan - Interest accrues after loan is disbursed. Students can pay or have the interest capitalized. Principle payments are still deferred until six months after graduation or dropping below half-time.

State Grant and Special Programs - The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) administers state financial aid including the Washington College Grant , the College Bound Scholarship, and the Washington Application for State Financial Aid, or WASFA, for undocumented individuals.

Veterans Benefits - GI Bill^® benefits help students pay for college, graduate school and training programs. Since 1944, the GI Bill has helped qualified Veterans and their family members get money to help subsidize the costs for school or training. Learn more about GI Bill benefits below—and how to apply for them https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-billbenefits/.

Opportunity Grant - Opportunity Grant is a funding program specifically for low-income students who are Washington state residents and enrolled in an Opportunity Grant eligible program of study (see list below). The program is designed to help students overcome financial barriers while they pursue an education. The program is voluntary, and allows participants to get assistance with school expenses for up to 45 credits of tuition and no longer than three years from the initial receipt of grant funds. For more information contact the Opportunity Grant Specialist at 253.680.7244 or opportunitygrant@batestech.edu.

Eligibility requirements:

Must be low-income based on FAFSA and current family income is at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (see chart)
Wash. state resident – for at least one year
In an Opportunity Grant eligible program In addition, students may NOT receive a second quarter of Opportunity Grant funding if they have not completed the FAFSA-based aid process. For more information, contact: Opportunity Grant Specialist 253.680.7244

WorkFirst - If students are currently receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and participate in Washington State’s WorkFirst program, they may qualify for WorkFirst financial assistance to complete their education at Bates. WorkFirst is designed to fill in gaps that financial aid does not cover. The college will check a student’s financial aid account before proceeding with a request for assistance. Participant must track and report weekly attendance to maintain eligibility. More information: 253.680.7347

Worker Retraining - This funding program is specifically for unemployed or under-employed dislocated (laid off) workers, displaced homemakers, transitioning and military veterans, and the formerly self-employed whose qualifying event* took place within the previous 48months from the time of application for the program. The program is designed to help students overcome financial barriers while they pursue an education. The program is voluntary and allows participants to obtain assistance with education related expenses. Worker Retraining is designed to fill the gaps that FAFSA-based financial aid does not cover. The college will check a student’s financial aid account before proceeding with a request for assistance. More information: 253.680.7127 or retraining@batestech.edu.

*Qualifying event: the event that causes an applicant to qualify, such as a layoff, divorce/separation, military separation, or loss of a business.

*Qualifying event: the event that causes an applicant to qualify, such as a layoff, divorce/separation, military separation or loss of a business.

Basic Food and Employment Training (BFET) - Students may qualify for this benefit if they receive, or are eligible to receive, federal food assistance. Students who also receive TANF are not eligible. Students must check in monthly to maintain eligibility.

Students may receive assistance for tuition, fees, textbooks, tools and supplies, and emergency costs. Students may also qualify for childcare assistance through DSHS Working Connections. BFET assistance works with FAFSA based Financial Aid, and students must make a formal request for BFET assistance. BFET is designed to fill financial gaps that financial aid does not cover. Therefore, the BFET Compliance Specialist will check a student’s financial aid account before proceeding with a request for assistance. More information: 253.680.7286.

Early Achievers Grant

This is a funding program to help employed childcare providers and early learning educators compete certificates and associate degrees in Early Childhood Education. For more information contact Early Achiever Grant Program Contact: 253.680,7027 or eag@batestech.edu