The financial aid programs at St. John Fisher College have been developed to assist students with financing their education. Eligibility is based primarily on need and/or merit. Since the family and the student bear the primary responsibility for a student’s education, each student and family are expected to make a reasonable effort to provide sufficient funds to enable the student to complete his or her education. The Office of Student Financial Services has prepared a realistic budget that is based on the current tuition and fees and on probable miscellaneous expenses.

The following is intended to give basic information about the financial assistance that is available. Often, financial aid packages will consist of a combination of the forms of aid described in this section. Sources of aid awarded at the discretion of St. John Fisher College are not available for summer study, even if the student enrolls in a full-time course load during summer semesters.

Forms Required for Applying

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required for every need-based financial aid program administered by St. John Fisher College (e.g., St. John Fisher College grants, private scholarships, Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants, Iraq and Afghanistan Grant, Federal College Work-Study, Federal Direct Student Loans and Federal TEACH Grants). The priority deadline for filing the FAFSA is January 15 for all students. After these dates, institutional need-based funds will be awarded on a funds-available basis. The FAFSA is completed at https://fafsa.ed.gov/

In order to apply for financial aid from programs not administered by the College (e.g., state grants), different application forms and deadlines are required, as indicated in the program descriptions.

Academic Progress Requirements

Most sources of financial assistance, especially New York state and federally funded aid programs, require specified progress toward a degree during each academic term for which aid is received. Progress is measured in the number of credits earned and the grade point average achieved. Failure to meet these standards can result in the loss of some, or all, financial assistance in subsequent academic periods. It is each student’s responsibility to become aware of, and comply with, these standards if continued receipt of financial assistance is desired. The academic progress requirements for New York state, federal, and institutional aid are detailed in Standards of Academic Progress for Financial Aid Recipients.

Consortium Agreements

A consortium agreement is a written agreement between two schools which allows a Fisher student to take courses at another institution and count those courses toward his or her degree at St. John Fisher College. A consortium agreement allows the St. John Fisher College Office of Student Financial Services to count courses at both institutions when determining a student’s enrollment level for the purposes of awarding aid. However, the courses taken at the host institution must be applicable toward the student’s degree in order to be counted at St. John Fisher. Consortium agreements can be done on a limited appeal basis based upon mitigating circumstances. The student must contact the Office of Student Financial Services to complete the Request for Financial Aid to take Course(s) at Another Institution form.

Renewal of Financial Aid

Financial aid is reviewed annually and requires you to file the Free Application of Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year that aid is requested. The FAFSA filing deadline for returning Fisher students is January 15 of each year. Late filers will be considered for aid renewal on a funds-available basis. An award is continued if the student is making satisfactory progress toward a degree, is in need of financial assistance, and meets academic requirements of merit scholarships. Substantial adjustments in aid from year to year are seldom made unless there is a major change in family financial need. The maximum number of semesters of St. John Fisher College grants and scholarships that an entering freshman can receive is eight (8) semesters (4 years).

Students are strongly encouraged to consult with the Office of Student Financial Services prior to changes in housing status, major, financial need, or participation in a study abroad program. These changes may affect a student’s eligibility for renewal of certain types of financial aid.

For further information, please see Terms and Conditions of Financial Aid Awards [pdf].

Change from Full-Time to Part-Time Status

Part-time students are not eligible for many forms of financial aid. Students who drop to fewer than 12 credits within the first six weeks of the semester will be considered part-time students for financial aid purposes. Therefore, any student contemplating a change from full-time to part-time status should consult with the Office of Student Financial Services before finalizing any change in registration.

Loan Exit Interviews

A student who drops below half-time status or graduates is required by the federal government to complete exit counseling if he or she borrowed a Federal Direct Student Loan, a Federal Perkins Loan, and/or received the Federal TEACH Grant. Exit counseling is required for each type of loan. Federal Direct Student Loan exit counseling and TEACH Grant exit counseling can be done at: http://studentaid.gov. Federal Perkins Loan borrowers will be contacted by our loan servicer, ECSI, to complete the exit counseling. Failure to do so may result in withholding of the diploma and/or academic transcripts.

Special Circumstances

Changing economic conditions today call for a careful re-evaluation of financial need. Parents and students with altered family situations must notify the Office of Student Financial Services for consideration.

