Financial Aid at Aquinas College

Scholarships & Grants

Scholarships and grants are types of financial aid that do not need to be repaid. They may be awarded based on need, excellence in academics or other areas, or a combination of both. The aid may be given by the federal or state government, by AQ, or by a private donor.

Michigan Aid Programs

The State of Michigan Tuition Grant program is available to undergraduate students and is based on financial need for use at Independent non-profit degree-granting colleges and universities in Michigan.  Awards are restricted to the cost of tuition and fees.  Applicants must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by June 30.  The award is based on the first college listed on the FAFSA.  Students must file a renewal FAFSA every year to determine possible continued program eligibility.

The State of Michigan Competitive Scholarship program is available to undergraduate students pursuing their first degrees at an approved Michigan postsecondary institution. Students must demonstrate both financial need and merit.  Eligible applicants must achieve a qualifying score of at least 1200 on the SAT. Applicants must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid  (FAFSA) by March 1st.  The award is based on the first college listed on the FAFSA.  Students must file a renewal FAFSA every year by March 1st to determine possible continued program eligibility.

For more information about Michigan financial aid programs, visit the Michigan Student Aid Website.

Vocational Rehabilitation Services 

Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) is an agency of the Michigan Department of Career Development designed to provide rehabilitative services to vocationally handicapped or impaired individuals.

Any person with an impairment such as an amputation, a cardiac condition, speech problems, deafness, blindness, orthopedic involvements, or epilepsy may be considered for assistance through MRS.

All services provided are individually planned to meet the established need and could include, for example: tuition, fees, books, prosthetic devices, maintenance, or other services that would be required for the completion of a rehabilitative program.

A student who feels that vocational rehabilitation services are needed should contact the office of Michigan Rehabilitation Services in the student’s home area.

 

Federal Grants

Federal grant funds are limited to students working on their first undergraduate degree. Students who have met degree requirements are no longer eligible for the following awards, even if the student elects not to seek conferral of the degree until a later semester.

Federal Pell Grant (PELL)

Pell Grant offers assistance to high need students working toward their first bachelor's degree. The Pell Grant is funded each year by Congress, which sets the minimum and maximum award amounts. If you are eligible for the Pell Grant, it will be listed on your AQ financial aid award offer. Eligibility is determined by the FAFSA. There is no separate application, and the award will disburse automatically once you are registered.

Students are limited to six years of Pell eligibility, or the full-time equivalent of six years for those attending less than full time. 

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

SEOG is a federal grant available to very high need students working toward their first bachelor's degree. If you are eligible for SEOG funds, they will be listed on your award offer. There is no separate application, and the award will disburse automatically once you are registered. You must be enrolled full-time (12 credits per semester) to receive this grant.

TEACH Grant

Students who plan to become teachers may wish to consider the federal TEACH Grant program. Eligible students will meet the following requirements:

• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
• Complete a FAFSA
• Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 throughout your academic program
• Be accepted into an eligible degree program
• Undergraduate students are eligible only if they are pursuing their first undergraduate degree
• Sign an Agreement to Serve and complete counseling each year that you receive a grant.
• Complete TEACH Grant Entrance Counseling.

Veterans Administration Benefits

The Veterans Administration administers certain basic programs for eligible veterans, service persons, reservists, and dependents of veterans seeking assistance for education.  

Before an Enrollment Certification will be submitted to the V.A., the veteran-student must provide a Certificate of Eligibility and sign a statement of Veteran Recipient Responsibilities. 

This statement must be signed each registration period and retained in the veteran's file.

Students receiving V.A. benefits are required to maintain satisfactory progress toward degree completion and abide by all rules and regulations as outlined in the Aquinas College Student Conduct Code. 

Students may obtain further information from the Veterans Administration Office nearest their home or from the Veterans Certifying Official in the Financial Aid Office in Hruby Hall.