Merit Scholarships

Merit scholarships awarded through the admissions process are for eight semesters and include a cumulative GPA requirement. The initial GPA review takes place after four semesters. Students who fail to achieve the required GPA will have their scholarship reduced anywhere from 10-50 percent depending on how far below the standard their GPA is. Students who fail to achieve the required GPA after their first year will receive a warning letter but will maintain the full value of the scholarship.

Financial Aid Policies

Looking for more details, check out the Financial Aid Office on the inside.

Financial Aid Office

Scholarship	GPA Requirement
Trustee	3.0
Presidential	2.75
Dean's	2.5
Transfer	2.5
Leadership/University	2.0

Financial Aid Policies

Looking for more details, check out the Financial Aid Office on the inside.

Financial Aid Office

Scholarship Appeal/Reinstatement

Students who wish to appeal a loss of scholarship money based on unusual circumstances (health/medical issues, extenuating family problems, etc.) must do so in writing to the chair of the Scholarship Committee. Students who have had their scholarships reduced for failure to maintain the proper cumulative grade point average may have their original award re-instated by either:

Raising their cumulative grade point average above the minimum required for the award (this increase will be done automatically at the end of the semester).
Achieving the minimum grade point average in each of two successive semesters (these students need to appeal in writing to the chair of the Scholarship Committee).

These increases will take effect for the subsequent semesters and are not retroactive.

Upperclass Scholarship Program

While the value of the merit scholarship awarded to incoming students does not increase, the Upperclass Scholarship program provides an opportunity for additional scholarship aid. Each spring, returning students are notified of the opportunity to apply for the Upperclass Scholarship. Award criteria includes academic achievements, community involvement and a professor recommendation. Financial need can influence the final amount of the award.

Contact Financial Aid

Hours: Mon. - Fri.: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone number: 301-447-5207
Email: finaid@msmary.edu

Other University Scholarships

The Mount is fortunate to have so many alumni and friends who support our students through our endowed scholarship program. The scholarships below are awarded to currently enrolled students based on their accomplishments on campus. Amounts are determined annually.

Class of 2009 Nicole Spencer Memorial Scholarship

Awarded by the Division of Education to a rising senior based on financial need, academic merit and participation with Campus Ministry.

Elizabeth S. Dinunzio Memorial Scholarship

Awarded by the Division of Education to a rising junior with an interest in Spanish based on financial need and academic merit.

Eugene M. Waldron Sr. and Julia Mohler Waldron Education Scholarship

Awarded by the Division of Education based on academic merit, extracurricular activities and community service.

Kierniesky Nik "Keep Faith" Scholarship

Awarded by the Psychology Department to a rising junior or senior. A minimum 3.0 GPA required.

LTC John Gregory Heck USA (Ret.) Leadership Scholarship

Awarded by the Institute for Leadership to a rising senior who demonstrates exemplary skills, character and knowledge to become a caring and ethical leader. Financial need is not a consideration.

Nancy McClary and Lewis William McAllister Music Scholarship

Awarded by the Department for Visual and Performing Arts to an upperclass student based on academic merit and music ability.

Phillip E. Wychodski Theater Scholarship

Awarded by the Department for Visual and Performing Arts to an upperclass student based on academic merit and ability in the theatre arts.

Reverend Carl J. Fives National Alumni Scholarship

Awarded by the alumni office to rising seniors based on financial need, service to the Mount and service to the student’s local community. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required.

Saint Joseph College Alumnae Association

Awarded by the alumni office to a rising senior or transfer junior or senior who demonstrates financial need and provides a written letter of recommendation from a faculty member. Preference will be given to students with a verified connection to an alumna of St. Joseph College.

Thomas Merton Award

Full-tuition scholarship awarded to a rising junior who is a practicing Catholic and in good standing with the Church with demonstrated community service to the Mount. Academic performance and financial need can be considered. Students must be nominated by their peers or a faculty member.

William G. McGowan Scholarship in Business

Awarded by the Richard J. Bolte, Jr. School of Business to rising seniors based on academic merit, financial need and a required essay. A minimum 3.2 GPA is required.

Need-Based Financial Aid

Students looking to apply for additional need-based financial aid must file the FAFSA. In addition to university-funded grants, other types of need-based financial aid include federal grants, loans and work study as well as state grants for Maryland residents.

FAFSA Details

For the 2019-20 academic year, the FAFSA becomes available in October 2018. Because the income requested on the application is from 2017, all families should be in a position to file the FAFSA once it becomes available.

