Most types of financial aid awards fall within one of two categories, merit-based or need-based awards. Merit-based awards are available for undergraduate and law students who have achieved academic excellence, possess leadership potential, and have demonstrated special talents. Need-based awards are available for families who cannot afford our costs.

Many undergraduate students qualify for a combination of merit-based scholarships and need-based grants. Educational loans, school year employment, alternative loans and payment plans are designed to fill in the gaps.

In the administration of need-based financial aid programs, we believe that the primary responsibility to pay for educational expenses rests with the student and the parent(s). When the family is financially unable to contribute the entire amount needed to cover the cost of attendance, they become eligible for need-based financial aid programs designed to meet the gap. This partnership approach between parents, student and the University is a widely accepted concept at most colleges and universities.

Our goal is to meet the demonstrated financial need for each eligible student. Priority is given to full-time undergraduate students who meet the priority application deadline date. Applications received after the May 1st priority application deadlines are considered to be late and awards are made as along as funds are available.

Please note that we cannot guarantee the same level of need-based financial aid for each year of the student's undergraduate enrollment. Families are required to submit an annual FAFSA form to receive consideration for need-based financial aid awards and eligibility may vary from year to year based upon changes in family income or assets, family size, and number of dependents in college.