https://www.betterfutureforward.org/apply daily 0.75 2026-01-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629909389108-LMIV4XRTKCTCIDEL2U5L/Fill+Out+App.png Apply - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629908280976-VCXSQG18BQS0WFYPH9W9/Appointment.png Apply - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629908465558-SWGMSEY6W39IAFJLAP0D/Contract.png Apply - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629908885409-SU78ZGJX87JEVYYCPMKQ/Sign+Contract.png Apply - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629909613449-QVSQBYQEZYJ68MC0FNJ8/iStock-896458220.jpg Apply - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.betterfutureforward.org/student-education-funds daily 0.75 2026-02-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1628018988232-TFCKJH4R0P0YVNH9SPQZ/FAQ.png Student Education Funds - What is an SEF Agreement? A Student Education Fund Agreement (SEF Agreement) is a financial commitment that begins after you leave school. After receiving funds to help cover your education, you agree to make a fixed number of income-based monthly payments — but only in months when your income is above a minimum threshold (called the Lower Income Cut-Off). The total amount you pay is determined by your income after school — not by the amount you received. Some Fellows may repay more than they were funded; others, especially those earning less, may repay less. Your SEF Agreement is designed to adjust with your circumstances and protect you during periods of low income, offering a flexible alternative to traditional student loans. To learn more, please see our Application and Solicitation Disclosure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629832713083-6HHERE0TSSE6AV7766F7/Percentage.png Student Education Funds - Monthly Income x Set % of Income = Monthly Payment After school, you make payments calculated by multiplying a set percentage by your income each month. These payments are called income-determined payments. The payments are calculated based on the income you make when you are earning above the lower income cut-off. Any time your income changes, your payments will change. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629821239951-2JDY8WHTDCZBOJ0U2FAO/In+School.png Student Education Funds - In School While you are enrolled, you do not have to make payments towards your SEF Agreement. Instead, we want you to focus on your education and your path to graduation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629821268575-QYG2GZA8TQFEEJQHDG0T/In+Transition.png Student Education Funds - In Transition When you graduate or withdraw, a 6-month Transition Period will begin. Your payments do not begin until after your Transition Period has concluded. During this time, you're required to make an account with BFF and submit your income. This is where you'll track your SEF Agreement, make payments (automatically or manually), and submit your current income. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629821352482-T1RXA7PFMH1EU6W3ITE0/In+Repayment.png Student Education Funds - In Payment The payment window begins immediately after the Transition Period. Your payment window is the number of months, excluding in-school and transition periods and other periods of payment relief pause, that you are required to make payments linked to your income when your income is above the lower income cut-off. The length of the payment window is set when you sign your SEF Agreement. https://www.betterfutureforward.org/donate daily 0.75 2025-10-20 https://www.betterfutureforward.org/new-gallery-2 daily 0.75 2021-08-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629909613449-QVSQBYQEZYJ68MC0FNJ8/iStock-896458220.jpg New Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629909613449-QVSQBYQEZYJ68MC0FNJ8/iStock-896458220.jpg New Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629909628327-T6W0XN2QBQJ3W5DP6I3Y/Orange+Background.png New Gallery - Ready to apply? You’ll need a government issued ID. (Driver’s License, State ID, Passport) and your most recent Financial Aid Award Letter. Start the Online Application https://www.betterfutureforward.org/home-impact daily 1.0 2026-02-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629822216206-JYSFG8VQNU7ATZL8TJQZ/iStock-905882404.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629929340775-ZVA6YGCZK49ZEFYK7AVO/iStock-1091433404.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629823699970-JI1F7YCV1FKJKJ59HWUY/Students+at+computer_photoshop_7-7-20.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629823166239-8ZSRQ22ZWITE1NT4QK16/Untitled-7.jpg Home - Accessible Financing We built our Student Education Funds on the belief that all students should have the financial support they need to succeed in school. Learn more about how our Student Education Funds work. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629896819494-GNWKAVSNAZ25H1TIMP74/In+School.png Home - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629896843732-2L2UQSVEUIWM2I4Y8F1C/In+Transition.png Home - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629896910282-V4SJQQ6C9NKMVE5KZS8J/In+Repayment.png Home - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.betterfutureforward.org/new-gallery-1 daily 0.75 2021-08-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629929015660-VH027QGJOL4VQN1LCQBO/Orange+Background.png New Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629929015660-VH027QGJOL4VQN1LCQBO/Orange+Background.png New Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629929087904-PBKT10T5M4B0I8WWRHIG/iStock-1091433404.jpg New Gallery https://www.betterfutureforward.org/in-school daily 0.75 2026-02-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629906451581-8FNCTSPQNPCTNPDXNCYD/Web+Platform.png In School - Set up an Account Set up an account with our new in house platform. This is required and where you’ll be able to manage all aspects of your SEF Agreement. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629906434780-L4N43SN7KWH40HGIL5TO/Contact+Info.png In School - Update Your Contact Info If your contact information changes, please let us know so that we are able to send you relevant and important updates. Send Us a Message https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629906513268-ZRRU66S88AZD7TUOFK3M/Reapply.png In School - Reapply While in school, if you could benefit from additional funding, reapply with us at any time. https://www.betterfutureforward.org/in-payment daily 0.75 2026-02-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629906985867-4V5LH01INIRP6VKLTA7B/Web+Platform.png In Payment - Set up an Account Set up an account with our new in house platform. This is required and where you’ll be able to manage all aspects of your SEF Agreement. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629907000319-94WKC2MTO1PXS75O0H9Q/Report+Income.png In Payment - Report Changes in Income Your monthly income-determined payments are calculated based on your income, so submitting income documentation will ensure that your payments are calculated correctly. Remember, BFF’s SEF Agreements have lower and upper income cut-offs to help protect you financially. Learn how to submit changes in your income here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629907019210-CRZMIRX0F00QN7M2SWCW/Set+Up+Payments.png In Payment - Set up Payments (Manual or Auto) We recommend setting up automatic payments to avoid late fees. You will receive email alerts ahead of withdrawals before your payment is debited. https://www.betterfutureforward.org/in-transition daily 0.75 2026-02-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629906567765-T9XSI0JY0R2H45M4KDET/Web+Platform.png In Transition - Set up an Account Set up an account with Knowledge Finance. This is required and where you’ll be able to manage all aspects of your SEF Agreement. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629906949671-ARUV1XFIEKNGUW07DNRS/Report+Income.png In Transition - Report Your Income Before entering the Payment Window, you are required to submit documents providing your current income. Remember, your monthly SEF Agreement payments are calculated based on the income you report, so submitting your income will ensure your income determined payments are calculated correctly. Learn how to submit income documentation here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629906661028-5RQW830F6GT5VZF264UO/Set+Up+Payments.png In Transition - Set up Payments (Manual or Auto) We recommend setting up automatic payments to avoid late fees. You will receive email alerts ahead of withdrawals before your payment is debited. https://www.betterfutureforward.org/isa-draft daily 0.75 2021-08-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1628096679395-JRXEC5UYQIZOWNAMSRRH/States+2x.png ISA Draft - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1628189062329-BSX22UPFTLB2FVAXFTKN/College+possible.png ISA Draft - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1628188935735-L9U9JIYHHTM33PWWCO35/BottomLineLogo.png ISA Draft - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1628188993254-7VL6UX0CSRARNVZR8EFN/OneGoal-logo-1.png ISA Draft - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1628189195139-UG0NB9TWM1Z2VQ1TYT9Q/omd.png ISA Draft - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.betterfutureforward.org/financial-aid-letter daily 0.75 2025-10-27 https://www.betterfutureforward.org/public-policy daily 0.75 2021-08-13 https://www.betterfutureforward.org/report-income daily 0.75 2021-08-04 https://www.betterfutureforward.org/faqs daily 0.75 2026-02-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629822050224-51C2RPWKUDLJQ8LZ395V/FAQ.png FAQs - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.betterfutureforward.org/our-mission daily 0.75 2026-02-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629893559587-5CUHNCTE5T1M9OH1WH6Y/iStock-496038305.jpg Our Mission - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1630004965434-LIOTQ5L58FBFP06ENLA6/Student.png Our Mission - If you are a student Please review our programs so we can help you achieve your educational dreams! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1630004981380-UZTFSLTGZ3YR14364M4M/Funder.png Our Mission - If you are a funder Please read more about how our work depends on your support. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1630005010144-VAFKZ81J118FMXJTJZ88/Supporter.png Our Mission - If you support equitable education And are aligned with our mission of creating a more equitable higher education system, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. https://www.betterfutureforward.org/the-bff-team daily 0.75 2025-10-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/c1943bc0-a6b4-4527-91c5-064a7494685d/Kevin+New+Long.png The BFF Team - Kevin James Founder and CEO “I believe that … we can break from the current system and … expand opportunity for large groups of individuals that in the past have been left behind in our country.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629904593848-OLV5T5ARW34SLDARDHDJ/angela-circle2.png The BFF Team - Angela Parrish Director of Program Operations “I joined Better Future Forward because of my passion for working with students and helping them achieve their dreams.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629904582069-MUT97U1UDHPO5LVKXOSV/BARB.png The BFF Team - Barb Weber Senior Student Advisor “I joined BFF because I believe college access and success should be affordable to all. I welcome the opportunity to assist students and schools understand how our SEF Agreements complement other financial aid resources, ultimately helping students achieve their goals.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/8f996fed-034a-4908-aa01-642a906b10b2/Headshots+Wide_sam.png The BFF Team - Sam Zucker VP of Product "I joined Better Future Forward to design and deliver financial solutions that remove barriers for students—so their life leads the way, not their debt." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/6338a03a-7883-41b8-99a6-7a2acaeec1a3/Headshots+Wide_danielle.png The BFF Team - Danielle Peck Program Advisor “I joined Better Future Forward because I experienced firsthand how impactful this support is. Now, I’m committed to helping students break down barriers so they can focus on achieving their goals.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/9929a131-4229-4fc2-91c8-ad67fc643a84/Ginni_transparent.png The BFF Team - Ginni Webber Program Advisor "I joined Better Future Forward because I'm committed to educational equity and I believe that educational accessibility is pivotal to our success as a society. Every student's potential matters!" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/19e69475-0bc0-4261-8139-df82dccdefc3/Courtney.png The BFF Team - Courtney Criswell Amy Martin https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629904645897-KREWQETO3A2ZF2CSU3BW/Steve%2Bcopy.png The BFF Team - Steve Goldberg Founding Principal, Caffeinated Capital LLC Board Chairman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/c1943bc0-a6b4-4527-91c5-064a7494685d/Kevin+New+Long.png The BFF Team - Kevin James Founder and CEO, Better Future Forward https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629904750522-KXYC7G0AJDYEZU22B1VG/Ben%2Bcopy.png The BFF Team - Benjamin Leff Professor of Law, American University Washington College of Law https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629904657896-2EICQGG9T0PIR4UCOKHW/Amy%2Bcopy.png The BFF Team - Amy Martin Chief of Staff at the Employment and Training Administration (ETA), U.S. Department of Labor https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/0c79663b-23cf-461f-af06-f30f5ca001eb/Carrie.png The BFF Team - Carrie McKellogg Chief Executive Officer, REDF Impact Investing Fund https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/e780ac63-3eed-4a33-893a-b3a0ca4269e3/Miguel+Long%283%29.png The BFF Team - Miguel Palacios Associate Professor of Finance, University of Calgary https://www.betterfutureforward.org/application daily 0.75 2021-08-26 https://www.betterfutureforward.org/explicit-written-consent daily 0.75 2021-08-04 https://www.betterfutureforward.org/landing-page daily 0.75 2021-08-06 https://www.betterfutureforward.org/job-openings daily 0.75 2025-07-06 https://www.betterfutureforward.org/prospective-students daily 0.75 2025-10-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629809016298-L7E6V6P6WBE3IGQVXSS6/States+2x.png Students Looking for Funding - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629899455997-H7TPGYX8FPFN5SNW0CXW/5251.jpg Students Looking for Funding - To be eligible, students must: Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.betterfutureforward.org/eligible-schools daily 0.75 2022-11-01 https://www.betterfutureforward.org/the-state-of-higher-education daily 0.75 2021-08-24 https://www.betterfutureforward.org/isa-payment-scenarios daily 0.75 2021-09-01 https://www.betterfutureforward.org/press daily 0.75 2022-09-07 https://www.betterfutureforward.org/bff-enters-into-cfpb-consent-order daily 0.75 2021-09-07 https://www.betterfutureforward.org/terms-of-use daily 0.75 2021-09-29 https://www.betterfutureforward.org/privacy-policy daily 0.75 2021-09-29 https://www.betterfutureforward.org/prospective-students-omd daily 0.75 2021-10-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629809016298-L7E6V6P6WBE3IGQVXSS6/States+2x.png Prospective Students OMD - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629899455997-H7TPGYX8FPFN5SNW0CXW/5251.jpg Prospective Students OMD - To be eligible, students must: Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.betterfutureforward.org/prospective-students-il daily 0.75 2021-10-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629809016298-L7E6V6P6WBE3IGQVXSS6/States+2x.png Prospective Students IL - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629899455997-H7TPGYX8FPFN5SNW0CXW/5251.jpg Prospective Students IL - To be eligible, students must: Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.betterfutureforward.org/prospective-students-og daily 0.75 2021-10-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629809016298-L7E6V6P6WBE3IGQVXSS6/States+2x.png Prospective Students OG - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629899455997-H7TPGYX8FPFN5SNW0CXW/5251.jpg Prospective Students OG - To be eligible, students must: Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.betterfutureforward.org/prospective-students-noble daily 0.75 2021-10-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629809016298-L7E6V6P6WBE3IGQVXSS6/States+2x.png Prospective Students Noble - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629899455997-H7TPGYX8FPFN5SNW0CXW/5251.jpg Prospective Students Noble - To be eligible, students must: Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.betterfutureforward.org/prospective-students-mn daily 0.75 2021-10-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629809016298-L7E6V6P6WBE3IGQVXSS6/States+2x.png Prospective Students MN - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1629899455997-H7TPGYX8FPFN5SNW0CXW/5251.jpg Prospective Students MN - To be eligible, students must: Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.betterfutureforward.org/giving-opportunities daily 0.75 2022-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1651149791026-V98AT1OFUAOIZ0NS7V7N/1.png Giving Opportunities https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1651149790553-7B33M1UN3A49CX8MFGLB/2.png Giving Opportunities https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/1651149791150-61X19S30W5F44E9BUZY9/3.png Giving Opportunities https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6109747eac138122e5b8603e/7c34461c-6387-42fc-aca8-6db97cb66ff0/Giving+Opportunities+Table%281%29.png Giving Opportunities - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.betterfutureforward.org/community-voices daily 0.75 2022-06-23 https://www.betterfutureforward.org/draft daily 0.75 2022-08-11 https://www.betterfutureforward.org/bff-updated-disclosure-format-isa daily 0.75 2022-09-07