DeSales University Scholarships: A Comprehensive Guide to Requirements and Opportunities

Financing a college education is a significant undertaking, and DeSales University offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid programs to assist students in meeting the costs of higher education. Funding a DeSales education is primarily the responsibility of the student (and parents of dependent students). This article provides a detailed overview of the scholarships, grants, and other financial aid options available at DeSales University, along with the eligibility requirements and application processes.

Understanding the Financial Aid Process at DeSales

The financial aid process at DeSales University begins with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The FAFSA and Student Aid Index (SAI)

Filing the FAFSA allows the federal government to calculate the Student Aid Index (SAI). The Office of Financial Aid will use the SAI to develop a financial aid package, based upon the student’s need and available resources. The financial aid package specifies the types and amounts of assistance, including non-federal aid a student will receive to cover his or her education related expenses. The FAFSA is crucial for determining a student's eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid. Complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov as soon as possible after October 1. The application gathers information about the student's and their family's financial situation to determine the Student Aid Index (SAI).

College Financial Plan (CFP)

The Office of Financial Aid will send a packet of information that includes a College Financial Plan (CFP). This plan outlines the estimated cost of attendance and the financial aid the student is eligible to receive.

Financial Aid Adjustments and Notifications

Government and University funds are limited and the amount awarded to a student may not meet all financial need. All awards are subject to revisions. Factors affecting a student’s eligibility include changes in residency status or enrollment, and adjustments as a result of the verification process. If an adjustment of an award is made, the student will be notified and advised to access their financial aid information through the student portal.

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Renewal of Financial Aid

Renewal of financial aid is not automatic. Students who have received aid are required to reapply each year. For renewal of aid, the FAFSA should be filed by May 1 for the upcoming academic year. For state grant consideration, students must submit the FAFSA and the appropriate state grant applications by the published deadlines of their home state agencies.

Financial Aid for Adult Studies Students

Students enrolled in Adult Studies have financial aid opportunities through the Federal Pell Grant and Federal Loan Programs. Pennsylvania residents may also qualify for a Pennsylvania State Grant. With the exception of the Federal Pell Grant program, students must enroll in at least six credits per semester to be eligible for financial aid. With the exception of the two endowed scholarships noted in the Endowed Scholarship section, Adult Studies students are not eligible for university aid due to the reduced costs of the Adult Studies program.

Loan Programs

To participate in the Federal Direct loan program, students must complete a master promissory note and entrance counseling. No federal loans can be awarded retroactively to pay for past due balances.

Student Responsibilities

Students are responsible for their balances due until a financial aid deferment is approved by the Office of Financial Aid and the Treasurer’s Office. Students will receive a notice of eligibility once enrolled, all required forms have been completed, and their file has been reviewed and marked complete by the Office of Financial Aid. Financial aid may not completely cover tuition. Students are responsible for costs accrued after financial aid (grants and/or loans) has been credited to their accounts.

Timeframe for Federal Aid

The maximum time frame to obtain a degree using federal aid programs is approximately 150% the length of the program of study (6 years or 12 full-time semesters for a 4-year degree). Pennsylvania residents may be eligible for a maximum of 8 semesters of state grant funds.

Verification Process

The Department of Education selects a portion of all FAFSA filers for a review process called “Verification.” Additionally, during the process of reviewing financial aid information at any time during the academic year, the Office of Financial Aid is required to question any inconsistent information by selecting the application for verification. If the student is selected by the Department of Education or by the institution, DeSales University or its third-party provider, Inceptia, will be comparing information from the FAFSA application with requested documentation submitted to the Office of Financial Aid. If a student/family chooses not to provide this information, they are advised that the University will be unable to administer any forms of federal aid and institutional need-based awards.

The deadline for each applicant depends on when financial aid application information is received. Department of Education. The VG enables students to upload verification documentation and complete the Verification process on-line. The Office of Financial Aid sends first year students a College Financial Plan providing an estimated financial aid package before Verification is complete. Differences in information provided to the Office of Financial Aid may result in changes to your official offer letter. If you are selected for verification, the Office of Financial Aid will notify you in writing. Changes may occur as a result of our verification process. If there is a special circumstance that may affect your ability to finance the cost of college (e.g. Continuing students do not receive a notice of eligibility until after verification is completed and corrections (if needed) have been processed.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

To maintain eligibility for financial aid, students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).

