Students are expected to meet certain requirements to retain their awards. Federal and state programs require students to maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) as determined by their institution. Our institutional SAP Policy can be reviewed in theCollege catalog. Additional GPA and credit level requirements may need to be met to continue receiving certain awards.

GRANTS

FEDERAL PELL GRANT: The Pell Grant is a federal grant awarded to undergraduate students who demonstrate high or extreme financial need based on the results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANT (SEOG): SEOG is a federal grant awarded to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need based on the results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students must also be PELL grant eligible to receive this award.

MINNESOTA POST-SECONDARY CHILD CARE GRANT: This grant is awarded to undergraduate students who incur daycare expenses while they are attending college. Grant funding varies according to income and family size. The maximum award amount is $2,300 for each eligible child per academic year. A student must be eligible for the Minnesota State Grant to be considered. Recipients must not be receiving assistance from the Minnesota Family Investment Program. A MN Post Secondary Child Care Grant Application may be requested at finaid@css.edu.

MINNESOTA STATE GRANT: Students are eligible for the Minnesota State Grant if they meet the Minnesota residency requirement(s) and have attended less than the equivalent of four full-time academic years of post secondary education as defined by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education (MOHE). The grant amount is based on the results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and current state legislation.

ST. SCHOLASTICA CIRCLE AWARD: This is a college grant awarded to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need based on the results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Alumni, faculty, staff, businesses, foundations, and other friends of the College provide funding for this award. If a specific donor provides the Circle Award, the name of the scholarship, information regarding the donor, and the sending of a thank-you note will be provided in a separate letter. Consistent with the award name, it is hoped that recipients will demonstrate their gratitude in future years by providing financial support to help students achieve their educational dreams.

SCHOLARSHIPS

ST. SCHOLASTICA BENEDICTINE SCHOLARSHIP: Benedictine Scholarships are available to all new College applicants based on merit, specifically the combination of cumulative high school GPA and composite ACT score or the current college GPA for 1st year transfer students. The scholarships are renewable for up to three additional years or until receiving a Bachelors' Degree (whichever comes first). These scholarships are automatically awarded upon acceptance to the College and require no formal application.

ST. SCHOLASTICA ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP: Applicant must be the son or daughter of an Alumna/Alumnus or the niece or nephew of childless Alumna/Alumnus, who demonstrates potential for academic success including satisfactory GPA and/or class rank. Applications are typically available in November with an application deadline of early March.

ST. SCHOLASTICA MULTICULTURAL SCHOLARSHIP: High School Seniors and new transfer students who will be enrolled in a traditional undergraduate program at CSS are invited to apply for the Multicultural Scholarship. Scholarship amounts vary between $500-$3000 depending upon financial need. Applicant must demonstrate a commitment to pluralism and the advancement of social justice . Preferance may be given to under-represented ethnic groups and first generation college students involved in extra-curricular activities, volunteerism, and leadership roles. Applications are typically available in mid-January with an application deadline of mid-April. Apply Now!

ST. SCHOLASTICA RAYMOND PREBILIC SCHOLARSHIP: High School Seniors are invited to apply for the Raymond Prebilic Scholarship. Two-$2,500 awards will be given. Applications are typically available in February with an application deadline of mid-April.

MESLOW FIRST GENERATION SCHOLARSHIP: This scholarship is intended to help launch the academic careers of promising high school seniors who will be first generation college students and are from families with incomes less than $50,000 annually. Applicants must have a history of, and continuing involvement in school and/or community activities. The next round of awards will be for academic year 2009-2010. Please contact the Financial Aid Office in January, 2009, for more information.

ORDEAN SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM: The Ordean Scholarship ranges from $1500-$3000 per year and is available to Juniors or Seniors who have been accepted into the Accounting, Elementary or Secondary Education, Nursing, Psychology, Social Work, or Management majors at The College of St. Scholastica. Students must meet low income guidelines and be a resident of Duluth, Proctor, or Hermantown. A student must have lived in one of these cities for at least one year during the last five years for purposes other than attending a post secondary institution. Request an Ordean Scholarship Application.Please do not contact the Ordean Foundation for information

OTHER RESOURCES THAT STUDENTS SHOULD CONSIDER

CSS SCHOLARSHIP DIRECTORY: Thisdirectoryis compiled by the College of St. Scholastica and contains scholarship opportunities made available to students attending CSS.

STUDENT E-MAIL ANNOUNCEMENTS: Once you are a student on campus, you will have your very own e-mail account! New scholarships are advertised through the daily "Student Announcements".

STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP BOARD: Current scholarship opportunities are posted on the scholarship board located right outside the Financial Aid Service Center, T1118. This is the best way to find out what is currently available and how to apply. Bring a pen and notebook so you can jot down scholarships that might be right for you.

HIGH SCHOOL GUIDANCE COUNSELOR: If you are a current High School Student, get to know your Guidance Counselor! These people are an excellent point of contact in learning about scholarship opportunities that your school and community may offer.

INTERNET: There are thousands of scholarship opportunities made available through the Internet. A couple that you may want to check out are:
http://www.fastweb.com/

http://www.finaid.com/

http://www.scholarshiphelp.org/index.htm.

Never give out Social Security, Credit Card, or Bank Account Information over the Internet. (You should NEVER have to pay for scholarship information!)

ACADEMIC DEPARTMENTS/PROFESSORS: Check with faculty and staff at the College of St. Scholastica, as they may be aware of scholarship opportunities specific to your field of study

PUBLIC LIBRARY: There are many books and publications devoted to help students locate outside scholarships

OUTSIDE RESOURCES: Many employers, clubs, religious affiliations, and organizations offer scholarships. You won't know if you don't ask!

STUDENT EMPLOYMENT

STUDENT EMPLOYMENT ( Work Study): Student Employment is a need based program that students may be eligible to participate in. Completion of the FAFSA is required and students will be made aware of eligibility on their CSS Financial Aid Award Letter. Freshman and First year transfer students may work a maximum of 10 hours per week. A list of job opportunities will be handed out at your Orientation session and may include positions such as Athletic Assistants, Campus Operators, Tour Guides, etc... Most positions are on campus and start at $7.05/hr. Paychecks are direct deposited into the student's bank account.

LOANS

FEDERAL SUBSIDIZED STAFFORD LOAN: This loan is offered to students who demonstrate financial need. The interest rate is fixed at 6.8%. The quarterly interest is fully subsidized (paid) by the government until the student goes into repayment. Repayment begins 6 months after the student graduates, leaves school or drops below half-time enrollment. A 2-3% origination/guarantee fee is typically charged by the lender/guarantee agency to borrow this loan.Stafford Loan Forgiveness Program

FEDERAL UNSUBSIDIZED STAFFORD LOAN: The Unsubsidized Stafford loan is offered to students with low financial need. The terms are the same as the Subsidized Stafford loan (see above) except the borrower is responsible for the quarterly interest. A borrower can choose to pay the quarterly interest or opt to let it capitalize. A student may be eligible for additional Unsubsidized Stafford Loan funding if the Parent PLUS loan is denied by a lending institution.

FEDERAL NURSING LOAN: This need-based program provides long term, low interest loans to college Juniors and Seniors who have been fully admitted to the Nursing program. Funding is limited and is awarded on a first come, first served basis. If your award letter lists a Nursing Loan and you are interested in borrowing, you will need to follow the instructions outlined on the Nursing Loan Confirmation Form. Terms and conditions are the same as the Federal Perkins Loan.Nursing Loan Forgiveness Program!

SELF LOAN: The Student Education Loan Fund (SELF) Program is a long-term, low interest educational loan provided by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education (MOHE). The interest rate is variable, averaging 6.81% since 1988. The program is unique to Minnesota colleges because MOHE is the only lender in the program, and there are no origination fees assessed. A credit worthy co-signer is required and his/her signature must be notarized. The student is responsible for paying quarterly interest while in school and monthly interest for the first 12 months after the student graduates, leaves school, or drops below half-time enrollment.. Principal and interest payments begin the 13th month out of school. Loan maximum $7500 per academic year.

PARENT PLUS LOAN: This loan is available to the credit worthy parent(s) of a dependent student. The parent(s) must complete a PLUS loan application and be determined credit worthy by the lender in order to receive this loan. Parent(s) begin repayment on this loan 30-60 days after teh final disbursement of the year. Forebearance options to delay payments are available through most lenders. Please contact your lender for more information regarding this. A student may be eligible for the Unsubsidized Stafford Loan if the Parent PLUS loan is denied by a lending institution.
Parent PLUS Loan Pre Approval on the Web

PRIVATE/ALTERNATIVE LOAN OPTIONS: Sometimes a supplemental loan is required to meet your expenses while attending St. Scholastica. Alternative loans typically require a credit worthy borrower and/or a credit worthy cosigner. Enrollment requirements and all other terms & conditions vary by lender. More Information