Financial Aid

Financial aid workshops

Do you need assistance with your FAFSA/WASFA application? Join us for an open workshop, no reservations needed!

PLEAE NOTE: If you or other contributors (spouse, parents) have not created an FSA ID to complete your FAFSA, do that FIRST – it takes up to 3 days to confirm identity. To save time, visit https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch to get started! 

Workshop Location: Library- Room 1802

  • March 7th 3:00PM- 5:00PM
  • March 11th 11:00AM- 1:00PM (Room 1801)
  • March 14th 3:00PM- 5:00PM
  • March 19th 5:00PM- 7:00PM
  • March 21st 3:00PM- 5:00PM
  • March 25th 11:00AM- 1:00PM
  • March 28th 3:00PM- 5:00PM

What to Bring: FAFSA
Students w/out dependents, unmarried, & <24

  • Parental Information: SSNs, DOB & email
  • Student information: SSN, DOB, & email
  • Parent FSA ID (electronic signature)
  • Student FSA ID (electronic signature)
  • 2023-2024: Student & Parent 2021 tax information (W-2s if non-filer)
  • 2024-2025: Student & Parent 2022 tax information (W-2s if non-filer)

Students w/dependents, married, and/or 24+

  • SSN, DOB, & email
  • FSA ID (electronic signature)
  • 2023-2024: Student & Spouse (if applicable) 2021 tax information (W-2s if non-filer)
  • 2024-2025: Student & Spouse (if applicable) 2022 tax information (W-2s if non-filer)

What to Bring: WASFA
Students w/out dependents, unmarried, & <24

  • Parental Information: DOB & email
  • Student information: DOB, email, & DACA/ITIN
  • 2023-2024: Student & Parent 2021 tax information (W-2s if non-filer)
  • 2024-2025: Student & Parent 2022 tax information (W-2s if non-filer)

Students w/dependents, married, and/or 24+

  • DOB, email, & DACA/ITIN Number
  • 2023-2024: Student & Spouse (if applicable) 2021 tax information (W-2s if non-filer)
  • 2024-2025: Student & Spouse (if applicable) 2022 tax information (W-2s if non-filer)

Contact us at 509.793.2088 or faidinfo@bigbend.edu for more information.

2024-25 FAFSA FAQs

Beginning in the upcoming 2024–2025 aid year, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process will be significantly different from previous years. We’ve provided some details to help you navigate this updated process.

Notice

**CURRENTLY WE ARE REVIEWING ALL FILES COMPLETE FOR THE 2023 – 2024 ACADEMIC YEAR. IF ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS ARE NEEDED TO COMPLETE YOUR FILE, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO VIEW “TO-DOS” WITHIN CTCLINK.**

**DUE TO THE EXTREME DELAY IN RECEIPT OF 2024 – 2025 FAFSAS & WASFAS, IF YOU PLAN ON ENROLLING IN SUMMER AND/OR FALL, DO NOT WAIT TO REGISTER – WE WILL BE PRIORITIZING AWARDING BASED ON ENROLLMENT. STUDENTS HAVE UP UNTIL THE DAY BEFORE CLASSES BEGIN TO WITHDRAW WITHOUT PENALTY IF FINANCIAL AID IS NOT PROCESSED BY THAT TIME.

As we get closer to tuition due date, we will add a “Tuition deferred – Possible financial aid” hold to your account if you met our priority funding date or have some sort of aid awarded for the quarter (this will keep you in classes if you have not made payment on your tuition). If you do not see that on your account by tuition due date, please contact us immediately! Funds will apply to student accounts 10 days prior to the beginning of the quarter. If any aid remains, it will release to BankMobile (BMTX, Inc.) in the afternoon of the first day of each quarter,

Please check your email as this is the main way our office will communicate with you.

Financial Aid Office Hours

*NOTE: The 1st Mon – Thurs each quarter we are open from 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Mon-Thurs7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Fri7:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Sat-Sun / HolidaysClosed

What is Financial Aid?

You’ve decided to start college, but now you want to make sure you can pay for it. That’s why we’re here! Financial aid is money to help you pay your educational expenses at a college or university.

Don’t assume that you’re not eligible – about 75% of BBCC students are already receiving financial assistance!

After your application is reviewed, the BBCC Financial Aid team will  notify you of your eligibility. Your financial aid need is determined using the following formula: Cost of Attendance – Expected Family Contribution or Student Aid Index = Financial Need.

You must reapply for financial aid each year by completing the FAFSA or WASFA online.  Applications become available every year on October 1st (Due to FAFSA Simplification, the 2024 – 2025 application became became available on December 31) to apply for next year. Don’t wait!

  • BBCC awards financial aid chronologically based on the date in which all requirements have been completed.
  • Financial aid applications for the 2023 – 2024 are available to assist students attending from Summer 2023 – Spring 2024; the 2024 – 2025 application applies to Summer 2024 – Spring 2025.
  • Please email any forms, documents and/or questions to faidinfo@bigbend.edu.

