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Funding Your Education

Focused on your success

Help fund your education through scholarships, grants and loan programs.


Scholarships

Cardinal Stritch University offers many scholarship opportunities particularly for incoming freshmen. 

Incoming freshmen will receive information about some scholarship awards included with their acceptance letters. 


Franciscan Heritage Scholarships

Renewable each year and awarded to incoming freshmen based on high school GPA and ACT/SAT scores. All students who meet the minimum requirements receive this scholarship or grant at one of five levels.
  • Trustee's Scholarship: $24,000 per year
  • President's Scholarship: $21,000 per year
  • Dean's Scholarship: $19,000 per year
  • Merit Scholarship: $17,000 per year
There are many more scholarships available for freshmen through Stritch. Some require additional actions such as a separate application, interview or essay.

Federal grant options

Federal Pell Grants

These grants are awarded to undergraduate students who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree and who demonstrate financial need. They are based on an EFC (Estimated Family Contribution from the FAFSA) range set by Congress yearly.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG)

These grants are awarded to undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. First priority is given to Pell Grant recipients. The amount of funding for this grant is limited. Grants are awarded on a first-come first served basis. It is important to fill out the FAFSA by the priority deadline.

Federal Work Study

A program that allows undergraduate and graduate students with financial need to work part-time in order to help pay educational expenses. Students must apply for employment and be hired in order to participate in the work study program.

State grant options

Wisconsin residents who have not already earned a bachelor’s degree and plan to enroll at least half-time may qualify for these grants.

Wisconsin Grant

A need-based state grant available for eligible Wisconsin undergraduates. Eligibility cannot exceed ten semesters. A state calculation determines eligibility.

Wisconsin Talent Incentive Program (TIP)

A grant designed for low income students and students who traditionally might not attend college. The student must hold freshman status to receive the grant initially. Wisconsin residency is required. To continue to receive the TIP Grant, students must be enrolled for consecutive terms and continue to show financial need. Eligibility cannot exceed ten semesters.

Wisconsin Minority Undergraduate Retention Grant

A grant for students of African American, American Indian, Cambodian, Laotian, Vietnamese or Hispanic (including Puerto Rican and Cuban) heritage. The grant provides assistance to sophomore, junior, and senior minority students with financial need. Wisconsin residency is required.

Indian Student Assistance Grant

A grant for Wisconsin residents who are at least 25% Native American and are undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in degree or certificate programs. Awards are based on financial need with a limit of ten semesters of eligibility.

Hearing and Visually Handicapped Student Grant

A grant for Wisconsin residents who show financial need and have a severe or profound hearing or visual impairment. Please notify the financial aid department of your potential eligibility.
 

Academic Excellence Scholarship

Awarded to Wisconsin high school seniors who have the highest grade point average in each public and private high school throughout the State of Wisconsin. The number of scholarships each high school is eligible for is based on total student enrollment. In order to receive a scholarship, a student must be enrolled on a full-time basis by September 30th of the academic year following the academic year in which he or she was designated as a scholar, at a participating institution in the state. The value of the scholarship is $2,250 per year, to be applied towards tuition. Half of the scholarship is funded by the state, while the remaining half is matched by the institution. Eligibility cannot exceed eight semesters.

Subsidized and unsubsidized federal loans

This program enables students to obtain long-term, low-interest loans to help meet their educational expenses. Any student who is enrolled at Cardinal Stritch University at least half time in a degree or certificate program, who is a citizen or a permanent resident of the U.S., and is not in default on another federal student loan may apply by completing the FAFSA. Applicants must maintain satisfactory academic progress. Eligibility for student loans and the amount a student is eligible for will be determined by the Financial Aid office. These loans have fixed interest rates and do not go into repayment until a student stops attending half-time or graduates.

Any federal student loans borrowed are submitted to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) for required reporting purposes. This information is accessible by guaranty agencies, lenders, and institutions determined to be authorized users of the data system. The National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) provides information on your federal loan amounts, outstanding balances, loan statuses and disbursements. You can access your loan information by going to https://studentaid.gov/ and exploring the Manage your Loans Menu.

Cardinal Stritch University adheres to the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators code of conduct.

More information on the Direct loan program can be found at https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans

Direct Subsidized Loans
The subsidized Direct Loan is a need-based loan where interest on the loan is paid by the federal government while the student is in school at least half time. These are available to students seeking an Undergraduate degree.

