Financial Aid Programs

FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID

Federal Pell Grant

Awarded to undergraduate students pursuing their first degree and is based on financial need. Dollar amounts awarded depend on the student’s Cost of Attendance, Student Aid Index, remaining eligibility, and Enrollment Intensity (number of registered credits for the semester). A student’s SAI is derived from the information provided on the FAFSA.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

Undergraduate students are eligible to receive SEOG if they file the FAFSA, are Pell-eligible, are pursuing their first undergraduate degree, and have a negative or zero SAI.Awarding and award amounts vary based on available funding.

Federal Work-Study Program

Federal Work-Study (FWS) allows students to earn money to help finance university expenses and acquire practical work experience through part-time employment. The undergraduate and graduate students must be accepted into a degree-granting program, attending at least half time, and demonstrate financial need to receive the FWS award, which qualifies them to apply for such jobs. The program provides on-campus jobs in many academic disciplines and administrative offices for eligible students.

Students can earn up to the amount specified in the Financial Aid Offer Letter. FWS employment also includes community-service tutoring and literacy-project positions.

Work-Study jobs are not guaranteed and are filled on a first-come basis. Students can find open positions online via the Federal Work-Study Job Application; contact fws@mercyhurst.edu more information.

In the event of an unexpected closure or reduction in campus-based operations, students who can perform their normal duties remotely during the period of closure or reduction in operations are eligible to continue working with the written approval of their area vice president. Students who are unable to perform their normal duties remotely are ineligible to continue working and shall not be paid.

Student Loans

Most students must rely on educational loans to cover at least a portion of their educational costs. Educational loans are available to undergraduate and graduate students as well as parents of undergraduate students. Student loan borrowing is an investment in a student’s future. When deciding to borrow, it is very important that students obtain the best possible loans available in terms of interest rates and repayment options.

Federal student loans are the most favorable type of educational loans for students. Students are advised to get all of the federal loans they qualify for before considering private alternative educational loans. Students are automatically considered for federal student loan eligibility when they file the FAFSA. Amounts can vary based on class level, COA, financial need, and other financial aid resources.

Federal Direct Student Loans

Federal Direct Loans are low-interest loans from the U.S. Department of Education administered by Mercyhurst University. It is the U.S. Department of Education’s major form of self-help aid and is available through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. There are two types of Federal Direct Loans: subsidized and unsubsidized.

Federal Direct Subsidized Loan
A Federal Direct Subsidized Loan is available to undergraduate students to help meet financial need after other resources are subtracted or to the annual maximum loan limit, whichever is lower. Interest begins to accrue for the student after the student graduates or ceases to be enrolled at least half time. Federal Direct Subsidized Loans have an origination fee that is deducted at the time of disbursement. For current interest rates and origination fees, visit studentaid.gov.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan
A Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan is not based on a student’s financial need. If a student’s Estimated Cost of Attendance is greater than the total financial aid and the student has not reached his or her annual maximum loan, the student may qualify for Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan.

Students are charged interest on this loan from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. Students have the option to pay the interest while in school, or to allow the interest to accumulate, which adds to the principal amount of the loan and increases the amount to be repaid. Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans have an origination fee that is deducted at the time of disbursement. For current interest rates and origination fees, visit studentaid.gov.

Federal Direct PLUS Loans

The Federal Direct PLUS Loan is a federal loan program available to parents of dependent undergraduate students (Parent PLUS Loan) and to graduate or professional students (Grad PLUS Loan) to help cover the cost of education not met by other financial aid. These loans require a credit check and may be denied if the applicant has adverse credit history, though options like using an endorser or appealing the decision may be available. To apply, the borrower must complete the PLUS Loan Application at studentaid.gov, and if approved, also complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN). The student must have a completed FAFSA on file before a PLUS Loan can be processed.

Alternative Educational Loans

Students and willing co-signers can pursue educational loans through private (non-federal) companies to help pay for their education. Students can use elmselect.com as a resource to find and compare private loan lenders.

PENNSYLVANIA STATE FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS

Pennsylvania State Grant

To be considered annually for Pennsylvania’s State Grant (PA State Grant), offered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA), the state must receive students’ processed FAFSAs by May 1 prior to the academic year they attend. A student can receive a PA state grant if enrolled as an undergraduate at least half time pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree, demonstrates financial need, does not have a first bachelor’s degree, and is a legal resident of Pennsylvania. The student must also be a high school graduate or have earned a GED.