First-Time Applicants

If you are a first-time aid applicant, you and one of your parents must apply for and receive an FSA ID. It typically takes two to three days to receive the ID, which serves as an electronic signature. To apply for your FSA ID, go to www.fafsa.ed.gov and click on the icon at the top of the page that says FSA ID. You will need two FSA ID numbers–one for you and one for a parent.

Deadline

March 1 All returning students must submit their FAFSA prior to March 1. Those who fail to meet this deadline risk losing need-based aid, including their work-study position. Students will receive their financial aid award letter via email during the first two weeks of June.

Additional Information

Mount St. Mary's Title IV School Code is 002086.

Within 48-72 hours after submitting the FAFSA, the student will be notified that the FAFSA has been processed. If there is a problem with the application that prevents it from being processed, the student will be notified as well. Please be on the lookout for this confirmation. Upon submitting your FAFSA, if you have special circumstances you wish to call to the attention of the Financial Aid Office, go to our forms page and file the appropriate appeals form. Complete this form and return it to the Financial Aid Office.

Key Details

FAFSA deadline: March 1
MSMU school code: 002086

Mount Grants

Grant-in-aid

Students who have remaining financial need after their merit-based aid is awarded are candidates for the Grant-in-Aid. The Grant-in-Aid is renewable provided the student files the FAFSA and demonstrates similar need in future years.

Commuter Grants

Up to 50 percent of tuition is awarded based on financial need to students who live at home and commute to the Mount. When combined with an academic scholarships, total money from the Mount cannot exceed 50 percent of tuition. (The grant is not available for summer school.)

Federal/State Financial Aid

Federal Pell Grants

Awarded by the federal government to students who demonstrate extremely high need through the FAFSA. Because it is awarded by the government, your Pell eligibility should be the same at each college/university. Learn more at studentaid.ed.gov.

Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants

Awarded by the Mount’s financial aid office to students who qualify for significant Pell Grants. Learn more at studentaid.ed.gov.

State Grants

Some students may be eligible for Maryland state funding. Please check the Maryland Higher Education's website for information regarding programs and applications. Make sure your FAFSA form is filed by March 1 every year to be considered for state aid.

Federal Work Study/College Employment

Students who receive work study in their financial aid package are eligible to apply for a wide variety of on-campus jobs. The award amount is based on working eight (8) hours per week. College employment other than the federal work study program is available. Contact the Mount's Human Resources Office for more information.

Federal Direct Student Loans

Eligible dependent students may borrow up to $5,500 for the first year of study, up to $6,500 for the second year, and up to $7,500 for each remaining year. The Financial Aid Office will determine if the student is eligible to receive a subsidized loan whereby the government would pay the interest while the student remains in school. Independent students are eligible to borrow additional unsubsidized funds between $4,000-$5,000 per year depending on their class standing. Learn more at studentaid.ed.gov.

Federal Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)

This program enables parents of dependent students to borrow the entire annual cost of attendance less financial aid awarded. The parent must not have an adverse credit history. If a parent is not able to obtain a PLUS Loan, the student is eligible to borrow additional unsubsidized funds between $4,000-$5,000 per year depending on the student’s class standing. Learn more at studentaid.ed.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the eligibility requirements to receive scholarships and grants from Mount St. Mary's University?

To receive Mount St. Mary's University grants, scholarships, and other awards, a student must:

Enroll Full-time (at least 12 credits).
Be accepted into a degree program of study.
Be seeking a first bachelor's degree.
Be making satisfactory academic progress according to the University's requirements for each program.

What are the eligibility requirements to receive federal and state aid?

To receive Title IV federal grants, loans and work study as well as state financial aid, a student must:

Enroll at least part-time (at least six (6) credits).
Be a United States citizen or eligible non-citizen.
Be accepted into a degree program.
Be seeking a first bachelor's degree.
Not be in default on any previous loan or owe a refund on any previous grant.
Be making satisfactory academic progress according to the University's requirements.
Not be convicted for possession of sale of drug (federal programs only).

What is the Mount's Title IV code?

The Title IV code to use on the FAFSA is 002086.

What is the Mount's financial aid deadline?

The FAFSA deadline is March 1. Applications received after the deadline risk losing their need-based aid, including their work-study position and any aid awarded through the state of Maryland.

When will financial aid decisions be made?

The Financial Aid Office will email award letters to returning students during the first two weeks of June. Students must sign and return the award letters within two weeks of receipt.

