Financial Aid for Graduate Students

Alumni Discount

Saint Vincent College alumni receive a 15% discount on graduate courses for degrees that do not have an enrollment limit. Graduate students taking undergraduate level coursework enjoy a 50% discount on all undergraduate coursework.

*The Alumni graduate tuition discount may not be applied with any of our other discounts.

Military/Law Enforcement Discount

Active-duty members of the military, members of the reserve units, and law enforcement officials receive a 15% discount on graduate school tuition for our business, criminology and education graduate programs. When completing your application, please note in the “Employer” field in which branch of the military you are currently serving or your law enforcement affiliation. Our affordable rates and flexible class options allow you to earn a master’s degree in as little as one year or you can tailor your studies to fit your military or law enforcement responsibilities.

*The Military/Law Enforcement discount may not be applied with any of our other discounts.

Good Neighbor Discount

For 170 years, Saint Vincent College has cherished its community. To honor this connection, we’ve created the Good Neighbor discount. Students enrolled in our graduate programs in business, criminology, and education can receive a 10% Good Neighbor discount on their tuition if they live or work in Westmoreland County.

To register for the discount, simply email gradadmission@stvincent.edu, and indicate the program in which you are currently enrolled or plan to enroll. Please attach a copy of your driver’s license or other proof of residency if you live in Westmoreland County, or proof of employment at a business situated in Westmoreland County – an employee identification card or a pay stub, for example.

*The Good Neighbor Discount may not be combined with any of our other discounts.

Graduate Assistantships

Saint Vincent College offers a few graduate assistant positions. When positions are available, they are listed on the Human Resources page within their job listings.  Students are required to work 20 hours a week and are paid an hourly wage. Positions are limited and highly competitive.

Program Related Scholarships, Fellowships, Internships, Stipends

Check your graduate program page for details on opportunities that can help reduce your degree costs.

• Education
• Criminology
• Business
• Nursing

Veterans are encouraged to visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website, to apply for benefits.  To contact SVC’s School Certifying Official, please contact the Office of the Registrar at 724.805.2720 or email registar@stvincent.edu

Applying for FAFSA

To be considered for federal loans, you will need to complete The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This is an annual form you submit each year, which your college uses to assess your eligibility for federal financial aid.

1.  If you do not have one already, establish an FSA User ID and password at www.studentaid.gov. 
2. Next, file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at FAFSA® Application | Federal Student Aid. SVC’s school code is 003368.  File the FAFSA each year beginning October 1 using your federal income tax returns from two years prior. 
3. After your FAFSA form is submitted and processed, you’ll receive your Student Aid Index (SAI), which is used to indicate federal student aid eligibility. Saint Vincent will receive an electronic copy of this same information.
4. Saint Vincent will award your Federal Unsubsidized loan and issue a financial aid award letter. The award letter can be viewed on your SVC Self -Service portal.
5. If you would like to accept your federal loans, complete the Entrance Counseling session, and complete and sign your Federal Direct Master Promissory Note (MPN) electronically at www.studentaid.gov.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans

Graduate students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) may be eligible to borrow a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. The annual limit on this loan is $20,500. The loan is available to degree-seeking students enrolled at least half-time (5 credits). Discover and learn more about Federal Direct Loans terms and conditions at Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans | Federal Student Aid  

Federal Direct Graduate PLUS

Loans for students in need of additional funding up to the Cost of Attendance, less any other financial aid, may seek to borrow under the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS loan program. This credit-based loan is available to degree-seeking students enrolled at least half-time (5 credits). Learn more about Graduate PLUS Loans | Federal Student Aid or apply.

Note:  The FAFSA must be filed yearly to receive federal Direct Unsubsidized and Graduate PLUS Loans

Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (to maintain federal loan eligibility)

Federal law (Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended) mandates that institutions of higher education establish minimum standards of satisfactory academic progress for students receiving any federal financial aid. Students must meet these standards of academic progress to continue to receive federal loan funds.

Additional private loans, generally referred to as “alternative loans,” may also be available to students. Payment can usually be deferred until graduation, but interest accrues from the time the loan is disbursed.

Saint Vincent College wants students to be informed before borrowing a Private Alternative Loan.   Private Alternative loans are non-federal educational loans, through a private lending institution, typically issued in the student’s name and may require a cosigner. You have the right to select the alternative lender of your choice.

The following is a list of lenders with whom five or more Saint Vincent students have conducted business in the past year. Neither Saint Vincent College nor the Financial Aid Office promotes, endorses, or recommends any of these loan products or lenders by including them on the list. You can view a list of lenders at www.elmselect.com, www.finaid.org, or some credit unions at www.studentchoice.org along with each particular lenders requirements. Please refer to the lender for updated information before making your choice. Rates, Terms and Conditions are subject to change without notice.

Employer Reimbursement Deferment Plan

Graduate students who receive tuition reimbursement do not have to pay upfront and wait for their employer to reimburse them. We offer a $30 deferment plan that allows you to defer your tuition until the end of the term and pay your bill once you receive your reimbursement from your employer.

Monthly Payment Plan

We also offer monthly payment plans. For further information, contact the Saint Vincent College Business Office at 724-805-2248.