Overview of Programs

Program Chart

The following chart provides a comprehensive picture of the aid programs available, with information on eligibility and application requirements. Note that some of these are administered by Fairfield University and others by banks, lending institutions, or State and Federal government agencies. Pay strict attention to deadlines for all of these programs, regardless of which agencies administer them.

Be aware that the list on this chart is not exhaustive. Many other grant and loan programs exist all over the country, and your eligibility for them often depends on where you live and what high school you attend. Consult your high school guidance counselor to discover what special awards may be available to you and how you may apply for them. Remember, any financial aid you receive will reduce your annual costs and/or your loan repayment obligations. It's worth doing the extra paperwork to apply!

Program	Eligibility Requirements	Source of Funds	Annual Award Ranges	Directions for Applying
Fairfield University Scholarship Program
University Fellowship Scholarship	All qualified students will be considered for merit-based scholarship awards based on the strength of the admission application. Typically, recipients average 650 in each section of the SAT and have exceptionally strong records of achievement in high school, including honors and advanced placement coursework. Students may apply under the Early Action or Regular Decision guidelines to be considered for a merit scholarship.	University	$15,000	- All first-year applicants are considered for merit scholarship. - For further information, contact Office of Admissions at (203) 254-4100.
Presidential Scholarship		University	$13,000
Deans' Scholarship		University	$10,000
University Administered Need-Based Programs
Athletic Grants- in-Aid	Awarded by the Athletic Department to students participating in designated sports.	University	Variable	Contact Athletic Department at (203) 254-4216.
Fairfield Grants	Full-time undergraduates with financial need.	University	Variable	*For Entering Freshmen:* Send FAFSA and PROFILE to processing centers no later then February 15. *Early Action Candidates only:* Send PROFILE form to College Scholarship Service no later than November 15. Early Action candidates must also file the FAFSA by February 15. *All Freshmen:* Send completed, signed copies of student's and parents' Federal Tax Returns, with all schedules and W-2 forms, to the Financial Aid Office by March 1. *For Transfer Students:* File FAFSA no later than March 1. Transfer students are eligible for limited University need-based funding during the first year of enrollment. *For Returning Students:* File FAFSA no later than March 1.
Federal Pell Grant	Undergraduates: based upon formula established by the Federal Government.	Federal	$890 - Approx. $4,731
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)	Undergraduates with exceptional financial need.	Federal	Up to $4,000; average award $1000
Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)	FTD Freshmen and Sophomores who are Pell eligible and completed a rigorous program of study in high school. Sophomores need to also have a 3.0 GPA	Federal	$750 Freshmen $1,300 Sophomores
SMART Grant	FTD Juniors and Seniors who are Pell eligible, have a 3.0 GPA, and have declared an eligible Science or Math major.	Federal	$4,000
Federal Work Study Program (FWS)	Students with exceptional financial need.	Federal	$1,000-$1,500
Federal Perkins Loan	Students with exceptional financial need. Preference given to freshmen.	Federal	Up to $4,000
Federal Nursing Loan	Students in the School of Nursing with financial need.	Federal	no funding for 2008-09 year
Connecticut Independent College Student Grant Program	Connecticut residents with financial need enrolled in an independent college or university in Connecticut.	State	Variable, included in Fairfield Tuition Grant
External Financial Assistance Programs
Federal Stafford Loans (Subsidized or Unsubsidized)	Subsidized- Students who demonstrate financial need enrolled in at least half-time status. Unsubsidized- Available for students without need enrolled in at least a half-time status.	Lending Institutions	View chart	View info online Additionally, a FAFSA must be filed.
Federal Parent Loan Program (Plus)	Loans to parents of dependent undergraduates.	Lending institutions	Cost of education minus financial aid assistance	View info online
Federal Grad Plus Program	Additional loans to graduate students above the Stafford Loan borrowing limits	Lending institutions	Cost of education minus financial aid assistance	View info online
Alternative Loan Programs	A variety of external loan sources are available.	Lending Institutions	Variable	View info online (scroll down after clicking link above)
Connecticut Capitol Scholarship	Undergraduates: based upon SAT scores of 1800 or rank in top 20 percent of class or financial need.	State	Up to $3,000	Applications available at high schools. Deadline February 15. FAFSA required.
Other State Scholarships/ Grants	Variable	State	Variable	Write directly to your state Board or Commissioner of Education for information.
Tuition Pay Monthly Plan	Sallie Mae administers a monthly payment plan for Fairfield University.	Sallie Mae	Variable	Call toll-free at 1-800-635-0120.