Skip to main content

External Scholarships, Loans and Alternative Financing

Scholarships

Students are encouraged to contact community groups, churches, high school counselors and local civic organizations for information regarding local scholarship opportunities, as well as free national scholarship searches such as those listed below.

National Scholarship Searches

http://www.collegeboard.org
http://www.educationplanner.org
http://www.fastweb.com
http://www.salliemae.com/scholarships
http://www.studentscholarships.org
http://www.scholarships.com 
https://www.catholiccollegesonline.org/students-parents/financial-aid/nccaa-scholarship.html  

 

Tuition Exchange Scholarship Programs

The Tuition Exchange Scholarship Programs are networks of colleges and universities willing to accept students from families of full-time employees of other participating institutions.

 Saint Vincent College is a member of three tuition exchange scholarship programs:

  • SVC Tuition Exchange FAQs

    Information for Prospective Students 

    What is Tuition Exchange?

    The Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), Catholic College Cooperative Tuition Exchange (CCCTE) and Tuition Exchange, Inc. (TE) are three separate tuition exchange programs each comprised of networks of colleges and universities which make tuition scholarships available to participating dependent children of eligible employees.

    In which tuition exchange programs does Saint Vincent College participate?

    Saint Vincent College accepts applications from Tuition Exchange, Inc. (TE), Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), and Catholic Cooperative Tuition Exchange (CCCTE). Students may submit applications from multiple institutions. TE, CIC and CCCTE all offer an online application process (check with your home/export institution for more information).

    Who is eligible to apply for a Tuition Exchange Scholarship to attend Saint Vincent College?

    You are eligible to apply for tuition exchange if you have a parent/legal guardian who is employed at a participating tuition exchange institution (Export institution). The Export institution certifies your eligibility for tuition exchange consideration. Scholarships are not guaranteed, even if the applicant is certified as eligible.

    How many students apply for and receive tuition exchange scholarships at Saint Vincent College?

    Saint Vincent College receives approximately 30 to 45 freshman tuition exchange applications each year. Each year SVC awards 5-10 new tuition exchange scholarships.

    How is the tuition exchange scholarship awarded?

    Prior to January 1 apply to Saint Vincent College and be accepted as a resident student, file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), and complete the TE, CIC and/or CCCTE tuition exchange application(s). Tuition Exchange scholarships are based primarily, but not exclusively, on the applicant’s academic profile.

    When should I apply for tuition exchange?

    You may apply for tuition exchange at any time. It is highly recommended that applications are received by January 1st to be considered by the first review conducted in mid-January. Remember, you must also apply to Saint Vincent, be accepted as a resident student, and complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to be considered for tuition exchange eligibility.

    Do I have to apply for financial aid in general to be considered for a tuition exchange scholarship?

    Yes, you are required to apply for need-based financial aid at Saint Vincent College to be considered for a tuition exchange scholarship. It is necessary to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) prior to our review. Therefore, the FAFSA should be submitted by January 1st, if possible. The FAFSA must be filed yearly to remain eligible for a tuition exchange scholarship. 

    If I am eligible for PELL, PHEAA, or SEOG grants, will my tuition exchange scholarship be reduced?

    Yes, student eligibility for federal and/or state grants will reduce the tuition exchange.

    Is there a housing requirement to be awarded a tuition exchange scholarship?

    Yes, students must live on campus to be eligible for a tuition exchange scholarship.

    When will I know if I am awarded a tuition exchange scholarship?

    All tuition exchange notifications are completed by email after each review (mid-January and mid-March). Students should expect to hear from the tuition exchange liaison immediately following the review. An email will be sent within 10 days. At times, a student may be admitted to Saint Vincent College, but placed on a waiting list for a tuition exchange scholarship. If this occurs, Saint Vincent College will do its best to notify waitlisted TE applicants of the final decision prior to May 1st, the freshman enrollment deposit due date.

    What is the value of a tuition exchange scholarship?

    The tuition exchange scholarship at Saint Vincent College covers the full cost of tuition for the academic year, less the reduction as noted for federal and/or state grants.

    Are there any special conditions attached to a tuition exchange scholarship?

    Once a student is provided with a tuition exchange scholarship, Saint Vincent College will continue it to a maximum of eight (8) consecutive semesters excluding summer and winter intersessions, provided the employee remains eligible at the Export institution.

