Graduate Student Financial Aid
All graduate students at Seton Hill University are considered for need-based aid, generally in the form of loans, once the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is received. Seton Hill University also offers institutional financial assistance to graduate students in the form of a discount. The Scholar's Discount is a 20% or 25% (for SHU Alumni) discount on tuition and can be applied for by completing the Scholar's Discount Application. Students enrolling in the Physician Assistant Program, the graduate certificate in Entrepreneurship, and the graduate certificate in Genocide and Holocaust Studies are not eligible for the Scholar's Discount.
Private scholarships are another good way to help fund an education and can be obtained from many sources (www.finaid.org) Students should also check with their employer about tuition reimbursement programs and contact the SHU student accounts office for information about tuition deferment.
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| Student Loans - More Information |
| Type | Amount | How to Apply |
| Federal Direct Subsidized Loan |
$100-$8,500 | FAFSA & MPN |
| Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan |
$100-$12,000 | FAFSA & MPN |
| Federal Direct Graduate Plus Loan |
Varies | Yearly Loan Application |
| Alternative | Variable | Alternative Loan Application |
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LOANS
Money borrowed by the student that must be repaid.
Need is the difference between the cost of attending college and the amount that you and your family are expected to contribute. The amount of your expected family contribution (EFC) is calculated by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the government's official accepted means of evaluation. To calculate an estimate of your EFC go to www.collegeboard.com
Eligibility
To qualify for federal assistance a student must be a U.S. citizen or hold an alien registration card, must have a high school diploma or its equivalent, and must complete a FAFSA application at,
www.fafsa.gov, and Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling session at,
www.studentloans.gov
FEDERAL DIRECT SUBSIDIZED LOAN
An interest free (while student is enrolled at least half time) federal loan. Full repayment can be spread over 10 years with deferment options. An application,
which is referred to as a Master Promissory Note (MPN), can be completed online at: www.studentloans.gov
- Graduate and professional students can borrow up to $8,500 per year to a total of $138,500, which includes any undergraduate Stafford Loans.
FEDERAL DIRECT UNSUBSIDIZED LOAN
A federal loan opportunity for graduate students who do not qualify for the
full federal interest subsidy under the subsidized Stafford Program or who need additional loan funds.
Combined subsidized and unsubsidized loans may not exceed the annual loan limits of $20,500. This loan is not interest-free
while the student is enrolled. However, students have the option to capitalize interest payments. Interest is 6.80%.
- Graduate and professional students can borrow up to $12,000 per year. This is in addition to the $8,500 borrowed under the subsidized program.
FEDERAL DIRECT GRADUATE PLUS LOAN
A federal loan specifically for graduate students who wish to borrow additional loan funds for educational purposes. The Graduate Plus loan should be utilized after Stafford loan funds are exhausted. You may borrow up to the cost of your education less any other financial aid awarded. Credit guidelines apply and repayment generally begins 60 days after the last disbursement of the loan. Repayment can be spread over 10 years at a rate of 7.90%. In some cases repayment of this loan can be deferred. Applications can be submitted online at: www.studentloans.gov
Alternative Loans
This loan is for students to cover college expenses that are not covered by other financial aid resources. The Financial Aid Office strongly suggests exhausting other loan options before looking into Alternative Loans as they are not subject to federal Direct loan regulations. Interest rates, fees, and loan amounts are subject to your credit score and most students are required to have a cosigner to qualify. Once you have considered federal loan options, you can use the Pennsylvania Private Loan Marketplace to instantly and accurately compare rates and terms from multiple alternative loan lenders side-by-side. This will help you make an informed decision about the most appropriate loan for you.
Payment Plans
If you would like to pay your education expenses monthly, use the Interest-Free Monthly Payment Option offered by our partner, Tuition Management Systems. The payment plan is available for a small enrollment fee and includes personal account service, automated account information 24 hours a day, access to your account through their web site, www.afford.com and even gives you a chance to win a $5,000 Tuition Management Systems Scholarship. Visit the Tuition Management Systems web site for more information on payment options, education loans, free education payment counseling and the many ways they can help you afford education.
ROTC Scholarships
ROTC Scholarships are available for Seton Hill University students. These scholarships are granted by the United States Army on a competitive basis. Scholarships for full tuition and fees at Seton Hill, a book allowance, and a monthly stipend ($350 to $1600 per month) are provided. Two, three, and four year packages are available, as well as exceptional benefits for medical school. Students who are awarded these scholarships are obligated to attend training sessions and classes and perform military service after graduation. To learn more about this opportunity to receive funding while you are attending Seton Hill and to serve your country, you may contact Major Mike Zabrzeski at 724-938-1680 or armyrotc@cup.edu
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