Categories of financial aid that you’re applying for with the FAFSA/WASFA:

Grants and Tuition Waivers - Free Money

Gift aid that does not need to be repaid as long as you complete your coursework quarterly, maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress, and meet other eligibility requirements.

  1. Pell Grant (FAFSA Only)
    • A federal grant program for undergraduate students. The amount of the grant is determined by the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) or Student Aid Index (SAI), and enrollment status.
  2.  Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FAFSA Only)
    • A federal grant program for undergraduate students. This grant is awarded to those students with a 0 EFC or -1500 to 0 SAI. At Big Bend, SEOG awards are $400 per quarter for students enrolled in at least 6 credits.
  3. Washington College Grant – formerly State Need Grant (FAFSA & WASFA)
    • A state grant program for WA State resident undergraduate students meeting the household income guidelines and enrolled in at least 3 credits. 
  4. College Bound Scholarships (FAFSA & WASFA)
    • A state grant program for undergraduate students whose family’s income meets certain guidelines.  Students apply for this scholarship in the 7th and 8th grade.  They must enroll in college within a year of graduating from a Washington state high school and must be enrolled in at least 3 credits.
  5. Washington Bridge Grant (FAFSA & WASFA)
    • A state grant program for resident undergraduate students receiving the maximum Washington College Grant who do not qualify for the College Bound Scholarship.
  6. Big Bend Tuition Grant & Waiver Program (FAFSA & WASFA)
    • Institutional funds are granted to eligible students enrolled in at least 6 credits.
      • If you are waitlisted for this funding, it means we are out of funds in this pot of money but you are on the waitlist for if/when funds become available.

Student Employment & Work Study - A job either on or off campus

Work Study” is money earned through part-time work (up to 16 hours per week) that revolves around your student schedule (i.e. your classes come first). Students must complete a FAFSA or WASFA to determine if you qualify for Work-Study. Work-Study is a need-based financial aid award that is not deposited into your student account; instead, you will receive paychecks based on the hours you work. It is not a grant (you must work to earn it) and it is not a loan (you don’t have to repay it). All students with need in their cost of attendance are offered work study. You will need to apply and be hired for positions. Once hired, you will be moved out of an “offered” status and receive updated aid offer letters showing the amount you’ve earned each quarter. 

  1. Federal Work-Study (FAFSA Only)
    • Federally funded program that provides students on and off-campus employment opportunities. Students will be considered for a variety of jobs, which may offer valuable career-related experience. Earnings are based on the current minimum wage rate in Grant County.
  2. Tutors (FAFSA Only)
    • Federal Work Study dollars are available to employ students as reading and math tutors for k-8 within our service district. Earnings are based on the current minimum wage rate in Grant County.
  3. State Work-Study (FAFSA & WASFA)
    • State funded program, where in-state students will be placed in on or off campus positions relating to their major field of study and career goals or interests. Earnings are based on the current minimum wage rate in Grant County.
  4. Student Employment (FAFSA & WASFA)
    • For students that have not applied for financial aid or do not have need, certain positions on campus are funded by a department’s budget instead of the state and federal work study programs.

Loans - Aid that requires repayment

  1. Direct Loans (FAFSA Only)
    • Loans through the Department of Education (must apply for FAFSA and complete any requirements requested.
      • Subsidized &/or Unsubsidized option
      • Exit Counseling must be completed once you’ve left Big Bend Community College or fall below 6 credits.
  2. Plus Loans (FAFSA Only)
    • Loans through the Department of Education for parents on behalf of their student (must apply for FAFSA and complete any requirements requested).
      • Exit Counseling must be completed once your student has left Big Bend Community College or falls below 6 credits.
  3. Alternative Loans (FAFSA & WASFA *with a US Citizen co-signer) 
    • External loan servicers for students who do not meet requirements for other types of loans or maximums on other loans aren’t enough to cover their Cost of Attendance.

Scholarships - Free money

  1. BBCC Foundation Scholarships (FAFSA & WASFA)
    • The application process allows current and future students to apply for any and all BBCC scholarships with a single application through our AwardSpring online system. Students can access the application from their computer, tablet, or smartphone. More information about the BBCC Foundation can be found here.
  2. Outside Scholarships (FAFSA & WASFA)
    • Organizations and private entities within the community donate money to students on the basis of academic achievement, financial need, commitment to training, or involvement in the community. Scholarship announcements come into the financial aid office throughout the school year. Eligibility criteria, application procedures and deadlines are posted here.

How to Apply & Receive Financial Aid

1. Apply

Are you a U.S. citizen/permanent resident/other eligible non-citizen who graduated high school or obtained a GED?

Are you a WA resident but a non-citizen (DREAMer/DACA) who graduated high school or obtained a GED?

Note: Make sure to include Big Bend Community College as a school you send your FAFSA or WASFA to!

