Mount Aloysius College realizes the cost to attend college can be a financial challenge for students and their families. At the College, we maintain tuition at competitive levels.

Approximately ninety-nine percent of MAC students receive financial aid with the average aid offer over $12,000. We award millions of dollars in scholarships each year and also offer grants and work-study.

Learn more:
Financial Aid Forms
Scholarships
Live FAFSA Help (PDF)

Watch the video above to learn just how affordable education can be at Mount Aloysius College.

Financial Aid at Mount Aloysius College

Mount Aloysius College offers financial aid to ninety-nine percent of our students.

Mount Aloysius College awards more than $7.5 million each year in institutional grants & scholarships.

The average student aid offer is over $12,000.

Mount Aloysius College has more than 90 endowed scholarships.

Many Mount Aloysius College students receive federal work-study.

What is Financial Aid?

Financial aid is the assistance students can receive from federal, state, institutional and private sources to help pay for a college education. Financial aid usually falls into three categories: grants and scholarships (do not have to be repaid), student loans (must be repaid) and student employment. Mount Aloysius College uses information from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial need.

To determine the need for financial aid at Mount Aloysius , students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with the federal processor. A student’s cost of attendance is calculated by the college and includes:

  • Tuition and fees
  • Room and board
  • Books and supplies  (estimated $2,500/year)
  • Plus an allowance for miscellaneous expenses (daycare, transportation, etc.)  (estimated $3,000/year)

Using the information reported on the FAFSA, the processor calculates the expected family contribution.

Determining a student’s eligibility for aid involves three basic components: COST OF ATTENDANCE – FAMILY CONTRIBUTION = NEED

Eligibility for federal student aid is based on financial need and on several other factors. To receive federal aid, you must:

  • Demonstrate financial need (except for certain loans).
  • Have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate or complete a high school education in a home school setting that is treated as such under state law.
  • Be working toward a degree in an eligible program.
  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non citizen.
  • Have a valid Social Security Number (unless you’re from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau).
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress once in school.
  • Certify that you are not in default on a federal student loan and do not owe money on a federal student grant.
  • Certify that you will use federal student aid only for educational purposes.
  • Have not met the aggregate limits for Pell grants and student loans.

Even if you are ineligible for federal aid, you should complete the FAFSA because you may be eligible for non-federal aid from states and private institutions. If you regain eligibility during the award year, notify the Financial Aid Office immediately. If you are convicted of a drug-related offense after you submit the FAFSA, you might lose eligibility for federal student aid, and you might be liable for returning any financial aid you received during a period of ineligibility.

Financial Aid Integrity & Misrepresentation

Mount Aloysius College Financial Aid Office strives to provide an environment that is committed to serving students (prospective and enrolled) with the utmost integrity and respect.   We shall not provide erroneous, false or misleading statements to prospective students, current students or the family of a student.   This pledge of integrity also applies to any and all information exchanged or submitted to the Department of Education (DOE).

The Financial Aid Office monitors all related financial aid documents and files for discrepancies and errors which include willful misrepresentations and fraud.   Mount Aloysius College is required to report any suspected  fraud  or knowledge of deliberate  misrepresentations of information  that would affect a student’s eligibility for Title IV aid to the Office of Inspector General.   In this case, in addition to reporting the misrepresentation, a student may be required to repay some or all aid which was awarded and disbursed on their behalf.

The school will credit your grants to your school account at least once per semester.

  • Nursing Loans will be disbursed onto your school account each semester shortly after an entrance interview is completed.
  • Direct Stafford Loans will be disbursed onto your school account each semester after eligibility is reviewed. If you are a first-year undergraduate student and a first time borrower, your first disbursement can’t be made until 30 days after the first day of your enrollment period.
  • Direct Parent and Direct Grad Plus loans will be disbursed onto your school account each semester after eligibility is reviewed.
  • Work-study money earned is paid directly to the student bi-weekly by check.

Note: No financial aid is released to a student’s account until all requested financial aid paperwork is complete, including but not limited to a signed aid offer, verification, and entrance interview paperwork.

How to Apply for Financial Aid

To apply for financial aid, complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, as soon after October 1 as possible. Mount Aloysius College priority FAFSA deadline is April 1 each year. The Financial Aid Office strongly suggests you and your parents (if applicable) have your Federal Income taxes completed before you file your FAFSA. Those students who submit their FAFSA by April 1st will be entered into a drawing for a $1,000 tuition scholarship. Two scholarships will be awarded each year. One will be given to a new, full-time student and one to a returning, full-time student.

The FAFSA must be filed online. FAFSA worksheets are available at the Financial Aid Office, FAFSA website or your high school guidance office. (Our FAFSA code is 003302.) Each year you will need to file a new FAFSA while attending Mount Aloysius.   The student and one parent (if applicable) must create an FSA ID which is a username and password that will allow you to log in and sign the FASFA and log into other Department of Education websites.  You can apply for the FSA ID at studentaid.gov.   This should be done prior to completing the FAFSA. Due to processing time, we recommend you apply at least 3 days before filing the FAFSA.  Both the student and parent (if applicable) must separate, valid email accounts.

To apply for the Pennsylvania State Grant, complete and submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid by the May 1 deadline.

Remember, Mount Aloysius College has a preferred/priority deadline of April 1. We recommend that all students apply for financial aid as early as possible, so that we can consider your eligibility for available funds.

For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office at 814.886.6357 or toll free 1.888.823.2220.

