Financial Aid

Click on any of the following links for information:

• Application Process
• Financial Aid and Academic Progress
• College Funds
• Federal and State Programs
• Scholarships

The financial aid program at Saint Joseph’s College is designed to assist those students who, without such assistance, would be unable to pursue a program of study at the College. In selecting aid recipients, the College places primary emphasis on demonstrated financial need. Consideration is also given to academic performance.

Saint Joseph’s offers both merit and need-based financial aid to full-time students enrolled in our traditional baccalaureate degree programs. New students are considered for the College’s merit scholarship programs through the admission process.

The College offers eligible students financial aid packages which may include scholarship, grant, loan, and/or work-study funds. These programs may be awarded singly, but are most often awarded in various combinations called financial aid offers.

Saint Joseph’s College considers the primary financial responsibility for the education of students to rest with the students and their families. The College makes every effort to address the needs of an accepted and enrolled student, but it views its efforts as supplemental to the efforts of the student, the student’s family and other agencies.

In addition to making application for assistance through the College, students of Saint Joseph’s are expected to pursue vigorously all avenues of support from private organizations. In general, the College awards assistance within the limits of demonstrated need. Need is defined as the difference between the cost of attendance and what the family is able to contribute as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)..

Priorities and entitlements under federal and state programs are recognized and honored, as are institutional programs which carry commitments to identified students. Students not entitled to special consideration compete for available funds within the limits of their demonstrated financial need. Where students rank academically within the applicant group may well have a bearing on the student’s selection, the percentage of need met, and the composition of their financial aid package.

To be considered for the assistance programs available at Saint Joseph’s, students must submit the following documents as soon as possible after October 1 and before the priority date announced annually:

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• IRS Tax information from parent(s) and student via IRS’ Data Retrieval on the FAFSA or IRS Tax Return (upon request);
• Institutional Verification Worksheet (upon request).

On-time submission of the above ensures that students will be considered for all of the programs administered by the College. Additional documentation may be requested during the review process and throughout the enrollment period due to federal and institutional verification policies. Students are required to comply with these requests in a timely manner.  Federal verification items are requested within 60 days of notification.  Failure to provide documentation may result in cancellation of aid.

To be eligible for financial aid you must earn at least 70% of the credits you attempt (quantitative progress) and you must meet the cumulative grade point average for the number of credits you have earned (qualitative progress). See the chart below.

• You must have at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average at the end of two years of study regardless of your enrollment status.
   
• Your progress is reviewed after the end of each semester.
   
• If you have not met the required quantitative and/or qualitative standards you may be provided a warning period.  A warning period may be provided to a student who has not met, but is very close to the required standards and we anticipate that she or he will meet the progress standards required at the conclusion of the next semester.  If you are granted a warning period, you will receive a letter from our office.
   
• If we determine that you are not eligible for aid based on your progress, you may appeal our decision.  If your appeal is successful you will be granted one semester of probation. The appeal process follows federal rules and you will be asked to:
   
  • explain and document the mitigating circumstances (e.g., major illness, death in the family, other special circumstance) that prevented you from meeting the required standards
     
  • explain what has changed or will change for you so that you will be able to earn the required cumulative grade point average and meet the 70% credits earned threshold by the end of the probation period, and
     
  • detail how your degree will be earned within a maximum time frame of 150% which is equivalent to 12 semesters if you are attending a full-time basis or 192 credits (including transfer credits).  Please note that most financial aid programs are not available for this length of time.
     
• During a semester of probation you may receive aid.  At the end of your period of probation you must meet the benchmarks (including earned credits and cumulative grade point average) we establish for you before you will receive aid again.

NOTES:

• All attempted credits, including transfer credits, are included in our calculations unless there is a “W” assigned.
   
• Some students need to enroll in our May term or in summer school.  Be sure to have courses pre-approved at the Registar’s Office.

