Navigating Scholarships at Monmouth University: A Comprehensive Guide
Monmouth University offers a variety of scholarships and grants to help students finance their education. These opportunities are available for both undergraduate and graduate students and are awarded based on various criteria, including academic merit, financial need, and specific program enrollment. This article provides a detailed overview of the scholarships and grants offered by Monmouth University, outlining eligibility requirements, application processes, and award specifics.
Scholarships and Grants for Undergraduate Students
Monmouth University provides several avenues for undergraduate students to receive financial assistance. These include merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, and program-specific awards.
Merit-Based Scholarships
The Office of Undergraduate Admission offers academic awards to incoming freshmen and transfer students who are completing their first bachelor’s degree. These awards are based solely on a student’s prior academic performance, not on the basis of financial need.
Eligibility Criteria for Freshmen
New freshmen are evaluated based on their cumulative high school grade point average and, if submitted, their standardized test scores (e.g., SAT and ACT scores). Awards are not based upon financial need.
Eligibility Criteria for Transfer Students
Awards to transfer students with 24 or more transferrable credit hours are made based upon the student’s cumulative college grade point average. For students with less than 24 transferrable credit hours, the award is based on the high school grade point average, calculated academic grade point average, and standardized test scores (when submitted).
Read also: Navigating Campus Resources
Renewal Requirements
These awards are renewable for the entirety of the student’s undergraduate career, provided the student maintains full-time enrollment status (at least twelve credit hours) each semester and satisfactory academic progress. Education majors may receive a prorated award during their student teaching semester if they are only enrolled for nine credit hours.
- Incentive Grant: Recipients must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0.
- Academic Grant: Recipients must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5.
- Academic Excellence Scholarship: Recipients must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0.
If a student’s cumulative grade point average falls below the specified minimum, the grant may be reduced or cancelled.
Award Application
Candidates are identified by the Office of Undergraduate Admission; there is no separate application process for the scholarship.
Award Usage
Incentive grants, academic grants, and academic excellence scholarships may only be applied toward tuition assessed by Monmouth University, and, therefore, cannot be applied toward housing costs. Academic awards are applicable to study abroad costs only when tuition is assessed by Monmouth University; to study at the Washington Center; and to Medical Laboratory Science and Clinical Laboratory Science majors who are taking coursework not offered at Monmouth University. For students in the Medical Laboratory Science and Clinical Lab Sciences programs, the award will be prorated during the semester(s) in which course work is not taken at Monmouth University.
School of Science Scholarships and Grants
Scholarships and grants are available for students pursuing a major within the School of Science.
Read also: Guide to Monmouth University
Transfer Student Scholarship
Scholarships are offered to full-time transfer students in a major within the School of Science, who have completed an Associate's Degree at any New Jersey Community College and who have a transfer cumulative grade point average of at least 3.25. The award is valued at $3,500 per academic year and is renewable.
First-Time Student Grant
Grants are offered to first-time, full-time students who are pursuing a major within the School of Science. The award is $4,000 per academic year and is renewable.
Application Process and Award Usage
Candidates are identified by the Office of Undergraduate Admission; there is no separate application process. The award may only be applied toward tuition assessed by Monmouth University, and, therefore, cannot be applied toward housing costs. Academic awards are applicable to study abroad costs only when tuition is assessed by Monmouth University; to study at the Washington Center; and to Medical Laboratory Science and Clinical Laboratory Science majors who are taking coursework not offered at Monmouth University. For students in the Medical Laboratory Science and Clinical Lab Sciences programs, the award will be prorated during the semester(s) in which course work is not taken at Monmouth University.
Residency Grant
Beginning in Fall 2023, newly enrolling students - both freshmen and transfers - who reside in University owned or sponsored housing will be given a Residency Grant of $2,000.
Renewal Requirements and Application Process
The award is renewable as long as the student is living in University owned or sponsored housing, maintains a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 and is full-time; tuition remission and tuition exchange recipients are ineligible for the grant. There is no application process and grants will automatically be added to eligible students’ financial aid records. The grant in combination with all other grants, scholarships, and need-based loans will not exceed direct cost (e.g., tuition, fees, and room/board for resident students).
Read also: Applying to Monmouth University
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship
A limited number of scholarships at Monmouth University are available for students who are members of the Phi Theta Kappa, a national honor society for students at junior or community colleges at the time they enroll at Monmouth and who enroll as full-time (12 or more credits) undergraduate students. The award may only be applied toward tuition assessed by Monmouth University, and is applicable to costs associated with study abroad only when tuition is assessed by Monmouth University.
Prorated Awards
The award is also available for Medical Laboratory Science or Clinical Laboratory Science majors and will be prorated during the semester(s) in which course work is not taken at Monmouth University; the award will be prorated by the amount of the non-Monmouth tuition as a percentage of Monmouth tuition. For education majors the award will be prorated in the student teaching semester if the student is registered for fewer than 12 credits. Awards will not be awarded in conjunction with other institutional benefits such as employee tuition remission or the tuition exchange program.