Admissions & Financial Aid Timeline

January/September

Sophomore year to rising senior status

  • Visit campus/attend an open house
  • Collect admissions facts and publications

September/October

Seniors

  • Submit a Mount Aloysius College admissions application (Include transcripts, etc.)
  • Attend an open house
  • Student and parent (if applicable) should create FSA ID
  • File FAFSA after October 1

November/December

  • Receive letter of admissibility
  • Receive pre-award information
  • Early deposit deadline for Nursing and Health majors
  • If you are selected for verification please send the following:
    • Obtain an IRS tax TRANSCRIPT for both the student and parents from the IRS or signed copies of the tax return or use the IRS Data retrieval tool through your FAFSA form
    • Completed verification worksheet and submit supporting documentation (Call the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships with questions)
    • Copies of all W-2’s

January/February

  • Nursing and Health Studies majors encouraged to have applications in by January 1
  • Nursing majors encouraged to pay deposits and commit to attend in the fall
  • Mercy Presidential Scholarship deadline is February 15
  • Vox Nova (Choir) reception (Scholarship Funded)

March/April/May

  • Attend accepted student day in March or re-visit MAC with your family
  • Priority FAFSA deadline is April 1
  • Pay enrollment deposit by April 1 – Refundable until May 1 for students who deposit on time (This guarantees your place in the new class)
  • Housing is guaranteed until April 1

June/July

  • Receive final aid offer
  • Submit final transcripts
  • Apply for student and alternative loans
  • Tuition bill available on-line
  • Call the Business Office for assistance in determining bill or payment plans

Additional Financial Aid Information

Financial Literacy
Forms
Scholarships
Work Study

Frequently Asked Questions

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Your financial aid may be adjusted depending on your situation. A student’s aid can never exceed their cost of attendance and some institutional aid or loans may need to be adjusted based on the amount you receive.

You can request it online at www.irs.gov or call 1-800-908-9946.  You can also do a paper request by downloading the form 4506T EZ at http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Order-a-Transcript.

You can do this one of two ways. With your FSA Id go back in to your FAFSA record and make the correction and resubmit to the Department of Education. Or, you can bring your correction with supporting documentation, if needed to the Financial Aid Office and we’ll make the correction for you.

Financial Aid Information for YOU

Transfer Students
Graduate Students
Part-time Students
Study Abroad Students
Summer Classes
Students Posing at the Outdoor Bash on Campus

Financial Aid for Transfer Students

Go to the FAFSA website and use your FSA ID to add Mount Aloysius as one of your school choices. The school code is 003302 and don’t forget to update your housing status. If you misplaced your FSA ID, visit studentaid.gov.

This form will allow Mount Aloysius to access your Pennsylvania State Grant . The Enrollment Change Form can be returned to the Financial Aid Office, or you may send it directly to the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency. You may also update your status on your Account Access at www.aessuccess.org.

If you will be using Direct Stafford Loan monies to assist in paying your tuition, you must contact the school you attended in the Fall and request they cancel the second disbursement of the loan if you borrowed for the entire year. The amount you can receive for the Spring will be based on the amount you borrowed for Fall and your grade level at Mount Aloysius for the Spring. Your grade level is based on the number of credits that will transfer into Mount Aloysius. Mount Aloysius College participates in the Direct Loan programs. If you have never borrowed a Stafford Loan through the Direct Loan Program, you will need to complete a new Master Promissory Note for a Direct Stafford Loan. To check your total loan debt, go to the NSLDS website.

If you will be using a Direct Parent Plus Loan to assist in paying your tuition, you must contact the school you attended in the fall and request they cancel the second disbursement of the loan if your parent borrowed for the year (if applicable). Your parent will need to complete a Direct PLUS Loan Pre-qualification Form or you can apply online at studentaid.gov. If your parent applied for the Direct Plus Loan at your previous school and was denied, your parent still needs to apply with Mount Aloysius as the college and receive the denial again. If your parent was approved for the Direct PLUS Loan at your previous school and has elected to take a Direct PLUS loan at Mount Aloysius College we will process the loan using the Direct PLUS Master Promissory Note on file.

The final transcripts will be reviewed to determine how many credits have been earned towards your new program of study. Students who have received prior state grant assistance at another institution are required to submit final transcripts to the Registrar’s Office at Mount Aloysius. Academic progress requirements for the Pennsylvania State Grant program require the College to verify that you were successfully making academic progress at your prior institution before transferring to Mount Aloysius. Pennsylvania State Grant funds will not be credited to the student’s account until the transcripts are received and progress has been checked.

If you were selected for verification, you will be required to link federal taxes using the IRS Data Retrieval tool within the FAFSA site or submit signed copies of you and your parents (if applicable) Federal IRS Tax Return Transcript or a signed copy of the Federal tax return and any other supporting documentation.  You and your parents (if applicable) will be required to submit all W-2 forms to the Financial Aid Office as well. You will also be required to submit a completed verification worksheet. The Financial Aid Office will notify you if these documents are required to complete your file. Your financial aid will not be processed until verification is completed.

Financial Aid for Graduate Students

Much of the aid received by graduate students is in the form of loans. Many federal and state aid programs available to undergraduate students are not available to graduate students (Pell and FSEOG Grants as well as many state programs.)

To apply for a Federal Direct Stafford Loan, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on a yearly basis. In addition, a Federal Direct Stafford Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN)  and the Annual Student Loan Acknowledgement must be submitted to the Department of Education.

Students wishing to receive Federal Direct Stafford Loan monies to finance their graduate education must be enrolled in a degree program and are required to comply with all federal regulations regarding the verification of their FAFSA, satisfactory academic progress, and withdrawal policies/procedures.

Academic progress for graduate students will require the student to receive a grade of A, B, C, D or P. Any graduate student who receives a grade of F, I, or W is considered to have NOT successfully completed credits attempted. Graduate students must earn all credits attempted. Examples: A full-time graduate student attempts 12 credits per semester for a total of 24 credits for the academic year. That student must pass with an A, B, C, D or P all 24 credits. A full-time graduate student attempts 9 credits per semester for a total of 18 credits for the academic year. That student must pass with an A, B, C, D or P all 18 credits. A part-time graduate student attempts 6 credits per semester for a total of 12 credits for the academic year. That student must pass with an A, B, C, D or P all 12 credits.