Do I need to complete a FAFSA form every year?

You do need to reapply for aid each year by completing a FAFSA form. It becomes available each year after October 1 and should be filed prior to the March 1 deadline.

What is the IRS Data Retrieval Tool?

This tool allows data from your federal tax returns to be retrieved directly from the IRS's website in order to auto-fill the income section of your FAFSA form. This helps reduce errors and simplify the verification process.

My parents will not be claiming me as a dependent on their tax returns. Can I file my financial aid applications as an independent student?

Probably not if you are an undergraduate student. To determine if you meet the federal definition of an independent student, review the six questions in Step Three of the FAFSA. If you believe your situation is unique and you should be considered independent, please contact with the Financial Aid Office.

I was awarded a scholarship from a private outside organization. Do I need to inform anyone?

Yes. Federal law stipulates that students may not receive federal support if their financial aid exceeds their demonstrated financial need. Mount St. Mary’s participates in the Central Scholarship Partnership and will not reduce any scholarships or grants when financial need remains. However, we still must confirm eligibility for federal need-based funds, including subsidized loans and work-study. Total aid including outside resources cannot exceed your demonstrated financial need and cost of attendance.

If I change my residence status, will my financial aid be affected?

Your merit-based aid will not be affected, but your eligibility for need-based aid could be. If there is a credit balance on your student account once tuition and fee charges have been paid, you may use this credit to pay for off-campus rent and food expenses. A refund of any credit balance on your student account is obtained directly from the Accounting & Finance Office. Institutional financial aid cannot exceed institutional charges, so any refund must be generated by outside (federal, state or private) financial aid.

How can I get a work study job if I currently don't have one?

You should contact the Human Resources Office and ask to be put on a waiting list. Students who have remaining financial need are given priority on the list. Returning students must be on a re-hire list from the Human Resources Office to have work study included as part of their financial aid package.

How will dropping below full-time enrollment impact my financial aid award?

Most initial awards are based on expected full-time enrollment and the corresponding tuition charge, unless otherwise indicated. One of the requirements for any institutional academic scholarship is that you be enrolled full time. Furthermore, if you enroll less than full time, your cost of education will be recalculated using actual reduced tuition costs. Your family contribution will not be revised, as you are expected to contribute the same amount regardless of your enrollment status. Your eligibility for need-based aid will be reduced in proportion to the reduced tuition or other charges that result from less than full-time study.

What is the difference between the Financial Aid Office and the Accounting & Finance Office?

The two offices have separate administrative functions. The Financial Aid Office, located on the first floor of Bradley Hall, determines eligibility for grants, loans and work-study. Located on the third floor of Bradley Hall, the Accounting & Finance Office is responsible for billing and collecting payments from students for university charges.

When will I know how much I owe for next year?

The Accounting & Finance Office will send fall semester statements in mid-June. You also can access your account balance on the Mount’s portal after mid-June. You must return your award letter in order for your student loans to be posted to your account.

I received an email from Maryland Higher Education Commission regarding a state award that I received, is this legitimate?

Yes, Maryland residents who complete a FAFSA prior to March 1 are considered for need-based awards from the state of Maryland. Please do not ignore these communications. You will be asked to create an account in the state's portal (MDCAPS) to review and accept these awards. In addition, you may be required to provide documentation to the state to confirm your eligibility.

Do I need to complete the verification documents mailed to me even though I already put the information on my FAFSA?

Yes, the Department of Education randomly selects student FAFSA’s for verification. As such, the school is required to collect various documents including a verification worksheet and tax information to verify that the FAFSA is correct. This is a federal requirement.

What is student loan consolidation?

Loan consolidation allows students to combine all of their existing federal student loans into one. There are several advantages of loan consolidation. It simplifies repayment by having multiple loans under a single loan holder, reduces the required minimum monthly payments by extending the repayment period from the standard 10 years to a maximum of 30 years, and uses a graduated repayment schedule. The disadvantages to loan consolidation are that students end up paying more interest and they are no longer eligible for many types of deferments. At this time, the only federal consolidation loan being offered is with the U. S. Department of Education. You can obtain an application and more information online.

Where can I find a list of all of my federal student loans?

You are able to view all of your federal loan history by creating a login with the National Student Loan Database. To gain access to the NSLDS website, it is best to use a web browser such as Firefox or the newest version of Internet Explorer. You will need your FSA ID to log into the website.

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