PHEAA determines eligibility and notifies students of any awards through a Student Eligibility Notice. Before a PA State Grant can disburse, Student Financial Services must confirm a student’s eligibility by certifying that all eligibility requirements of a program are met, including attendance. This may delay the disbursement of the state grant for those registered in courses that start later in the semester. However, pending aid will reflect on the bill. Choosing to enroll in online courses in any given semester, totaling more than 50% of the total registered credits for that particular term, might result in the loss or reduction of a PHEAA State Grant.

Refer to the Satisfactory Academic Progress section for PA State Grant academic renewal requirements.

Pennsylvania Chafee Education

PHEAA administers the Pennsylvania Chafee Education Grant Program on behalf of the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare. This program is authorized under the Foster Care Independence Act of 1999 as amended by the Promoting Safe and Stable Families Amendments of 2001. The Chafee Education Grant Program offers grant assistance to Pennsylvania undergraduate students aging out of foster care who are attending a postsecondary institution approved for the Federal Title IV student financial assistance programs. To apply for this program, go to https://www.pheaa.org/funding-opportunities/other-educational-aid/chafee-program or call 800-831-0797.

Other State Aid Programs

Please visit https://www.pheaa.org/funding-opportunities for a list of other state aid programs offered by PHEAA. Please contact Student Financial Services for information on which program availability and eligibility.

FINANCIAL AID FOR VETERANS

Federal Montgomery G.I. Bill

Contact the Veteran’s Outreach and Enrollment Coordinator at 814-824-2617 for more information and assistance to apply.

Pennsylvania National Guard Educational Assistance Program

The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and PHEAA administer the Educational Assistance Program for members of the Pennsylvania National Guard. This program provides tuition assistance for students who enter into a service commitment with the Pennsylvania National Guard, typically for a period of six years. To be eligible, the student must be a bona fide resident (domiciliary) of Pennsylvania and be enrolled in a degree- or certificate-granting program of study. For more information, call 800-464-8273 or visit pa.ng.mil.

Children of Soldiers Declared POW/MIA

PHEAA provides state grants to children of a member of the U.S. Armed Forces who has been designated a Prisoner of War or as Missing in Action and served on active duty after January 31, 1955, and was a resident of Pennsylvania for at least 12 months preceding their service on active duty. Students can obtain the POW-MIA application by calling 800-692-7392. Call 717-720-2366 if you are hearing impaired.

Other Aid for Veterans and National Guard Members

Service to our country may qualify a student for financial assistance in pursuing higher education. Students may contact Mercyhurst’s Veteran’s Outreach and Enrollment Coordinator at 814-824-2617 for more information.

MERCYHURST SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS

Institutional scholarships and grant programs require that students be enrolled full time and maintain a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA). There is a four-consecutive-year maximum time limit (two-consecutive-year maximum time limit for associate degree students) to receive institutional scholarships and grants for new freshmen. Some awards are for two years only, which will be specified in the original admissions packet. This is assuming a student maintains continuous enrollment (fall and spring semesters only).

Students must continue to meet the scholarship criteria as described in communications sent directly to the student with the Financial Aid Offer Letter. Students must also meet the minimum standards specified in the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Financial Aid. Other scholarships may be based on athletic ability or talent. Mercyhurst offers several scholarships and grants based on financial need.

Students are required to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually to receive Mercyhurst need-based scholarship and grants. Institutional grants and scholarships are awarded for the official academic semesters only (fall and spring), which does not include summer sessions. Students who are not enrolled for two consecutive semesters (fall and spring semesters only) forfeit their institutional aid and must reapply to the university as a readmitted student; readmitted students generally receive lower institutional aid than those maintaining continuous enrollment.

Note: The following information on the student aid programs is current as of the publication date of this academic catalog. Mercyhurst reserves the right to change or cancel awards because of regulatory changes, revised allocations, or additional information concerning a student’s financial aid eligibility.

Mercyhurst does not guarantee substitution of funds for any portion of the financial aid package cancelled or reduced by government agencies or other sources, or for any portion of the financial aid package declined by the student. Awarding is contingent upon program requirements, student eligibility, and availability of funds.