The College offers many scholarship and grant funds.  Full-time, baccalaureate degree seeking students in our campus programs are considered for merit scholarship funds during the admission process. These scholarships are renewable for up to 8 consecutive semesters as long as the student makes satisfactory academic progress and maintains full-time enrollment. Students may make application for need-based funds each year.

New students to the College are considered by the Admission Committee for the following scholarship programs.

• Presidential Scholarship
   
• McAuley Scholarship
   
• Saint Joseph’s Scholarship
   
• Mercy Scholarship
   
• Xavier Scholarship

All full-time baccalaureate degree students may apply for need-based grants annually by completing the required financial aid paperwork on time. Our grant funds include:

• Saint Joseph’s Grant
   
• Family Tuition Reduction Grant (for a family who has two or more immediate family members enrolled full-time concurrently in our on campus program) 

Students who apply for financial aid at Saint Joseph’s are also considered for all federal programs available at the time of application. Students are considered for the following funds:

• Federal Pell Grant
  The Federal Pell Grant is an entitlement program available to students who meet a family contribution requirement as specified by the U. S. Department of Education. The maximum award is $6,345 for the 2020-2021 academic year.  Eligibility is restricted to the first undergraduate degree.
   
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
  This federal program is awarded to students who demonstrate financial need. Preference is given to Federal Pell Grant recipients. Award amounts are based on funding levels for the given academic year and are distributed on the basis of family contribution and other funding eligibility. The minimum award per statute is $100 and funding constraints generally do not allow the award to exceed $450.
   
• Federal Work-Study
  This program provides funds for selected students who demonstrate need according to the federal formula. Students who have participated in the prior year and who apply on time are given preference for available funding. Employment is offered both on and off campus with the latter restricted to selected community service programs. Awards usually allow a student to work six to ten hours per week.
   
• Nursing Student Loan
  This need-based loan program is available to eligible Nursing students. It carries a 5% interest rate and a 9-month grace period for new borrowers. Awards range from $500 to $3,300 and are usually made to first-year and some sophomore students.
   
• Federal Direct Loan
  The Subsidized Federal Direct Loan allows eligible students to borrow funds for educational expenses. It may be subsidized (need-based) or unsubsidized (not need-based, accrues interest). The student must maintain at least half-time enrollment in order to defer payment of this loan. This loan carries a ten year repayment term. It also offers options for forbearance, cancellation, deferment, and consolidation. Students are notified via the award letter if they are eligible for this program. See the chart below for annual and lifetime limits:

Maximum Annual Direct Loan Amounts

Dependent Students

Independent Students

Total maximum outstanding debt allowable:
$31,000 for dependent undergraduates
$57,500 for independent undergraduates

A dependent student whose parent is denied a Federal Parent Loan may borrow the additional Unsubsidized Stafford Loan up to $4,000 for first and second years and $5,000 for third and fourth years.
 

• State Grants
  Several states offer grants to their residents for study at Saint Joseph’s College. It is expected that students apply for such funds, and this is generally accomplished through the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Some states may require additional application materials. Students should contact their state’s scholarship agency for more information.

There are also many restricted and endowed scholarship programs available for the 4 Year College students through the aid process. These programs, in general, require full-time enrollment in a baccalaureate degree program, high academic achievement, demonstrated financial need, and selection by committee. The availability and amount of the award are typically dependent on the earnings of the endowment or an annual gift. Selection is made by the Financial Aid Committee in conjunction with other appropriate members of the College community. No separate application is required unless noted otherwise. These programs help underwrite the generous merit and need-based programs offered by the College.

• ACB Endowed Scholarship Fund
  Created as a result of an anonymous gift by a friend of the college, this scholarship is awarded to up to two students from the Greenville, ME area who demonstrate financial need and academic achievement.
   
• The George I. Alden Trust Scholarship Endowment
  Established by the College in 1995 with a grant from the George I. Alden Trust and matching funds given by alumni, board members and friends. For students who demonstrate financial need, excellent academic performance and a strong spirit of citizenship and voluntarism.
   
• Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship (Consolidated Alumni Scholarship)
  Created through the generosity of the Alumni Association and the consolidation of funds given by the Class of 2006, as well as the Fiore and Foley endowed funds, this scholarship recognizes academic excellence and financial need.  The Virginia M. Foley ‘55 endowed scholarship fund was given through a bequest to benefit a sophomore student.
   
• The Betterment Fund Scholarship Endowment
  Given by The Betterment Fund of New York City. For exemplary students from the State of Maine, with preference for students from Oxford County and the Western Mountains.
   
• Germaine Y. Botto Endowed Scholarship
  This endowment was established in 1985 by Mrs. Joseph Botto and is used to assist a junior of French descent from Lewiston, Maine. It is assigned on the basis of financial need.
   
• The Germaine & Joseph Botto Endowed Scholarship
  This scholarship was established in 1999 by Rosanne Botto in honor of her parents. It is for the benefit of Business Administration majors who demonstrate financial need.
   
• Sarah T. Burke Endowed Fund
  Members of Saint Patrick’s Parish or its successor in Lewiston, Maine, are eligible for funding from this endowment. The size of the award varies according to the revenue from the endowment. Awards are generally granted on the basis of the student’s scholarship, character and financial need. Candidates should secure a letter indicating membership in the parish. This letter may be directed to the Office of Financial Aid.
   
• Civic Engagement Scholarship
  Offered annually to students who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to environmental issues and community service during their high school years.  Recipients must be enrolled in the Sustainability Minor and participate in special activities related to community engagement and sustainability.
   
• Class of 1963 Endowed Scholarship
  Initiated by Patricia Quinn ‘63 and Helen Small ‘63 in honor of their class’  50th Reunion in 2013, the members of the Class of 1963 established this scholarship for a traditional on-campus student who demonstrates financial need and academic achievement. 
   
• Class of 1967 Memorial Endowed Scholarship
  Members of the Class of 1967 created this scholarship in 2002 to honor the memory and spirit of those who have passed and to serve as a living memorial to all of those in the Class of 1967.  It became endowed in 2010.  This scholarship is to benefit a traditional, on-campus student who demonstrates financial need, academic achievement, and civic leadership.  It may be awarded to a residential or commuter student.
   
• The Community Leaders Endowed Scholarship
  Established in 1999 with grants from the Morton Kelly Charitable Trust, the Edward Daveis Benevolent Fund, the Blanche Walsh Charity Trust, the Vincent and Barbara Welch Foundation, the Margaret Burnham Trust and the Wing-Benjamin Trust. Community Leaders Scholarship awards benefit students who have demonstrated prior commitment to community service. Recipients must commit to three hours of weekly service over one academic year.
   
• Corporate Alliance Program for Scholarships (CAPS)
  This program awards a number of scholarships annually. It enables businesses to share in the College’s mission of offering assistance to students. It is intended to alleviate undue financial hardship, help students pursue degrees, and ultimately establish their careers in a variety of fields.
   
• George and Mary Cushman Endowed Scholarship
  This scholarship was established in 1990 in memory of Mr. & Mrs. George Cushman by Mr. & Mrs. William Young. It is reserved for a student who merits financial assistance.
   
• Rena L. Dionisio ‘97 Memorial Endowed Nursing Scholarship
  Established by Ann & Henry Dionisio in 1994 in memory of their daughter and endowed in 1997, this scholarship will be given to a second-semester freshman Nursing student with preference for a graduate of Bishop Feehan High School in Attleboro, Massachusetts. The student shall demonstrate a kind, caring, generous and thoughtful character, be in good academic standing, and demonstrate financial need.
   
• Dr. James Dlugos Inaugural Faculty Scholarship
  Given by the faculty of Saint Joseph’s College to honor the inauguration of Dr. James Dlugos.  The scholarship will be awarded in academic year 2014/2015 to one student from the Sebago Lake campus and one from SJC Online.
   