Office of Student Financial Services
St. John Fisher College
3690 East Avenue
Rochester, New York 14618
Phone: (585) 385-8042

State Financial Aid Awards

Criteria of Program Pursuit and Satisfactory Academic Progress for Recipients of State Financial Aid Awards

In addition to all other criteria, students must be in “good academic standing” in order to establish eligibility for New York state awards. “Good academic standing” consists of meeting the following state-approved minimum standards of “program pursuit” and “satisfactory academic progress” and is evaluated each term.

These criteria apply only to the establishment of eligibility for state awards. They are not the general College criteria of good academic standing and are not used in determining the academic status of students. Since the College standards are generally higher than these state-approved standards, students may be required to withdraw from the College for academic reasons, even if their academic record is above the minimum state standards.

The requirements that students must “pursue a program of study” and make “satisfactory academic progress” toward the completion of academic requirements will apply to all students receiving their first state awards in the fall of 1981 or thereafter.

Standards of Program Pursuit for State Awards

State regulations define “program pursuit” as receiving a passing or failing grade in a certain percentage of a full-time course load depending on the number of state awards the student has received. The standards are as follows:

• In each semester of study in the first year for which an award is made, the student must receive a passing or failing grade in at least six semester hours (i.e., 50 percent of the minimum full-time load).
• In each term of study in the second year for which an award is made, the student must receive a passing or failing grade in at least nine semester hours (i.e., 75 percent of the minimum full-time load).
• In each term of study in the third and each succeeding year for which an award is made, the student must receive a passing or failing grade in at least 12 semester hours (i.e., 100 percent of the minimum full-time load).

Generally, the state will accept as a passing or failing grade the grades “A” through “F” and any grade that indicates that the student (1) attended the course for the entire semester and (2) completed all the assignments. The grades of “S” (satisfactory) and “P” (passing) are acceptable. The grade of “I” is acceptable only if it automatically changes to a standard passing or failing grade before completion of the next term of studies. The grade of “W” does not constitute a grade that may be used to meet the requirement of program pursuit.

Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress for State Awards

In addition to the above standards of “program pursuit,” students generally must meet the standards of satisfactory academic progress outlined on the chart below unless they have special circumstances. The progress of students with special circumstances, such as those who have transferred from another institution or who have used their waiver (see explanation in waiver procedures below), is monitored on an adjusted schedule. See description of special circumstances (below).

“C” Average Requirement for State Awards

Students who have received two annual payments of state-funded financial aid must have a cumulative “C” average or its equivalent (2.00 grade point average) in order to continue receiving payment in subsequent semesters. This requirement is in addition to the standard of satisfactory academic progress.

Repeated Coursework

New York state regulations mandate that courses in which the student has already received a passing grade cannot be included in meeting full-time study requirements for state aid. Repeated courses may be counted toward full-time study requirements if a student repeats a failed course, if a student repeats the course for additional credit (i.e. internships or research courses), or when a student has received a grade of C- or lower in a course that is required for the major they have declared.

One-Time Waiver Procedures

The standards of satisfactory academic progress for state student financial aid awards may be waived once as an undergraduate student and once as a graduate student if an institution certifies and maintains documentation that such a waiver is in the best interests of the student. A student must submit a written request for a waiver to the director of student financial services. The granting of a waiver is at the discretion of the institution.

The waiving of standards of good academic progress will require documentation by the student of extraordinary circumstances such as illness or death in the student’s family, serious illness of the student, or academic hardship. Use of the waiver option must be requested and agreed to in writing by the student.

Transfer Student Eligibility

Transfer students (and students readmitted after a period of absence from college) will be subject to procedures slightly different from those applied to students in continuing status. For example, when a student transfers from a TAP-eligible program at one institution to another TAP-eligible program at a second institution, the receiving institution (in this case, St. John Fisher College) must make a determination, based upon an evaluation of the student’s academic and, to the extent possible, financial aid record, that the transfer student is able to benefit from and is admissible to the new program of study. The receiving institution will assign a certain number of transfer credits it is willing to accept from the student’s previous study, and on the basis of this assessment, the student will be placed either at the appropriate point on the chart of satisfactory academic progress (below) that corresponds to the number of transfer credits accepted or at the point that corresponds to the number of payments previously received by the student, whichever is more beneficial to the student.

Special Circumstances

An applicant for the state financial aid awards covered by these regulations must be enrolled full-time. However, upon presentation of satisfactory medical evidence to substantiate that serious illness or mental or physical disability precludes attendance on a full-time basis, work performed during two or more terms of study may be approved as equivalent to a regular term for scholarship, tuition assistance program, or other benefits.

