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Financial Aid

student financial aid

Saint Vincent College offers a high-quality education at an affordable price. Merit-based and need-based aid opportunities help make a Saint Vincent education possible for all students.

100% of the freshman class qualifies for some form of financial aid.

The cost of a degree from Saint Vincent varies for every student depending on eligibility for the many different forms of financial aid, including scholarships, grants, loans and work-study opportunities.

Saint Vincent invests in you, to help you succeed in your career and as a person. With a degree from Saint Vincent, you will make a valuable contribution to society.

The Financial Aid Office at Saint Vincent College is committed to providing the highest level of service to our students and families in planning for and meeting expenses associated with your education. We focus on establishing aid eligibility, awarding scholarships, grants and loans, as well as employment opportunities from federal, state, private, and institutional sources to all eligible students, and provide counseling associated with financing an education.

  • Financial Aid Process

    The Financial Aid Process
    1. File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after October 1. The priority filing deadline for additional SVC need-based financial aid is March 1. May 1 is the deadline to be considered for the Pennsylvania State Grant (other states may have different deadlines). To complete the 2023-2024 FAFSA, families will refer to their 2021 calendar year tax information. This tax year will be on file with the IRS and all filers are encouraged to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to pull their tax and income information into the FAFSA. File online at http://www.fafsa.gov/. Online filers are required to establish an FSA User ID at fsaid.ed.gov. Saint Vincent’s Federal school code is 003368.
    2. You should receive your FAFSA results - the Student Aid Report (SAR) - by email about 3-5 days after filing. Check the SAR for accuracy and make any necessary changes. The school will receive an electronic copy of this same information. The SAR will contain a figure called EFC or “Expected Family Contribution.” We use this figure to determine your family’s financial need.
    3. Receive your financial aid notification outlining your aid eligibility. Thoroughly review all documents, returning any required documentation. Complete the Direct Loan Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note (MPN) online in order to accept the federal student loans, as required by the Department of Education. Instructions for this process will be included in your award packet and are available in the Financial Aid Office.
    4. Determine if you will owe a balance to the college after all your financial aid has been applied. You and your family will need to determine the best way to pay the balance. Generally, there are three options: Saint Vincent College’s Payment Plan Option, the PLUS (parent loan) or an alternative loan. Additionally, students are encouraged to apply for outside scholarships.
    5. In July, you will receive an official bill that shows what you owe for the semester. It is important that you have completed all the necessary steps in the loan process. Please apply for all PLUS and Alternative loans by July 31 to allow sufficient time for processing.
    6. Be aware that your financial aid can change throughout the year as a result of, but not limited to, verification, additional awards that come in for you, a change in housing status or number of credits, or failure to meet the standards of academic progress as outlined in Saint Vincent College’s Bulletin.

    Verification

    Verification is the confirmation through documentation that the information provided on a student's Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is correct. The federal government requires colleges and universities to verify or confirm the data reported on the FAFSA. The verification process ensures that eligible students receive all the financial aid to which they are entitled. Students are selected for verification either randomly or because estimated information submitted on the FAFSA is deemed inconsistent. Once selected for verification, students will receive notification from the Financial Aid Office which will outline the documents needed. Federal aid will not be noted on the billing statement as a pending payment or disbursed until the verification process is completed. Updates to the FAFSA as a result of the verification process may result in a change to the EFC and financial aid awards.

    Students and parents who have questions concerning the Financial Aid Application Process as outlined above or have unusual circumstances may contact the Financial Aid Office at 724-805-2555 or by email at financialaid@stvincent.edu.

  • Undergraduate Tuition and Fees (2023-24)

    Please see our current cost of attendance.

  • Graduate Tuition and Fees (2023-24)

    Additional information for graduate students can be found here.

    Please see our current cost of attendance.

    Employer Reimbursement Program

    Students who have employers that will reimburse the cost of their courses may participate in a deferred billing program. For further information, contact the Saint Vincent College Business Office at 724-805-2248.

    Deferred Payment Plans

    For students desiring to pay educational expenses in partial installments, the College provides short-term and long-term monthly budget plans. For information about these plans, contact the Saint Vincent College Business Office at 724-805-2248.