Satisfactory academic progress is reviewed at the end of each term for traditional day and Adult Studies students. Min. The completion rate is calculated as the number of passed credits (credits for which a student earned a passing grade) divided by the number of attempted credits (the total of earned credits, and credits for which a student has received a grade of W, F, FA, FO, WP, or WF). Courses dropped during the published 100% refund period and audited courses are not treated as attempted or earned credits. For courses that have been repeated, attempted and earned credits for all occurrences are included. A degree audit is performed for any student who changes programs or pursues additional degrees.

Financial Aid Probation and Appeals

Students not making satisfactory academic progress for the first time may receive one semester of financial aid on probation. The one-time financial aid probation provides one term for a student to get back on track and regain eligibility. If a student finds himself or herself on academic probation or not making satisfactory academic progress in a subsequent semester, s/he may appeal to the Financial Aid Committee for one additional semester of financial aid on probation. One written letter of reference from the academic advisor or a SAP waiver request, on the student’s behalf, from the academic dean. Waivers may be granted due to serious illness, severe injury, or the death of a relative. While appeals are generally granted for only one semester, detailed multi-semester academic plans may be developed, on a case-by-case basis, at the discretion of the associate dean of academic life in consultation with the director of financial aid. If granted, academic plans are monitored each semester to ensure that the student meets all requirements.

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State Grant Requirements

Before crediting a State Grant to a recipient’s account, the school must verify that, for the last academic year during which the student received state grant aid, the student completed the required minimum total number of credit hours for the terms to which grant aid was applied.

Professional Judgment (PJ)

If a family’s financial situation changes due to the death of a parent, separation, divorce, disability, or total loss of employment by a parent listed on the FAFSA, the student may request reconsideration of financial aid eligibility and, in some instances, may be considered for a Professional Judgment (PJ). PJ refers of the Office of Financial Aid’s ability to adjust elements on the FAFSA that may result in a change of eligibility for need-based aid. The Office of Financial Aid will determine the appropriateness of the appeal and will request additional information and documentation as deemed necessary. Documentation may be submitted through our electronic drop box, PJ Advisor, and must demonstrate how the change in circumstances affects the family’s ability to contribute towards educational costs. There is no guarantee that any adjustment will be warranted until the PJ process is completed and the Financial Aid Office’s determination of eligibility for a PJ is final. Upon final review of the appeal, the family will be notified in writing of the outcome.

General Eligibility Requirements for Financial Aid

To be eligible for financial aid at DeSales University, students must:

Must be enrolled at DeSales University in an eligible program of study leading to a degree or certificate awarded by the institution. It should be noted that a student’s enrollment status will affect financial aid eligibility.
Provide correct information.

Scholarships and Grants at DeSales University

DeSales University offers a variety of scholarships and grants based on academic merit, financial need, and specific talents. Grants and scholarships are considered gift aid; students are not required to repay the funds received.

Academic Scholarships

Scholarship funds available at DeSales University are awarded on the basis of academic achievement and/or financial need. A separate application is not required. DeSales University recognizes students' academic achievement in high school by awarding two categories of academic merit scholarships. The Presidential Scholarships are worth the most. Priority consideration is granted to students who have applied by December 1 of their senior year. Academic scholarships are available for up to eight semesters (fall and spring terms only - intersessions and summer terms are not included).

Leadership Scholarship Essay Program

DeSales University recognizes students’ leadership achievements in high school by awarding six full tuition scholarships to participants in the Leadership Scholarship essay program. Each year, incoming first-year students are able to apply for this scholarship by writing a brief essay describing their character and leadership experience through the lens of one of the five Salesian values: Gentleness, Humility, Gratitude, Hospitality, and Wisdom. "These scholarships seek to welcome strong, balanced students who can stand before our University community as exemplars of our core values. We hope that their embrace of gentleness, humility, gratitude, hospitality, and wisdom will inform their lives and inspire others to integrate the essence of a Catholic, Salesian higher education into futures whose trajectories can champion the best of our mission,” shared Vice President of Mission Fr.