    The recipient must meet Saint Vincent College’s standards of academic performance and personal conduct and be certified eligible by his/her export institution. A Saint Vincent College tuition exchange scholarship can be applied to any on or off campus bachelor degree program of study that carries the Saint Vincent College tuition charge. If a tuition exchange student is not in attendance in a Saint Vincent College tuition-charging program for longer than one semester, the student will lose the tuition exchange scholarship and will need to reapply and re-compete to receive any future tuition exchange funding.

    If I am not a successful freshman candidate to receive a tuition exchange scholarship, can I reapply as an upperclassman for tuition exchange?

    Yes, you can reapply. However, preference is given to first-time, first-year applicants.

    If I become eligible to apply for a tuition exchange scholarship after I have enrolled as a current student at Saint Vincent College, will I be considered for a tuition exchange scholarship?

    Yes, if you meet all the requirements for a tuition exchange scholarship after you enroll at Saint Vincent College, you may apply for tuition exchange for the next academic year. However, preference is given to first-time, first-year applicants.

    Are transfer applicants eligible to apply for a tuition exchange scholarship?

    Yes, however, it is rare that a transfer student is offered a tuition exchange scholarship.

    Who administers Saint Vincent College’s tuition exchange program?

    If you have specific questions about Saint Vincent’s tuition exchange program, contact Saint Vincent College and ask for the Tuition Exchange Liaison Officer. Saint Vincent College, 300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, PA 15650, by phone at 724-805-2084 or email Kate.dzurica@stvincent.edu.

    Where can I get more information about tuition exchange?

    Contact the tuition exchange liaison officer at the Export institution (where your parent/guardian is employed), typically within the human resources or financial aid office. You may also visit www.tuitionexchange.org for general information about Tuition Exchange (TE), www.cic.edu for information about Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), or www.cccte.org for information about Catholic College Cooperative Exchange (CCCTE).

Loans

Students and families may consider private (alternative) loans to help cover any remaining college costs after all other financial aid has been applied.

Who can apply?

  • Students or parents can apply
  • Dependent students usually need a creditworthy co-signer

About private loans

  • These loans are offered by banks, credit unions, and other private lenders
  • Approval and interest rates are based on the credit history of the borrower (and co-signer, if applicable)
  • A credit check is required

Rates, fees, and terms

  • Interest rates, repayment terms, and eligibility vary by lender
  • Most lenders do not charge an origination fee
  • Be sure to review all terms carefully before choosing a loan

Repayment

  • Many lenders allow you to delay (defer) payments while the student is enrolled at least half-time
  • Interest will typically continue to accrue during this time

Important considerations

  • Private loans are not federal loans
  • They do not offer the same benefits as federal loans (such as income-driven repayment or federal loan consolidation)
  • It’s usually best to explore all federal aid options first before borrowing privately

 Choosing a lender

You can compare lenders and loan options using these resources:

These tools are provided to help you compare options, but you are not required to use any specific lender and many different borrowing options are available

Tip: Take time to compare lenders and choose the one that best fits your needs. Always check directly with the lender for the most current rates, terms, and requirements, as they can change.

Monthly Interest-Free Payment Plan

Saint Vincent College administers a deferred payment plan that provides flexibility and time to meet your financial obligation. The SVC Payment Plan is administered by the Business Office at Saint Vincent College. The plan has a $40 per semester fee which is due at set-up but carries no interest charges.  The plan allows you to spread out payments over each semester while you are enrolled in classes, rather than making payment-in-full at the start of each semester and is typically spread over five months starting in July for the fall semester and December for the spring semester.

Information about the SVC Payment Plan will be available at orientation. Contact the Business Office at 724-805-2248 for questions or to obtain an application.

Work-Study

A work-study position allows you to earn money to help cover non-billable educational expenses by working on or off-campus.  The position may be paid by federal funds, institutional funds, or through the cooperative efforts of PHEAA and Saint Vincent College for community service work. 

Federal Work-Study (FWS) is counted as part of your financial aid package and placed on your award letter.

Institutional Work-Study is not considered financial aid and will not appear on your award letter. 

Students are not guaranteed a position and are required to secure their own employment, working up to 15 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week during breaks.  Earnings are paid directly to the student and are not deducted from your bill.

Students can search for on-campus positions through Career Service's database at https://stvincent.joinhandshake.com/login