     

  • Scholarships and Grants (2024-25)

    Our approach to scholarship awards is rooted in academic rigor and achievement. We strive to make a Saint Vincent education available to all students who desire to challenge themselves. We offer academic merit and need-based scholarships and grants. Merit scholarships are awarded based on academic profile, strength of curriculum and other factors. Students applying with or without college entrance exam scores are considered for all awards at the time of acceptance. Additional need-based assistance may be available depending on the results of your FAFSA. 

    Scholarship GPA Range (unweighted) Scholarship Amount
    Chancellor's Scholarship 4.0 GPA and above $27,000
    President's Scholarship 3.80-3.99 GPA $24,000
    Dean's Scholarship 3.30-3.79 GPA $23,500
    Faculty Scholarship 2.85-3.29 GPA $20,000
    Community Scholarship 2.849 GPA and below $18,000

     

    Students who submit qualifying SAT/ACT/CIT exam scores may earn an additional scholarship in addition to the merit scholarships listed above. Scores must be submitted by March 1st.

     

    Gold Award $3,000
    Silver Award $2,000
    Bronze Award $1,000

     

    Catholic High School Grant $2,000 Awarded to all freshmen Catholic high school graduates
    Campus Visit Grant $250 Awarded to any student who completes an individual on-campus visit


    Additional need-based financial aid from Saint Vincent may also be available to you based on the results of your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Therefore, we encourage every family to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible. Filing early will ensure that you are considered for this additional aid. The FAFSA will also determine your eligibility for state and federal aid programs such as grants and/or loans.

    Accepted students are encouraged to file the FAFSA and visit our Net Price Calculator to find out more!

     

    Wimmer Scholarship Competition

    • The Wimmer Scholarship Competition is a general knowledge examination open to graduating high school seniors. Seniors must have applied for admission by the date of the exam and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.75, as well as a documented SAT (ERW and Math) score of 1250 or above, a minimum ACT of 28 or a CLT of 86. A test score is required to sit for the exam unless a student has a 4.0 GPA with at least six AP courses.
    • This year's Wimmer Exam will be held on Saturday, Dec. 9 and registration closes on Nov. 30. 
    • The first-place winner will receive a full tuition, room and board scholarship to attend Saint Vincent College for eight semesters – an estimated value of more than $200,000.
    • The second- through fifth-place winners will receive a full tuition scholarship for eight semesters – an estimated value of more than $150,000.
    • If you have any questions, please call 724-805-2500.

    Campus Visit Grant

    Any student who completes an individual, in-person campus visit with the Admission Office will receive a $250 grant. Students must meet with an admission staff member to receive the award. 

    Transfer Student Grants

    • An award of $18,000 is extended to transfer students who have maintained a grade point average of 3.0 or above in their previous college course work.
    • A transfer grant of up to $16,000 will be awarded to other students depending on the quality of previous college course work.

    Benedictine Pastors’ Awards

    • Students who are registered members of parishes staffed by Benedictine monks of Saint Vincent Archabbey are eligible for a $2000 award.
    • You must have been a member of a qualifying parish at least one year prior to your start at Saint Vincent College.
    • You must submit a letter from your pastor verifying your membership by February 1st.
    • Annual re-application is not necessary.

    Catholic High School Graduate Grants

    • Graduates of a Roman Catholic high school who enroll as first-time, full-time students immediately following their high school career receive a $2000 grant which is renewable for up to 4 years.

    Aurelius Scholarship

    Aurelius Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of superior academic credentials and potential (including high school performance and ACT/SAT scores), declared major and interest in the Aurelius Scholars program. The program is offered to motivated students interested in the Western intellectual tradition and awards a limited number of competitive scholarships for incoming freshmen each year. This program is apart of the Honors Community at Saint Vincent.

    Selected recipients receive a $2,000 ($1,000 per semester) Aurelius Scholarship, applied toward tuition as a part of their financial aid package, over the course of four years, assuming enrollment and satisfactory progress in the Aurelius Scholars program. Recipients will be expected to enroll in Principles of American Politics (a core course in the program) in their first year at Saint Vincent, demonstrate satisfactory progress in completing the Aurelius course sequence, attend occasional lectures sponsored by Saint Vincent’s Center for Political and Economic Thought, and periodically meet with the Aurelius program director to discuss their progress in the program.