There are both government and private loans available to graduate students. Examples include:

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan – low interest rate federal loans available to most students, even at half-time status. These loans will be unsubsidized (you pay the interest while you are in school).

Federal Direct PLUS Loan –  Graduate PLUS loans are part of the Federal Direct Loan Program.   At Mount Aloysius College  these loans will only be processed for Graduate students who have already taken the full  amount of their unsubsidized loan of $20,500 and if the student is enrolling in 12 or more graduate credits.  Applicants cannot have an adverse credit history in order to qualify for this loan.   Students can borrow up to the cost of attendance minus their $20,500 unsubsidized Stafford loan.  The total education cost can include tuition, living allowance, books and supplies, and transportation.

Loan Process:

 The student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit any additional paperwork the Department of Education requires the college collect for the student’s file.  If the student still needs additional funds beyond the $20,500 unsubsidized loan, the student can complete the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan Request,  Direct Graduate PLUS Master Promissory Note (MPN), Direct Graduate Level Direct Loan Entrance Counseling and the Student Loan Acknowledgement.  These forms can be found at www.studentaid.gov

Approval Decisions

The U.S. Department of Education is responsible for all Graduate PLUS Loan credit decisions. Graduate PLUS Loan borrowers are required to pass a simplified credit check, meaning that the U.S. Department of Education is not looking for a certain credit score or for an extensive credit history, but simply the absence of an adverse credit history. Students can view the status of their application by logging in to www.studentaid.gov or by calling Federal Direct Loans at 1-800-848-0979.

Students will receive an immediate response of an approved or denied application upon electronic completion as well as the loan reference number, which is needed if the student wishes to pursue an endorser.

The Office of Financial Aid has no control or influence on the credit decision rendered by the U.S. Department of Education. Any and all correspondence regarding credit appeals and endorsers must be sent to the U.S. Department of Education.

Denied students still have two options to obtain the Graduate PLUS Loan:

  1. Review their credit report for possible errors and correct them before appealing directly to the U.S. Department of Education.
  2. Find a creditworthy endorser to co-sign the loan. This endorser will then be responsible for the loan should the student default on the loan at any point during the life of the loan.

Endorsing a Graduate PLUS Loan

Steps to be taken by the endorser—These must be completed electronically; paper addendums will not be accepted:

  1. Sign up for a FSA ID at studentaid.gov.  An FSA ID  is required to electronically sign the endorser addendum.
  2. Log into  studentaid.gov and electronically co-sign the loan.
  3. Click on Apply for Aid, then select  “Endorse Direct PLUS Loan”.
  4. Enter Loan Reference Number (provided by student borrower) and follow the instructions.
  5. The student must notify the Financial Aid Office of the endorsed loan.

You will need to accept or reduce the Graduate PLUS Loan amount prior to the record being sent for certification.

Yearly Maximum: $20,500 (unsubsidized)

The total debt you can have outstanding from all Stafford Loan combined is $138,500 as a graduate student. Only $65,000 of this amount may be in subsidized loans. The graduate debt limit includes any Stafford Loans received for undergraduate study.

  • Full-time graduate student: 9 or more credits per semester
  • Half-time graduate student: 6-8 credits per semester
  • Less than half-time graduate student: less than 6 credits per semester

Financial Aid for Part-time Students

As a part-time student, you have the opportunity to apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can apply by going to this website: studentaid.gov

This application must be completed each year and should be completed before May 1 in order for you to be considered for a Pennsylvania State Grant (PHEAA).  The FAFSA will also determine your eligibility for a Federal PELL Grant and must also be on file if you want to borrow on a Federal Direct Stafford Loan.

If during the academic year you have a drastic change to your income or incur unusually high medical or dental expenses, please contact the Financial Aid Office. The Financial Aid Office can take this information into consideration. You will be asked to complete a form, attach all the necessary documentation and the Federal government will be notified so that your aid can be recalculated.

Part-time (less than 12 credits) students may be eligible for the following types of financial aid:

  • Pell Grant
  • Pennsylvania State Grant
  • Federal Direct Stafford Loan (subsidized and/or unsubsidized)

*These students are billed at the per credit rate.

Full-time (12+ credits) may be eligible for the following types of aid:

  • Pell Grant
  • Pennsylvania State Grant
  • Merit & Need-Based Institutional Aid
  • Federal Direct Stafford Loan (subsidized and/or unsubsidized)

*These students will be billed the flat tuition rate based on their major.

Keep in mind state and federal grants are based on the FAFSA application and take into account income, assets and number in family. Federal Direct Stafford loans are monies that must be repaid once you graduate or cease to be at least half-time.

When you register for your classes the Business Office will want to know how you plan to pay your tuition bill. If your employer will be helping pay your tuition or if you’re receiving financial aid you must contact the Business Office to let them know your arrangements. Their office can be reached by dialing (814) 886-6473. If you do not clear your tuition bill for the semester, you should not attend classes.

Please note: Once the Financial Aid Office receives your FAFSA, you will be sent an aid  offer based on the number of credits for which you are scheduled or based on the lowest number of credits you can enroll for and be eligible or financial aid (6 credits). It is important that you register for all of your classes at one time since your financial aid is based on the total number of credits for which you are enrolled for during the entire semester.

