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We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit leading a movement in education finance reform. We offer income share agreements (ISAs) to students who participate in select college access and success programs in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois.

Take the next step toward your SEF Agreement today.

Complete your application and sign up for an advising session

Note: Submitting an application or signing up for an advising session does not commit you to moving forward with an SEF Agreement. The application provides BFF advisors with the information needed for your advising session.

Start Your Application

Due to limited funds, we may have to wait list applicants. However, we encourage you to apply if you have need as we may be able to provide support. In addition, if you are placed on a wait list, it will reserve your place in line as soon as we receive additional support.

 

Eligibility Requirements

BFF is proud to support students who are working with our college success partners.

  • Be at least 17 years old

  • Be a freshman, sophomore, junior or senior by the time you would be receiving financing

  • Have completed a Free Application Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

  • Be seeking a bachelor’s degree program at an eligible institution (linked below) OR enrolled at a City College of Chicago with plans to transfer to a four-year institution to earn a bachelor’s degree.

  • See the full list of colleges and universities here.

  • Be pursuing your first bachelor’s degree

  • Be in good academic standing, meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

  • Be participating in or an alumna/us of a BFF Partner: Bottom Line,College Possible, Noble Schools (alumni), OneGoal, One Million Degrees (alumni)

  • Have no significant adverse credit events (though credit score is not a consideration)

A Note on BFF’s Recent Language Change for Returning Students

We’ve recently updated our language to better reflect our program. This may look different than what you remember when you signed up. Your contract terms, protections, and finish points remain the same - we are simply changing the name. We previously called your contract an Income Share Agreement (ISA); now it will be called a Student Education Fund Agreement, or SEF Agreement.

We’ve also added a new term: a Fellow. 

Once you sign your first SEF Agreement and until your obligation is complete, you’re now a BFF Fellow. While you’re still enrolled in school, we may refer to you as either a Fellow or a student. 

Use the links below to quickly access the tools and resources you need to manage what is now your Student Education Fund Agreement. 

 
 

The Application Process

 
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Step 1. Complete the Online Application

In this application, you’ll need to submit digital copies of:

- A government issued ID. (Driver’s License, State ID, Passport)
- Your most recent Financial Aid Award Letter. Learn More

Make sure you have these on hand! The application should take you less than 10 minutes. After you apply, we will determine whether or not you are eligible and approved for a BFF ISA.

 
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Step 2. Virtual Needs-Assessment Appointment

Upon submission of your application and approval for a BFF SEF Agreement, you’ll need to sign up for a Needs Assessment Appointment, which is a video call with our advisors to go in-depth on the components of the SEF Agreement. You’ll also receive a link to schedule this call in an email.

This meeting is required and you'll get to meet with a BFF financial aid expert who will review your application, explain your financial aid award letter, and discuss funding options with you. 

After this meeting, a BFF team member will verify your school information, then create specific SEF Agreement pricing for you and send you an email invitation to schedule a review appointment.

 
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Step 3. Virtual Funding Proposal Review Appointment

In this meeting, you’ll be able to review the proposal with a financial aid expert who will walk you through the funding proposal. They’ll also give you an in depth overview of the process as a whole, what to expect, and ensure that you have a clear understanding of your SEF Agreement. You’ll be able to ask any questions that you have.

 
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Step 4. Sign the Contract

After your proposal review meeting, a BFF team member will send a final contract by email. Sign this contract and related disclosures. BFF will then disburse funds to your school.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

+ Is there a fee for applying?

There are no fees for applying for a BFF SEF Agreement.

+ How much money am I allowed to take through this program?

You can take up to $35,000 in total and no more than $12,500 in a single academic year. However, for students with special circumstances, we may waive these limits to allow higher amounts.

Furthermore, you cannot receive more than your cost of attendance at your institution minus any other financial aid awards you have received.

If you have existing student debt, particularly private student loans, this may limit the amount of funding you can receive relative to the amounts above. In this case, you should consider refinancing your private student loan(s) into a BFF SEF Agreement.

There is a $1,000 minimum amount required for students who are new to BFF and $250 for existing BFF students.

+ Will students be required to go into or be steered toward certain types of employment?

No, there are no requirements stipulating the nature or type of employment or re-enrollment in school that you can choose after you leave the institution.

+ Can I see a copy of BFF's SEF Agreement?

Yes, you can see a sample contract here:

 

Have questions?

We know that making financial decisions for college is hard; we’re here to help you make the best decision for you.

info@betterfutureforward.org
(651) 401-8401

 

 Ready to Apply?

Start Online Application

You’ll need a government issued ID. (Driver’s License, State ID, Passport) and your most recent Financial Aid Award Letter. Learn More