    Music Scholarships

    A limited number of music scholarships (singers and band) are available to incoming freshmen, valued at $1,000 each. Students must audition to be considered for these scholarships. Deadline is March 1. If interested students should contact Dr. Sean Durkin to schedule an audition. Video auditions are also possible.

    Fred Rogers Scholarship

    This scholarship, valued at $2500, is for students interested in pursuing careers involving children, early learning and media for young children. www.stvincent.edu/frs. This program is part of the Honors Community at Saint Vincent.

    STEP Scholarships

    Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Talent Expansion Program. Five four-year $5,000 scholarships are awarded to incoming freshmen majoring in biochemistry, data science or minoring in biotechnology. This program is part of the Honors Community at Saint Vincent. For more information on requirements and applying. See www.stvincent.edu/step.

    Endowed Grants

    These scholarships are supported by the generosity of alumni and private donors to the College's Scholarship Endowment Fund. Endowed funds may be used to underwrite a portion of institutional aid. The Financial Aid office determines eligibility for these funds based on your application for admission and FASFA. 

    State and Federal Aid

    To be considered for federal and state grants, completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required yearly. Grants do not have to be repaid. The FAFSA is available October 1 at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The maximum Federal Pell Grant award for the 2023-2024 year is $7,895.

    The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is awarded to undergraduate Pell grant recipients with exceptional financial need.

    The maximum Pennsylvania State Grant (PHEAA) award for 2023-2024 year is $5,750. PA residents must complete the FAFSA prior to May 1. For more information, please visit the Pennsylvania State grant website at www.pheaa.org or call 1-800-692-7392.

  • Loans

    Federal Direct Loans for Undergraduate students

    After institutional funding, Federal Direct Loans are the most common source of educational funding for undergraduate students. There are two types: subsidized and unsubsidized. 

    Subsidized loans are need-based and do not accrue interest while the student is enrolled at least 1/2 time, during a six-month grace period or periods of deferment. Unsubsidized loans are not need-based and begin to accrue interest at the time of disbursement. 

    Direct Loans carry the following yearly limits:

    Undergraduate Dependent Students
    • up to $3500 Subsidized and $2000 Unsubsidized for the freshman year
    • up to $4500 Subsidized and $2000 Unsubsidized for the sophomore year
    • up to $5500 Subsidized and $2000 Unsubsidized for junior and senior years
    • The interest through June of 2024 is 5.50% (subject to change 7/1/24).
    • The loan carries a 1.057% origination fee that is deducted prior to disbursement.
    • The origination fee applies to loans disbursed Oct. 1, 2023, thru Sept. 30, 2024.
    • The lifetime aggregate limit is $31,000.
    Undergraduate Independent Students
    • up to $3500 Subsidized and $6000 Unsubsidized for the freshman year
    • up to $4500 Subsidized and $6000 Unsubsidized for the sophomore year
    • up to $5500 Subsidized and $6000 Unsubsidized for the junior and senior years
    • The interest through June of 2024 is 5.50% (subject to change 7/1/24).
    • The loan carries a 1.057% origination fee that is deducted prior to disbursement.
    • The origination fee applies to loans disbursed Oct. 1, 2023, thru Sept. 30, 2024.
    • The lifetime aggregate limit is $57,500
    Graduate and Doctoral Students
    • Up to $20,500 Unsubsidized per academic year or borrower based year. The interest rate for 2023-2024 is 7.05% and the loan carries a 1.057% origination fee that is deducted prior to disbursement.
    • Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan - If your financial aid does not cover all of your costs, you may wish to apply for a Federal Direct PLUS Loan at studentaid.gov, by completing the application and Master Promissory Note.The interest rate is fixed at 8.05% for loans disbursed July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024. A 4.228% origination fee is charged for loans first disbursed Oct. 1, 2023, through Sept. 30, 2024.

    Federal Direct PLUS Loans for parents of dependent students 
    If your financial aid does not cover all of your costs, a parent can apply for a Federal Direct PLUS Loan at studentaid.gov and completing the application and Master Prom Note. The interest rate is fixed at 7.54% for loans disbursed July 1, 2022, through June 20, 2023. A 4.228% origination fee is charged for loans first disbursed Oct. 1, 2022, through Sept. 30, 2023. If a parent is denied the PLUS, the dependent student becomes eligible for an additional Direct Loan of up to $4,000 in unsubsidized funds for the first and second years and up to $5,000 thereafter. A parent must apply and be denied each year.

