Financial Aid Brochure 2025–2026
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
Important Steps in the Financial Aid Process
2
Federal Aid Program
4
State Aid
5
Institutional Scholarships
15
Additional Scholarship Opportunities
16
Scholarship Requirements
17
Financial Aid Timeline
IMPORTANT STEPS IN THE FINANCIAL AID PROCESS US Citizens and Permanent Residents Only. 1. Fill Out and Submit Your FAFSA
Go to studentaid.gov to complete the FAFSA. The Word of Life Bible Institute School Code is: 011859 (for both New York and Florida). Be sure to fill out the FAFSA with accurate information to be approved. FAFSA is based on Federal 2023 year tax information. 2. Complete a Scholarship Application After you have submitted your FAFSA, you may submit a scholarship application, which can be accessed at wol.is/finaidapp . Give priority to the FAFSA process, as scholarships are not considered until it has been approved. 3. Log In To Financial Aid Solutions When you submit an application for admission, you will be assigned Word of Life log in credentials in your application portal. You will need to use these to register. Financial Aid Solutions ( wol.is/solution ) has everything you will need to complete your Financial Aid. For questions regarding Financial Aid Solutions, please contact the Financial Aid Office. 4. Submit Requested Financial Aid Documents There may be additional required documents you will need to submit to the Financial Aid Office to finish your Financial Aid process. Documents can be submitted at wol.is/finaidupload . You can find these documents listed under the “Documents” tab in Financial Aid Solutions ( wol.is/solution ). 5. Complete Loan Steps After your FAFSA has been approved and your scholarships have been processed, you will have an accurate picture of your remaining financial need. You may accept or decline loans at this time. Additional instructions for the loan process will be provided in your College Financing Plan and on your Financial Aid Solutions account.
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FEDERAL AID PROGRAM US Citizens and Permanent Residents Only. Federal Pell Grant Federal Pell Grant eligibility is determined by the FAFSA. In the 2024–2025 school year the award amounts ranged in value from $692–$7,395 .
Direct Loan Programs
Federal Plus Loan (Parent Loan) If you are a dependent* undergraduate student and your parents have an acceptable credit history, they can take out a PLUS Loan which allows them to borrow as much as needed to cover the cost of any education-related expenses. Your parents must complete a Federal PLUS Loan Agreement (MPN). The instructions and link to the application can be found at studentaid.gov/plus-app/parent/ landing . Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans (Student Loans) To Receive Loan Funds, you must complete 4 steps: • Accept your Loan on Financial Aid Solutions • Complete Entrance Counseling • Complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN). Loans must be repaid. Our office will provide you with instructions for completing the loan process once your FAFSA and all requested paperwork are complete. • Complete Annual Student Loan Acknowledgment. If you are a dependent* undergraduate student, you can borrow up to: • $5,500 if you are a first-year student • $6,500 if you are a second-year student
If you are an independent* undergraduate student or a dependent student whose parents have applied for but were denied a PLUS Loan
(a parent loan), you can borrow up to: • $9,500 if you are a first-year student • $10,500 if you are a second-year student
*Dependency status is determined by the FAFSA. Please check with the Financial Aid office prior to completing loan applications from other sources.
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Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) This is an additional grant intended to help financially needy students. The government has allocated limited funds to Word of Life Bible Institute to distribute. FSEOG will be awarded automatically by the Financial Aid office, first to eligible students who are receiving a Pell Grant. If additional funds remain, they will be awarded to students who did not receive a Pell Grant but are otherwise eligible until funds are depleted. Awards vary from $250–$1,000 . Federal Work-Study (FWS) This is an opportunity for students to earn extra funding for school. Students are accepted based upon financial need which is determined by a completed FAFSA acceptable academic history, and the ability to excel in the selected employment area. Some positions involve community service, while other positions are available on campus. Students average up to $1,000 earnings per year. This is dependent on the number of hours worked and hourly pay. Students will find the application on Financial Aid Solutions ( wol.is/solution ) under “Forms,” when available. New York Summer Work Program Selected students arrive in mid-August and earn minimum wage during the three to five weeks prior to school registration. Room and board costs are covered during the SWP.
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STATE AID US Citizens and Permanent Residents Only.
