Merit Scholarships and Need-Based Financial Aid

St. John’s endeavors to make the college affordable for all students by providing merit scholarships and need-based financial aid. You can estimate costs by using our Net Price Calculator.

All applicants are eligible to receive merit scholarships and are assessed for merit scholarships on the basis of their application for admission. Applicants seeking need-based financial aid, which can include grants, loans, and work study opportunities, should follow the instructions below.

How to Apply for Need-Based Financial Aid

US Citizens and Permanent Residents

For US citizens and permanent residents applying for need-based financial aid, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required and the CSS Profile is strongly encouraged at the same time you submit your application for admission.

If applying Early Decision or Early Action, applicants should submit the CSS Profile at the same time they submit the application for admission and then submit the FAFSA when it becomes available (currently scheduled by the Department of Education for December 2023). If applying Regular Decision or Rolling Admission, applicants should submit the FAFSA and CSS Profile at the same time they submit the application for admission.

International Students

For international students applying for need-based financial aid, the CSS Profile is required and should be submitted at the same time you submit the application for admission. For more information, please read our guide to financial aid for international applicants.

Priority Submission Process

Step 1: Applying for Financial Aid at St. John’s College (U.S. Students Only)

1. The student and parent will each need a FSA ID to apply online for financial aid. The FSA ID will also be needed to complete and sign the Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Notes for loans. The same FSA ID will be used every year to apply for aid. (January Freshmen in Santa Fe must apply as soon as they are accepted).
   Apply for a FSA ID
2. Complete the Free Application Student Financial Aid (FAFSA) and submit it to the Federal Processor with your FSA ID (student and parent). FAFSA code is 002092 (Annapolis) or 002093 (Santa Fe).
3. Once accepted to St. John’s College, the Financial Aid Office will use your FAFSA to determine your eligibility for Federal and Institutional Aid. A financial aid award letter will be sent for you to review, accept, or decline. Sign, date, and return the letter to the Financial Aid Office.

Step 2: Verification (if selected)

1. The request for additional documents needed from the student is done at the time the financial aid award letter is sent. Some of these forms can be printed from the St. John’s website under Forms and Resources.
2. Other required documents may include your prior year IRS Tax transcript (which you must order) and W2s for the student/spouse and parent(s).
3. All verification documents are to be returned to the Financial Aid Office via fax at 410-626-2885 for Annapolis and 505-984-6164 for Santa Fe, mailed to the college, or scanned and forwarded to the office via email.

Step 3: Loan Processing

Students and parents interested in applying for educational loans listed on the award notice need to complete the online Master Promissory Note (MPN). Entrance Counseling is also required and should be completed at the same time.

Step 4: Disbursement of Funds

Your financial aid file must be complete for your financial aid funds to be credited to your student account.

Undergraduate Financial Aid Deadlines for New Students