Athletic Scholarships
The Department of Athletics offers grants-in-aid, commonly known as athletics scholarships, to student-athletes who meet the eligibility requirements set forth in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) bylaws. These grants-in-aid are offered and renewed at the discretion of the head coach with the consent and approval of the Director of Athletics and the Director of Financial Aid and in accordance with guidelines prescribed by Monmouth University and the NCAA. Grants-in-aid are made for the academic year; funding for summer course work is awarded at the discretion of the Director of Athletics.
Endowed Scholarships
The University offers a number of endowed scholarships, which have been made possible through the generosity of friends of the University. All enrolled students automatically receive consideration for these awards, and there is no student-initiated application process. The Financial Aid Office will identify and, except where otherwise specified by the donor, will select the candidate who most closely matches the donor-established criteria. Scholarship recipients will be notified via the Financial Aid Offer Letter.
Yellow Ribbon Program
Monmouth University has voluntarily entered into a Yellow Ribbon Agreement with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The agreement is completed on an annual basis and includes the maximum number of students to be funded, degree level of the recipients, and the maximum contribution by the University. The University’s contribution is matched by the VA. Students must be 100% eligible for Post-9/11 benefits to qualify for the Yellow Ribbon program.
Eligibility and Application
All interested students must complete the University’s online Yellow Ribbon Application. Newly enrolling full-time undergraduate students must submit an enrollment deposit before being considered for the program, and part- time students must submit a part-time reply form to the Office of Undergraduate Admission. A Certificate of Eligibility and DD-214 are required from all students at least two weeks prior to the start of their first semester. The University provides funding for up to forty (40) students - both undergraduate and graduate. Awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis, and students are notified of their eligibility through the Financial Aid award letter.
Restrictions
Students serving on active duty are not eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program. Students in the Yellow Ribbon Program are not eligible for other institutional grants or scholarships. The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) and work study are only awarded to students living on campus, provided that the student has remaining unmet need after the Yellow Ribbon Grant and other VA benefits are considered. Yellow Ribbon recipients may receive the Pell Grant in addition to the benefit. Students are not issued refunds until the University receives payment from the VA. For students attending a full academic year, Yellow Ribbon benefits are generally awarded in the spring semester after the Post-9/11 benefits have been exhausted.
Federal Grants
Pell Grant
The federal Pell Grant is a need based grant for undergraduate students who have not yet completed a baccalaureate or first professional degree and who meet all other federal eligibility requirements. The Financial Aid Office will calculate the amount of the student’s award based upon the student’s Student Aid Index, cost of attendance, and enrollment status. The amount of the Federal Pell Grant depends in part on the amount that Congress appropriates for the program. Students who file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will be automatically considered for the Pell Grant.
FSEOG Grant
FSEOG is awarded to undergraduate students who demonstrate extreme financial need and is generally awarded to undergraduate students who are Pell Grant recipients. On average, Monmouth University awards $650 to FSEOG recipients. Funding is limited, and priority is given to students who have filed their FAFSA in a timely fashion. FSEOG is available during the regular academic year (i.e., fall and spring semesters) and may be available during the summer term on a limited basis. Awards are renewable, provided that the student continues to demonstrate extreme financial need and meets the established standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress for federal awards.
TEACH Grant
The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant that provides grants of up to $4,000 per year (including the summer term). Students may receive a maximum of $16,000 in TEACH Grant funding for undergraduate studies. In exchange for receiving a TEACH Grant, the student must agree to serve as a full-time teacher in a high-need field (e.g., bilingual education and English language acquisition, foreign language, mathematics, reading specialist, science, special education, or other identified teacher shortage areas) in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves low-income students. Department of Education. Be enrolled in course work that is necessary to begin a career in teaching or plan to complete such course work.
Additional Scholarship Avenues
College Factual Findings
According to College Factual, 99% of incoming freshmen (984 total) were given scholarships at Monmouth University, averaging $19,548.00 per student. This places Monmouth in the top 25th percentile among colleges and universities nationwide. Additionally, 31% of freshmen (312 total) received a federal grant, for about $5,809.00 a person.
Business Council Awards and Scholarships
The Business Council funds several student scholarships and awards annually to recognize Leon Hess Business School students. Applicants are reviewed by a committee of faculty and Business Council members. Awards and scholarships are in varied amounts and recognize different criteria of student achievement.
- Fall Investment Seminar Scholarship: Up to three awards are given of $1,000 each.
- Mullaney Scholarship: Established by William Mullaney for an undergraduate student with an interest in entrepreneurship. Up to two awards are given of $2,500 each.
- Paul Corliss Award: Awarded to a senior Marketing student in January and May with the highest cumulative GPA, who has completed a minimum of 71.5 undergraduate credits at Monmouth University.
- Paul Corliss Scholarship: Awarded in the fall and spring semesters to a full-time senior Marketing student with the highest cumulative GPA, who has completed a minimum of 90 credits; 61.5 credits must be completed at Monmouth University.
- LHBS Academic Achievement: Awarded to the graduating undergraduate student with the highest overall GPA in the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
- Departmental Academic Achievement: Awarded to the graduating undergraduate student with the highest overall GPA in their major within the Leon Hess Business School.