  1. After your financial aid is officially determined, you will receive an aid offer . This offer will reflect the aid you are receiving for the fall and spring semesters and will give you the opportunity to either accept or decline. You will need to sign and date the aid offer and return it to the Financial Aid Office before any aid will be applied officially to your tuition account. So, don’t forget to return this offer.
  2. When you start receiving financial aid the government and school will expect you to make Academic Progress. This means that you must pass the number of credits you attempt each semester. If you withdraw from school, drop a class, fail a class or repeat a class your financial aid can be affected during the semester you’re in or in future semesters.
  3. In order to secure a Federal Direct Stafford Loan, you must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and the Annual Student Loan Acknowledgement. The MPN is good for 10 years, so you’ll only need to complete the form once while at Mount Aloysius College unless we notify you otherwise.  The Annual Student Loan Acknowledgement must be completed every year.
  4. Entrance Counseling must also be completed by all students receiving a Federal Direct Stafford Loan at Mount Aloysius. This form is required to ensure that the student borrower understands the loan terms and that it must be repaid. The entrance counseling must only be completed once.
  5. Once you apply for financial aid via the FAFSA, you may be selected for Verification. This means you will be required to submit proof of your income to the Financial Aid Office. You will be required to submit copies of your W-2’s, a copy of your Federal Tax TRANSCRIPT obtained from the IRS, and complete a verification worksheet. If you are a dependent student, your parents will also have to submit these documents. If you are selected, it is very important that you submit the documents as soon as possible.
  6. All part-time & DCP students who are receiving a Pennsylvania State Grant will have their actual tuition and fees reported to the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency. This means your eligibility for a state grant may change depending on your tuition and fees. A student must equally balance the number of in classroom credits with on-line credits on a term by term basis.  Those students not balanced may receive a reduced award.

Financial Aid for Study Abroad

Students opting to participate in Study Abroad through CIS-Center for International Studies during the summer, fall or spring semesters should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and may use state and federal financial aid (excluding work-study) to defray the cost of the Study Abroad tuition/fees/expenses. The Office of Financial Aid will process your financial aid for these semesters through Mount Aloysius College using your study abroad costs and number of credits that you will be enrolled for in your program. Study Abroad programs may have higher costs than Mount Aloysius College; however, this does not mean that your federal and state awards will be increased (including your Direct Stafford Loan). Contact the Office of Financial Aid for additional funding options if your costs exceed your aid awarded.

Financial Aid for Summer Classes

Students may be eligible for financial aid for Summer sessions depending on their enrollment status, eligibility and the availability of financial aid funds. Mount Aloysius College offers the following sources of financial aid for Summer sessions: Federal Pell grant, Federal Work-Study, Federal Direct Stafford loans, Federal Direct PLUS loans and alternative loans.

Summer Full-time Pre-Licensure Students

Students opting to complete their degree early by attending full-time during the summer semester, returning for fall full-time and graduating in December will receive the full-time aid they were to receive in the following Spring semester during the summer.  This includes all Federal, State and institutional aid. If a student uses this aid during summer and does not graduate or decides to return in the spring, he or she will not be eligible for any financial aid.

Students wishing to apply for financial aid for summer must complete the current year & upcoming year Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form must be on file to determine Federal Pell Grant eligibility and to process a Federal Direct Stafford Loan. In addition, any student wishing to receive any type of financial aid must be matriculated into a degree program and students are asked to sign up for ALL classes for summer before a determination can be made regarding their aid eligibility. All students wishing to apply for a Federal Direct Stafford Loan or parents wishing to apply for a Federal Direct PLUS Loan for Summer must complete a “Summer Loan Request” form at the Financial Aid Office. Student must be enrolled at least half time (6 or more credits) during the summer. The Summer Loan Request form must be received by the Financial Aid Office at least seven days before the last day of the Summer II semester in order for either loan to be processed. A PLUS loan will also require the completion of a Prequalification Form. A Master Promissory Note (MPN) & the Student Loan Acknowledgement (for both Stafford & PLUS) must also be on file with the Department of Education. Student loans will not be processed without the “Summer Loan Request” form on file.

Note: The amount of Subsidized and Unsubsidized Direct Stafford Loan borrowed for the summer sessions takes away from the total amount that can be borrowed from the upcoming fall/spring semesters. Please refer to the College catalog for additional Financial Aid information.

Financial Aid Programs and Policies

Federal Pell Grant

Award amounts are determined by using the results from filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and range from $692 to $6,895 per year. The amount the student is eligible for is directly related to the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) calculated by the federal government. These monies do not have to be repaid. Pell grant eligibility is limited to twelve (12) semesters.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

Award amounts are based on financial need and government funding levels and range between $200 and $2,000 per year. In order to receive an FSEOG, students must also be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant. This amount may vary from year to year based upon funding levels and student eligibility. These monies do not have to be repaid.

Federal Work-Study (FWS)

Award amounts are based on financial need and government funding levels and range between $200 and $1,600 per year. Students select an office on-campus or off-campus where they would like to work, complete the necessary paperwork and obtain the supervisor’s signature. Students are paid  $8.50/hour. Students are paid bi-weekly for all hours worked. Federal work-study awards are not deducted from your tuition bill.

Federal Community Service Work-Study

In addition to jobs on campus, Mount Aloysius College also sponsors several off-campus jobs. The jobs are located in community-service based non-profit organizations. Examples of such positions include: local YMCA/YWCA, America Reads, public libraries and United Way. Award amounts are based on financial need and government funding levels and range between $200 and $1,600 per year. Students select an off-campus site where they would like to work, complete the necessary paperwork and obtain the supervisor’s signature. Students are paid $8.50/hour. Students are paid bi-weekly for all hours worked. Federal work-study awards are not deducted from your tuition bill.

Federal Direct Loan Programs

Federal Direct Stafford Loan

In order to meet their educational expenses, students may wish to borrow monies through the Direct Loan Program. It is the student’s responsibility to complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) with the Department of Education in order to obtain the loan. A MPN need only be completed once and is valid for up to 10 years period. In addition to the application, students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before a student loan can be processed. Information obtained from the FAFSA determines the amount and type of loan the student is eligible for.