Word of Life Bible Institute is eligible to receive state-awarded funds from the following state grants: Vermont and Rhode Island. Word of Life Bible Institute is not eligible for the New York State Tuition Assistance Program. Your state may offer grants for students who will be attending college out of state. Word of Life Bible Institute is eligible to receive funds from these programs: Adult Career and Continuing Education Services (ACCES VR), New Jersey and Delaware Vocational Rehabilitation.
Students should contact their state’s Higher Education Authority or their high school guidance office for information on applying for these programs.
Florida Bright Futures Word of Life Bible Institute students are eligible for the Bright Futures Program. Awards will be based on individual eligibility as determined by the state.
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INSTITUTIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS In order for scholarships to be awarded, the Word of Life Bible Institute Scholarship Application must be submitted to the Financial Aid office by May 1st, 2025. The application can be accessed at wol.is/finaidapp . Many institutional scholarships may be combined to help offset student expenses. Institutional scholarships are subject to an $8,000 cap, unless otherwise noted. Any scholarships exceeding this amount will be reduced. Funds from external sources (including grants, loans and Federal Aid) and certain discounts do not fall under this cap. To maximize your opportunities, apply early!
Please visit wol.is/financialaid for the most up-to-date information about scholarships.
Academic Scholarship First-Year Students are considered for a scholarship based on their SAT, ACT, or CLT score. The scholarship is calculated off the highest cumulative score of a single test attempt. Qualifying students must have an earned cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher based on a Final Official High School Transcript. A Weighted GPA will only be considered if it is listed on the Students Final Official Transcript. An official copy of test scores (sent directly from The College Board, ACT, or Classic Learning Initiatives to Word of Life Bible Institute) must be submitted to the Admissions Office prior to the May 31, 2025 Scholarship deadline. Funds are limited, and applicants will be awarded as funding remains available.
SAT
ACT
CLT
AWARD
66–73 74–80 81–88 89–96
$500
1020–1120 1130–1230 1240–1340 1350–1440 1450–1550 1560–1600
20–22 23–25 26–28 29–31 32–34 35–36
$1,000 $1,500 $2,000 $2,500 $3,000
97–106 107–114
Who Qualifies: National and International Freshmen
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Second-Year Students are also considered based on an earned cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher upon completion of their freshman year at a TRACS-accredited Word of Life Bible Institute Campus or teaching site.
GPA
AWARD
3.00–3.24 3.25–3.49 3.50–3.74 3.75–4.00
$750
$1,500 $2,250 $3,000
Who Qualifies: National and International Sophomores
Church Matching Scholarship Word of Life Bible Institute will match up to $1,000 per year for each full- time student enrolled in the Word of Life Bible Institute program. A church official must submit the Church Matching Scholarship form available at wol.is/churchmatch , along with a check payable to Word of Life Bible Institute. The final deadline for students who begin attendance in the Fall Semester is the day of Fall Registration. The final deadline for students who begin attendance in the Spring Semester is the day of Spring Registration. Donations/scholarships are only accepted from churches and will only be matched one time. Personal checks and payments from other sources will not qualify for matching funds. Church Matching Scholarships sent in after the deadlines will still be applied to the student’s account but will not be matched. The contribution from the church does not count towards the $8,000 cap.
Who Qualifies: National and International Freshmen and Sophomores
Confirmation Scholarship Upon acceptance to Word of Life Bible Institute (NY or FL), your $250 Confirmation Fee is required. Word of Life Bible Institute will “match” your $250 payment with one of the Confirmation Scholarships (see next page) if received by the deadline date or within 48 hours of acceptance. It will be applied to the student’s account toward tuition. The confirmation deposit is nonrefundable after May 1, 2025.
6 / Word of Life Bible Institute
FALL 2025
SPRING 2026
Confirmed By
Received
Amounts and Dates TBD. Please Visit wol.is/financialaid for the most
November 15, 2025
$1,000
February 28, 2025
$500
up-to-date information.
May 16, 2025
$250
Who Qualifies: National and International Freshmen
Dependency Scholarships
Adjunct Faculty Dependent Scholarship The dependent of an Adjunct Faculty member who has a teaching commitment and has taught for a minimum of one year at Word of Life Bible Institute may qualify for this scholarship. Please contact the Financial Aid office for more information. This scholarship is not subject to the $8,000 institutional cap.
