Financial Aid

The primary purpose of the financial aid program at the University of San Diego is to provide financial assistance to students who, without such aid, would be unable to attend the University. Financial assistance consists of scholarships, grants, loans, and employment.

Primary responsibility for financing an education rests upon the student and the student’s family. Financial aid from the University is viewed as a supplement to funds which can be provided by the student, the student’s family, and other sources. Students requesting financial assistance may be expected to meet a portion of their educational expenses by accepting employment, loan(s), or both. Because financial aid funds are limited, need is the primary factor in awarding most financial aid. For USD scholarships and grants, consideration is given to the applicant’s academic achievement, character, and potential. Students requesting financial assistance from USD resources must also apply for scholarships and grants funded by their home states for which they may be eligible.

A financial aid package is designed to meet the financial need of each individual student. Each package may consist of funding from one or more programs and may range from $500 to $37,300 or more, depending on established need and/or merit.

Eligibility Requirements

1. The student must be accepted officially by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions to pursue a degree or certificate, and maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined in the Guide to Financial Aid Consumer Information at USD, which is available in the Office of Financial Aid in the Hughes Administration Center 319 and on the USD Financial Aid Web site at http://www.sandiego.edu/financial_aid/.

2. The student must complete the appropriate application(s) – see Application Procedure below.

3. The student must be a United States citizen or eligible non-citizen.

4. The student must not be in default on any federal loan or owe a refund on any federal grant.

5. Financial aid applicants must be aware that certain financial aid programs are designed to assist students who complete their degree work in a normal four-year period. Those who elect or require additional time may have to rely more heavily on self-help assistance in the form of work and loans.

Application Procedure

1. Each student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for federal and state aid. Additionally, each student admitted and attending USD prior to 2004-2005 must complete the University of San Diego Financial Aid Application (USD FAA) to be considered for USD funds. These forms are available upon request from the USD Office of Financial Aid. The FAFSA is also available from high school and community college counselors, or on the Web at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. Regardless of where an applicant obtains a FAFSA and USD FAA, all students are expected to read and follow the instructions in the Guide to Applying for Financial Aid at USD from the USD Office of Financial Aid Web site.

2. When required by federal law, and upon request from the Office of Financial Aid, it will be necessary for the student to submit a copy of the parents’/student’s latest federal income tax return and respond to other requests for information by the Office of Financial Aid.

3. All financial aid applications must be postmarked on or before the priority deadline dates listed in the Academic Calendar (pages 6-10 of this Bulletin) in order to receive priority consideration. Additionally, all follow-up information must be received by the USD Office of Financial Aid by the deadlines specified on the follow-up requests. Non-priority applicants are considered for any remaining funds and are processed after priority applicants.

4. Students must follow these procedures each year in reapplying for financial aid.

Scholarships and Grants

Merit Awards

The University of San Diego has established the following merit-based scholarship programs for which all freshmen applicants are considered. The Office of Undergraduate Admissions selects merit scholarship recipients. Consideration is given to high academic achievement, test scores, leadership, service, talent, and other personal qualities, irrespective of financial circumstances. These awards may be combined with other forms of University and outside financial aid for students with demonstrated need.

Trustee Scholars
Trustee Scholars are designated in the name of the University of San Diego Trustees. These four-year awards must be applied to University expenses. Renewal is contingent upon maintenance of the GPA specified on the information received with initial notification of the award from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Presidential Scholars
Presidential Scholars are designated in the name of the President of the University of San Diego. These four-year awards must be applied to University expenses. Renewal is contingent upon maintenance of the GPA specified on the information received with initial notification of the award from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Provost “Circle of Excellence” Scholarships
“Circle of Excellence” Scholarships recognize students who possess the unique combination of academic excellence, personal qualities of leadership and perseverance, and the potential to advance the University’s goal of creating a diverse and inclusive community. A limited number of “Circle” scholarships are granted each year and are designed to cover the full cost of tuition for up to four years. Renewal of these scholarships is continued upon maintenance of good academic standing, attendance at “Circle” events, and representation of the University in a manner consistent with its mission.

Choral Scholars
Choral Scholars are selected on the basis of audition through the Department of Fine Arts. While the amount of the scholarship is determined annually, it typically covers almost half of tuition and is renewable for up to four years for an undergraduate student, subject to a student maintaining a 3.0 GPA, participating in a specific program curriculum, and sustaining involvement in the Choral Scholars singing group. Students are encouraged to apply for need-based aid before the priority deadline and, if eligible, will receive an offer which coordinates the Choral Scholarship with other assistance. Students should contact the Department of Fine Arts for further information.