• Florence G. Dussault ‘97 Endowed Scholarship
  Founded by the family of Flo Dussault ‘97 in 2006 to honor and remember her, this scholarship is awarded to a Nursing student from Massachusetts who demonstrates a strong commitment to community service, academic achievement, and athletics.
   
• Sister M. Euphrasia Endowed Scholarship
  The Bradbury family sponsored this scholarship in 1991 in memory of Sister Euphrasia who was a professor and Dean of the College. The scholarship also received contributions from alumni. Students majoring in Biology are eligible for the scholarship.
   
• James F. Feeney Family Endowed Scholarship
  This scholarship was established in 2002 through the bequest of Mary Christine Feeney in memory of the James F. Feeney family. It is reserved for a student who merits financial assistance.
   
• Carolyn Dennett Ficks ‘07 Memorial Scholarship
  The Ficks family sponsored this scholarship in memory of their daughter, Carolyn Dennett Ficks ‘07, who was a student and staff member of the college.  It is awarded to a student studying Accounting, and non-traditional students are encouraged to apply for consideration.
   
• Anita M. Finie ‘86 Endowed Scholarship
  This scholarship was established in 1990 by Anita Finie, ‘86, LL.D. ‘95, and is given to a student who is returning for senior year studies in Nursing. This award is given based on financial need and academic achievement.
   
• Robert & Marianna Buccheri Freeman ‘67 Endowed Scholarship
  The Robert & Marianna Buccheri Freeman ‘67 Endowed Scholarship is to be awarded on an annual basis to a Saint Joseph’s traditional on-campus* student, in his/her sophomore year or higher, who demonstrates financial need, academic achievement (3.0 GPA or higher). The student shall also be a good campus citizen or involved with community service. It is important that he/she be involved on campus beyond just his/her academic studies.
   
• George F. and Sybil H. Fuller Foundation Annual scholarship
  Given by the George F. and Sybil H. Fuller Foundation of Worcester, Massachusetts, this scholarship is awarded annually to up to four students from the Greater Worcester area. Students must demonstrate financial need and academic excellence.
   
• Stephanie Garland Memorial Scholarship
  Given by Saint Joseph’s College employees and friends of the Garland family.  This award is reserved for an online student who aspires to take the first step toward earning a degree.  It is a one-time award for academic year 2014-2015.
   
• Ray Geiger Endowed Scholarship
  This scholarship was established in 1987 by Mr. Geiger, LL.D.’88, who was a former member of the Board of Overseers and honorary degree recipient. It is awarded to a student with financial need. Preference is given to students majoring in Communications.
   
• Peter J. George Endowed Scholarship
  This scholarship was established in 1993 by bequest of Peter J. George, a former member of the Board of Overseers. Four awards of equal size are given to a first-year student, a sophomore, a junior and a senior. The first-year student must have an honors average in high school; the other students must be on the Dean’s List in the year they are approved for the scholarship.
   
• The Anna Lee Gorham ‘47 Endowed Scholarship
  This scholarship was established in 2000 by Coleman Gorham and Anna Gorham, Class of 1947. It provides assistance to Maine students with demonstrated financial need.
   
• The Michael T. Goulet TBI & Epilepsy Foundation Scholarship
  Given by the Foundation founded by the family of the late Michael T. Goulet, who was a student at the College.  The scholarship is meant to benefit a student suffering from a brain injury or epilepsy, and is awarded, if funded, annually by the foundation.
   
• Ida Steele Hanson ‘48 Endowed Scholarship
  This scholarship was established in 1997 by Ida Steele Hanson ‘48 through a charitable remainder trust. It is for one or more students who demonstrate financial need and academic achievement.
   
