Financial aid
The Financial Aid office at The College of St. Scholastica seeks to support the mission of the College by providing services that assist students in identifying resources — federal, state, institutional and others — to finance their education. St. Scholastica’s institutional philosophy on student aid places primary responsibility on the student to provide funds for educational expenses; however, the institution’s commitment to a diverse and representative student body is reflected in the fact that nine out of every 10 St. Scholastica students are recipients of some form of aid. Students interested in receiving need-based financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The College participates in all federal and state financial aid programs. These include:
- Federal
Pell Grants
Stafford Loan (Subsidized)
Stafford Loan (Unsubsidized)
Parent PLUS Loan
Graduate PLUS Loan
Perkins Loan
Nursing Student Loan
Work Study
Robert C. Byrd Scholarship
Reserve Officers Training Corps Scholarship
Veterans Administration Scholarship
Federal Indian Scholarship Program
- State
Minnesota State Grant Program
Work Study
S.E.L.F. Loan Program
State Indian Scholarship Program
MN Rehabilitation Services
Post-Secondary Child Care Grant Program
Public Safety Officer’s Survivor Grant
There is also a substantial amount of institutional aid invested in financial aid programs. In addition to the $3.1 million in St. Scholastica grants, the College awards need-based scholarships provided by over 130 donors. The generosity of these people and foundations is essential in helping to meet the financial needs of our students.
Academic/leadership scholarships are awarded by the Admissions Office to incoming students. Incoming students can receive information about the following scholarships from the Admissions Office: Access Scholarship, Benedictine Scholarship, the Raymond Prebilic Scholarship, Summit Scholarship, and the Transfer Achievement Grant. Financial aid is awarded in the form of scholarships, grants, loans or student employment.
General Eligibility Criteria for Financial Aid
A student must:
- Be accepted as a degree-seeking student at the College.
- Be a citizen of the U.S. or possess permanent resident status.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress in the course of study pursued according to the standards and practices of the institution. (see section entitled Satisfactory Academic Progress). If the student loses eligibility for financial aid due to unsatisfactory academic progress, there is a procedure to regain eligibility.
- Not be in default on any educational loan previously received at St. Scholastica or another institution.
- Complete the application process as outlined below and respond to notices or requests from awarding agencies within the specified time. (Failure to respond correctly may result in cancellation of funding for a student).
Student Rights and Responsibilities
- Payment of financial aid awards from College controlled funds will be made by giving the student credit on his/her student account. Such payments will normally be made each semester. Payment of financial aid awards from sources beyond College control will be made at the discretion of the donor.
- Each student who receives or applies for financial aid must notify the Financial aid office of any financial aid award received from sources outside the College.
- Each applicant/recipient has the right to review his/her financial aid application and supporting documents.
- Each student who receives a Federal Nursing Student loan or a Federal Perkins Loan (formerly the National Direct Student Loan) must complete Entrance Counseling online through the College website. Each student has the responsibility to complete the necessary promissory note, Truth-in-Lending Disclosure Statement, etc., within 10 days after the start of a semester. Failure to do so may result in loan cancellation.
- Every student who has received a Federal Perkins Loan, a Federal Nursing Student Loan, or a Federal Family Education Loan while in attendance at St. Scholastica must have an exit interview regarding these loans prior to graduation or withdrawal. Failure to do so will result in credentials being withheld.
- Federal, state, and institutional policies and procedures change. Applicants should be sure that they have the latest information.
Outside Financial Aid Resources
Designated scholarships are offered by many organizations such as labor unions, fraternal orders and religious organizations. Students may obtain information concerning these scholarship opportunities from these groups. Special application forms are usually required.
High School seniors should be in close contact with their guidance office to become aware of scholarships for their high school and/or area graduates.
The Financial Aid Office operates a scholarship directory service (free of charge) to assist students in locating funding from outside sources. Students can access this directory on the College website.
Students with physical handicaps who wish to further their education or expand their area of employability may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation benefits. Students should check their home state Division of Rehabilitation Services to determine the amount of financial aid which may be available under this program.
The Veterans Administration pays veteran’s benefits directly to qualified students. The College veteran’s coordinator will answer questions concerning the G.I. Bill, Dependent Educational Assistance Program Benefits and V.A. Contributory Benefits. The College veteran’s coordinator may be contacted through the Registrar’s Office.
War orphans Education Assistance Act (Ch. 35, Title 38, U. S. Code) provides benefits to sons, daughters, wives, and husbands of deceased veterans and of living veterans who have disabilities considered to be total and permanent in nature. The veteran must have died or become disabled as a result of service in the armed forces and must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Generally a young person must be between 12 and 23 years of age to attend school under this program. The eligible young person may receive up to 36 months of education. Applications and further information may be obtained from any county veteran’s office or college veteran’s coordinator.
Indian scholarship funding may be available from the Minnesota State Indian Scholarship Program and/or the tribe in which the student is enrolled. Students are encouraged to apply early as there may be limited funding. Either contact these organizations directly or consult with the Financial Aid Office.
Air Force ROTC Scholarships
St. Scholastica students are invited to apply for Air Force ROTC college scholarships. Air Force ROTC offers high schools seniors and college students five-four-three-two-and sometimes one year scholarships which over tuition, fees, and a book allowance. Awards are based on the applicant’s potential as an Air Force officer, as demonstrated by a combination of the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test score, academic achievement and recommendation of an AFROTC scholarship committee. Application for 4-year scholarships must be made early in the senior year of high school. Students seeking scholarships should contact the Department of Aerospace Studies: University of Minnesota-Duluth, 1049 University Drive, Duluth MN 55812-3011, 218-726-8159.