- Departmental Outstanding Student: Recognizes excellence beyond just academic performance for each of the departments of the Leon Hess Business School.
Scholarships and Grants for Graduate Students
Monmouth University also provides various scholarship and grant opportunities for graduate students, recognizing academic achievement and offering support for specific programs.
Graduate Admission Scholarships
Partial tuition scholarships are awarded to matriculated students in select programs by the Office of Graduate Admission and are made on the basis of the student’s cumulative undergraduate grade point average; the cumulative Master’s degree grade point average is used for doctoral students. Scholarships are available during the academic year as well as the summer. Scholarships may not be combined with Monmouth University tuition remission benefits, Second Master’s Scholarships, Math/Science Educator Scholarships, and the senior citizen discount. However, the Graduate Scholarship may be combined with a Graduate Assistantship or employer tuition reimbursement as long as the total amount of aid does not exceed tuition and fees (fees do not include books).
Criminal Justice Program Scholarships
Partial tuition scholarships are available to students who are active duty law enforcement officers. Scholarship amounts vary as a function of tuition and the number of credits that you enroll in. Scholarships may not be combined with Monmouth University tuition remission benefits or Graduate Scholarships but may be combined with graduate assistantships and employer tuition reimbursement as long as the total funding does not exceed the cost of tuition and fees (fees do not include books). Scholarships are available during the fall, spring, and summer terms. All applicants for admission to the Criminal Justice program are evaluated for scholarship eligibility; students do not need to complete a separate scholarship application but may be asked to submit verification of employment.
Five-Year Award
One-time awards of up to $3,000 are made to Monmouth University undergraduates who complete the baccalaureate degree and immediately start the master’s degree program. Students must be full-time graduate students (nine credits or more per semester). The Office of Graduate Admission will advise the Financial Aid Office of eligible recipients and there is no separate application process. Students may receive this award in addition to the Graduate Scholarship or a Graduate Assistantship, but the total of all institutional aid (e.g., scholarship, five year award, and assistantship) cannot exceed tuition and fees; the award may not be made in conjunction with tuition remission or tuition exchange.
Athletic Scholarships for Graduate Students
The Department of Athletics offers a limited number of grants-in-aid, frequently called athletics scholarships, to student-athletes who are graduate students and who have remaining eligibility as per National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) bylaws. These grants-in-aid are offered and renewed at the discretion of the head coach with the consent and approval of the Director of Athletics and the Director of Financial Aid, within the guidelines prescribed by Monmouth University and the NCAA. Grants-in-aid are made for the academic year; funding for summer course work is awarded at the discretion of the Director of Athletics. Graduate student athletes who receive an athletics scholarship must complete a Grant-In-Aid agreement, as prepared by the Department of Athletics.
TEACH Grant for Graduate Students
Through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007, Congress created the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant program that provides grants of up to $4,000 per year (including the summer term), for a lifetime maximum of $8,000, to graduate students who intend to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families. In exchange for receiving a TEACH Grant, the student must agree to serve as a full-time teacher in a high-need field (e.g., bilingual education and English language acquisition, foreign language, mathematics, reading specialist, science, special education, or other identified teacher shortage areas) in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves low-income students. Department of Education. Be enrolled in course work that is necessary to begin a career in teaching or plan to complete such course work.
Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Graduate Program
The Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) graduate program provides financial assistance and academic support for a small, select number of students.
Endowed Scholarships for Graduate Students
The University offers a small number of annual and endowed scholarships to graduate students, which have been made possible through the generosity of friends of the University. All enrolled students receive consideration for these awards, and there is no student-initiated application process. The Financial Aid Office, except where stipulated by the donor, will select the candidate that most closely matches the donor-established criteria. (Note that students in the MSN program must complete the FAFSA and a scholarship application available from the School of Nursing and Health Studies.
Additional Scholarship Avenues
Gertrude Murphy Endowed Scholarship
Awarded to MBA students, this scholarship honors “Gert” and her 30+ years of service at Monmouth.
Wollack Scholarship
Established in honor of the long-time Associate Dean of the school, Leonard Wollack, for excellence in marketing by an MBA student.
MBA Academic Achievement
Awarded to the graduating graduate student with the highest overall GPA in the MBA program.
MBA Outstanding Student
Recognizes excellence beyond just academic performance for the MBA program.
General Scholarship Information and Application Tips
Navigating the scholarship landscape can be daunting, but understanding the types of scholarships available and their requirements is the first step toward securing financial aid.
Understanding Scholarship Types
Scholarships can be broadly categorized into merit-based, need-based, and program-specific awards. Merit-based scholarships recognize academic achievement, talent, or skill. Need-based scholarships consider a student's financial circumstances, while program-specific scholarships target students enrolled in particular fields of study.
Application Strategies
While some scholarships at Monmouth University do not require a separate application, others may require specific documentation or essays. It is essential to thoroughly research each scholarship's requirements and deadlines.
Maximizing Your Chances
To maximize your chances of receiving a scholarship, focus on maintaining a high GPA, actively participating in extracurricular activities, and seeking out opportunities for leadership and community involvement. Additionally, carefully review and adhere to all application requirements, and seek guidance from the Financial Aid Office or academic advisors.
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