Types of Financial Aid Available
Saint Joseph's Scholarships
The following scholarships are available to online nursing degree candidates enrolled through our Graduate & Professional Studies division.
Application Process for Nursing Students
One application is used to apply for the following scholarships. Applicants must have completed at least 50% of their program of study and have earned at least 12 credits at Saint Joseph's and have earned at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average at the time of application in order to be considered. These funds may be used for tuition only. 2012 - 2013 Scholarship Information 
– Due May 1, 2012
The William Randolph Hearst Endowed Scholarship
The Hearst Foundation has endowed a scholarship for Saint Joseph's College. It is to be awarded to women in nursing programs with preference for adult women with children, who are pursuing a degree in nursing while working full-time or part-time to help finance their education.
The Marie F. Magee Endowed Scholarship
The Magee Scholarship is offered to outstanding nursing students at Saint Joseph's College. Preference is given to students who were enrolled at the Mercy School of Nursing in Portland, Maine.
The Felicia Valle Perez Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship is offered to selected adult nursing students with preference to those enrolled in the Graduate & Professional Studies division of the college.
The Martin's Point Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship is offered to a master's student residing in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, or upper New York who will be enrolled in one of the following courses: NU 601, 611, or 646.
Federal Grants and Loans
You must complete the financial aid application process to be considered for the following funds:
Federal Pell Grant
Undergraduate students who meet the federal EFC (family contribution) restrictions may qualify for the Federal Pell Grant. The Pell Grant ranges from $278 to $5,550 per year depending on the family contribution and the enrollment status.
Federal Direct Loan
The Direct Loan is available to undergraduate or graduate students who are enrolled at least half-time in a degree program. The following chart outlines the maximum amounts available in the program for each class year.
This federal program is awarded based on the cost of education, e.g., tuition and books, as well as class level, enrollment status, and award year. The award year is a minimum of 24 credits and 30 weeks for an undergraduate. Thus, an undergraduate student will not regain eligibility for more loan funds until these benchmarks have been reached. A graduate student will not regain eligibility for more loan funds until 12 credits are earned and at least 30 weeks have passed.
Students who demonstrate financial need will qualify for the Subsidized Direct Loan (no interest accrues as long as the student maintains at least half-time status). The Unsubsidized Direct Loan is available to students who do demonstrate financial need. The current interest rate for subsidized loans is 3.4% and is 6.8% for unsubsidized loans. The Direct Subsidized Loan for graduate students will be eliminated for the 2012-2013 year.
Undergraduate Independent Students
| Borrower's Year in School(# credits earned) | Base Amount Subsidized & Unsubsidized | Unsubsidized Amount | Additional Unsubsidized Amount* | Total Amount |
| First Year (0 to 24) | $3,500 | $2,000 | $4,000 | $9,500 |
| Second Year (25 to 56) | $4,500 | $2,000 | $4,000 | $10,500 |
| Third & Fourth Year (57 plus) | $5,500 | $2,000 | $5,000 | $12,500 |
Total maximum outstanding Stafford debt allowable:
$31,000 for dependent undergraduates
$57,500 for independent undergraduates
*Dependent students do not qualify for the additional amount unless the parent is denied a Federal Parent Loan.
Graduate Students
| Borrower's Year in School | Base Amount Subsidized & Unsubsidized | Additional Unsubsidized Amount | Total Amount |
| Graduate Student | $8,500 | $12,000 | $20,500 |
Total maximum outstanding Stafford debt allowable for a graduate student: $138,500 including undergraduate level debt. Only $65,500 may be subsidized.
Veterans Administration Benefits
Saint Joseph's College's programs are approved by the Maine State Approving Agency for Veterans Education Programs for benefits (GI Bill) from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Students who request veterans educational assistance are required to have all previous post-secondary experience evaluated for possible transfer credit. For more information, please contact the Graduate & Professional Studies Office at 800-752-4723.
More information on federal programs 
1-800-4FEDAID.
