| Approved by: | The President | |
| History: | Issued -- August 2005 | |
| Revised -- August 1, 2024 | ||
| Last Reviewed -- August 1, 2024 | ||
| Related Policies: | Satisfactory Academic Progress-Graduate (policy and appeal process) | |
| Additional References: | ||
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Policy Owner: Responsible Official: |
Provost, tel. (202) 319-5244 Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies, tel. (202) 319-4738 |
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I. Introduction
The Catholic University of America offers a variety of scholarships, grants, and work-study appointments to new and continuing students at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. Federal funds are, by statute, awarded solely on the basis of financial need as determined by a federally approved needs analysis system. These funds are available to as many qualifying students as funding will allow.
II. Application Procedure
Prospective applicants should request information and forms from the Office of Student Financial Assistance or visit the financial aid website. Those interested in graduate assistantships should write directly to the school or department. A completed application for admission to the upcoming fall semester must be on file by Feb. 1 to be considered for The Knights of Columbus and the St. Vincent Pallotti scholarships. It is recommended that students applying for the other merit-based scholarships also submit their applications by Feb. 1. Admission is required before financial aid is granted. Those graduate applicants who wish to be considered for federal aid must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (“FAFSA”)
Graduate scholarships are awarded for fall semester entrance and for up to a certain amount of years with reapplication required annually. Please refer to the award guidelines for each school.
Applicants for graduate assistantships who are international students, not permanent residents of the United States, or who are members of religious institutes and orders with a vow of poverty, are not required to submit either the FAFSA or the University application.
III. International Students
Government-funded scholarships, fellowships, and other forms of financial support are restricted to United States citizens or resident aliens by the Government. Graduate students who are not citizens are eligible for some limited University-funded aid. All international students must be prepared to meet the costs of education and living expenses in this country with personal or family funds or with funds from other institutions, with a yearly minimum amount as determined by the United States government documented by an admitted international student before the Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20 or where appropriate, IAP-66) will be issued.
For additional information concerning financial aid, the applicant should contact the United States Information Agency, the Institute of International Education, the American consulate in the applicant's country, or the government of that country.
IV. Federal Programs
Individuals pursuing federal student aid must complete the FAFSA form.
A. Federal Direct Loan Program
This program, administered by Catholic University, enables a student to borrow money from a savings and loan institution, credit union bank, or other eligible lender. Maximum amounts available vary with a student's course load and the amount of federal loans a student has previously borrowed. All students who want a Federal Direct Loan file a FAFSA and submit a master promissory note and entrance counseling electronically through the Federal Student Aid web page. The general yearly subsidized borrowing limit for a graduate student is a maximum of $20,500 in Direct Unsubsidized Loans.
Members of religious orders who wish to be considered for federal loans, have taken a vow of poverty, and who do not have their studies directed should file a FAFSA.
Refer to the University's Financial Assistance web page for complete information on procedures required to receive federal aid.
B. Federal Perkins Loan
The Federal Perkins Loan program expired on September 30, 2017. No new Perkins Loans can be issued. Students who previously borrowed the Perkins Loan will still be responsible for exit counseling and repayment. Catholic University’s Perkins Loans are serviced by University Accounting Services(UAS). To fulfill your Federal Perkins Exit Loan Counseling requirement and to better understand the repayment details of your Federal Perkins Loan(s) go to https://www.uasconnect.com/.
C. Federal Work Study
Graduate Assistantships funded by the Federal Work-Study Program are offered on a funds available basis to eligible students. See Financial Aid, Graduate Students, Applying for Aid.
D. Traineeships
Agencies of the federal government may provide traineeships for graduate study in the schools of nursing and social service. Interested students should write directly to the dean of the appropriate school.
E. Veterans Benefits
Often overlooked are many benefits available to veterans and to children of deceased veterans or those disabled in military service. In addition to the benefits offered directly by the Veterans Administration, others are available through their various service organizations, such as the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Catholic War Veterans, and directly through the branches of the armed services. Any possible claim resulting from the current or past military service of the student or a member of his or her family should be investigated. For assistance, please contact the Office of Military and Veteran Support Services at cua-veterans@cua.edu or 202-319-5300.
V. University Programs
Generally, these benefits are merit-based. However, some benefits include consideration of need in addition to other factors which may be demonstrated by completing the FAFSA form.
A. Knights of Columbus Scholarship/Fellowship
The graduate scholarship committee awards these prestigious scholarships to the University's most exceptional applicants. It provides financial assistance for full-time, lay students in all programs except those in the Columbus School of Law and the School of Theology and Religious Studies. Students do not apply for these merit scholarships. Chairs and deans nominate their most qualified applicants.
B. St. Vincent Pallotti Fellowship
This is a special, competitive, full-tuition scholarship for those interested in serving the Church for two years after graduation. Interested applicants for full-time study should describe their plans for postgraduation service in a letter to their prospective deans.
C. Assistantships
Teaching and research assistantships are available to students who want to apprentice or gain professional experience in their fields. Most of these pay stipends. Interested students should contact their prospective chair or dean.
D. Magi Scholarships
The Magi Endowment for the Liturgical Arts offers scholarships to students whose postgraduation goal is to serve the Catholic Church as a teacher, composer, choral director, sculptor, craftsman in bronze or iron or some other mediums. The scholarships are restricted to half tuition only.
E. Divinity Hall Burses
A limited number of partial tuition awards are available for candidates for the priesthood or for priests from particular archdioceses and dioceses. Information may be obtained from the dean of the School of Theology and Religious Studies. Applications must be directed to the ordinary of the diocese, whose recommendation is required for receipt of the award.
F. Basselin Scholarships
An integral part of the University, the Basselin Foundation provides scholarships for a special course of studies to young men preparing for the Catholic priesthood. It receives candidates who have finished two years of the classical curriculum in an American Catholic college and carries them through three years to the completion of the seminary course of philosophy and one year of postgraduate work in philosophy. Students admitted to the Basselin course of studies must qualify for the honors program of the School of Philosophy and must maintain an acceptable average to retain their scholarships. A distinctive feature of the training, in fulfillment of the will of Theodore Basselin, is the attention given to voice culture, elocution, and the art of writing.
G. Engineering Scholarships
A number of endowed scholarships, including the Hennessy and the Corasaniti, are available to graduate students in the School of Engineering. The awards are based on academic achievement, documented need, research interests, and other criteria. Applications are accepted once each year and the application form is available in the School of Engineering
H. Music, Drama, and Art Scholarships
Awards based on musical ability, academic record, and financial need are available each year to students in the Benjamin T. Rome School of Music, Drama, and Art. Among these awards are the John Paul Music Scholarship, the David Burchuk Memorial Scholarship, the Marie Fitzgerald Connor Scholarship, the Clifford E. Brown Scholarship, the William Masselos Scholarship, and the Benjamin T. Rome Endowment Scholarship and Graduate Scholarship. Applicants should write directly to the dean of the school
I. Conway School of Nursing Scholarships
A number of endowed scholarships, including the Archbishop Hannan and the Loretta Beale Manderfield, are available to undergraduate and graduate students in the Conway School of Nursing. The awards are based on academic achievement, documented need, and participation in School of Nursing activities. Applications are accepted annually and the application form is available in the School of Nursing.