2. Log in to your ctcLink account

5-7 business days after you submit your FAFSA or WASFA, BBCC Financial Aid will notify you via email if any additional information is missing. At that time, you will have access to log in to your ctcLink account to view any additional “to-dos” that need to be completed. Be aware that if your admissions application has not been processed, you may not have access. NOTE: Access to view 2024 – 2025 statuses will not be available until late May, 2024.

3. Submit Documents

Submit all requested financial aid documents to the Financial Aid Office via in-person, email to faidinfo@bigbend.edu or fax to 1-888-820-2896 by the priority funding dates.

Once your file is complete, you will be placed in line for review to determine eligibility for federal, state, and/or institutional financial aid. Files are considered “complete” with successful receipt of a FAFSA or WASFA, application for admissions to BBCC has been processed, and any requested documentation submitted.

4. After files are reviewed

  • If you are eligible for any grant aid or work study, you will receive a Financial Aid Offer Letter via email. You can also see these awards on your ctcLink account.
  • If you have not received an aid offer, continue to monitor your ctcLink account and your email for updates.
  • Check your mail for information on how to select your refund preference with BankMobile. BBCC will release funds to you via the preference you select. If no preference is made, the system will default to sending you a check via mail from BankMobile – this can take up to a month to receive funds after the quarter begins. 
  • Your financial aid is awarded at full-time each quarter (12 credits or more).
    • If you enroll in less than 12 credits, your awards will be adjusted accordingly to your enrollment.
    • If you know that you will not be full-time, notify the financial aid office once your schedule is set quarterly so that we may adjust your awards accordingly.

Note: Big Bend will communicate any requests for additional information via email. Please keep your email current and check it often. 

For step-by-step instructions, see below:

Priority Funding Dates

The FAFSA or WASFA and all requested documents/To-do items must be received by the Financial Aid Office by the Priority Funding Date to ensure determination of eligibility prior to the tuition due date. If files have not been reviewed but met the priority funding date, students will be held in their classes until review has been made. Those who are eligible will have aid applied to their account; those who are not, will need to make payment of their tuition via the Business Office’s payment plan (509.793.2018).

Summer Quarter Fall Quarter Winter Quarter Spring Quarter
June 12th July 15th November 15th February 15th

Financial Aid Account Access?

Where is your Financial Aid? You may view any additional requirements and current awards (if applicable) within the Financial Aid tile on your ctcLink account; you will be notified if there are any additional requirements as our office reviews your eligibility.

Previous year information: Click the below “Access Portal” link for awards for Spring 2022 and prior (information for Summer 2022 and on is located within ctcLink).

Access Portal

Login info for previous years: Your User Name is your Social Security number or WASFA ID. Your Password is your six-digit birthdate in mmddyy format.

Need Help?

Financial Aid staff is available to assist and answer your questions regarding applying for financial aid. Please call or email to set up an appointment with us at 509.793.2088 or faidinfo@bigbend.edu.

What to Bring: FAFSA
Students w/out dependents, unmarried, & <24

  • Parental Information: SSNs, DOB & email
  • Student information: SSN, DOB, & email
  • Parent FSA ID (electronic signature)
  • Student FSA ID (electronic signature)
  • 2023-2024: Student & Parent 2021 tax information (W-2s if non-filer)
  • 2024-2025: Student & Parent 2022 tax information (W-2s if non-filer)

Students w/dependents, married, and/or 24+

  • SSN, DOB, & email
  • FSA ID (electronic signature)
  • 2023-2024: Student & Spouse (if applicable) 2021 tax information (W-2s if non-filer)
  • 2024-2025: Student & Spouse (if applicable) 2022 tax information (W-2s if non-filer)

What to Bring: WASFA
Students w/out dependents, unmarried, & <24

  • Parental Information: DOB & email
  • Student information: DOB, email, & DACA/ITIN
  • 2023-2024: Student & Parent 2021 tax information (W-2s if non-filer)
  • 2024-2025: Student & Parent 2022 tax information (W-2s if non-filer)

Students w/dependents, married, and/or 24+

  • DOB, email, & DACA/ITIN Number
  • 2023-2024: Student & Spouse (if applicable) 2021 tax information (W-2s if non-filer)
  • 2024-2025: Student & Spouse (if applicable) 2022 tax information (W-2s if non-filer)
Financial Aid Staff
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Vollema-Rich, Arlene

Financial Aid Program Assistant
arlenev@bigbend.edu
509-793-2454
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McAdoo, Katie

Financial Aid Program Assistant
katiem@bigbend.edu
(509) 793-2453
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Pruneda, Veronica

Financial Aid
veronicap@bigbend.edu
(509) 793-2452
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Sanchez, Marbely

Financial Aid Advisor
marbelys@bigbend.edu
(509) 793-2032
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Fry, Cassandra

Financial Aid Director
cassandraf@bigbend.edu
(509) 793-2031
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