Who Qualifies: National Freshmen and Sophomores Next Generation $1,000
The dependent, sibling or grandchild of a Word of Life Bible Institute Alumnus may qualify for this scholarship. This scholarship is limited to one per student and cannot be combined with Alumni Encouragement Award. Who Qualifies: National and International Freshmen and Sophomores Pastor or Missionary Dependent $1,000 The dependent of a full-time missionary or a father who is a pastor may qualify for this scholarship.
Who Qualifies: National and International Freshmen and Sophomores International Missionary Dependent
The dependent of full-time missionaries serving with a mission agency in a field outside of the United States may qualify for a 50% off tuition scholarship. Students and families who qualify must submit an agency- endorsed letter from their respective field director or home office representative confirming their full-time status. This scholarship is awarded to a limited number of students.
Who Qualifies: National and International Freshmen and Sophomores
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Staff Dependent Scholarship The dependent of a full-time staff member who has been employed full time for at least a year may qualify for this scholarship. Please refer to page 28 of the Staff Handbook for more details. This scholarship is not subject to the $8,000 institutional cap.
Who Qualifies: National and International Freshmen and Sophomores
Encouragement Awards These awards are designed to assist in the recruitment of new applicants to Word of Life Bible Institute. Encouragement awards cannot be combined with each other. Alumni Encouragement $750 This scholarship is designed to equip a certified Word of Life Bible Institute Alumnus to encourage a potential student to attend Word of Life Bible Institute. This award cannot be combined with the Next Generation Scholarship. Who Qualifies: National and International Freshmen Pastor Encouragement $750 This scholarship is designed to equip a pastor to encourage a potential student to attend Word of Life Bible Institute.
Who Qualifies: National and International Freshmen Staff Encouragement $750
This scholarship is designed to equip an Adjunct Faculty or Staff Member to encourage a potential student to submit an application to Word of Life Bible Institute.
Who Qualifies: National and International Freshmen
International Teaching Site Scholarship $1,000 This scholarship is for students who have completed the First-Year program at a TRACS-accredited International Teaching site of Word of Life Bible Institute. Students who have maintained a minimum GPA of 3.0 will be eligible to receive this scholarship. This scholarship will be applied towards completion of the Second-Year program at the New York Campus.
Who Qualifies: International Sophomores
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Youth Ministries Scholarships Cre8tive Discipleship, Steadfast, and Engage Awards received from programs within the United States may all be combined to a maximum of $3,500 per single academic year. Amounts exceeding $3,500 may be held in reserve to be applied to the Sophomore year. Original certificates of completion/placement must be submitted to the Financial Aid office by either uploading with the Financial Aid Application or through other means immediately following submission of the Financial Aid Application.
Who Qualifies: National Freshmen
Citation Award This $3,000 award is given to graduating seniors who have completed the 3rd–12th grade Awana handbooks and manuals, read the entire Bible, and memorized 836 verses. Cre8tive Discipleship Scholarship (C8) Awarded based on successful completion of the C8 programs and approval by Word of Youth Ministries. Engage Scholarship Awarded for 1st, 2nd or 3rd place in one or more categories of Word of Life Youth Ministries Senior High Engage regional competition or the former Teens Involved International competition. Leadership Development $1,000 A Word of Life Youth Ministries certifies a potential student in consideration of the student’s leadership potential. Steadfast Award Scholarship $3,000 Awarded based on successful completion of the Steadfast Award and approval by Word of Life Youth Ministries.
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Ministry Partner Scholarships
Helping Hands Foreign Missions Scholarship $1,000 High School Juniors and Seniors who have successfully completed an international missions trip with Helping Hands and have been given a positive reference from the team’s trip leader will be eligible for this scholarship to Word of Life Bible Institute. Who Qualifies: National and International Freshmen Keswick Christian School Ministry Leadership Institute Graduates of Keswick Christian School Ministry Leadership Institute may qualify for a 25% tuition discount. To be eligible, a student must provide proof of their successful completion of the four-year program or their participation since the inception of the program in 2016.