Loss and Reinstatement of Student Eligibility

The penalty for not meeting state-approved criteria of good academic standing (i.e., criteria of “program pursuit” and “satisfactory academic progress”) is suspension of a student’s New York state financial aid award.

The award will remain suspended until the student is restored to good academic standing by either:

• Pursuing for a period of one semester the program of study in which he or she is enrolled and “making satisfactory progress” toward the completion of his or her program’s academic requirements.

OR

• Establishing in some other way, to the satisfaction of the Commissioner of Education, evidence of his or her ability to successfully complete an approved program.

In general, students who lose their awards must seek reinstatement as noted above.

The second bullet above provides a way for students who have lost their awards and who either are transferring to another institution or who wish to return to college after an absence of at least a year to achieve good standing and thus to regain their awards. For such students, the detailed record of a student’s readmission to the institution, or admission to another institution, will be accepted as evidence of his or her ability to successfully complete an approved program.

If you have a question concerning these regulations, please contact the director of student financial services.

Satisfactory Academic Progress for New York State Aid

Before being certified for this payment of state aid, a student must have accrued at least this many semester credit hours. This applies to non-remedial students in a baccalaureate program, receiving their first NYS award in 2010-11 and after.

Before being certified for this payment of state aid, a student must have accrued at least this many semester credit hours. This applies to ADA part-time students in a baccalaureate program, receiving their first NYS award in 2010-11 and after.

Note: The 2011-12 enacted NYS budget mandates the following standards of progress, enacted in 2006-07, shall be used for non-remedial students who first receive state aid in 2007-08 through 2009-10 and for students who meet the definition of “remedial student” (HEOP) in 2010-11 and thereafter. The enacted budget defines remedial for purposes of SAP.

Effective 2006-07 for HEOP students.

*Education law requires that no undergraduate student shall be eligible for more than four academic years (eight semesters) of state awards or five academic years if the program of study normally requires five years. Students in the Higher Education Opportunity Program are permitted five years (ten semesters) of eligibility.

Federal and College-Funded Financial Aid Awards

The following minimum standards of satisfactory academic progress apply to all federally funded and College-funded assistance:

For purposes of determining satisfactory academic progress, the time frame for completion of an undergraduate program cannot exceed 150 percent of the published program length for a full-time student; that is, for a 120-credit-hour (four-year) program, the maximum time frame is set to 180 attempted hours. This method does not consider the length of time each student spends in the program, so that the same maximum number of attempted hours is used for all students regardless of full-time or part-time enrollment status. All credit hours attempted, whether or not they are completed or passed, are counted toward the maximum time-frame limit.

A student who exceeds the 150 percent time-frame limit is ineligible for all types of federal programs (Pell Grants, Perkins Loans, College Work-Study, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants [SEOG], Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants, Direct Student Loans [subsidized and unsubsidized], Direct Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students [PLUS], TEACH Grants and College-funded financial aid).

In addition to the above standards, all full-time students must earn twenty (20) credit hours during each academic year and must have at least the following cumulative grade point average (GPA):

Students placed on warning or probation status, as defined in this bulletin, can continue to receive financial aid provided they are maintaining the academic standards outlined above.

Appeals

Policy stipulates that you are not eligible to receive your financial aid until you are in compliance with academic requirements. However, you have the right to appeal this policy if you feel that unusual mitigating circumstances were a factor in your academic performance (i.e., an injury, illness, death of a relative etc.). All appeals must be submitted in writing to the director of student financial Services, stating the mitigating circumstance, supporting documentation, and a plan for academic success. Students will be notified of the appeal decision.

Students will be placed on a probation status upon approved appeal. If after the probation period of one semester of receiving federal and College funds it is seen that a student will not meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards for the year, they will not receive an additional payment of financial aid. Students will be notified of this decision.

Regaining Eligibility

If an appeal is denied, students will not continue to receive federal and/or College funded assistance. Eligibility may be reinstated by successfully completing coursework that improves a student’s cumulative GPA and/or overall credits earned without receiving the assistance of federal and/or College funds. The Office of Student Financial Services should be informed of the student’s intention to do so, and supplied with a transcript of grades after the completion of courses. Remember that only courses taken at St. John Fisher College will affect a student’s GPA. Repeat courses which have been previously passed will not be counted. Students who lose eligibility for financial aid as a result of an insufficient GPA and/or number of credit hours at the end of an academic year can make up the deficiency by attending summer school at their own expense. Only courses taken at St. John Fisher College will affect a student’s GPA.

