Financial Aid

Our Philosophy

St. Mary's believes that no qualified student should be denied the right to pursue an education because of inadequate financial resources. We understand that financing a college education requires careful planning. Our financial aid office will work with families to create these plans. Although we believe it is primarily the responsibility of the parents and student to finance a college education, we help bridge the gap between family resources and need by offering federal, state, and campus-based programs, including a tuition payment plan.

Applying for Assistance

Assistance can include need-based grants, merit scholarships, employment, and loans. All students who are accepted to the college and who submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are automatically considered for merit scholarship, federal, state, and college financial assistance programs.

Eligibility

Students applying for federal financial assistance or educational loans must be United States citizens or permanent resident aliens. Non-U.S. citizens may apply for need-based aid from St. Mary's by submitting the International Student Financial Aid Application. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid for details.

All students, regardless of citizenship, are considered for merit scholarships from St. Mary's on a competitive basis.

Financial Aid Package

Your financial assistance package for the fall semester will be mailed on or after April 1 for first-time students and on or after June 1 for returning students. Students entering St. Mary's for the spring semester will receive their packages on or after December 1.

If you are accepted under the SMCM Early Decision program and wish to know if you qualify for financial assistance, please contact the Office of Financial Aid.

Merit Scholarships

General merit scholarships are awarded to a select number of admitted first-year and transfer students without regard to financial need. All applicants to the college are reviewed by the Scholarship Review Committee with consideration in the areas of academic record, standardized test scores, recommendations, essay, and resume of co-curricular activities. Applicants for merit awards must file the FAFSA by March 1.

Federal and State Aid

There is a wide range of programs available from federal and state agencies. These programs are need based and are available to students based on governmental formulas provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The federal aid program descriptions and the state and federal aid websites are resources that all students should explore in their financial aid decision making.

Scholarship Search

Students should apply for scholarships beyond those available from St. Mary's. There are many resources to help students locate and apply for all types of scholarships.