Financial Aid for M.S.W. Students

 

Financial assistance is available to M.S.W. students as follows: CUA scholarships (requiring submission of GRE scores), NCSSS grants, federal loans, and federal work study (FWS) funding for M.S.W. students in field internships.  In addition, M.S.W. students may have some opportunities to work with faculty on funded research projects. Applicants to the National Catholic School of Social Service may contact the school's Office of Admissions and Financial Aid (202-319-5496) for information about scholarships, grants and loans. Prospective applicants should request loan information and forms from the Office of Financial Aid, 6 McMahon Hall, CUA, Washington, DC20064, 202-319-5307. We direct you to further information provided on the web: NCSSS links to external financial aid sources and CUA links to internet resources.

CUA Full- and Half-Tuition Scholarships

The University awards several Full- and Half-Tuition Scholarships based on exceptional academic ability, as evidenced by applicants' academic records and GRE scores, to full-time students. M.S.W. students with exceptional GRE scores and academic records may be nominated for Full-Tuition Scholarships; NCSSS' nominees for these scholarships compete for these scholarships along with applicants to other CUA graduate programs. A limited number of Half-Tuition scholarships are awarded annually to highly qualified master's students; generally, a minimum V/Q GRE score of 1200 is required for consideration.

Applicants for CUA Full-Tuition Scholarships must submit all parts of the admissions portfolio, including GRE scores, by February 1 for the upcoming fall semester. Priority consideration for Half-Tuition Scholarships is given to those who submit all parts of the admissions portfolio, including GRE scores, by February 1.

CUA Provost Scholarships

Both full-time and part-time M.S.W. applicants who submit GRE scores as part of their admissions portfolio may be nominated for Provost Scholarships. These scholarships pay 25% of a student's tuition in fall and spring semesters, as well as in summer sessions. These scholarships are intended to attract students who would be unable to attend NCSSS without financial assistance.

National Catholic School of Social Service Grants

The National Catholic School of Social Service has a limited number of grants, generally ranging from $1,500 - $6,000, awarded based on merit and financial need. Some grants require that students meet criteria determined by the donors, such as specific ethnic, cultural, and/or religious background. Scholarship applications are available from the Office of Admissions and require submission of a resume and an essay providing information about area of professional interest. Renewal of one-year scholarships may be requested. 

Applicants for NCSSS scholarships must submit their scholarship applications by April 1, and must have been admitted to the M.S.W. program in order to be considered for scholarship funding. Usually, only those who have submitted a FAFSA are considered for NCSSS grants, since need is a primary consideration in making these awards.

Federal Programs

Federal Work Study Program
Federal Work Study (FWS) is taxable funding awarded annually to full-time and part-time M.S.W. students (1) enrolled in field, and (2) demonstrating financial need (FAFSA). The funding is granted for work completed as part of the regular NCSSS field internship. There is no application deadline, but because this federal funding is limited, early submission of the FAFSA and the field application is strongly encouraged.

To be considered for FWS, (1) complete the FAFSA and (2) submit the NCSSS field application as early as possible. No separate application is required. In 2008-2009, full-time students receiving FWS were usually granted $8,000, payable monthly over the fall and spring semesters, and part-time students receiving FWS were usually granted $4,000, payable monthly during the fall semester only.  

Federal Loan Programs

Federal Stafford Loan Program
This program enables a student to borrow money directly from a savings and loan institution, credit union, bank, or other eligible lender. Maximum amounts available vary. Arrangements must be made directly between the applicant and the lending institution, and the CUA Office of Financial Aid must authorize the amount of loan assistance needed by the student. All students who want a Federal Stafford Loan must have a FAFSA on file before the university can process their application. The general borrowing limits for graduate students are a maximum of $8,500. Unsubsidized Stafford Loans offer an additional $10,000 per year.

Federal Perkins Loan
Funds are provided jointly by the university and the federal government to make long-term, low-interest loans to students with financial need. Loans are generally contingent on levels of funding. The general provisions are: (1) no security is required; (2) no interest accrues while the student is in school; (3) repayment begins six to nine months after the student ceases to be at least a half-time student, and interest begins to accrue at five percent per year for a maximum of ten years; (4) deferment of payment may be granted under special circumstances.

Veterans Benefits
Often overlooked are many benefits available to veterans and to children of deceased veterans or those disabled in military service. In addition to the benefits offered directly by the Veterans Administration, others are available through their various service organizations, such as the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Catholic War Veterans, and directly through the branches of the Armed Services. Any possible claim resulting from the current or past military service of the student or a member of his/her family should be investigated. For further information, contact the CUA Office of Financial Aid at 202-319-5307.

 

Nellie Mae

Federal and private educational loan information, some designed specifically for graduate study, may be found at www.nelliemae.com or 800.643.9308.

Commercial/Alternative/Private Loan Programs

Many lenders offer privately funded educational loans.  In most cases, the CUA Financial Aid Office will need to certify your enrollment and educational costs.  These commercial loans have varied interest rates, origination fees and repayment terms, and may require a co-signer.  One example, which we are not advocating over any other commercial program, may be found at www.studentloan.com. 

Information about available loan programs is explained in detail on the CUA Office of Financial Aid web pages. To be considered for loans, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Financial Aid Information for International Students

Government-funded scholarships, fellowships, and other forms of financial support for M.S.W. students are restricted to United States citizens or permanent residents. All international students must be prepared to meet the costs of education and living expenses in this country with personal or family funds. The university will not issue the Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20) unless it has satisfactory evidence that the student will have adequate financial resources.