Repeated Coursework

Recent federal regulations change the way enrollment status is determined for students who are repeating coursework in which they previously received a letter grade of D- or higher. Fisher may pay a student one time for retaking previously-passed coursework. To determine a student’s enrollment status (full-time vs. part-time), Fisher cannot include more than one repetition of a previously passed course.

Note: Repeated courses that a student has passed will not count toward this requirement.

Part-Time Matriculated Students

A student taking at least six credit hours but fewer than 12 credit hours during the semester is defined as part-time. All part-time students must maintain a GPA comparable to that required of a full-time student with the same number of credit hours accumulated toward a degree (see above chart).

Recipients must be in good academic standing in accordance with the commissioner’s regulations and must not be in default on a federal or state made student loan or on any repayment of state awards.

Note: Where any question of eligibility exists, the student or prospective student should contact the Office of Student Financial Services.

Tuition Assistance Program

All TAP applicants must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually at https://fafsa.ed.gov/  in order to determine eligibility for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) grant.  Students must also complete a separate application at www.tapweb.org The application deadline is June 30 of the award year for which aid is requested. The Higher Education Services Corporation determines the applicant’s eligibility and mails an award certificate directly to the applicant indicating the amount of the grant. The post-secondary institution may defer payment based on the receipt of the award certificate and verification of TAP eligibility requirements (such as high school completion, residency, citizenship).

Undergraduate students may generally receive TAP awards for four years of study. Students enrolled in approved five-year programs, or in a state-sponsored opportunity program, may receive undergraduate awards for five years.

*Independent status under the state definition does not necessarily ensure independent status for federal aid programs.

The amount of the TAP award is scaled according to the number of TAP payments previously received, tuition charge, and New York state net taxable income. The income measure is the family’s (for independent students) net taxable income from the preceding tax year plus certain non-taxable income and (for dependent students) support from divorced or separated parents. This income is further adjusted to reflect other family members enrolled full-time in post-secondary study.

More information regarding the NYS TAP award, including the selection of recipients and allocation of awards, can be found on the Higher Education Services Corporation website.

Part-time TAP

Part-time TAP helps eligible New York residents attending in-state postsecondary institutions on a part-time basis pay for tuition. Part-time TAP is a grant and does not have to be paid back. To apply, students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually at https://fafsa.ed.gov/ and the TAP application at www.tapweb.org. Students are required to notify the Office of Student Financial Services to receive part-time TAP.  Learn more about TAP eligibility and income limits.

Veterans Tuition Awards

Veterans Tuition Awards (VTA) are awards for full-time or part-time study for eligible veterans matriculated at an undergraduate or graduate degree-granting institution or in an approved vocational training program in New York state. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://fafsa.ed.gov/ and a NYS TAP application at www.tapweb.org. Students must also complete the NYS Veterans Tuition Award Application

For full-time study, veterans shall receive an award of up to the full cost of undergraduate tuition for New York state residents at the State University of New York, or actual tuition charges, whichever is less. Full-time study is defined as 12 or more credits per semester (or the equivalent) at a degree-granting institution. For part-time study, awards will be prorated by credit hour. Part-time study is defined as 3–11 credits per semester (or the equivalent) at a degree-granting institution.

Combined tuition benefits cannot exceed tuition.

Learn more about Veterans Tuition Awards.

Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP)

Application Procedures

Application is through the independent institution of higher education at which the applicant is enrolled.

Selection of Recipients and Allocation of Awards

Recipients must be HEOP-sponsored students at this College. The total possible amount of each individual grant is determined by factors such as other available funds, NYSED-HEOP Bureau guidelines, student financial need, NYS-legislated appropriations, and a joint decision by the HEOP director and the director of student financial services.

Criteria of Program Pursuit and Satisfactory Academic Progress for Recipients of State Financial Aid Awards (HEOP)

HEOP students must meet the same criteria as recipients of the Tuition Assistance Program (see above). NYS standards of progress chart for HEOP students can be found in Standards of Academic Progress. For further information, contact the Academic Opportunities Program Office or the  Office of Student Financial Services.