Direct Unsubsidized Loan
You are not required to show financial need to receive a Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Stritch will determine the amount you can borrow based on your cost of attendance, the other financial aid you receive, the Federal yearly maximum, and the amount of your lifetime limit that has been borrowed. Interest will accrue while the student is in school. Students are able to make arrangements to pay the interest as it accrues or they can defer that interest and it will be capitalized prior to repayment. Unsubsidized loans are available to both Undergraduate and Graduate students.
 

Alternative loans

These loans are offered by most financial institutions and are subject to credit approval. The financial institutions establish alternative loan criteria and these institutions should be contacted if you have any questions.

Effective Feb. 14, 2010, students who apply for an alternative education loan are required to complete the Private Educational Loan Self-Certification Form. A copy of the form is available at the link below or directly from your lender. If you have questions on completing this form, please contact the Financial Aid Office at (414) 410-4048 or toll-free (800) 347-8822, ext. 4048.

Private Educational Loan Applicant Self Certification Form

If you are interested in applying for an alternative loan, please review the Cardinal Stritch University Alternative Comparison Chart.

Cardinal Stritch University adheres to the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators code of conduct.

Parent PLUS Loan

Direct Parent PLUS loans are unsubsidized loans for parents of dependent* students. PLUS Loans help pay for education expenses up to the cost of attendance minus all other financial assistance. Interest is charged during all periods.

PLUS loans are subject to credit approval.  When a parent completes the PLUS request process, the Department of Education reviews your credit.  The credit check results will be sent to Cardinal Stritch University and the Financial Aid Office will review your eligibility for the PLUS loan.  Students whose parents are denied a PLUS loan may be eligible for additional unsubsidized Direct loan funds.

*The federal government determines dependency status when a student completes the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

There are three steps to the Parent PLUS loan process. 
  1. Complete a credit check at https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/plus
  2. If approved, complete a Parent Plus MPN https://studentaid.gov/app/launchMpn.action?mpnType=parentPlusMpn.
  3. Fill out the PLUS Loan Authorization and Request Form and return to the Office of Financial Aid.

Graduate PLUS Loan

Graduate students are eligible for the PLUS Loan as well. PLUS Loans help pay for education expenses up to the cost of attendance minus all other financial assistance. Interest is charged during all periods.
 

It is recommended that you first explore your options for a unsubsidized Direct loan. The PLUS loan is subject to credit approval. What a student completes the PLUS request process, the Department of Education reviews your credit.  The credit check results will be sent to Cardinal Stritch University and the Financial Aid Office will review your eligibility for the PLUS loan.
 

There are THREE STEPS to the Graduate PLUS loan process.

  1. Complete a credit check at https://studentaid.gov/app/launchPLUS.action?plusType=gradPlus
  2. If approved, complete a Grad Plus MPN https://studentaid.gov/app/launchMpn.action?mpnType=gradPlusMpn
  3. Fill out the Graduate PLUS Loan Request and Authorization Form and return to the Office of Financial Aid.

Any federal student loans borrowed are submitted to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) for required reporting purposes. This information is accessible by guaranty agencies, lenders, and institutions determined to be authorized users of the data system. The National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) provides information on your federal loan amounts, outstanding balances, loan statuses and disbursements. You can access your loan information by going to https://studentaid.gov/ and exploring the Manage your Loans Menu.

Cardinal Stritch University adheres to the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators code of conduct.
 

More information on the PLUS Direct loan program can be found at https://studentaid.gov/app/launchPLUS.action?plusType=gradPlus.

Loan Entrance Counseling

Loans cannot be disbursed to a student’s account until this requirement is met. If a student has been awarded a Perkins loan, separate Perkins Loan Entrance Counseling is required to be completed as well. Please choose the appropriate counseling session below. Please contact the Financial Aid Office directly if additional assistance is needed.

Federal Direct Loan Entrance Counseling

If you are instructed to complete Direct Loan Entrance counseling, please click hereInstructions for completion: Sign in, then select ‘Complete Counseling’. Next, select ‘Entrance Counseling’. Enter school state and school name information to add Cardinal Stritch University so that the Financial Aid Office is notified when you completed the entrance counseling requirement.

Federal Perkins Loan Entrance Counseling

If you were awarded and accepted a Federal Perkins loan, please complete your entrance counseling by reviewing the Perkins Loan Entrance Interview Confirmation and returning the completion page to the Financial Aid Office.

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Loan Exit Counseling

Federal Direct Loan Exit Counseling

Complete Federal Direct Loan Exit Counseling online.