Diocesan and Oblate High School Graduates Grant

Graduates of the Allentown Diocesan and Oblate High Schools will receive a total of $20,000 over four years ($5,000 per year) in the form of University grant assistance. This grant is applicable toward DeSales University tuition charges and will not transfer to other institutions or to other family members. First-time students with a high school graduation date after June 1, 2004, or later who enroll in DeSales University beginning Fall 2004 are eligible.

Oblate Parish and Sponsor Scholarships

DeSales University will make two scholarships available for members of the Oblates to award to a student of their choosing. The Oblate Parish Scholarship can be given to a prospective college student who is a member of a parish administered by the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. The Oblate Sponsor Scholarship can be given to a prospective college student regardless of his/ her parish or high school affiliation. Each Oblate can award one scholarship to one student each year.

Aviat Scholarships

Aviat Scholarships of between $22,000 and $25,000 per academic year to eligible transfer students.

Endowed Scholarships

Through the generosity of individual donors, endowed funds have been established to provide annual scholarships. All types of institutional funds may be re-classified as Endowed Grants/Scholarships or Named Grants/Scholarships. Recipients may be required to write a letter to the donor and, if requested, attend a dinner or reception with the donor. Endowed scholarship funds are traditionally awarded to returning undergraduate students. Students receiving endowed funds will be required as a condition of the financial grant to write a letter annually to the donor of the grant.

Rev. Bernard F. Donahue, O.S.F.S. Scholarship

This endowed scholarship was established in honor of Rev. Bernard F. Donahue, O.S.F.S., who served more than 30 years as a professor at DeSales University and helped develop it into a school of national prominence. Students must be a graduate of Nativity Preparatory School in Wilmington, Delaware, and meet the general admissions requirements of the university. In the event that more than one student meets the above criteria, the highest ranking academic student will receive the scholarship.

Dr. Julius G. Scholarship

Incoming first-year students who major in mathematics and/or computer science and demonstrate strong academic achievement may receive up to $2,500 per year for four years. Eligibility requirements include minimum score of 1100 on SAT (Math/Verbal combined) or 24 on ACT, strong academic performance in high school (minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0), and interview with faculty member(s) from the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science.

School of Business Scholarship

This endowment was established for the benefit of DeSales University undergraduate students studying in the School of Business. Selected students receive a minimum merit-based scholarship of up to $8,000 per year for four years. Incoming first-year students must submit a resume and a two-page essay discussing their interest in a business career by February 1. Final selections are made by the scholarship committee after interviewing candidates.

Danny Cunningham ’86 Scholarship

This scholarship was established by Danny Cunningham ‘86 in recognition of the love and generosity of his parents, who provided him with a rich education in Dance, Theatre, and the Liberal Arts. It was established for the benefit of a DeSales University first-year undergraduate student in the School of Performing Arts who is a Dance major. The amount of the scholarship will be $2,500 each year, with renewal contingent upon meeting the criteria identified below. A recipient will be selected annually by the School of Performing Arts and Dance faculty after Dance major auditions.

Father Alexander T. Pocetto, OSFS Scholarship

At present, two scholarships are awarded annually to Adult Studies students. The Father Alexander T. Pocetto, OSFS Scholarship is awarded to students based on academic achievement and who exhibit an appreciation for the pursuit of higher education. The Pocetto Scholarship is named in honor of Fr. Alexander T.

David M. Petzold Scholarship

The David M. Petzold Scholarship is awarded to a criminal justice major based on academic achievement and a record of service to the community. The David M. Petzold Scholarship was established in memory of Officer David M. Petzold, who was killed in the line of duty on November 9, 2006.

Other Scholarships

Other scholarships are available through private donors and organizations.

Program Specific Scholarships

Theatre Talent Scholarship

To be accepted artistically into the Theatre program and to be eligible for a talent scholarship, you must audition and interview with our Theatre faculty. We ask that you perform two contrasting memorized monologues that showcase your strengths. We ask that you please keep your audition to a total of 3 minutes and no longer. We ask that you prepare one memorized song and one memorized monologue that showcases your strengths. Please bring your legible sheet music in the appropriate key with you into the audition room. You will not be permitted to perform your song a capella. Please keep your audition to a total of 3 minutes. There will not be a dance call, but if you would like to showcase a dance solo piece, we will make time in the audition room for you. However, please inform us at check-in that you plan to showcase your dance background. We ask that you prepare to discuss your artistic and/or technical experience and background. All candidates are encouraged to bring examples of your work (i.e.