Note: Eligibility for renewal of need-based scholarships is based on the cumulative GPA provided to the Office of Financial Aid by the Registrar, calculated through the end of the previous January Intersession.

University of San Diego Scholarships

These scholarships are awarded to both new and continuing full-time students. Awards are generally based on academic factors, the family’s financial circumstances, and the student’s potential to contribute to the University. Eligible continuing USD students must have documented need, meet the renewal criteria for USD funds, and make satisfactory academic progress.

Scholarships range from several hundred to several thousand dollars, and are renewable each year provided that the student’s overall grade point average equals the renewal standard and the student continues to demonstrate financial need.

University of San Diego Grants

These grants are offered to eligible students with documented need. The amounts vary. Academic eligibility is determined by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. USD Grants are renewable.

Bishop Maher Catholic Leadership Scholarships

This program, named for the late Bishop Leo T. Maher, provides annually renewable scholarships to Catholic undergraduate students who have demonstrated leadership in their parish, school, or community. The awards range from $500 to approximately $3,000 per year, depending on the financial need, academic performance, and demonstrated leadership of the applicant.

In addition to the regular financial aid application forms described above, a special Bishop Maher Catholic Leadership Scholarship Application, a letter from the applicant, and a letter of recommendation from the student’s parish priest are required. Maher Scholarship applications are available upon request from the Office of Financial Aid.

Duchesne Scholarship Program

The University of San Diego, through the School of Leadership and Education Sciences, offers this scholarship for culturally diverse graduate students pursuing a teaching career in public and private elementary and secondary schools. The scholarship program is designed to recognize qualified minority students pursuing a teaching career. The scholarships assist graduate students seeking their teaching credential. USD awards Duchesne Scholarships annually to incoming and continuing students. The amount of the scholarship varies depending on the financial need of the student. Eligible applicants must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. Duchesne Scholarship applications are available upon request from the USD School of Leadership and Education Sciences.

Cal Grants

Each year the State of California awards a number of Cal Grants to assist with tuition and fees to students who are legal residents of the State of California and have demonstrated academic achievement and financial need. The grants can be renewed each year. In 2005-2006 the Cal Grants ranged from $1,551 to $11,259.

The University of San Diego advises all students who are legal California residents to apply for this State grant. To be considered, the student must complete the FAFSA, as listed above, and also provide other information as requested (for example, submit GPA Verification Form to the California Student Aid Commission). The deadline for submitting all the necessary forms is announced each year by the California Student Aid Commission. See Deadlines section on page 50.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

This federal program is designated for highly needy undergraduate students with priority given to recipients of Federal Pell Grants (see below). Funding is based on federal allocations and varies each year.

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant Program assists undergraduate students with substantial financial need. The student will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) from the federal processor which will indicate whether or not the student is eligible for the grant. The maximum 2005-2006 Federal Pell Grant was $4,050. The maximum amount is determined each year by the federal government.

Bureau of Indian Affairs Grants

Through the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), the federal government provides annual grants to Native American students to encourage them to attend institutions of higher education. Eligibility is dependent upon criteria established by the BIA. Scholastic achievement is considered and must be maintained.

Interested Native American students should contact the area or agency office having records of their tribal membership. That office will provide the necessary application forms. The amount of the award varies and is based on unmet financial need.

Private Scholarships and Grants

The University of San Diego receives donations from private sources to provide various scholarships and grants to selected students in the name of the donor. In addition to meeting the USD Scholarship criteria, additional qualifications and requirements may be stipulated by the donor.

Students are automatically considered for any of the scholarships listed below for which they are eligible when they apply for financial aid at USD (see Application Procedure on page 41). For some scholarships with specific requirements, the USD Scholarship Questionnaire is used to determine eligibility, and only students who complete this form are considered for those scholarships.

Annual Scholarships/Awards

The following scholarships and awards are given annually by donors or various University departments. The requirements vary and are established by the donor.