Who Qualifies: National Freshmen Score International Scholarship $1,000
High School Juniors and Seniors who have successfully completed an international missions trip with SCORE and have been given a positive reference from the team’s trip leader will be eligible for this scholarship to Word of Life Bible Institute. Who Qualifies: National and International Freshmen Student Leadership University Scholarship $2,000 Those who have successfully completed the Student Leadership University 101 can qualify for this scholarship. A certificate of completion must be submitted to qualify. Please visit wol.is/financialaid for more information.
Who Qualifies: National and International Freshmen
Student Ambassador Scholarship $1,000 Students accepted in the program will receive this scholarship. The goal of the program is to utilize the most dynamic students on campus who have a desire to serve in a leadership position by representing the school. An Ambassador has a heart to share about Word of Life Bible Institute with others and is a liaison between the prospective and/or current student and the Institute.
Who Qualifies: National and International Freshmen and Sophomores
Student Leadership Scholarship $3,000 This scholarship is awarded to students who apply and are selected for the Student Experience Program or Resident Assistant position. Positions vary and are limited; apply early for priority consideration. Selection is based on interviews with staff, abilities, and Christian character. Students must maintain the Standard of Academic Progress and must complete all criteria as outlined on the Student Leadership Application. Students must attend training two weeks prior to Registration. For more information and to apply, visit wol.is/studentleadership .
Who Qualifies: National and International Freshmen and Sophomores
Summer Ministry Scholarships These scholarships are given to students who have successfully completed a Summer Ministry with Word of Life. The award is made based on the student’s participation in one of the following Summer Ministries: Camp Crew $1,500–$4,000 Awarded to freshmen students who have successfully completed Word of Life’s Camp Crew program at one of the five USA camps during the summer following their Junior year, Senior year of high school, or summer prior to attending the Bible Institute. The amount awarded to a Junior is $1,500 and the Senior year or year prior to enrollment is $2,500 for a combined maximum of $4,000. Awards are based on the completion of a full summer at camp. Please visit wol.is/campcrew for more information.
Who Qualifies: National Freshmen
Student Fusion $1,500–$4,000 Awarded to students who have participated in Word of Life’s short- term mission trips during the summer following their Junior or Senior year of high school. The amount awarded is $1,500 for the summer following their Junior year and $2,500 for the summer following their Senior year. Please visit wol.is/studentfusion for more information.
Who Qualifies: National and International Freshmen
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Summer Ministry Scholarships Continued
Summer Institute of Camping Full scholarship of $2,500
Awarded to Bible Institute Sophomores who have successfully completed their Bible Institute Freshman Summer Ministry and have committed to completing their Sophomore Summer Ministry at the same authorized Word of Life Camp or Ministry at the approval of the Camp Director. Awards are based on the completion of a full summer at camp. Partial scholarship of $1,500 Awarded to Bible Institute Sophomores who have successfully completed their Bible Institute Freshman Summer Ministry and have committed to completing their Sophomore Summer Ministry at a different authorized Word of Life Camp or Ministry at the approval of the Camp Director. Awards are based on the completion of a full summer at camp.
Who Qualifies: National and International Sophomores
Pines Homeschooled $1,000 This scholarship is awarded at the discretion of The Pines Director to a worthy homeschooled student who attended The Pines Summer Camp.
Who Qualifies: National Freshmen
Putzer Scholarship $1,000 This scholarship is awarded at the discretion of The Pines Director to one student who excelled in the Camp Crew program.
Who Qualifies: National Freshmen
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Supplemental Assistance $250–$3,500 These scholarships are made possible through the generosity of donors desiring to make an investment in the lives of students. It enables them to benefit from a year of Bible study leading to personal growth and ministry impact. Limited funding is provided to meet exceptional needs, generally due to financial constraints that would prevent attendance at Word of Life Bible Institute. The FAFSA is used to assess the family’s ability to meet the financial requirements of the school.
Each category has additional stipulations. Both the General Scholarship Application and Supplemental Assistance Pastoral Reference must be submitted to be considered for assistance eligibility and SAI must be zero or lower.
Supplemental Assistance Awarded In Three Potential Categories:
Florida Christian Servant Award Provides assistance to students at the Florida Campus with significant financial needs. The Legacy Grant Provides assistance to eligible students from middle income families. The Wyrtzen Scholarship Provides assistance to students with significant financial need.
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West Coast Resident $1,000 Residents of California, Oregon or Washington may qualify for this scholarship.