    Alternative Loans
    Additional private loans, generally referred to as “alternative loans,” are also available to students to bridge any funding gaps. Most student borrowers will need a co-signer. Payment can usually be deferred until after graduation, but interest accrues from the time the loan is disbursed. Additional information on this type of loan is available through the Financial Aid Office.

    The list of lenders is available online through www.ELMSelect.com. This summary information is intended only as a guide for comparison purposes. Many other options exist for supplemental borrowing. You are not required to use any of the loans or lenders listed on this guide. Please consider the lender and loan product that best meets your needs. More information and a list of private lenders can also be found at www.finaid.org. A list of Pennsylvania Credit unions who offer private loans can be found at http://pennsylvania.studentchoice.org/ along with their requirements. Please refer to the lender for updated information before making your choice. Rates, Terms and Conditions are subject to change without notice.

  • Outside Scholarships

    Outside 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.

    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  

  • Work Study and Alternate Financing

    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

    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 $25 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.  

  • Deadlines

    Saint Vincent College has a rolling admission policy; that is, we'll notify you of our admission committee's decision shortly after we've received all your credentials.

    The priority filing deadline for additional SVC need-based financial aid is March 1.

    To be considered for the Pennsylvania State Grant the FAFSA must be submitted by May 1 (other states may have different deadlines).

  • Financial Aid Policies

    Financial Aid Notes 2023-24

    Withdrawals and Title IV Refund Policy (PDF)

    Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (PDF)

    Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy

    Federal law (Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended) mandates that institutions of higher education establish minimum standards of satisfactory academic progress for students receiving any federal financial aid. Eligibility for Saint Vincent College institutional grants and scholarships will follow the regulations for federal aid.  In addition, the Pennsylvania State Grant program and programs from other states also have their own established academic progress standards.

    Students must meet these standards of academic progress to continue to receive funds from each source.

    The academic records of all students will be reviewed annually after each spring semester to calculate the percentage of attempted credits the student has successfully completed and to determine the cumulative grade point average the student has earned. Any student not meeting the standards set by this policy will be ineligible for aid until the deficiencies have been made up.  An appeal process is available to students who have experienced personal illness or accident, death of an immediate family member, or other extraordinary circumstances. 

    Note:  The FAFSA must be filed yearly to determine eligibility for federal and state aid.

    Withdrawals and Title IV Refund Policy

    The federal government mandates that students who withdraw from all classes may only keep the federal financial aid (i.e., Title IV funds) they have "earned" up to the time of withdrawal. Title IV funds that have been disbursed in excess of the earned amount must be returned by the college and/or the student to the federal government.  Thus, the student could owe aid funds to the college, the federal government, or both.  

    The Financial Aid Office is notified when a student has officially withdrawn from the college.  The calculation for Return of Title IV funds is based upon the date on which a student initiates the withdrawal process by indicating intent to withdraw.  

    To determine the amount of aid the student has earned up to the time of withdrawal, the Financial Aid Office divides the number of calendar days the student has attended classes by the total number of calendar days in the semester (minus any scheduled breaks of 5 days or more).  The resulting percentage is then multiplied by the total federal funds that were disbursed to the student account for the semester.  

    This calculation determines the amount of aid earned by the student that he or she may keep.  For example, if the student attended 25% of the term, the student will have earned 25% of the aid.  The unearned amount (total aid disbursed minus the earned amount) must be returned to the Department of Education by the college and/or the student.  The Financial Aid Office will notify and provide instructions to students who are required to return funds to the Department of Education. 

    If you are considering withdrawing from classes, remember to contact the Financial Aid office before you do so. Meeting with a financial aid officer will help you understand how withdrawing will affect your situation. 

    Funds are returned to the following Title IV source in this order:

    Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans
    Subsidized Federal Direct Loans
    Federal Direct Graduate PLUS loans
    Federal Direct PLUS (parent) loans
    Federal Pell Grants
    Federal SEOG

  • Financial Literacy

    Personal financial literacy is more than just being able to balance a checkbook, compare prices or get a job. It also includes skills like long-term vision and planning for the future, and the discipline to use those skills every day.