Accountancy Program Scholarship
Ahmanson Foundation Scholarship
Arizona Alumnae of the Sacred Heart Scholarship
Peter Jr. and Bruce Bidstrup Memorial Scholarship
Building Industry Association-Home Builders Council Scholarship
The Burnham Foundation Scholarship
California Association of Realtors Scholarship
California Building Industry Foundation/Ernest W. Hahn Scholarship
California Building Industry Foundation/Fieldstone Scholarship
Casner Family Scholarship
CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Members) Scholarship Fund
Mary Jane Charlton Nursing Scholarship
*Class Scholarships from the Senior Gift Program
Coca Cola Foundation 1st Generation Scholarship
James S. Copley Foundation Scholarship
Leo C. Curley Scholarship
Danvera Foundation Scholarship for English Majors and MEPN Nursing Students
Carrie Estelle Doheny Foundation Scholarship
Donum Dei Foundation Scholarship
Sr. Duchesne Teacher Scholarship
Forest Lawn Foundation Scholarship
Catherine B. Ghio Scholarship
Michael Ghio Memorial Scholarship
ICSC Scholars Fund
Invisible University Scholarship Fund
Johnston Family Foundation Scholarship
Elizabeth Judd Lebrecht Scholarship for Parent Students
Lone Mountain Scholarship
J.M. Long Foundation Scholarship
Macerich Company Scholarship
W. Scott McIntyre Memorial Scholarship
Milken Family Scholars Program
Janice Nalley Memorial Scholarship
Chester Pagni Outstanding Student Service Award
Ralph M. Parsons Foundation Scholarship
The PMI Foundation Scholarship
Remembrance Fund Scholarship
Lina C. Romero Memorial Scholarship
San Diego Alumnae of the Sacred Heart Scholarship
San Diego Council of Administrative Women Scholarship
Jeanne Sidorick Philosophy Scholarship Award
The Single Subject Teaching Program for African American Men
Union Bank of California Scholarship
UPS Foundation Scholarship
*USD Mortar Board STRIVE (Seeking To Recognize Individual Visions of Excellence) Scholarship
Bernard H. van der Steen Scholarship Fund
Washington Mutual Scholarship
Elizabeth Baker Woods Scholarship for Graduate Students in Learning and Teaching
*Vessela Zaykova-Smolin Memorial Scholarship

*Special application required.

Endowed Scholarships

Donors have endowed the University with the following funds that provide for scholarships to be awarded annually for the life of the University. The requirements vary and are established by the donor.

*Jack L. Adams Endowed Scholarship Fund (ROTC) (which includes the following)

