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Bearcat Advantage Program

Saint Vincent College Campus Aerial Photograph

Fully Funded Tuition for Eligible Students

Saint Vincent College understands that paying for college can be tough. The Bearcat Advantage program is here to help make college more affordable and accessible for Pennsylvania families earning less than $80,000 per year. This program reflects the college’s commitment to helping students achieve their dreams without financial stress.

How does it work?

The program covers tuition through grants and scholarships.

Tuition $42,416
PELL Grant -$7,395
SEOG Grant -$1,250
PA State Grant -$5,750
Balance Remaining $28,201
SVC Grants and Scholarships -$20,250
Bearcat Advantage -$7,771
Your tuition cost* $0

  

*Tuition does not include fees, food, and housing. Estimated additional fees:

  • Commuter fees: $1,412 per year
  • Resident fees: $1,920 per year, plus an estimated $14,323 for food and housing

 

Bearcat Advantage Program

Helping Families Address Financial Challenges

Saint Vincent College understands that paying for college can be tough. The Bearcat Advantage program is here to help make college more affordable and accessible. This program reflects the college’s commitment to helping students achieve their dreams without financial stress.

Requirements for Qualification

  • Pennsylvania residency as confirmed by PHEAA via the FAFSA
  • First-time freshman or first-time transfer admitted student as of March 1, 2026 for Fall 2026
  • 2026-2027 FAFSA received at SVC as of March 1, 2026 for Fall 2026
  • PELL eligible for the 2026-27 academic year with a household income of $80,000 or less

Details

  • FAFSA must be complete and received by SVC by March 1, 2026
  • PELL eligibility and household income determined per the FAFSA -- Verification, if applicable, must be completed by March 15, 2026
  • Additional PHEAA-requested information must be completed by March 15, 2026 at PHEAA's GrantUs platform
  • Transfer students with a prior PHEAA grant must meet PHEAA's academic progress requirements and have at least two remaining terms of grant eligibility

Saint Vincent College continuously strives to provide our students with tremendous opportunities to grow in all aspects of their personal and professional lives. By establishing the Bearcat Advantage, we are working to ensure cost does not deter potential Bearcats from exploring all that our campus community has to offer.

– Father Paul Taylor, O.S.B., President of Saint Vincent College

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for Bearcat Advantage?
Bearcat Advantage is available to first-time students from Pennsylvania entering Saint Vincent College in the 2026–27 academic year whose families earn less than $80,000/year. Current SVC students are not eligible.

Do I have to live on campus to qualify?
No. Both commuter and resident students are eligible if all other requirements are met.

Does Bearcat Advantage cover room and board or fees?
No. The scholarship covers tuition only. Other scholarships may help cover additional costs like housing, meals, and fees.

Is the Bearcat Advantage Scholarship renewable?
Yes, it’s renewable for up to 8 semesters (excluding summer/winter) with full-time enrollment, satisfactory academic progress, and annual FAFSA submission by March 1.

Can I apply for other SVC scholarships?
Yes, but total SVC funding cannot exceed tuition, and overall aid (scholarships, grants, loans, work-study) cannot exceed the full cost of attendance.

What if I receive private scholarships?
Outside scholarships can be used for fees, housing, meals, books, and other education-related expenses.

What if I have a tuition waiver?
Students receiving Tuition Remission, Tuition Exchange, or other last-dollar tuition aid—which covers remaining tuition costs after all other scholarships and grants—are not eligible for the Bearcat Advantage.

What if I’m receiving VA education benefits?
Our Financial Aid Office and School Certifying Official will help you maximize VA benefits alongside Bearcat Advantage, if eligible.

Bearcat Advantage Program