First time loan borrowers are required to complete Entrance Counseling before the monies will be credited to the student’s account. Students must be enrolled in at least 6 or more credits to receive a Federal Direct Stafford Loan. If you are a first-year undergraduate student and a first-time borrower, your first disbursement can’t be made until 30 days after the first day of your enrollment period.

The Direct Stafford Loan falls under two distinct types:

  • SUBSIDIZED STAFFORD LOAN: means the government pays the interest for the student while they are enrolled in school.
  • UNSUBSIDIZED STAFFORD LOAN: means the student is responsible for paying the interest. The interest can either be paid quarterly or the student can request that the interest be capitalized.

The maximum amounts that an undergraduate student may borrow under the Direct Stafford Loan program are:

Freshman (0-29 credits completed)

  • $3,500 subsidized per year for dependent & independent students
  • $2,000 unsubsidized per year for dependent students
  • $6,000 unsubsidized per year for independent students

Sophomore (30-59 credits completed)

  • $4,500 subsidized per year
  • $2,000 unsubsidized per year for dependent students
  • $6,000 unsubsidized per year for independent students

Junior (60-89 credits completed & enrolled in a baccalaureate program)

  • $5,500 subsidized per year
  • 2,000 unsubsidized per year for dependent students
  • $7,000 unsubsidized per year for independent students

Senior (90-120 credits completed and enrolled in a baccalaureate program)

  • $5,500 subsidized per year for dependent & independent students
  • $2,000 unsubsidized per year for dependent students
  • $7,000 unsubsidized per year for independent students

Upon graduation, withdrawal or being enrolled less than half-time, students are required to complete Exit Counseling and begin repayment after a six month grace period.

Direct Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (Plus)

Parents of dependent students may borrow up to the costs of education less any other financial aid through the Direct PLUS Loan program. Parents must complete a PLUS Loan Prequalification form and submit it to the Financial Aid Office so a credit check can be submitted. If approved, the parent may then apply online for the Federal PLUS Loan. If a parent is denied a Direct PLUS Loan, the student may then be eligible to borrow additional funds through their Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan or the parent may wish to appeal with the Department of Education or use an endorser.

Direct PLUS Loan repayment begins sixty days after fully disbursed. Parents may request a forbearance for up to four years while the student is enrolled for at least 6 credits and an additional six months after the student graduates. The school will apply the Direct PLUS Loan funds to the student’s tuition account to pay for tuition, fees, room and board and other school charges.

All students and parents who borrow Federal Direct Stafford Loan or Federal Direct PLUS Loan will be reported to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), www.nslds.ed.gov . This information will be accessible to guaranty agencies, lenders, and institutions determined to be authorized users of the data system.

Direct Loan Facts

  1. When a student is enrolled in his or her final semester of college (which is not a full academic year) and will graduate at the end of the semester, the USDE requires the College to prorate the student’s loan eligibility for that semester (if the student is not enrolled full-time).   Please contact the Financial Aid Office regarding the amount you are eligible for.
  2. Grace period- this is the 6 months after a student graduates, withdraws or is enrolled less than 1/2 time, in which the student is not yet responsible to make payments.  Your grace period begins the day after you stop attending school on at least a half-time basis.  Once your grace period ends, you must begin repaying your loan(s). Students can, although not required, pay on the loans during the grace period.
  3. Summer credits to graduate – Direct Stafford Loan borrowers who are enrolled less than 1/2 time during the summer semester, will begin using their 6 month grace period.  Students in this case, will be reported to their servicer(s) as enrolled less than 1/2 time as of the last date of the prior semester.
  4. A borrower may request to cancel a Direct Loan disbursement if the borrower makes the request within 14 days after the date the school sends a disbursement notice or by the first day of the payment period, whichever is later.  After this date, the school has the option to cancel or inactivate the loan, if they choose to do so.   Mount Aloysius requires the student to return the funds if they do not meet the 14 day rule.

Pennsylvania State Grant 

Application deadline date of May 1. Pennyslvania Higher Education Assistance Agency uses information supplied on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your state grant eligibility. The Pennsylvania State Grant Agency will notify you directly of your estimated annual award amount. This notification usually begins during the month of May. Note: Students enrolled in a certificate program are not eligible for Pennsylvania State Grants.  Pennsylvania State Grant eligibility is limited to eight full-time semesters. (Four semesters for an associates degree or eight semesters for a bachelors degree.)

Recently the Governor signed into law a change that now permits students enrolling in online courses and programs the ability to qualify for a Pennsylvania State Grant. Students enrolled in online programs and distance education credits may qualify to be considered for a portion of a state grant. Students in online programs or students who are not balanced (meaning they have all or more than half online classes) may be eligible for a portion of their state grant once the agency is notified by the College via the Pennsylvania State Grant roster.

*Examples:

  1. Student is full-time, enrolled in 6 classroom and 6 on-line; student is eligible for a full time Pennsylvania State Grant.
  2. Student is full time, enrolled in 6 classroom credits and 9 on-line credits; student may be eligible for a portion of a Pennsylvania State Grant because they are enrolled in less than 50% classroom credits.
  3. Student is full-time, enrolled in 6 classroom credits and 6 on-line credits and then adds another 3 credit on-line course. The student’s credit load change is reported to Pennsylvania State Grant agency and the student’s state grant will be adjusted.

In addition, students must be enrolled for the entire length of the semester (at least 15 weeks). For example:  If a student enrolls for the fall semester in 6 credits that are offered only in the first 8 weeks of the semester he/she would not be eligible for a grant since the combined credits do not span the length of the fall semester.  If a student took 3 credits in the first eight weeks and 3 credits in the second eight weeks, the student could possibly qualify for a grant.