The General and Mrs. Lemuel C. Sheperd Jr. Scholarship
The General Wesley H. Rice Scholarship
The General James L. Day Scholarship
The General Robert H. Barrow Scholarship
The General and Mrs. Hugh T. Kerr Scholarship
The General and Mrs. John S. Grinalds Scholarship
The General and Mrs. J.A. Studds Scholarship
The Author E. Hughes Scholarship in Music
Alfred F. Antonicelli Endowed Scholarship Fund
Eileen and Carlton Appleby Scholarship
Arcaro Scholarship Fund
Kathryn Grady Atwood Memorial Fund
Dr. and Mrs. Manuel Barba Endowed Scholarship
Aloysius J. Bedell Scholarship
H. N. and Frances Berger Nursing Endowed Scholarship
The Bosley Family Endowed Scholarship
Boyce Family Scholarship
Braille Transcribers Guild of San Diego Endowed Scholarship
Loretta Breyer Nursing Scholarship
Brindle-Erion Trust Scholarship
Kevin Briscoe Memorial Scholarship
Dr. Gilbert Brown Endowed Scholarship
Sandra Brue Endowed Scholarship
Martin and Florence Bursiek Student Aid Fund
BusinessLink USD Scholarship Fund
Edward and Gretchen Cairns Memorial Nursing Scholarship Fund
Sister Susan Campbell Scholarship
Mickey Carhart Memorial Scholarship
Mary Delafield Carter Endowed Scholarship
Theia Cascio Endowed Scholarship
Yvonne E. Chiesi Carteron Nursing Scholarship
Choral Scholars Program
Ralph F. Claric and Russel Kamstead Memorial Fund
James W. and Kathryn S. Colachis Scholarship Fund
Harry A. Collins Memorial Scholarship
John F. Connolly Perpetual Scholarship
Helen S. Corcoran Scholarship Fund
Emmet J. Culligan Endowed Scholarship Fund
Dalton Scholarship Fund
Donald C. and Elizabeth M. Dickinson Foundation MEPN Nursing Endowed Scholarship
Duda Family Foundation Scholarship
James O. And Stella Powell Eagen Endowed Scholarship Fund
Fieldstone Foundation Endowed Scholarship
First Interstate Bank of California Scholarship Endowment
Walter Fitch Trust Endowed Scholarship
French Endowed Scholarship
Sr. Sally M. Furay Scholarship Fund
German Language Scholarship Fund
Emil Ghio Scholarship Fund
W.R. Grace Scholarships
*Mary Gresko Nursing Scholarship Fund
Ernest W. and Jean E. Hahn Foundation Scholarship
Eugenie B. Hannon Scholarship
Alice B. Hayes Endowed Science Scholarship
Alice B. Hayes Mortar Board Scholarship Fund
William Randolph Hearst Scholarship Endowment
Conrad N. Hilton Minority Scholarship Endowment
W. Roy and Marion I. Holleman Endowed Scholarship
Bob Hope Leadership Scholarship
*Ethel M. Horsch Nursing Scholarship
Author E. Hughes Endowed Scholarship
Jane P. Johnson Endowed Scholarship
Knickerbocker-Wood Scholarship
Kristopher Krohne Endowed Memorial Scholarship (ROTC)
Lawrence Family Endowed Scholarship
Elsie Leith Memorial Scholarship
Fay N. Lewis Endowed Scholarship
Laura McDonald Lewis Endowed Scholarship
*Bishop Maher Catholic Leadership Scholarship
*Manchester Endowed Nursing Scholarship
Marasco Family Scholarship Fund
George H. Mayr Endowed Scholarship
Dorothea McKinney Endowed Scholarship
Louise H. McNally Scholarship Fund
Edward J. and Grace W. Mehren Scholarship Fund
*Elizabeth Ann Mottet Nursing Scholarship Fund
*Music Endowment
Nielsen Family Scholarship
Notchev Endowed Scholarship Fund
James B. Orwig, M.D. Nursing Scholarship Fund
Theresa and Edward O’Toole Endowed Scholarship
Oxford Endowed Scholarship
Irene Sabelberg Palmer Research Fund
Irene Sabelberg Palmer Scholarship
Kenneth & Virginia Piper Arizona Endowed Scholarship
Pulitzer Foundation Scholarship
Reardon/Goode Scholarship
The Janet Rodgers Endowed Nursing Scholarship
John R. Ronchetto Memorial Scholarship
Leo Roon Leadership Scholarship
*Irving Salomon Political Science Scholarship
Jeffrey A. Sardina Endowed Scholarship
School of Leadership and Education Sciences Scholarship Endowment
W. H. Scripps Athletic Scholarship Fund
Martin L. Sheehan Endowed Scholarship
Donald P. and Darlene V. Shiley Engineering Scholarship
*Forrest N. and Patricia K. Shumway Scholarship Fund
Sven & Tove Simonsen Scholarship Endowment
Spain Family Scholarship
*Stallard Family Nursing Scholarship
Luisa A. and Harold N. Stoflet Memorial Scholarship Fund
Pearl and Natalie Surkin Endowed Scholarship Fund
*Anne Swanke Memorial Scholarship
*Jane R. Tedmon Scholarship Fund
John Trifiletti Scholarship Fund
USD Endowed Scholarship (which includes the following)
Dr. Lee Gerlach Honorary Scholarship
Robert J. Keys Honorary Scholarship
*Terry Whitcomb Alumni Scholarship
Therese T. Whitcomb and E. Ann McFarland Decorative Arts Study Grant
Cathleen K. Wilson, R.N., Ph.D, Memorial Scholarship for Leaders in Nursing
Donald O. and Rosemary Wilson Scholarship
Daniel B. Woodruff Memorial Scholarship

*Special application required.

Other Scholarships Available

The following scholarships are made available to USD students from other donors. Additional applications and/or interviews may be required for consideration. For more specific information contact the Office of Financial Aid.

Colorado Alumnae of the Sacred Heart Scholarship
Kiwanis of San Diego Foundation Scholarship
Ralph M. Parsons Memorial Scholarship
Sister M. Aimee Rossi Music Scholarship
San Diego County Citizen’s Scholarship Foundation Award
Donald A. Strauss Public Service Scholarship

Additional Sources of Funding

In addition to the above-named University of San Diego scholarships, additional sources of funds are available. Many companies offer scholarships to the sons and daughters of their employees. Fraternal organizations, such as the Elks and Rotary International, assist students in meeting the cost of education. The Copley Library has reference books and Internet access to scholarship search programs listing funds available from private organizations. The USD Office of Financial Aid provides a Guide to Outside Resources of Financial Aid upon request. USD students have received over $2 million in private scholarships for an academic year. Private scholarships can usually be used to replace loans in a student’s financial aid “package.”

Loans

Note: Congress may change the eligibility criteria and terms of federal loans. All federal loan information in this Bulletin is subject to change. Please obtain current information from the Office of Financial Aid.

The Federal Stafford Student Loan Program

There are two types of Federal Stafford Loans, subsidized and unsubsidized. Eligibility for the Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan is based on documented need; eligibility for the Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan is not based on need.

