Scholarships and Grants
Institutional Grants and Awards
Saint Joseph College Scholarships and Awards - These scholarships are based on merit and awarded to students prior to or at the time of admission. They are renewable up to a maximum of four years provided the student maintains full-time status and satisfactory academic standing.
- The SJC Scholarship. A scholarship of up to $18,000 awarded to students based on grade point average and scores on the SAT or ACT. Eligibility is evaluated during the admissions process.
- The SJC Award. A scholarship of up to $15,000 awarded to students based on grade point average and scores on the SAT or ACT. Eligibility is evaluated during the admissions process.
Academic Scholarships - These scholarships are awarded to students at the time of admission and are renewable if you maintain full-time enrollment status and the required grade point average. Transfer and international students may qualify for academic scholarships as well. These scholarships include:
- The McAuley Scholarship. Established in memory of the college’s founder, Sister Catherine McAuley, this scholarship is available to first year students graduating from a Catholic high school with exceptional academic merit. The scholarship is worth up to $19,000 a year and is renewable for four years. It celebrates the tradition of excellence in Catholic education and provides students the opportunity to continue studying at a college enriched by faith and a commitment to service.
- The Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship. $8,000 for full-time students who are members of this two-year college honors society; renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study.
- Girl Scout Gold Award. Students who complete the gold award through the Girl Scouts organization are eligible for a $1,000 scholarship at Saint Joseph College. The college is proud to offer this scholarship because it recognizes the shared commitment of the Girl Scout organization and Mercy colleges in promoting community service and women’s leadership.
Saint Joseph College Grant - This grant is awarded to full-time students who demonstrate financial need. It is based on the information provided by the student on her Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Endowed Scholarships - Thanks to the generosity of donors, Saint Joseph College has more than 65 endowed scholarships. Students who apply for financial aid are automatically considered for these scholarships.
State Grants
Capitol Scholarship Program - provides state grants to help talented and needy students pay for college. The Connecticut Department of Higher Education administers the program. Contact your guidance office for more information or visit CTDHE on line at http://www.ctdhe.org/
Connecticut Independent College Grant - This is a state grant administered by the College and awarded to Connecticut residents who demonstrate financial need based on the data provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Federal Grants
The Federal Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant are both federal grants that are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need and meet certain criteria established by the U. S. Department of Education.
The Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) - The ACG is designed for students entering their first or second year of college. Currently students are eligible to receive up to $750 for their first year of student and up to $1,300 for their second year. In order to be eligible, students must be eligible to receive a Pell grant and have completed a rigorous high school program of study as defined by their state department of education. Second year recipients must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.0.
SMART Grant - These grants are designed for Pell eligible students entering their third or fourth year of undergraduate study and are majoring in the computer sciences, engineering, certain life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, and a select group of foreign languages. Eligible students can receive up to $4,000 per year.
The TEACH Grant Program provides assistance for undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, and graduate students who qualify academically (3.25 overall GPA on a 4.0 scale) and agree to teach for at least four years as full-time "highly qualified" teachers within eight years of completing, or otherwise ceasing to be enrolled in, the program for which she/he received a TEACH Grant. Service must be in high-need fields in public or not-for-profit elementary or secondary schools that serve students from low-income families.
Eligible full-time students may receive $4,000 per year, up to a maximum of $16,000 for undergraduate and post-baccalaureate study, and $8,000 for graduate study. The grant is reduced for part-time students.
The law identifies the following as high-need fields:
Bilingual education
English language acquisition
Foreign language
Mathematics
Reading Specialist
Science
Special education, or
Another field documented as high-need by the Federal government, a State government, or a Local Education Agency, and approved by the Secretary. (This field must be listed in the Department's annual Teacher Shortage Area Nationwide Listing.)
The TEACH Grant converts to an unsubsidized Direct Loan if the student fails to complete any part of her obligation. The loan, plus interest, must be repaid.
Click here for more detailed information about the Federal Teach Grant.
Yellow Ribbon Program and Veterans Services
Through Saint Joseph College’s participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program, Veterans who received benefits under the new GI Bill are eligible for a full tuition waiver. Saint Joseph College will also review a Veteran’s service experience in awarding college credit.
The Office of the Registrar administers Veterans programs, including the Yellow Ribbon Program, at Saint Joseph College. For more information, visit their Veterans Services Website.
Outside Scholarships
Students are also encouraged to apply for any outside scholarships that are available through different towns, civic organizations, or companies. Students are required to report these scholarships to the Student Financial Services Center. Outside scholarships will first be applied to remaining account balances, second to reduce Perkins, Stafford, PLUS and/or Alternative Loan(s), and lastly to replace Institution and/or State funds. For outside scholarship opportunities click here.
For more information on scholarship opportunities, contact the Student Financial Services Center at 866.442.8752, e-mail financialaid@sjc.edu, or stop by the office on the second floor of Mercy Hall, Room 219.