State Grants (Non-PA Residents)

If you are a resident of the following states, you may be eligible for a grant from your state:

  • Delaware
  • Massachusetts
  • Ohio
  • Vermont
  • Washington D.C.
  • West Virginia

You must submit your FAFSA by the deadline listed for your state on the FAFSA application.

Nursing Loan

Award amounts are based on financial need and funding levels to undergraduate students in the Nursing program and range between $200 and $8,237 per year. Students must be enrolled in nursing classes in the semester during which nursing loan money is received. Students awarded a Nursing Student Loan are required to complete an entrance interview every semester they are awarded a nursing loan and an exit interview upon graduation, withdrawal from the college or the Nursing Program or upon dropping below 6 credits. Repayment on the loan begins nine (9) months from the date the student ceases to be enrolled in the Nursing Program on at least a half time basis. While in repayment, the student will be charged five percent interest on the principal amount of the loan. These monies must be repaid. Disclosure

Private Alternative Loan Programs

The alternative loan programs are separate from the Federal Direct Stafford Loan and are used to supplement any federal loans you may receive to finance your college education. Unlike the Direct Stafford Loan program, you may borrow up to the full cost of education minus any other financial aid you receive. These loans usually have much higher interest rates than Direct Stafford Loans and may require a co-signer. They are not guaranteed. Students should exhaust their maximum Federal Loan eligibility before borrowing an alternative loan. The terms and conditions of the Federal Loans are more favorable than alternative loans. As a borrower, it is you and your co-signer’s (if applicable) responsibility to compare rates and determine what alternative loan is best for you. Information on private alternative loan programs can be obtained by contacting the Financial Aid Office at 814-886-6357 or 1-888-823-2220.

Additional Sources of Funding

Mount Aloysius College wants students to be informed before borrowing a Private Alternative Loan.   Private Alternative loans are non-federal educational loans, through a private lending institution, typically issued in the student’s name and may require a cosigner. Each lender has different eligibility requirements which could include degree status, enrollment status, US citizenship, academic progress, etc.  The loan rates, repayment terms, and conditions vary among lenders. Some lenders may also require payment of interest while students are in school.

REMEMBER:  You Should ALWAYS Take Your Federal Student Aid First

It is in your best interest to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA on the web) and apply for any student financial aid for which you are eligible, including federal loans before borrowing private alternative loans. Private loans typically have variable and higher interest rates, more fees, and less flexible repayment options than federal loans and will take into account your credit history and require you to have a co-signer.  These loans are not guaranteed.

*Note: Due to the Truth in Lending Act, students who apply for a private alternative loan will need to complete the following steps. It is important that you allow sufficient time for processing, as these new requirements may delay loan disbursements by an additional 10 days.

  1. Review your eligibility for federal and state student aid.   Make sure that you’re receiving the maximum eligibility in your Federal Direct Stafford loans for the year.
  2. Apply for a private alternative student loan through the lender of your choice.  Be sure to compare lenders before borrowing.
  3. Comply with submitting any documentation for you and/or your cosigner to the lender in a timely fashion, if requested.
  4. Sign your loan application or promissory note. If you have a cosigner, he/she must also sign the application.
  5. Accept or decline your loan offer from the lender, if you are pre-approved. If you are pre-approved, print out a copy of the pre-approval as proof of your loan for the Business Office.
  6. Complete the Private Alternative Loan Self-Certification form which should be provided by your lender or can be provided by the Financial Aid staff at your request.
  7. Read and understand the 3 separate disclosures you will receive from your lender throughout the application process. You will receive one disclosure when you apply, another disclosure when you are approved by the lender and offered the loan, and the final disclosure will be sent prior to disbursement.
  8. The Financial Aid Office will certify your Private Alternative Loan once we are notified that you’ve completed the lenders requirements and application process.  Once certified, the loan will be added to your award letter and you will be sent a revised copy.  Note: Mount Aloysius must approve the amount you are borrowing.  The total of your loan and other aid cannot be more than your cost of attendance for the year.  Loans are always disbursed in two disbursements.  Examples:  A fall only loan would be disbursed in two separate disbursements with the second disbursement occurring around mid semester.  A loan requested for the year would be disbursed in two disbursements.  One disbursement in the fall and one in the spring.

Tips When Applying for Your Private Alternative Loan

  1. Apply with a creditworthy cosigner and you may receive a more competitive interest rate and a better chance for approval.
  2. Compare lenders.  You should be looking for the best loan with the best interest rates and terms you can get.  Don’t be afraid to call the lender with questions.
  3. Only borrow what you absolutely need.  Look at your budget and if you’re able to pay some of your balance do so.  Remember this is a loan and must be repaid along with your federal student loans.
  4. Know your interest rate before you sign your promissory note.
  5. Keep track of your loan debt.  You should know what private alternative loans you’ve borrowed and you can always check on the federal loans you’ve borrowed by going to nslds.ed.gov.
  6. If possible, pay interest while in school to reduce total repayment.
  7. We recommend that you do not apply for your private alternative loan more than 90 days before the beginning of the semester for which you are applying. Otherwise, your credit check may run out and the loan will not be valid at the time of disbursement.
  8. Be sure to check with the Business Office about your balance before you apply for an alternative loan.
  9. If you cancel your loan or change the amount with your lender, you must notify the Business and Financial Aid Offices.
  10. Summer is a separate term and cannot be combined with Spring or Fall.  Be sure to use valid loan term dates. Incorrect loan term dates may delay certification of your loan.

Remember, you have the right to select the alternative lender of your choice. The following is a list of lenders with whom five or more Mount Aloysius students have conducted business in the past year. Neither Mount Aloysius College nor the Financial Aid Office promotes, endorses, or recommends any of these loan products or lenders by including them on the list.