Students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for a Federal Stafford Loan (subsidized or unsubsidized).

The Federal PLUS Loan Program

A Federal PLUS Loan is available for parents to borrow a long-term, low-interest loan on behalf of their dependent children. Details regarding maximum loan amounts, current interest rates, and repayment terms are described in the loan application materials available in the USD Office of Financial Aid.

Federal Perkins Loan Program

This federal loan program provides a limited number of long-term, low-interest (5 percent) loans to undergraduate and graduate students who have demonstrated substantial financial need. Details regarding maximum loan amounts, interest rates, and repayment terms are described in information available at the Office of Financial Aid. Amounts offered depend on fund availability each year.

Emergency Student Loan Program

Short-term emergency loans are available from the Office of Financial Aid for students during the fall and spring semesters. These small loans are to assist students with unforeseen emergencies and must be repaid within 30 days.

Short-Term Book Loan Program

Short term book loans may be available for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need during the fall and spring semesters upon referral by the Student Accounts Office or an Educational Opportunity Program advisor. Loans may be granted up to $200 a semester. Funds may be disbursed up to 10 days before classes begin and must be repaid within 45 days. Funds are very limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications are available at the EOP Office or the Office of Financial Aid.

Gulf Oil Corporation Student Loan Fund Program

The Gulf Oil Corporation has provided the University of San Diego with funds to be used for low interest loans. This program is designed to provide assistance for students who, because of personal, financial, or related circumstances, are unable to secure adequate help through normal scholarship or loan programs. Repayment of the loan must be made within five years after graduation. Students are recommended for this loan by the Office of Financial Aid.

Kathryn Desmond Loan Fund

This loan fund has been established to provide financial assistance to students enrolled full time at the Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science. Information is available at the Hahn School.

Marion Hubbard Loan Fund

The late Mrs. Marion Hubbard established this low-interest loan fund to benefit students enrolled at the Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science. Information is available at the Hahn School.

USD Trust Loan Program

The Weingart Foundation, together with private donor matching funds, has provided the University of San Diego funding for zero-interest, long-term loans to help students meet the cost of education at USD. A recipient must be a graduate of a California high school and have demonstrated substantial financial need. Amounts offered depend on fund availability each year.

Employment (work-study)

Federal Work-Study Program

Funds for this program are provided by the federal government and the University of San Diego. Employment, both on and off campus including community service, such as tutoring of elementary school children, is provided for students with documented need and is related, whenever possible, to the student’s educational objectives. Employment averages 15 hours per academic week, with as many as 40 hours per week during vacation periods.

Other On-Campus Student Employment

In addition to the Federal Work-Study Program, the University offers a limited number of job opportunities to students who do not otherwise qualify for federally-subsidized programs. Over 500 students are employed part time in areas such as Dining Services, Banquets and Catering, and the Athletic Department. Students should review the job postings at the Student Employment Center, which is a part of the Office of Financial Aid, located in Hughes Administration Center 313.

Off-Campus Employment Service

The University of San Diego also assists students in finding off-campus employment. Information regarding weekend or part-time employment within the San Diego metropolitan area is made available. There is also information for Intersession and Summer Sessions. Job descriptions and further details are posted in the hallway across from the Student Employment Center.

Veterans Assistance

Information is available in the Office of the Registrar, Founders Hall 113.

Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Students with disabilities may be eligible for the services of the State Department of Rehabilitation. The services provided must result in an employment outcome. These services may include vocational counseling and guidance, training (with payment of costs such as partial tuition, fees, books, transportation, etc.), and job placement.

Contact the State Department of Rehabilitation at (619)767-2100 for further information.

Deadlines

Most financial aid packages consist of funds drawn from several sources – federal, state, and institutional. Application forms and deadlines may change each year. Students should request current information from the USD Office of Financial Aid, located in Hughes Administration Center 319, or from the Guide to Applying for Financial Aid at USD (available on the USD Financial Aid Web site). Students should apply for everything for which they may be eligible.

Important Deadlines

March 2
The date by which Financial Aid Applications for freshmen and transfer students must be postmarked in order to receive priority consideration for available federal and USD funds.

March 2
The deadline to apply for California State Grants (Cal Grants). FAFSA and GPA Verification Form must be postmarked by this date.

March 2
The date by which Financial Aid Applications for continuing students must be postmarked in order to receive priority consideration for available federal and USD funds.

Student Costs and Budgets
Please refer to the Guide to Applying for Financial Aid at USD, available from the USD Office of Financial Aid, located in Hughes Administration Center 319, or on the USD Financial Aid Web site.