FINANCIAL AID
Financing a college education is a challenge for many families. Recognizing that a college education is expensive, students should consider the total cost of their education and not just the costs of the initial year. Besides the usual sources–family assistance, personal savings, and summer earnings– there exists a variety of ways to pay college costs. These are generally referred to as student financial aid. They consist of scholarships, grants, loans, and earnings from part-time work while in school.

U.S. students who need financial assistance to meet their total expenses should apply for this assistance while applying for admission to the Marist-LdM program. Please note that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) cannot be filed before January 1. You may access FAFSA through the following link: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. Additional options for financing your education can be found on the Marist Student Financial Services web page at http://www.marist.edu/financialaid/financing.html.

Non-U.S. citizens may be eligible for aid programs through thier home countries and from certain U.S. funding agencies.

PURPOSE OF FINANCIAL AID
The purpose of student financial aid at Marist College is to provide assistance to those students who demonstrate financial need. The College maintains that all costs associated with a college education are ultimately the responsibility of the student and the family. Financial need is determined by a formula established by the U.S. Congress, as calculated from data submitted on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This formula determines the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), an amount the student and family are expected to contribute toward the education.

The difference between the cost of attendance (tuition, fees, room and board, books, travel, and personal expenses) and the expected family contribution represents the student’s financial need. This is the student’s maximum need-based financial aid eligibility. Utilizing all available resources, Marist College attempts to meet the financial need of its students. Once a student’s FAFSA is processed, an award notification outlining the financial aid eligibility will be generated and forwarded to the student. Awards may include any combination of grant/scholarship, loan, and employment opportunities. These awards are offered without reference to race, ethnicity, sex, age, religion, marital status, or physical disability.

Student financial aid is awarded from two sources: (1) the college and (2) outside agencies such as the federal government, individual states, various public and private agencies, organizations, or companies. The following pages contain detailed descriptions of financial aid.

MERIT FELLOWSHIPS
Students with unique circumstances who wish to seek a merit-based fellowship in order to pursue their education may do so using a separate application available from the Marist-LdM Programs Office. Merit fellowships require an essay demonstrating financial need and professional goals. Awards will be made at the time of admission.

To apply for a Merit Fellowship, click here.