Dance Talent Scholarship

The DeSales University Dance Department is hosting a Talent Scholarship and Audition Day for dance candidates who have already applied through the DeSales Admissions process. This audition is for artistic acceptance into the Dance Program and for consideration for a talent scholarship. The DeSales Dance Department audition will consist of a brief ballet technique class, contemporary/modern dance technique class, hip-hop movement and improvisation. Please wear form fitting athletic attire, ballet slippers for ballet, bare feet for modern and sneakers for hip-hop. Prior to your audition, we ask that you send a dance photo, resume, and a writing sample answering the question, "Why do you want to study dance at DeSales University?" If you do not send these items prior to the audition, you may bring them with you when you arrive. We are accepting virtual dance auditions, too!

TV/Film Department Scholarship

As a DeSales TV/Film department candidate, you must apply and be accepted academically and artistically. The DeSales TV/Film department interview will give each candidate the opportunity to meet with our Department Chair, Chuck Gloman, as well as the rest of the full-time faculty members, so that they can learn more about you and your TV/Film background and experience. This will be your opportunity to showcase your artistry and speak to your passion for the cinematic art form. Also, this will allow for any questions you may have about the program. Prior to your interview, we encourage our candidates to submit a portfolio selection or example of your work as an artist. An artistic portfolio is not required, but if you have work that you would like to share with our faculty, we ask that you submit by Saturday, January 17, so that we can review your material before your interview.

Joseph P. Scholarship

Applicant must be from a multicultural background who will be a college freshman beginning in the fall. Application and essay about their community service involvement are required, the essay should not exceed 1,000 words.

Scholarship for Pennsylvania Residents in STEM or Allied Health

Applicant must be a Pennsylvania resident who is a high school graduate with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicant must be enrolled in an approved science, technology, or allied health program at a Pennsylvania school, including community colleges, independent two-year colleges or private licensed schools offering approved programs.

Scholarship for Ohio Residents

Applicant must be an Ohio resident who demonstrates the highest levels of financial need with an expected family contribution of $2,190 or less and a maximum household income of $75,000 as determined by the FAFSA results.

Family Tuition Reduction Policy

Whenever two or more dependent children from the same family are in attendance during the same semester at the University as full-time undergraduate traditional day students, the family tuition reduction policy may apply. The current amount of the reduction is $1,500 per eligible child.

University Sponsored Payment Plans

Using University sponsored payment plans, students and their families can make regularly scheduled monthly payments each semester without interest or carrying charges. A separate enrollment fee is required each semester. You will be able to sign up for the payment plan once your semester bill is available each semester. For more information, contact the Treasurer’s Office at 610.282.1100, ext.

Financial Aid for Post-Baccalaureate Students

Post baccalaureate students attending DeSales University and pursuing a teaching certification from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are eligible to apply for Federal Direct loans pending enrollment in 6 or more credits. Teacher certification is considered to be a fifth year undergraduate program and students who answer no to all the dependency status questions on the FAFSA will be considered dependent students.

Withdrawals and Return of Title IV Funds

Students withdrawing from the institution must inform the Registrar’s Office in writing. The Department of Education has established a policy determining the amount of Title IV program assistance that you can earn if you withdraw from school. When you wi…

Seeking Assistance from the Office of Financial Aid

Don't let the financial aid process overwhelm you. DeSales' Office of Financial Aid is here to assist. Not only will we help you understand the process but we'll also identify and maximize everything you qualify for. The Office of Financial Aid can help ease the stress that comes from all of the questions surrounding how to finance your DeSales education.

Figuring out how to pay for your education can be stressful. We’re here to ease some of the anxiety you may be experiencing by helping identify and maximize ways to make college more affordable.

Key Steps to Financial Aid

Complete your FAFSA form in December for the following academic year - It is your responsibility to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid every year for consideration of various financial aid programs.
Determine your financial aid eligibility - The financial aid package specifies the types and amounts of assistance (including federal, state, and institutional) you will receive to cover your expenses.
Calculate the cost of college attendance - The total cost of attendance includes estimates for tuition, fees, room, board, books, and personal, transportation, and living expenses. Your total loan package is based on your need and college credits completed.

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