Who Qualifies: National Freshmen and Sophomores
Worship Arts Scholarship $1,000
New York Worship Leadership Scholarship ($2,500) Any student interested in being part of a music team will need to complete the Worship Arts Application. Of those who complete the application, three students will be selected as Band Managers to assist the Music Director with administrative tasks for their respective band. To receive the Worship Leadership Scholarship, these three students must meet the following requirements: • Must be invited to and attend Music & Ministry training from August 29 – September 5, 2025 • Must maintain a 2.75 GPA or above throughout the year • Must complete the full year (September 2025 to August 2026) • For more details and to begin the application, email Ryan Arnold (RyanArnold@wol.org).
Who Qualifies: National and International Freshman and Sophomores at the New York Campus
Florida Any student interested in being part of a music or drama team will need to apply for the Worship Arts Program by August 31, 2024. Of those who are selected for that program, several students who demonstrate excellence and diligence during the first semester will be granted the Worship Arts Scholarship for the second semester. For more details and to begin the application, email Gavyn Andrews (grandrews@wol.org).
Who Qualifies: National and International Freshmen and Sophomores
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ADDITIONAL SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES ACSI International Student Scholarship $3,000 This scholarship is designed to assist students graduating from selected ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) schools outside the United States. To qualify, an applicant must be an International Student graduating from an ACSI school. United States citizens are not eligible for this scholarship. Applicants will be considered upon completion of their Application to Attend along with their International Student Scholarship Application form and the required Financial Support documents. Other scholarships may apply, but total scholarships may not exceed the cost of tuition.
Who Qualifies: International Freshmen Board of Directors Award $1,000
Each member of the Word of Life Board of Directors is given a $1,000 scholarship to assist in recruitment of students. This scholarship is not subject to the $8,000 institutional cap.
Who Qualifies: National Freshmen President’s Council Award $500
Each member of the Word of Life President’s Council is given a $500 Scholarship to assist in recruitment of students. This scholarship is not subject to the $8,000 Institutional cap. Who Qualifies: National Freshmen Tuition Remission Word of Life partners with several ministries with Tuition Remission agreements. Please check with your ministry leaders to see if they have a partnership agreement on file with Word of Life. Veteran’s Benefits Word of Life is eligible for the training of veterans. The dependents of 100% disabled veterans are also eligible to receive benefits. At this time only the New York Campus is approved to receive VA benefits. Please contact the Registrar with questions related to VA benefits. The Registrar can be reached at 518.494.6280 or daskau@wol.org.
Who Qualifies: National Freshmen and Sophomores
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SCHOLARSHIP REQUIREMENTS Requirements
Students are expected to maintain a GPA consistent with the Standard of Academic Progress (see next page). Failure to do so may jeopardize scholarships that have been awarded. Students are expected to meet all their financial obligations to Word of Life Bible Institute. How To Apply All students are considered for scholarships based on the answers provided on their Scholarship Application and the FAFSA. If you have any questions regarding scholarship applications, contact the Financial Aid office at finaid@wol.org or 1.800.331.9673 . Incomplete applications will not be considered. Students who do not submit an application are not considered for scholarships.
The Scholarship Application can be accessed at wol.is/finaidapp .
Distribution As a general rule, scholarships are divided equally in each payment period (semester) with limited exceptions. Eligibility Students who meet the scholarship criteria are awarded funds as they are available. The Financial Aid office will review scholarship applications and will distribute awards based on the availability of funds, whether the scholarship criterion has been met, the most significant need, and the order in which the scholarships were received.
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FINANCIAL AID TIMELINE October 1, 2024 Review the Financial Aid Brochure, begin FAFSA and review online Scholarship Application January 1, 2025 1. FAFSA completed and Word of Life Bible Institute Scholarship Application submitted 2. Begin discussing College Financing Plan with Admissions Counselor
April 1, 2025 Verification process and optional loan application completed
May 1, 2025 Complete internet searches and local inquiries into scholarship opportunities. The general scholarship application deadline is today!
July 15, 2025 Initial estimate of fall semester school bill sent
Begin FAFSA – fafsa.gov Complete Application – wol.is/finaidapp
Call 1.800.331.9673 or email admissions@wordoflife.edu
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Financial Aid Office 1.800.331.9673 wol.is/financialaid
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