FINANCIAL AID
Santa Clara University offers a broad range of financial assistance to undergraduate students administered through the Financial Aid Office. The University realizes that the quality education offered at Santa Clara requires a serious commitment from the student and his or her family. As a partner in this endeavor, the University makes every effort to offer assistance to deserving students. The University makes financial aid awards to entering students based on an analysis of financial need and other relevant factors consistent with applicable federal, state, and University regulations. Depending on the student’s eligibility, a financial aid package may include any combination of grants, scholarships, student employment, and loans.
SANTA CLARA GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
SCU Need-Based Grants and Scholarships
Santa Clara University awards need-based grants and scholarships to students with demonstrated financial need determined from information supplied on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the College Scholarship Service/Financial Aid PROFILE. Recipients of a Santa Clara need-based grant or scholarship must have a minimum grade point average of 2.0 at the end of their freshman year and maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.5 in subsequent years.
SCU Academic Merit Awards
Presidential Scholarship at Entry
The Presidential Scholarship at Entry provides a full tuition merit-based scholarship to freshman students who are admitted with distinction and who demonstrate other qualities identified and emphasized by the president as critical to the University’s mission. All Presidential Scholars at Entry are notified at the time of admission. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years, but must be coordinated with state or federal aid received. NOTE: If other Santa Clara University funds are offered, all funds must be coordinated not to exceed the value of full tuition.
Provost Scholarship
The Provost Scholarship provides a 50 percent tuition merit-based scholarship to freshman students who are admitted with distinction and have assumed leadership roles in their schools and their communities. All Provost Scholars are notified at the time of admission. This scholarship is renewable for up to four years, but must be coordinated with state or federal aid received. NOTE: If other Santa Clara University funds are offered, all funds must coordinate not to exceed the value of half-tuition.
Dean’s Scholarship
The Dean’s Scholarship (Arts and Sciences, Business, and Engineering) is a merit-based award to freshmen. The amount of individual awards varies based on the number of recipients and available funds. The Dean’s Scholarship is renewable for up to four years, but must be coordinated with any other financial aid that might be awarded at a later date, including state or federal aid. In addition, the Dean’s Scholarship is a fixed amount and is not indexed to changes in tuition; therefore, the scholarship will not increase annually. Students must maintain good academic status in order to retain this award.
Presidential Scholarship
Awards from the Presidential Scholarship Fund are open to undergraduate students who have attained senior status, have attended at least six quarters at Santa Clara University, and have either excelled academically (minimum 3.5 grade point average) or made a significant contribution to the University community in a nonacademic area while maintaining a solid academic record.
Thomas J. and Arlene Bannan Merit Scholarship
The Thomas J. and Arlene Bannan Merit Scholarship is awarded to a limited number of students who have demonstrated high academic achievement and exemplify the best traditions of Santa Clara University in terms of leadership, integrity, and community service. Recipients are selected during the admissions process and there is no separate application.
Eastside Future Teachers Program Scholarship
Each year, six students from the Eastside Union High School District (EUHSD) are selected for the Eastside Future Teachers Program Scholarship (EFTP). Students receive awards for four years of undergraduate study and a fifth year teaching credential at Santa Clara University. If the student demonstrates financial need, selected student will receive an award varied in amounts. The Eastside Future Teachers Program in consultation with the Eastside Union High School District identifies potential candidates.
National Merit Scholarships
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation, in conjunction with the Financial Aid Office, awards four merit scholarships to selected academically talented high school seniors for undergraduate studies at Santa Clara University. Prospective Santa Clara University freshmen who have been selected as a National Merit Finalist and who have listed Santa Clara University as their first choice school on the National Merit Scholarship Application, are eligible for consideration. Santa Clara University-sponsored National Merit Scholars will receive $2,000 per year, renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study.
SCU Talent and Performance-Based Awards
Theatre and Dance Scholarships
The Department of Theatre and Dance, in conjunction with the Financial Aid Office, awards scholarships to students who are declared majors in theatre and dance. Auditions for awards are generally held in early January.
Music Scholarships
The Department of Music offers partial tuition and private lesson scholarships to students who qualify by audition.
Debate and Forensics Scholarships
Scholarships are available to students participating in the debate and forensics program. Most scholarships are awarded in the sophomore, junior, and senior years of undergraduate study.
SCU Legacy Grants and Scholarships
Jesuit Ignatian Awards
The Jesuit Ignation Award is offered to academically outstanding students who graduated from a Jesuit high school. Awards will vary, depending on the number of qualified students and the availability of funds. The award is renewable for up to four years, but must be coordinated with any other financial aid that might be awarded at a later date, including state or federal aid. In addition, the Jesuit Ignatian Award is a fixed amount and is not indexed to changes in tuition; therefore, the scholarship will not increase annually. Students must maintain good academic status in order to retain this award.