New York State Aid for Part-Time Study Program (APTS)

New York state provides grants ranging up to $2,000 for part-time students enrolled in a degree program. Recipients must meet several requirements, including New York state residency and income qualifications. Information and applications are available on the Office of Student Financial Services website. Learn more about APTS eligibility and income limits.

New York State Scholarships

For eligibility requirements, application process and award information on the following:

• Flight 3407 Memorial Scholarship
• American Airlines Flight 587 Memorial Scholarship
• Military Enhanced Recognition Incentive and Tribute – MERIT Scholarship (MSRS)
• NYS Math and Science Teaching Incentive Scholarship
• NYS Memorial Scholarships for Families of Deceased Firefighters, Volunteer Firefighters, Police Officers, Peace Officers, and Emergency Medical Service Workers
• NYS Scholarships for Academic Excellence
• NYS Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Incentive Program
• New York State Achievement and Investment in Merit Scholarship (NY-AIMS)
• NYS World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship
• NYS Aid to Native Americans
• NYS Child Welfare Worker Incentive Scholarship Program
• NYS Regents Awards for Children of Deceased and Disabled Veterans
• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award

For more information please visit the Higher Education Services Corporation webpage on Grants, Scholarships, and Loan Programs.

For more information on Federal Grants, please visit Federal Grants and Scholarships and St. John Fisher College Scholarship and Grant Information.

Federal Pell Grant

The student must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Federal Pell Grants usually are awarded only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor’s or a professional degree. The amount awarded is dependent upon the student’s financial need (EFC), cost of attendance, status as a full-time or part-time student, and plans to attend school for a full academic year or less. A student can only receive the Federal Pell Grant for no more than 12 semesters. To receive the grant in successive years, the student must make satisfactory progress towards a degree, complete the FAFSA application and meet eligibility requirements.

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

The student must file the FAFSA. SEOG is awarded to Federal Pell Grant recipients who have demonstrated the highest calculated need. The average award is $1,000. Funds are limited and subject to availability. To receive the grant in successive years, the student must make satisfactory progress towards a degree, complete the FAFSA application and meet eligibility requirements.

Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant

The student must file the FAFSA. Student may be eligible for the Iraq & Afghanistan Service Grant if they are not eligible for a Federal Pell Grant on the basis of their EFC, but meet the remaining Federal Pell Grant eligibility requirements, and the student’s parent or guardian was a member of the U.S. armed forces and died as a result of military service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11, and the student was under 24 years old or enrolled in college at least part-time at the time of the parent’s or guardian’s death. To receive the grant in successive years, the student must make satisfactory progress towards a degree, complete the FAFSA application and meet eligibility requirements.

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant

The student must file the FAFSA and complete the St. John Fisher College TEACH Grant application. The student must be enrolled in a TEACH-Grant-eligible program as an undergraduate, meet certain academic achievement requirements, receive TEACH Grant counseling and sign a TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve. To receive the grant in successive years, the student must make satisfactory progress towards a degree, complete the FAFSA application, receive TEACH Grant counseling, sign a TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve, and meet eligibility requirements. Academic achievement requirements are reviewed prior to the receipt of the grant each semester.

Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship Act

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 included an amendment to Section 473(b) of the Higher Education Act, authorizing the Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship. Beginning with the 2018-2019 award year, a Pell-eligible student whose parent or guardian died in the line of duty while performing as a public safety officer is eligible to receive a maximum Pell Grant for the award year for which the determination of eligibility is made.  To qualify for this scholarship, a student must be Pell-eligible and have a Pell-eligible EFC, and be less than 24 years of age or enrolled at an institution of higher education at the time of his or her parent or guardian’s death. In subsequent award years, the student continues to be eligible for the scholarship, as long as the student has a Pell-eligible EFC and continues to be an eligible student. The student must annually file the FAFSA and contact the Office of Student Financial Services to request review of their eligibility for the scholarship.

For purposes of the Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship, a public safety officer is:

• As defined in section 1204 of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3796b); or
• A fire police officer, defined as an individual who is serving in accordance with State or local law as an officially recognized or designated member of a legally organized public safety agency and provides scene security or directs traffic in response to any fire drill, fire call, or other fire, rescue, or police emergency, or at a planned special event.