    The Higher Education Opportunity Act (sections 1041 and 1042) requires that the Secretary of the Treasury in consultation with the Secretary of Education and other agencies enhance financial literacy among postsecondary students through developing initiatives, programs and curricula that improve student awareness of short- and long-term costs associated with student loans and other debts and assisting students in navigating the financial aid process.

    The following information is available to help educate our students and families and assist them in making informed decisions to reach their financial goals.

    General Financial Literacy Resources

    • pnc.financialliteracy101.org -  Before you borrow, understand the ins and outs of paying for college.
    •  www.CashCourse.org - CashCourse.org serves as a great resource for students as it speaks to many of the common financial pitfalls they may be encountering during their college years. 
    • www.mappingyourfuture.org - Mapping Your Future is a free resource for career, college, financial aid, and money management information. The goal is to help individuals achieve life-long success by empowering students, families, and schools with web-based information and services. 
    • www.youcandealwithit.com - YouCanDealWithIt.com provides practical advice about paying for college and managing your debt. 
    • www.annualcreditreport.com - Students should request a free annual credit report. This will allow you to pull your credit report from all three credit reporting bureaus. 
    • www.myfico.com - Get the details on your FICO score, understand positive and negative influences, how to monitor it and full access to customer support. View more information about FICO scores. 
    • www.MyMoney.gov - This is the U.S. government's website dedicated to teaching all Americans the basics about financial education. 
    • https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans – Financial Aid Awareness explains your student loan questions. 
  • Code of Conduct for Financial Aid Administrators

    • No action will be taken by financial aid staff that is for their personal benefit or could be perceived to be a conflict of interest.
    • Information provided by the financial aid office is accurate, unbiased, and does not reflect preference arising from actual or potential personal gain.
    • All required consumer information is displayed in a prominent location on the institutional website(s) and in any printed materials, easily identified and found, and labeled as "Consumer Information."
    • Financial aid professionals will disclose to their institution any involvement, interest in, or potential conflict of interest with any entity with which the institution has a business relationship.

    Saint Vincent College is committed to providing students and their families with the best information and processing alternatives available regarding student borrowing. In support of this and in an effort to rule out any perceived or actual conflict of interest between Saint Vincent College officers, employees or agents and education loan lenders, Saint Vincent College has adopted the following:

    • Saint Vincent College does not participate in any revenue-sharing arrangements with any lender.
    • Saint Vincent College does not permit any officer, employee or agent of the school who is employed in the financial aid office or is otherwise involved in the administration of education loans to accept any gifts of greater than a nominal value from any lender, guarantor or servicer.
    • Saint Vincent College does not permit any officer, employee or agent of the school who is employed in the financial aid office or is otherwise involved in the administration of education loans to accept any fee, payment or other financial benefit (including a stock purchase option) from a lender or affiliate of a lender as compensation for any type of consulting arrangement or contract to provide services to a lender or on behalf of a lender relating to education loans.
    • Saint Vincent College does not permit any officer, employee or agent of the school who is employed in the financial aid office or is otherwise involved in the administration of education loans to accept anything of value from a lender, guarantor, or group of lenders and/or guarantors in exchange for service on an advisory board, commission or other group established by such a lender, guarantor group of lenders and/or guarantors. Saint Vincent College does allow for the reasonable reimbursement of expenses associated with participation in such boards, commissions or groups by lenders, guarantors, or groups of lenders and/or guarantors.
    • Saint Vincent College does not assign a lender to any first-time borrower through financial aid packaging or any other means.
    • Saint Vincent College recognizes that a borrower has the right to choose any lender from which to borrow to finance his/her education. Saint Vincent College will not refuse to certify or otherwise deny or delay certification of a loan based on the borrower’s selection of a lender and/or guarantor.
    • Saint Vincent College will not request or accept any offer of funds to be used for private education loans to students from any lender in exchange for providing the lender with a specified number or volume of Title IV loans, or a preferred lender arrangement for Title IV loans.
    • Saint Vincent College will not request or accept any assistance with call center or financial aid office staffing.