Alumni Family Scholarships
A limited number of scholarships is awarded each year to children and grandchildren of Santa Clara University alumni. Criteria for selection include financial need, academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, and demonstrated leadership ability. Award amounts vary, depending on the number of qualified students and the availability of funds. Selection is made by the Alumni Family Committee in consultation with the Financial Aid Office. The Financial Aid Office will coordinate Alumni Scholarships with other financial aid awards in accordance with applicable federal, state, and University regulations.
Third-Child Family Grants
The University offers a Third-Child Grant to families with three or more dependent children simultaneously enrolled in undergraduate programs at the University. A grant equal to 50 percent of the annual tuition amount will be awarded to the student who is furthest along in his or her studies, not exceeding 12 quarters. To be considered, parents must submit a written request with a copy of their federal income tax return showing all three Santa Clara students as dependents.
Athletic Scholarships
The Department of Athletics awards scholarships to student-athletes competing in intercollegiate sports sponsored by the University in accordance with the regulations of the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the West Coast Conference. Depending on the sport and the student-athlete’s eligibility, individual scholarships vary up to the full cost of attendance as defined by NCAA regulations. The Financial Aid Office will coordinate athletic scholarships with other financial aid awards in accordance with applicable federal, state, and University regulations.
Community Facilitator Grants
Students who are community facilitators in the Residential Learning Communities receive a grant generally equivalent to the cost of room and board for their service in that role. The Financial Aid Office will coordinate community facilitator grants with other financial aid awards in accordance with applicable federal, state, and University regulations.
Faculty and Staff Tuition Remission
SCU Tuition Remission
Santa Clara faculty and staff and their dependents enrolled as undergraduate students are eligible to receive a tuition remission grant in accordance with Policy 609 (Education Benefits) in the Staff Policy Manual. Tuition remission grants only cover tuition costs. Students are responsible for room and board charges and other fees associated with their enrollment. SCU tuition remission is coordinated with other financial aid awards in accordance with applicable federal, state, and University regulations.
FACHEX
FACHEX (Faculty and Staff Children Exchange) is a tuition remission program for children of full-time faculty and staff established by the Conference of Academic Vice Presidents of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. Under the FACHEX program, employees who have a tuition remission benefit for their children at their home institution are eligible to apply for the same benefit at participating Jesuit colleges and universities. The home institution determines specific eligibility requirements. Because each participating institution determines the number of FACHEX grants it will award to incoming students each year, there are no guarantees to the children of a given faculty or staff member that they will be able to utilize the FACHEX benefit at the institution of their choice. FACHEX grants only cover tuition costs. Students are responsible for room and board charges and other fees associated with their enrollment. Children of Santa Clara employees who utilize the FACHEX program at another institution and subsequently transfer to Santa Clara as an undergraduate student are not eligible for an SCU tuition remission.
Tuition Exchange Grants
Tuition Exchange is a tuition grant program for dependent children of faculty and staff managed under a partnership program involving almost 600 colleges and universities.
Dependent children of University employees are eligible to participate in the Tuition Exchange in accordance with Policy 609 (Education Benefits) in the Staff Policy Manual.
Tuition Exchange grants are not a guaranteed award, but are based on each institution maintaining a balance between students sent on the exchange (exports) and students received on the exchange (imports). Most tuition exchange grants cover full tuition for four years at the host institution. Students are responsible for room and board charges and other fees associated with their enrollment. Institutions with tuition costs greater than $25,000 are permitted to award less than their full tuition but not less than $25,000. The Tuition Exchange Board of Directors sets the minimum value of a Tuition Exchange grant annually. Any difference between the Tuition Exchange grant value and the actual tuition is the responsibility of the student.
FEDERAL AND CALIFORNIA GRANTS
Federal Pell Grants
Federal Pell Grants are need-based grants awarded to students in accordance with eligibility requirements set by the United States Department of Education. The maximum amount of a Pell Grant is set in the funding legislation adopted by Congress. Grants can be used for tuition, fees, and living expenses. Students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for a Pell Grant. The Federal Pell Grant, as with all federal grants, is subject to federal funding.
Academic Competitiveness Grants
The Academic Competitiveness Grant program provides grants to full-time students who are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant and who have successfully completed a rigorous high school program as determined by the state or local education agency and recognized by the Secretary of Education. Second-year students must also have maintained a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0. Academic Competitiveness Grants are awarded for amounts up to $750 for the first year of undergraduate study and up to $1,300 for the second year of undergraduate study. The Academic Competitiveness Grant, as with all federal grants, is subject to federal funding.
National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grants
The National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant program provides grants to full-time students in their third and fourth years of undergraduate study who are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant and who are majoring in physical, life, or computer science, mathematics, technology, engineering, or a foreign language determined critical to national security. The student must also have maintained a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 in coursework required for the major. National SMART grants are awarded for amounts up to $4,000 for each year of undergraduate study. The National SMART Grant, as with all federal grants, is subject to federal funding.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) are need-based grants available to students with the most exceptional need who have not yet received a bachelor’s degree. Grants range from $100 to $4,000 a year. Priority is given to students who are eligible for Federal Pell Grants and then to other undergraduate students with the greatest demonstrated need. The FSEOG, as with all federal grants, is subject to federal funding.
Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant
The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant program provides grants of up to $4,000 per academic year to students who intend to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families. Eligible students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, and maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.25. If the student fails to complete the required service obligation, all amount of TEACH Grants received will be converted to a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. The TEACH Grant, as with all federal grants, is subject to federal funding.
California Grants
The California Grant program provides state-funded awards to California residents based on both academic achievement and financial need. Eligibility criteria for the Cal Grant A and Cal Grant B programs are available from the California Student Aid Commission. The California Grants, as with all state grants, are subject to state funding.
The Cal Grant A program assists with tuition and fees at public and independent colleges. The California Student Aid Commission sets the current maximum award for a Cal Grant A based on the funding legislation adopted by the State of California. A Cal Grant A award is made to every graduating high school senior who has at least a 3.0 grade point average, meets the financial and academic requirements, and submits an application by the applicable deadline.
The Cal Grant B program provides a living allowance and tuition assistance for students who demonstrate substantial financial need and come from a very low-income household. Awards for most first-year students are limited to an allowance for books and living expenses. When renewed or awarded beyond the freshman year, the award also helps pay for tuition and fees. The awards for tuition and fees are the same as those for Cal Grant A. Every graduating high school senior who has at least a 2.0 grade point average, meets the financial and academic requirements, and submits an application by the applicable deadline will receive a Cal Grant B award.
OTHER GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
Army ROTC Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded to undergraduate students through the Army Reserved Officers Training Program (ROTC). Two-year, three-year, and four-year scholarships are awarded under the program to eligible ROTC students. The ROTC scholarships may cover full tuition from funds provided by the Army and may cover standard on-campus room and board charges from a University grant. In addition, recipients receive a tax-free stipend ranging from $250 to $400 per month during the academic year and an allowance for books and other educational items. Students who accept Army ROTC scholarships incur a military obligation that can be fulfilled by serving part-time in the Army National Guard or Army Reserve or by serving full-time on Army active duty.
Private Scholarships
Students receiving private scholarships must notify the Financial Aid Office if they are receiving any other form of financial aid. Private scholarship checks should be sent by the awarding organization to the Financial Aid Office to ensure appropriate and timely processing. The Financial Aid Office will coordinate private scholarships with other financial aid awards in accordance with applicable federal, state, and University regulations.
STUDENT EMPLOYMENT
Campus Employment
Part-time jobs for undergraduate students are available in many offices and departments on campus. Campus job listings are maintained by the Student Employment Office.
Students earn an hourly wage at least at the current minimum wage rate for the State of California and may be paid at a higher rate depending on the type of work or skills required.
Federal Work Study Program
The Federal Work Study program is a need-based student employment program under which students can work up to 20 hours per week on campus or through an approved off-campus site. Students earn an hourly wage at least at the current minimum wage rate for the state of California and may be paid at a higher rate depending on the type of work or skills required. Students receive a paycheck each period and can use the money for educational or living expenses. Earnings under the program are taxable.
LOANS
Federal Perkins Loans
Perkins Loans are federally funded low-interest loans provided to undergraduate students based on financial need and administered by the University. Depending on funds available, a student may borrow up to $5,500 per year while enrolled as an undergraduate student. Repayment of the loan begins nine months after completion of the deferment period, upon graduation, or when the student’s enrollment status drops below half-time status (i.e., less than 6 units). The current interest rate on Perkins Loans is fixed at 5 percent.
William D. Ford Federal Direct Loans
William D. Ford Federal Direct Loans are federally funded low-interest loans provided to undergraduate students and administered by the United States Department of Education. Under the Federal Direct Loan program, a student may borrow funds for educationally related expenses and defer repayment until six months after graduation or when the enrollment status drops below half-time (i.e., less than 6 units). If an undergraduate is an independent student or a dependent student whose parents are not eligible for a Federal PLUS Loan, the student can borrow more funds through the Federal Direct Loan program based on their academic grade level. To receive a subsidized Federal Direct Loan, a student must have unmet financial need. Interest is not charged on a subsidized Federal Direct Loan while the student is enrolled at least half-time or during any grace or deferment periods. Eligibility for unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans is determined after eligibility for subsidized Federal Direct Loans is decided. Interest is charged on unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans during all periods, including while the student is enrolled in school and during any grace or deferment periods.
Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (Federal Direct PLUS Loan)
A parent or step-parent of a dependent student may apply for a Parent Loan for Undergraduate Student (Federal PLUS) through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan program to help cover the cost of educational expenses. To be eligible for a Federal Direct PLUS Loan, a student must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien and must be enrolled at least half-time. A parent may borrow up to the cost of attendance minus all other financial aid for each undergraduate child. An origination fee is deducted from the disbursement of the loan. The current interest rate on Federal Direct PLUS Loans is fixed at 7.9 percent.
