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 Colleges merit scholarship programs through the admission process. For a listing of first year scholarships, refer to the current Saint Joseph’s College Viewbook.

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 packages.

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 federal and institutional formulas.

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 students 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 January 1 and before the priority date announced annually:

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
   
• Saint Joseph’s College Financial Aid Application.
   
• Parents & Students Signed Federal Income Tax Returns
  (Including all schedules and W2s).

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.

A student has the right to request reconsideration of the financial aid award given changes in the familys financial circumstances or other mitigating factors. A letter requesting reconsideration should be directed to the Financial Aid Committee. These requests are subject to the availability of funds and committee review.

Students are expected to graduate within four years of full-time study at Saint Joseph’s. Financial aid eligibility is, in part, based on a students progress in the degree program. The following minimum standards are required of all aid recipients.

At Completion of Semester of Attendance			Class Level			Minimum Cumulative Earned Credits Required			Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average Required (CGPA)
	First			Freshman			12			1.50
	Second			Freshman			28			1.75
	Third			Sophomore			44			1.85
	Fourth			Sophomore			60			2.0
	Fifth			Junior			78			2.0
	Sixth			Junior			96			2.0
	Seventh			Senior			112			2.0
	Eighth			Senior			128			2.0

Students who are attending on a part-time basis are also required to meet academic progress standards. To determine how many credits students must earn, multiply the cumulative credits by 75% if attending on a three-quarter time basis (9-11 credits) and 50% if attending on a half-time basis (6-8 credits per semester). Students must be at least half-time to receive financial aid and must also carry at least the cumulative grade point average indicated for the number of credits students are required to have completed.

A student who fails to meet the criteria during our annual review will be placed on probation for one semester. The cumulative credit and grade point average benchmarks to regain full eligibility are provided to student aid applicants who are placed on probation. The student will have one semester to regain eligibility. Only after that time will he or she be denied financial aid as a result of failing to meet the standards of satisfactory academic progress. Mitigating circumstances should be documented and included with a letter requesting reconsideration. This letter should be addressed to the Financial Aid Committee.

In general, an eligible student may receive up to eight semesters of institutional financial aid if enrolled on a full-time basis. Students who elect or who are required to repeat courses must still maintain the minimum standards outlined in the chart above. For this and other reasons, some students may have to enroll in summer school. In cases where mitigating circumstances have been used to determine an individual students progress requirements, a student may receive federal aid for only 150% of the normal degree completion time frame.

The College offers many scholarship and grant funds. For a complete listing including descriptions, application procedures, eligibility, selection criteria, and award amounts, please refer to our Web site at www.sjcme.edu. Full-time, baccalaureate degree seeking students are considered for scholarship funds during the admission process. These scholarships are renewed as appropriate (satisfactory academic progress, individual scholarship criteria, and continued enrollment in the same program as a full-time student). Students may make application for need-based funds each year.

New students to the College are considered for the following scholarship programs. For descriptions, please refer to Saint Joseph’s College Viewbook.

• Presidential Scholarship
   
• McAuley Scholarship
   
• Saint Joseph’s Scholarship
   
• Mercy 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
   
• Minority Assistance Grant
   
• Family Tuition Reduction Grant (for families who have two or more students enrolled full-time concurrently at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine)

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

• Federal Pell Grant
  The Federal Pell Grant is an entitlement program available to students who demonstrate need and meet a family contribution requirement as specified by the U. S. Department of Education. The awards generally range between $400 and $4,050 for the 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 the maximum is $4,000, but federal funding constraints generally do not allow the award to exceed $1,000.
   
• 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.
   
• Federal Perkins Loan
  This low-interest educational loan is awarded to students with financial need. It carries a 5% interest rate and a 9-month grace period for new borrowers. Awards range from $500 to $2,500 and are usually made to first-year and some sophomore students.
   
• 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 $2,500 and are usually made to first-year and some sophomore students.
   
• Federal Stafford Loan
  The Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan allows eligible students to borrow funds from the participating lender of their choice. The College does maintain a preferred lender list. The federal government subsidizes the interest while the student maintains at least halftime enrollment and during a six-month grace period thereafter. Students are allowed a maximum of 10 years to repay loan principal and interest, and the program offers many options for forbearance, cancellation, and deferment (including Peace Corps or other volunteer service). Students are notified via the award letter if they are eligible for this program. The Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan Program is available to students who do not demonstrate financial need. However, the student is responsible for the interest which accrues during enrollment. This interest may be capitalized. Independent students may borrow both the subsidized and unsubsidized loans.
   
• 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 guidance counselor or states scholarship agency for more information.

There are also many restricted and endowed scholarship programs which are available to students. 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. Selection is made by the Financial Aid Committee in conjunction with other appropriate members of the College community.

• 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.
   
• 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. Boto 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 Boto 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 Patricks Parish 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 students 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.
   
• 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 three first-year students and one returning junior or senior student 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 Colleges 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.
   
• 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.
   
• 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.
   
• Virginia M. Foley 55 Endowed Scholarship
  This scholarship was endowed in 1985 through a bequest to the College following Ms. Foleys untimely death. Funds are awarded to a sophomore who demonstrates financial need.
   
• George F. and Sybil H. Fuler 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.
   
• 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 Deans 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.
   
• 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.
   
• 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 working adult women with children.
   
• 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. Awards are made by the Sisters of Mercy.
   
• 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 Agnes M. Lindsay Trust Scholarship
  Given by the Agnes M. Lindsay Trust of Manchester, New Hampshire. This trust provides 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 Colleges 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 Administration student who is a sophomore, junior or senior, is a Maine high school graduate and demonstrates financial need.
   
• Martins Point Endowed Scholarship
  Given by Martins Point Health Care Center, Portland, Maine, in 1993. This scholarship is awarded to a student who has at least three years of vocational experience prior to admission to the College and is a Maine or New Hampshire resident. The student must demonstrate a potential for leadership, responsibility and decision-making in the professional nurse role. Preference is given to part-time students who demonstrate financial need.
   
• McCahil-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.
   
• Newman Family Endowed Scholarship
  This endowment was established in 2002 by Jane E. (Bonnie) Newman, Class of 1967 and recipient of an Honorary Doctorate Degree in 1990. This scholarship benefits deserving students in the traditional 4-year program.
   
• Elizabeth Colis 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.
   
• 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.
   
• Vacationland Dog Club Endowed Scholarship
  Mr. & Mrs. Rueben Howard established this scholarship in 1981 to assist a third-year student majoring in the Pre-Veterinary program or Biology.
   
• Sister M. Consuela White Endowed Scholarship
  Established in 1986 by the Misses Josephine and Dorothy OHare in honor of Sister Consuela, former Director of the Nursing Program. Sophomore Nursing students who demonstrate financial need and academic achievement are eligible.
   
• 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.