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Bridging the Gap

Financial aid and scholarships rarely cover the full cost of a college education. Families often rely on payment plans and private loans.

Due to the specialized nature of Beacon’s education, students and families may also qualify for other funding from your state’s vocational rehabilitation and may be able to claim Beacon’s tuition as a medical tax deduction.

We encourage you to explore all the financial resources available to you. If you need help navigating these options, contact our Office of Financial Aid for assistance.

Interest-Free Monthly Payment Plan

To help you afford education expenses, Beacon College is pleased to make the services of Nelnet Campus Commerce available to you and your family. Nelnet Campus Commerce Interest-Free Monthly Payment Option allows you to spread your education expenses over monthly installments for only a small enrollment fee. There is no interest and no pre-qualification or credit check for this service. With this payment plan, you have 24-hour access to account information through Nelnet Campus Commerce’s website, toll-free automated account information, and personal account service Monday through Saturday. Education Payment Partners are available to help you determine the best payment option for your education costs.

This is a popular option with many of our families because it reduces the need to borrow and gives families more control over their savings.

For more information on your specific payment options or to enroll in the Interest-Free Monthly Payment Plan, visit Nelnet Campus Commerce’s website at mycollegepaymentplan.com/beacon-college, or call 1-800-609-8056 and speak with an Education Payment Partner.

Enroll in a Payment Plan

Alternative/Private Student Loans

Private loans, sometimes called alternative or supplemental loans, are available from private lenders and offer additional financial assistance. A credit check is required for private loans, and some of the loan terms and conditions may be based on your credit standing. If you are a student, please know that most lenders will require a co-signer.

Before securing a private loan, we encourage you to first explore all other sources of grants and support, including low-interest federal loans.

Beacon’s Office of Financial Aid will process a private loan from any lender of your choosing. Carefully consider your needs before you borrow. We recommend that you first apply for federal grant and loan programs before you consider a private loan. Unlike federal loans, private lenders set the terms for the loans, which can mean they have different criteria for both loan eligibility and loan rates. We also encourage you to research all of your options. A few things to keep in mind:

  • Before accepting any private student loan, you should determine the interest rate and any fees associated with the loan.
  • Borrowers who choose more than one lender to fund their postsecondary education will have multiple student loan payments upon leaving school. It can be advantageous and economical to consider using the same lender for all of your private education loan needs.
  • Initially apply to multiple lenders. Student loans are provided special protections under the credit reporting rules: as long as you conduct your “shopping” within a 30-day period, there should be no impact on your credit rating and no impact on your loan terms.

Visit FinAid.org for helpful information and ways to compare alternative/private student loan options.

If you have general questions about private loans, please contact Beacon’s Office of Financial Aid. Please remember, though, that we are not permitted to offer assistance in choosing a specific lender or product. Each family’s circumstances are unique, and the loan terms and benefits offered to you may be dependent upon your specific credit standing.

Medical Tax Deduction for Educational Benefits

Because Beacon’s programs serve students with diagnosed learning differences, our tuition and fees may qualify as medical tax deductions.

Families are advised to contact their accountant tax advisor to determine their eligibility and tax impact. IRS publications 907 and 502 in particular offer information about medical and dental expenses. In addition to tuition and fees, other costs such as books, notebook computers, and other education-related expenses may also be tax deductible.

Learn more about the tax benefits of attending Beacon College. 

IRS Publication 502
Medical and Dental Expenses

IRS Publication 907
Tax Highlights for Persons with Disabilities

IRS Revenue Ruling 78-340
Medical Expenses: Tuition or Tutoring Fees

IRS Private Letter Ruling 8401024
School for Learning Disabilities

IRS Private Letter Ruling 200521003
Medical Expense Deductions: Dyslexia

IRS Private Letter Ruling 8447014
What Is Medical Care?

Practice Aid O502
Deductible and Non-deductible Medical Expenses

Veterans Benefits

Beacon is proud to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program for veterans and eligible dependents, the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33), and Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) (Chapter 35) programs.

Yellow Ribbon Program

Beacon is proud to participate in the Post-9/11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Program, which allows any eligible veteran to enroll in our undergraduate program for little or no cost. Only individuals entitled to the maximum benefit rate (based on service requirements) may receive this funding. You may be eligible if:

  • You served an aggregate period of active duty after September 10, 2001, of at least 36 months.
  • You were honorably discharged from active duty for a service-connected disability, and you served 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001.
  • You are a dependent eligible for Transfer of Entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill based on a veteran’s service.
  • You are receiving the Fry Scholarship, offered to children or spouses of active-duty service members who died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001.

For more information about the Yellow Ribbon Program, please visit: https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/post-9-11/yellow-ribbon-program/

Post-9/11 G.I. Bill

The Post-9/11 GI Bill is for individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. You must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The Post-9/11 GI Bill is effective for training received on or after August 1, 2009. This program will pay eligible individuals:

  • Tuition and fees directly to the school and are not to exceed the maximum in-state tuition and fees at a public institution of higher learning.
  • A monthly housing allowance based on the basic allowance for housing for an E-5 with dependents at the location of the school.
  • An annual books and supplies stipend of $1,000 paid proportionately based on enrollment.
  • A one-time rural benefit payment for eligible individuals.

For more information about the Post-9/11 GI Bill, please visit: https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/post-9-11/

Survivors’ & Dependent’s – Chapter 35/DEA Program

This program provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents and survivors of certain veterans. For information about the DEA Program, please visit: https://www.va.gov/education/survivor-dependent-benefits/dependents-education-assistance/

To begin utilizing your Veterans Benefits, please supply Beacon with a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the Veterans Administration at least two weeks prior to the start of your first term of enrollment.

Financial Aid FAQ

Our Financial Aid FAQ has the answers to many of the questions you may have about financial aid.

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Net Price Calculator

Beacon’s Net Price Calculator can help you estimate the cost of tuition based on your FAFSA and eligible financial aid.

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Need More Information?

We are here to assist you every step of the way. Together, our financial aid staff can support you not just in preparation for your college choice, but throughout your time at Beacon. Contact the Office of Financial Aid at 352-638-9792 or financialaid@beaconcollege.edu.