Financial aid

Financial Aid is designed to assist students pay for the costs of education. It is a student’s responsibility to cover all of the cost of attendance ; however, if you believe you may be in need of assistance, you are encouraged to apply for financial aid.

The following four general categories of financial aid are offered to our students:

• Scholarships . Scholarships are money that does not need to be repaid provided the enrollment period is completed. Scholarship donors determine the individual criteria of the awards.
• Grants . Grants are need-based financial aid that does not need to be repaid if the enrollment period is completed. Students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for grants.
• Loans . Loans are borrowed funds that must be repaid. There is a number of available loan programs for students as well as parents. Students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for loans.
• Work-Study Program . The federal work-study program finances jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. Students need to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for work-study.

How Need-Based Aid Eligibility is Determined

Financial aid awarded is determined using the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) calculated on the FAFSA and the estimated cost of attendance . Need-based financial aid is available to families who demonstrate a need to help pay college costs. Need based aid is determined by: Cost of Attendence minus EFC minus Scholarship/Other Resources = Need for Financial Aid. For more information about each one of the financial assistance programs, see dedicated pages of this website under “Types of Financial Aid” section.