Carolyn Herrmann Scholarships are awarded to applicants who demonstrate a high degree of academic ability. Named for a Sister of Mercy, Herrmann Scholarships are among our most prestigious awards, ranging from $12,000 to more than $20,000 for some students. High school GPA, SAT or ACT test scores, class rank, and high school coursework are considered in evaluating a student’s qualifications for this scholarship. If students qualify for other merit-related scholarships (e.g. art, dance, music, band), their Herrmann Scholarship might be reduced. This scholarship is renewable for four years of study. Eligibility is reviewed each June. If a student's GPA falls below 3.0, the scholarship will be reduced. The original amount may be reinstated if the GPA returns to 3.0 or higher.

University Awards are awarded to students based on academic achievement in high school. This scholarship is renewable for four years of study. Eligibility is reviewed each June. If a student's GPA falls below 3.0, the scholarship will be reduced. The original amount may be reinstated if the GPA returns to 3.0 or higher.

President’s Grants are awarded to students who show strong potential as a Mercyhurst University student but are unable to afford the cost of tuition. These scholarships are central to our mission of ensuring Mercyhurst remains an accessible choice for students. Admissions counselors award these scholarships on behalf of Mercyhurst President, Dr. Kathleen Getz. Completion of the FAFSA is required to be considered for this scholarship.

Mercyhurst Grants are a need-based awards based on the completion of the FAFSA form to help students subsidize the higher expenses of the first year (e.g. meal plan requirements). These awards can be reduced by up to one-third each year for up to four years.

Athletic Scholarships are awarded by coaches to students who demonstrate substantial athletic prowess and potential. Applicants actively recruited by an athletic team should discuss financial aid with the coach. Students must meet NCAA eligibility requirements to qualify for athletic aid. Only merit-based awards can be combined with an athletic scholarship.

Performance Scholarships are awarded by department faculty to music and dance applicants who demonstrate exceptional skill. These awards — starting at $750 per year — go to exceptional dance (ballet-focused) and music (vocal or instrumental) students. In addition to completing their application, students must also audition to be eligible for these awards. If a student qualifies for other merit-related scholarships (e.g. art, academic), his or her Performance Scholarship might be reduced.

Erie Diocese and Sisters of Mercy Heritage Awards of up to $1,000 are awarded to students enrolling from a Catholic high school (Diocese award) or Mercy-sponsored, co-sponsored, or affiliated high school (Sisters award).

Alumni Legacy Scholarships of up to $1,000 are awarded to applicants who are dependents of a Mercyhurst alumnus or alumna. You must note this on your application for Mercyhurst to qualify for this scholarship.

Rotary Youth Leadership Award Scholarshipsare available for students who attended and completed the Western PA RYLA Conference and applied to Mercyhurst by March 1. In addition to applying, applicants also should submit a copy of their RYLA completion certificate to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Students must have at least a 3.5 cumulative high school GPA at the time of admission.

ROTC Room & Meal Plan Scholarships are available from Mercyhurst for students who receive a full ROTC scholarship. Mercyhurst University offers full room and meal plan scholarships for the first year to recipients of the Advanced Designation three-year Army scholarship.

Carpe Diem Housing Grants and Supplemental Campus Housing Grants are need-based awards that can be awarded to associate degree or undergraduate certificate-seeking students and those enrolled in undergraduate certificates to subsidize the cost of living on campus.

Traditional Students Internal Transfer Grant - Two-year scholarships are available for traditional-aged students (TR student type) pursuing a Mercyhurst University bachelor’s degree after completion of a Mercyhurst University associate?degree program. Please note, the internal transfer scholarship is not applicable to the RN-to-BSN Completion program. Contact the Office of Admissions for further information.
Adult Student Internal Transfer Grant - Two-year scholarships are available for adult students (AS student type) pursuing a Mercyhurst University bachelor’s degree after completion of a Mercyhurst University associate degree program. Please note, the internal transfer scholarship is not applicable to the RN-to-BSN Completion program. Contact the Office of Admissions for further information.
Mother Catherine McAuley Scholarships may be awarded to an undergraduate student of any age pursuing a certificate or associates degree, or an adult student (AS student type; 24 years of age or older) pursuing a bachelor’s degree. A 2.0 minimum GPA is required for renewal. This scholarship has been named in honor of Mother Catherine McAuley. The heritage of Mercyhurst is traced back to Mother Catherine McAuley, who founded the Sisters of Mercy in Dublin, Ireland.

Institutional Endowed and Restricted Scholarships

There are several grants and scholarships available that have been endowed by an individual or established in memory of someone. There are also numerous restricted and foundation scholarships that have been made available by a company, individual, or organization on an annual basis. Eligibility varies according to the donor’s wishes. Students are informed of the criteria required and requirements for renewal at the time of awarding.