An alternative loan is an agreement between the borrower, cosigner and the lender.  Mount Aloysius College cannot in any way be held liable in the event the borrower is dissatisfied with the rates, terms, or service provided by any lender, nor is Mount Aloysius responsible for any damages incurred by the student as a result of the student’s choice of lender.

Loan Term Dates:

Fall 2022 – August 2022 to December 2022

Spring 2023 – January 2023 to May 2023

Fall 2022 & Spring 2023 – August 2022 to May 2023

Summer 2023 – May 2023 to August 2023

Fall 2023  August 2023 to December 2023

Spring 2024 – January 2024 to May 2024

Fall 2023 & Spring 2024  – August 2023 to May 2024

Summer 2024 – May 2024 to August 2024

***Please note that alternative loans for the summer semester are NOT processed until mid to late June each year and are based on the number of credits you’re enrolled in for the entire summer. You will not be able to receive any kind of a refund until funds are disbursed in July.  Please plan ahead.  In addition, remember that alternative loans are subject to a credit check by the lender.  Credit check approvals only last 180 days so you should not apply for your summer alternative loan before April.

For more information on each loan program, access to online applications and the ability to compare lenders, please go to:

ELMSelect

The loans are listed rotate in a random order—there is no ranking.

Denied an alternative loan?

Before you apply through another lender, you should determine why you were denied at the first lender. Contact the lender and ask why you have been denied and if there are steps you can take to get your loan approved.

Student Lending Code of Conduct

Posted May 2010 updated October 2022

Student Rights and Responsibilities

You have the right to know:

  1. What financial aid programs are available.
  2. How Mount Aloysius College determines the type and amount of assistance you receive.
  3. If your enrollment or financial situation changes, you can ask Mount Aloysius College to reconsider your aid package.
    1. Obtain & complete a Special Consideration Request Form from the Financial Aid Office.
    2. Contact the Pennsylvania State Grant Agency and complete a form showing your change.
  4. What the procedures and deadlines are for applying for the various types of aid.
  5. How Mount Aloysius College determines satisfactory academic progress.

You are responsible for:

  1. Accurately completing and submitting the necessary application forms and additional information requested by the deadline dates.
  2. Using financial aid monies for education and related expenses (books, supplies, etc.).
  3. Informing the Financial Aid Office of any grants, loans or scholarships received from outside organizations.
  4. Informing the appropriate offices of changes of address, name and enrollment.
  5. Understanding the academic progress requirements for maintaining financial aid eligibility.

FERPA (Family Education Rights and Privacy Act)

The Financial Aid Office at Mount Aloysius College is in compliance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act which may be found at: http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html

The FERPA Waiver Form is completed by a student in order to give the Financial Aid Office permission to speak with designated people about their account. Without the form on file, we are limited in what we are able to discuss with others, such as a spouse or a parent. Only the student may complete the form. Permissions granted by the completion of this form may be rescinded at any time by the student.

Packaging Policy

In the tradition of a Mercy institution, Mount Aloysius College recognizes the expense of a college education and strives to assist students in the financial aid process so they may receive the maximum financial aid offer possible. The Financial Aid Office at Mount Aloysius College abides by the regulations and procedures set forth in the Financial Aid Handbook published by the United States Department of Education, as well as all other publications specifying set regulations. Students are sent aid offers on a first come, first serve basis pending funds availability. Students aid offers are processed without regard to sex, race, religion or physical challenge. Athletic leadership, ability, participation or performance is not considered when awarding financial aid. A student’s financial aid offer may be adjusted at anytime if he/she receives outside sources of aid (ex: scholarship, veteran’s benefits, TAP funding, etc.) depending on the situation.  A student’s aid can never exceed their cost of attendance and some institutional aid or loans may need to be adjusted based on the amount the student receives in additional funding.

When you applied for student loans, you signed a promissory note that legally obligates you to repay the loans according to the terms and conditions in which you agreed to.

Grace Period

You are entitled to a grace period after you graduate, withdraw, or are enrolled less than ½ time.  This is the initial 6 months after you are out of school or drop below half-time, for the Federal Stafford loan (Direct & FFELP) in which you are not yet responsible to make payments.  The Federal Perkins Loan and Nursing Loan has a 9 month grace period.

You should receive a repayment obligation and billing statement approximately one month prior to your first payment being due from your servicer(s).

Not repaying your student loans has very serious consequences, such as:

  • Damage your credit report for 7 years or more
  • Garnishment of wages and federal/state income tax refunds
  • Ineligible for any additional federal aid in the future at any institution
  • Loss of deferment eligibility
  • Legal action may be taken against you

You can view information about your student loans at studentaid.gov.

You can determine your estimated monthly loan payment here.

Exit Counseling

If you received a Federal Stafford Loan (Direct and/or FFELP) or Nursing Loan while enrolled at MAC, you are required to complete an exit counseling session. The exit counseling is required to be completed anytime a student withdraws, graduates, or is enrolled less than half time (less than 6 credits). The goal of exit counseling is to inform you of your rights and responsibilities of loan repayment, the amount you borrowed, your projected monthly payment, and lender information.

**Separate exit sessions are required for the Stafford, Perkins, and Nursing Loans.**

Stafford Loan Exit Counseling at studentaid.gov

  • Sign in using your FSA ID & password
  • Click on Manage Loans
  • Select Complete EXIT COUNSELING

Nursing Loan Exit Counseling  at ECSI.net

  • Sign in using the PIN# provided by ECSI
  • Complete the exit counseling

Consolidating & Refinancing Options

You may consolidate your Federal Stafford, Perkins, and Nursing Loans together.  Please visit the Department of Educations website at studentaid.gov .