• Loring E. Hart Endowed Scholarship
  Established in 2013 by Marilyn Hart, Ellen Hart, and Matthew Hart in memory of Dr. Loring E. Hart, former President of Saint Joseph’s College, who passed away in 2012.  The scholarship is reserved for Maine students who have financial need and have demonstrated academic excellence.
   
• The Hearst Foundation Endowed Scholarship
  Established in 1995 by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation of New York City, for scholarships to aid women Nursing students, with a particular emphasis on adult women with children who are also working full or part time.
   
• Reuben Howard Memorial / Vacationland Dog Scholarship
  Mr. & Mrs. Reuben Howard established this scholarship in 1981 to assist a third-year student majoring in the Pre-Veterinary program.  It is maintained by the Vacationland Dog Club.
   
• Eva Albee Kelley Endowed Fund
  This endowed fund is offered to women from Lincoln County, Maine. The amount of the award varies according to the need of the student and the revenue from the endowment. Applications are available from the Office of Financial Aid and must be received by March 1 each year. Awards are made by the Sisters of Mercy.
   
• Kerr Family Endowed Scholarship
  This endowed scholarship was established by the estates of Agnes Kerr ‘56 and her sister Helen Kerr, a long-time friend of the college.  This scholarship benefits a student majoring in Nursing, with preference for a student focusing on Geriatric Nursing.
   
• The John Kneeland Family Endowed Scholarship
  Established in 2000 by Catherine Kneeland, this endowment provides awards to students in good academic standing who demonstrate financial need.
   
• The 2nd Abraham & Fannie Levey Foundation Scholarship
  Given annually by the Levey Foundation for Maine students who demonstrate academic excellence, financial need, and who may be the first in their families to attend college.
   
• The Agnes M. Lindsay Trust Scholarship
  Given by the Agnes M. Lindsay Trust of Manchester, New Hampshire. This trust provides annual scholarships for students from rural areas of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts who demonstrate financial need.
   
• Harold G. Loring Endowed Scholarship
  This scholarship was established in 1985 by friends and family of Harold Loring, a former member of the Board of Overseers, in his memory. It is designated for History or social studies students and is based on financial need and academic achievement.
   
• Marie F. Magee Endowed Nursing Scholarship
  This trust was established in 1963 by Marie F. Magee for Mercy Hospital School of Nursing and directed in 1987 for scholarships to benefit Saint Joseph’s College Nursing students. In 1996, this scholarship became part of the College’s endowment.
   
• William B. Mahoney Endowed Scholarship
  This scholarship was established in 1991 by Roger and Ellen Bailey of Falmouth, Maine, in memory of William B. Mahoney, LL.D. ‘70, father of Mrs. Bailey and friend of the Sisters of Mercy. It is used to assist students in the Pre-Law or Liberal Arts programs on the basis of financial need.
   
• Maine Higher Education Assistance Foundation Scholarship
  Given by the Maine Bankers Association. This scholarship is given to a Business major who is a sophomore, junior or senior, is a Maine high school graduate and demonstrates financial need.
   
• Martin’s Point Endowed Scholarship
  Given by Martin’s Point Health Care Center, Portland, Maine, in 1993. This scholarship is awarded to a master’s nursing student residing in Maine or New Hampshire. The student must demonstrate a potential for leadership, responsibility and decision-making in the professional nurse role and be enrolled in NU601, 611, or 646 as of July 1.
   
• McCahill-Harvey-Slotman Endowed Scholarship
  This scholarship was established in 1986 and is given in memory of the McCahill and Harvey families by Rev. Richard Harvey. It is offered to a sophomore and is based on financial need.
   
• McSween Endowed Scholarship
  As a result of the generous gift of a charitable remainder trust from friends of the college, Andrew and Helen McSween, the McSween Endowed Scholarship provides a number of scholarships to students who demonstrate financial need.
   
• Kathleen Nemier ‘82 Endowed Scholarship
  Created by Stanley E. Nemier in loving memory of his wife Kathleen Nemier ‘82, this scholarship is to be awarded to a traditional on-campus nursing student who demonstrates academic achievement.
   
