Federal Aid Programs
Mount St. Mary’s University participates in all of the financial aid programs offered by the U.S. Department of Education: Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Federal Work Study, Federal Perkins Loans and the Federal Direct Loan Program.
Eligibility for all federal programs is determined from the FAFSA. For more information about federal aid programs, refer to the Federal Student Aid Guide (Spanish edition) or click the following links:
Federal Pell Grants
This program provides students with extremely high need with grants of up to $5,550 per year. Application may be made by completing the FAFSA.
Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
Designed to assist exceptionally needy students who are eligible for Pell Grants, these grants typically range from $500 to $1,500 per year.
Academic Competitiveness Grants
Pell eligible students are eligible to receive this grant in their first two years, provided they completed a rigorous high school program prior to enrolling at MSM. First-year students are eligible to receive up to $750. Second-year students must achieve a 3.0 GPA to maintain eligibility and may receive up to $1,300.
Federal Work Study
Students selected for this program are employed in a wide variety of on-campus jobs. On average, students work 10 to 15 hours per week and earn $1,200 to $1,700 per year.
Other College Employment
College employment other than the federal work study program is available. Contact the Mount's Human Resources department for more information.
Federal Perkins Loans
This program enables selected students to borrow money interest free while they are enrolled in college. Loans, which typically range from $1,000 to $1,500 per year, are repayable after graduation, or termination of studies, at a 5% interest rate.
Federal Direct Student Loans
Eligible undergraduate students may borrow up to $3,500 for the first year of study, up to $4,500 for the second year, and up to $5,500 for each remaining year. During periods of enrollment, interest payments are subsidized by the government. After graduation or termination of studies, and following a six-month grace period, students repay their loans at a 6.8% interest rate.
Federal Unsubsidized Direct Student Loans
Students who are not eligible or only partially eligible for a subsidized Direct Loan may borrow funds via this program at annual limits and interest rates equivalent to those of the subsidized program. Students will be responsible for interest charges during periods of enrollment. In addition, all students may borrow up to $2,000 each year, and independent students may borrow up to $4,000 for each of the first two years of undergraduate work and up to $5,000 for each remaining year.
Federal Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)
This program enables parents of dependent students to borrow the entire annual cost of attendance less financial aid awarded. The loans are repayable at an 7.9% interest rate.
ROTC SCHOLARSHIPS
Mount students receive scholarships from the Army ROTC program to cover full tuition, and are eligible for additional aid from the university. ROTC scholarships are awarded through the Army Cadet Command which allocates funds nationwide, so it is important for applicants to apply as early as possible. To apply, visit www.goarmy.com/rotc/college_four_year_scholarship.jsp. Contact the Mount ROTC department at 301-447-5350 for additional information on these scholarships.