Instructions for completion: Sign in, then select 'Complete Counseling.' Next, select 'Exit Counseling.' Enter school information, and add Cardinal Stritch University so that the Financial Aid Office is notified when you completed the exit counseling requirement.

Federal Perkins Loan Exit Counseling

Perkins Loan Exit Counseling needs to be completed separately from Direct loan exit counseling. Complete Perkins Loan Exit Counseling online.

Federal and State Aid

Federal Pell Grants 
These grants are awarded to undergraduate students who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree and who demonstrate financial need. Federal Pell Grants range from $626 to $5,775 per year (full-time amounts), depending on the student’s need level. 

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG) 
These grants are awarded to undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. The value of SEOG grants is set by the federal government and may vary from year to year. The amount of funding for this grant is limited. Grants are awarded on a first-come first served basis. It is important to fill out the FAFSA by the priority deadline. 

Federal Work Study 
A program that allows undergraduate and graduate students with financial need to work part-time in order to help pay educational expenses. Students must apply for employment and be hired in order to participate in the work study program. 

Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) 
Low-interest loan offered to the parent(s) of dependent undergraduate students. The PLUS loan is subject to credit approval. Repayment begins 60 days after final disbursement. However, the parent may qualify for deferment under certain circumstances. 

William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program 
This loan program enables students to obtain long-term, low-interest loans to help pay for their educational expenses. Any student with financial need who is enrolled at Stritch at least half time in a degree or certificate program, and who is a citizen or an eligible non-citizen may apply. Applicants must maintain satisfactory academic progress. A student must complete the FAFSA prior to applying for Direct Loans. Repayment begins 6 months after a student ceases to attend or falls below half-time enrollment. 

Direct Loans are either subsidized or unsubsidized. Subsidized loans are awarded based on financial need. The government pays interest on the loan until repayment begins and during periods of deferment. An unsubsidized loan is not awarded based on need, and interest is charged from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full.

Wisconsin residents who have not already earned a bachelor’s degree and plan to enroll at least half-time. 

Wisconsin Grant 
A $2,900 need-based state grant available for eligible Wisconsin resident undergraduates Eligibility cannot exceed ten semesters. 

Wisconsin Talent Incentive Program (TIP) 
A grant designed for low income students and students who traditionally might not attend college. The student must hold freshman status to receive the grant initially. The maximum grant is $1,800 per year for first year students, and up to $1,800 for subsequent years. Wisconsin residency is required. To continue to receive the TIP Grant, students must be enrolled for consecutive terms and continue to show financial need. Eligibility cannot exceed ten semesters. 

Wisconsin Minority Undergraduate Retention Grant 
A grant for students of African American, American Indian, Cambodian, Laotian, Vietnamese or Hispanic (including Puerto Rican and Cuban) heritage. The grant provides assistance to sophomore, junior, and senior minority students with financial need. Wisconsin residency is required. 

Indian Student Assistance Grant 
A grant for Wisconsin residents who are at least 25% Native American and are undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in degree or certificate programs. Awards are based on financial need with a limit of ten semesters of eligibility. 

Hearing and Visually Handicapped Student Grant 
A grant for Wisconsin residents who show financial need and have a severe or profound hearing or visual impairment. Students are eligible to receive up to $1,800 per year for up to ten semesters. Please notify the financial aid department of your potential eligibility. 

Academic Excellence Scholarship 
Awarded to Wisconsin high school seniors who have the highest grade point average in each public and private high school throughout the State of Wisconsin. The number of scholarships each high school is eligible for is based on total student enrollment. In order to receive a scholarship, a student must be enrolled on a full-time basis by September 30th of the academic year following the academic year in which he or she was designated as a scholar, at a participating institution in the state. The value of the scholarship is $2,250 per year, to be applied towards tuition. Half of the scholarship is funded by the state, while the remaining half is matched by the institution. Eligibility cannot exceed eight semesters. 

Minority Teacher Loan 
A state loan program for students of African American, American Indian, Laotian, Cambodian, Vietnamese or Hispanic heritage, who are undergraduate juniors, seniors or graduate students, with a 2.5 or greater cumulative GPA, and are enrolled at least half-time in a program leading to teacher licensure. 

Nursing Student Loan 
A state loan program that provides loans to Wisconsin resident undergraduates or graduate students who are enrolled at least half-time at an eligible in-state institution that prepares them to be licensed as nurses, either RN or LPN. The maximum award per year is $3,000 with an overall maximum of $15,000. A student who participates in this program must contractually agree to be employed as a licensed nurse in Wisconsin.