The College is required to determine and document, in collaboration with the student, that the student was less than 24 years of age or enrolled at an institution of higher education at the time of his or her parent’s or guardian’s death. Some documents that the College may consider:

• A determination letter acknowledging eligibility for certain federal benefits under the Public Safety Officers Benefit (PSOB) program administered by the Department of Justice;
• A written letter of attestation or determination made by a state or local government official with supervisory or other relevant oversight authority of an individual who died in the line of duty while serving as a public safety officer as defined above;
• Documentation of the student qualifying for a state tuition or other state benefit accorded to the children or other family members of a public safety officer consistent with the definition in 42 U.S.C. 3796b, or as a fire police officer as noted above; or
• Other documentation the school determines to be from a credible source that describes or reports the circumstances of the death and the occupation of the parent or guardian.

St. John Fisher College offers a generous academic scholarship program to full-time undergraduate students. The Office of Admissions automatically notifies students who are eligible for academic scholarships. Prospective students should contact the Office of Admissions for specific scholarship program information.

Transfer Achievement Scholarships (Transfers Only)

Transfer Achievement Scholarships are awarded to full-time transfer students with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 from all previously attended institutions. All transfer applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships without regard to financial eligibility. For information on the scholarship, please visit the Transfer Scholarships page.

Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship (Transfers Only)

Phi Theta Kappa Scholarships are awarded to full-time transfer students who are participating members of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. This scholarship is $3,000 per year for each year a recipient attends Fisher. For information on the scholarship, please visit the Transfer Scholarships page.

Community College Partnership Award (Transfers Only)

New transfer students with an Associate’s degree or at least 24 or more college credits from one or more of our partnership community colleges enrolling full-time, are eligible for a $1,000 per year award.

Freshman Student Merit Scholarships

All freshmen applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships without regard to financial eligibility. Scholarship eligibility is based on high school grade point average, strength of curriculum, and SAT or ACT scores (if submitted). Eligible students are automatically notified by the Office of Admissions. Merit awards cannot be combined with the Service Scholars and First Generation Scholarships. Merit scholarships are not available for summer study and are applied to tuition only. Full time matriculated undergraduate students can receive the scholarship for a maximum of 8 semesters (4 years). A student must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress and meet the academic requirements for the scholarship awarded.

For more information on the scholarships, please visit the Freshman Scholarships page.

Service Scholars Program (Freshmen Only)

The program recognizes and rewards high school seniors who demonstrate an ongoing interest in serving the needs of others through a commitment to community service. This scholarship program provides awards equal to one-half of the total yearly cost of Fisher’s tuition, and room and board for four years. The Service Scholarship may not be combined with other merit-based scholarship programs available at the College.

Recipients of the Fisher Service Scholarship will be high school seniors who plan to attend St. John Fisher College directly from high school. They will have performed a minimum of 50 hours of community service per year to their community, school or church. Applications are available in mid-September through the Office of Freshman Admissions. Once enrolled at Fisher, Service Scholars are expected to continue their involvement in community service work. Upon graduation, students will have a degree in their major field of study and a certificate in Service Leadership, which prepares them to play a leadership role within their community.

For more information on program requirements, please visit the Service Scholars Program page.

First Generation Scholarship Program (Freshmen Only)

The First Generation Scholarship Program is designed to provide financial assistance to high school students who exhibit a high degree of motivation and academic potential and whose parents did not graduate from college. Applications are available in mid-September through the Office of Freshman Admissions. Recipients of the First Generation Scholarship will receive yearly awards of one-half the total cost of tuition and room and board. They will also participate in a learning community and an academic mentoring program in the Rochester community.

The First Generation Scholarship may not be combined with other merit-based scholarship programs at the College.

For more information on program requirements, please visit the First Generation Scholarship Program page.

Fisher Urban Scholar Award (Freshmen Only)

The Fisher Urban Scholar Award pledges $40,000 per student over the course of four years to any high school student who resides in the City of Rochester and enrolls full-time as a first year student at Fisher. The award may be combined with any other scholarships for which a student qualifies.

Honors Program

By providing select topics for exploration and creating an environment where students receive personal attention, the Honors Program helps participants expand their thinking and personal limits. Students admitted to the Honors Program beginning in 2019-2020 receive an $8,000 scholarship over four years ($2,000/year). The invitation to participate in the Honors Program is made after the student is admitted to Fisher. Students who qualify for Honors Program consideration are required to complete an Honors Program application. For information and qualifications about the Honors Program, please visit the Honors Program page.