You may lose your grace period or loan forgiveness options when consolidating your loans.  Be sure to visit www.youcandealwithit.com to determine whether consolidation is right for you.

Some lenders may consolidate or refinance not only your Federal loans, but your private alternative loans as well.

*We caution you to read all information thoroughly before applying for any kind of consolidation or refinancing whether you go through the Department of Education or a lending institution.

It is not unusual for student loan borrowers to receive letters promising debt relief or that claim they’ll help you get loan forgiveness. Borrowers should beware because some of these offers could be scams that could charge you outrageous fees or steal your identity. Go to this government website to read about signs to watch for and how to avoid these scams:
https://studentaid.gov/resources/scams

Nursing Loan Repayment

You will want to contact either the Financial Aid Office or ECSI to see if you qualify for a deferment or forbearance or set up a special payment plan.  Visit www.ecsi.net to apply for a deferment or forbearance.

You must also notify ECSI if you change your name, address, phone number, or if you are enrolled in a college or university on at least a part time basis.

To contact Educational Computer Systems Inc. (ECSI):

PO Box 1289
Moon Township, PA 15108
412-788-3904
www.ecsi.net

Stafford Loan Repayment

If you are having difficulty repaying your Stafford loan, contact your servicer(s) immediately to see if you qualify for a deferment, forbearance, or if consolidation is right for you.  You may also want to visit www.youcandealwithit.com for suggestions on how to deal with repayment issues.

You must also notify your servicer if you change your name, address, phone number, or if you are enrolled in a college or university on at least a part time basis.

Visit the NSLDS website for students to find out the servicer(s) of your Stafford/PLUS loan(s).

To contact your servicer(s):

Fedloan Servicing
MyFedLoan.org
800-699-2908

AES
aessuccess.org
800-233-0557

Great Lakes
mygreatlakes.org
800-236-4300

Nelnet
nelnet.com
888-486-4722

Advantage (formerly Navient)
advantage.com
800-722-1300

Cornerstone
mycornerstoneloan.org
800-663-1662

Direct Loans
myedaccount.com
800-848-0979

Mohela
www.mohela.com
888-866-4352

VSAC Servicing
www.vsacfederalloans.org
888-932-5626

HESC-Edfinancial
www.edfinancial.com/dl
855-337-6884

Aspire Resources Inc. -ISL
855-475-3335

If you dispute your Federal Stafford Loans you can contact the FSA Student Loan Ombudsman Group at:

Via on-line assistance: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/disputes/prepare

Telephone:  877-557-2575

Fax:  606-396-4821

Mail U.S. Department of Education
FSA Ombudsman Group
PO Box 1843
Monticello, KY  42633

Mount Aloysius College has established a Tuition Remission Program to benefit eligible employees as well as the eligible employee’s spouse and dependent children. Tuition remission benefits are also extended to the Sisters of Mercy, Mid-Atlantic Community and their eligible relatives.

Through the Tuition Remission Program, the College waives undergraduate tuition charges for eligible students enrolled in credit bearing online or classroom courses offered by Mount Aloysius College.

Tuition remission is not available for master’s level course work, independent or directed studies and study abroad programs. Books and room and board expenses are not eligible for tuition remission. The Program covers registration and laboratory fees for the Center for Lifelong Learning (CLL) for employees only. Otherwise, an eligible student is financially responsible for any fees or other College related expenses.

Special interest courses of a non-credit nature (e.g. SAT review, yoga, stamp collecting or other personal enrichment classes) are not eligible for tuition remission. Credit bearing courses, however, are covered whether or not the eligible student is degree seeking. Tuition remission may be applied toward courses taken under the College’s Accelerated Degree Completion and Dual Enrollment Programs.

For more information about Tuition Remission, please contact the Human Resources Department at (814) 886-6500.
Tuition Exchange, Inc. Program

Mount Aloysius College is a member institution of the tuition exchange programs offered through the Tuition Exchange (TE), Inc and the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC). Through participation in these national programs, the College provides scholarship opportunities for its employees’ dependents at other participating colleges and universities. Tuition exchange scholarships are offered on a competitive basis and are not guaranteed to any applicant at any time. The tuition exchange scholarship is NOT an automatic benefit of employment like health insurance or vacation time. Therefore, the tuition exchange program is not considered an employee benefit program. Scholarships are awarded by the importing institution based on criteria established solely by that college or university. Most scholarships cover full tuition and exclude fees, course overloads and room and board charges. However, the value of the award is determined by the importing institution.

The Tuition Exchange, Inc. program is a pooled reciprocal scholarship program not a one-to-one exchange. As a member institution, the College is obligated to maintain a balance between the numbers of student “exports and imports.” Therefore, the number of students the College is able to sponsor each year will vary depending upon the number of renewals and new student imports received from other participating institutions.

The College’s TE balance is based on an import/export formula using data from the most recent five (5) year period with the goal that a zero balance be maintained. For this reason, the College reserves the right to limit the number of applications accepted and/or submitted for a given academic year to maintain the integrity of the program. In addition, Mount Aloysius College generally limits the number of new TE import students to three (3) each year.

For more information about Tuition Exchange, Inc. Program, please contact the Human Resources Department at (814) 886-6500 or log-in to the MAC Portal and download the Tuition Remission document under the MAC Policies – Documents tab.

Department

Headshots of Linda Cannon
Linda Cannon

Associate Director of Financial Aid
Headshots of Stacy Noel
Stacy Noel

Director of Financial Aid
Headshots of Corinne Ondecko
Corinne Ondecko

Administrative Assistant, Financial Aid
Headshots of Tina Tanzi
Tina Tanzi

Assistant Director of Financial Aid & Student Counseling
Headshots of Danielle M. Vandenbergh
Danielle M. Vandenbergh

Financial Aid Counselor

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