• Jane E. Newman ‘67 Endowed Scholarship
  This endowment was established in 2002 by Jane E. (Bonnie) Newman ‘67, L.L.D. ‘90, who was the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate Degree. This scholarship benefits deserving students in the traditional 4-year program.
   
• William M. & Louise C. Newman Memorial Scholarship
  This scholarship was established in 2012 by alumna Jane E. Newman ‘67 in memory of her parents, William M. and Louise C. Newman.  It is to be awarded based on a combination of merit and need to help support students who demonstrate an interest in education and public service.
   
• Northeast Mercy Educational Assistance Awards
  Given annually by the Sisters of Mercy Northeast Community, these scholarships are reserved for women who have extremely high financial need.
   
• Matthew Rairdon ‘13 Memorial Scholarship
  This endowment was established by Matthew’s parents, Laurie and Gary Rairdon, through the generosity of family and friends.  It is reserved for a sophomore, junior, or senior Nursing student from Westbrook or Greater Portland or the State of Maine who has attained a 3.0 GPA or higher and demonstrates the character and gifts that Matthew displayed:  compassion for others, passion for the nursing profession, and a strong work ethic.
   
• Elizabeth Collis Ridge ‘20 Endowed Scholarship
  This endowment was established in 1987 by Mr. John Ridge in memory of his wife, a teacher in the Portland (Maine) schools, to assist students of the College on the basis of financial need.
   
• Sister M. Dolores Sablone Endowed Scholarship
  Given by alumni and friends in honor of Sister M. Dolores Sablone, professor and Academic Dean for many years, upon her retirement from the College in 1983. This scholarship is assigned to students who demonstrate both financial need and academic achievement.
   
• Kathleen Smith (Sr. Mary Stephanie) Endowed Scholarship
  Initiated in 1991 by Ray and Mary Ann Navatta Blanchard ‘66, family members, and alumni, this scholarship is in memory of Kathleen Smith (Sister Stephanie). It is given to a student majoring in English. Academic achievement and financial need are the criteria for the selection.
   
• Say Yes to Education - Sister Mary George O’Toole Scholarship
  Mr. George Weiss established this scholarship to honor Sister Mary George O’Toole to benefit minority students from less advantaged neighborhoods.
   
• Anne Marie Tessier Endowed Scholarship
  This endowment was established in 2002 by the estate of Anne Marie Tessier. This scholarship benefits deserving students from Maine, with preference for students from Jay and Livermore Falls.
   
• USF&G Corporate Endowed Scholarship
  Given by the USF&G Foundation, Inc. in 1993, this endowed scholarship program provides funds to a traditional student in good academic standing who is majoring in Business Administration or liberal arts.
   
• Felicia Perez Valle ‘86 Endowed Scholarship
  This endowment was established in 2002 through a bequest in a will from Felicia Perez Valle ‘86 to benefit an adult Nursing student enrolled in Saint Joseph’s College Online (GPS).
   
• Blanche Walsh Charity Trust Scholarship
  Given annually by the Walsh Charity Trust, this scholarship is reserved for Maine students who demonstrate financial need and academic excellence.
   
• Sister M. Consuela White Endowed Scholarship
  Established in 1986 by the Misses Josephine and Dorothy O’Hare in honor of Sister Consuela, former Director of the Nursing Program. Sophomore Nursing students who demonstrate financial need and academic achievement are eligible.
   
• Justin L. & Doris H. Williams Endowed Scholarship
  Created by Sharon William in loving memory of her parents, this scholarship is awarded to a Nursing student, with preference to those from Androscoggin, Cumberland, or Aroostook counties who demonstrate financial need.
   
• Stephen G. Wing Endowed Scholarship
  George and Louise Wing established this scholarship in 1980 in memory of their son. It is reserved for students on the basis of financial need.