Flower City Award

All new freshman and transfer out-of-state, as well as student from Nassau and Suffolk counties, will automatically receive a Flower City Award of $5,000 per year. This award may be combined with any other scholarships for which a student qualifies.

Legacy Award

New freshman or transfer students with a parent or sibling who is currently enrolled full-time, or who is an alumnus/alumna of the College will automatically receive a Legacy Award of $1,000 per year. This award may be combined with any other scholarships for which a student qualifies.

Modern Languages and Cultures Scholarship (Freshmen Only)

Two Modern Languages and Cultures Scholarships are awarded annually to recognize achievement in foreign language as a sound preparation for college work. Scholarship recipients receive $3,000 annually, over four years, if they complete four required foreign language courses over their undergraduate years at Fisher and maintain a minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA. For qualifications, please visit the Modern Languages and Cultures Scholarship page.

Rochester Urban League Black Scholars Scholarships

St. John Fisher College offers scholarships to the best qualified applicants from the Black Scholars Program of the Rochester Urban League. Scholarships may be renewed up to three years for full-time recipients demonstrating satisfactory academic progress toward their degrees.

St. John Fisher College Restricted and Endowed Scholarships

Each year the College awards restricted and endowed scholarships, made possible through the generosity of hundreds of individuals and organizations. Awards are made by the St. John Fisher College Office of Student Financial Services or St. John Fisher College academic departments in accordance with the special criteria of each scholarship. All applicants for financial aid are automatically considered for scholarships for which they meet the established criteria. Because of funding fluctuations or renewals, not all scholarships are available to be awarded in any given year. Further information regarding each scholarship can be obtained by contacting the Office of Student Financial Services at (585) 385-8042.

S-STEM Scholars Program

The S-Stem Scholars Program is for biology and chemistry majors with demonstrated financial need (as identified by Pell eligibility determined through the FAFSA). S-STEM Scholars each receive a substantial scholarship of $30,000 over four years ($6,000 in year 1, $8,000 for years 2-4). In addition, Scholars will have the opportunity to engage early in their college career in multiple enrichment opportunities, including both research and internship experiences. Scholars were selected upon admission in accordance with National Science foundation S–STEM eligibility criteria for the 2–year program.

Tuition Scholarships for Employees of St. John Fisher College and Immediate Dependents

Information on these scholarships is available in the Employee Handbook [pdf].

St. John Fisher College Grants

These grants are awarded to students on the basis of financial need as determined through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at fafsa.gov, and, to a lesser extent, the academic achievement of the applicant. Awards are made on a funds-available basis. The priority deadline for filing the FAFSA is January 15.

Federal Direct Student Loan Program

The William D. Ford Federal Direct Student Loan Program provides low-interest long-term loans to matriculated students enrolled at least half-time for education expenses. Students must complete the FAFSA application at https://fafsa.ed.gov/. The lender of these loans is the federal government and repayment is to the U.S. Department of Education. Learn more about the Federal Direct Student Loan Program, including how to apply, amounts, fees, and interest rates.

Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans

The William D. Ford Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan Program is available to the parents of a dependent student who is enrolled at least half-time in a degree program. The student must complete the FAFSA application at https://fafsa.ed.gov/. The parent may borrow up to the student’s cost of attendance, minus other financial aid. Learn more about the Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan, including how to apply, amounts, fees, and interest rates.

Private Student Loan Programs

Private student loans are unique because the student can borrow this additional loan. However, students who have not established a credit history will be asked to apply with a co-signer. Although interest accrues while the student is in school, the payments on the loan may be deferred until the student ceases enrollment. A private student loan may provide enough funds to enable the student to attend and pay for the college of their choice. The annual loan limits are the cost of attendance minus other financial aid. The terms and conditions of the loan (including interest rate and fees) will be determined by the lender. Private student loan applications are completed directly with the lender of the student’s choosing. Students may want to consider this option only after exhausting all other financial aid options such as government loans and scholarships.

Federal College Work-Study Program (FWS)

The Federal College Work-Study Program provides on-campus jobs for students with financial need. Positions are posted on the College’s Handshake website and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. It is the student’s responsibility to find an employment position. Students must complete the FAFSA application at https://fafsa.ed.gov/. Students earn at least the current federal minimum wage, but the amount might be higher depending on the type of work and skills required. Students are paid every two weeks for hours worked. Because they receive direct payment, FWS wages are not credited to a student’s semester bill.