Student financial aid is available from federal, state and institutional sources. Application forms for federal programs may be obtained from the College Financial Aid Office or from high school guidance counselors.

Applicants for federal assistance should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Students should complete all sections of the form and should list Bluefield State College (with code 003809) in the appropriate block. Continuing aid applicants receive a renewal application from the federal processor. Certain types of aid are limited, and students are encouraged to apply by February 15 of each year for consideration for the following Fall semester.

After submitting the application, the student will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) from the processor. SARs do not have to be submitted to the Financial Aid Office unless corrections are necessary. Corrections should be noted by the student on Part 2 which must be signed by the student and one parent in the case of a dependent student. Most corrections can be made electronically by Financial Aid Office personnel. A revised SAR will be sent to the student. Financial aid files are reviewed when all supporting documents have been received. Students are notified of award amounts by mail.

Tuition, fees and other college expenses, such as parking fines, etc., are collected from the first available source(s) of aid. Students must begin attendance in all classes equaling the number of semester hours upon which the aid award is based. Students reported for non-attendance may have to repay a portion or all of their awards. If students officially withdraw from the College, institutional refunds will be applied to financial aid accounts first in accordance with federal and institutional policy. Students may be required to repay a portion of the balance of a grant depending on the date of withdrawal.

Financial Aid Staff

Thomas G. Ilse
Director of Financial Aid

Mr. Ilse began at Bluefield State College in September, 1996. He is responsible for the daily operation and administration of the financial aid office which processes aid in excess of $8 million a year for deserving students. He is a graduate of Heidelberg College in Tiffin, Ohio, and holds a M. Ed. degree from Kent State University in Ohio.

Prior to coming to Bluefield State College, his higher education experiences include serving as a financial aid and admissions counselor at Mohawk Valley Community College, Rome, New York and serving as an assistant director of financial aid at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia.

Terrence J. Fox
Financial Aid Counselor Senior

A graduate of Bluefield State College, Mr. Fox is responsible for assisting students, overseeing the processing of all applicant files and the loan program.

Robin J. Shanklin

Financial Aid Pell Specialist
A graduate of Bluefield State College, Ms. Shanklin is responsible for assisting students and determining Pell grant eligibility for each applicant and managing the Pell grant program.

Regina C. Akers

Financial Aid Assistant III
An associate degree graduate of Bluefield State College, Ms. Chandler is responsible for assisting students, document tracking and collection of documents and loan entrance interviews.

Herman Keene

Financial Aid Assistant III