Pace University
PAE-10: Affordability and Access Programs

We do not participate in the TRIO program but do participate in other programs as noted below.

Pace University relies on the results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), filed by students seeking financial assistance each year, to determine the need-based financial aid offerings. The Federal Processing Center uses the information provided on the FAFSA (i.e. number in household, number in college, adjusted gross income, family assets, etc.) to determine the student/parent’s “Expected Family Contribution” (etc.). Pace University employs the federal methodology to determine a student’s financial need: Cost of Attendance – EFC – Resources = Financial Need. The lower the EFC, the more need the student will demonstrate. Students with lower EFC numbers/greater need are awarded larger Pace Grants and campus-based federal aid programs as well (i.e. Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Federal Work Study and Perkins Loans). In fact, 44% of all 2010-2011 FAFSA filers, at Pace University, were Pell Grant recipients. Pell Grant is the oldest federal grant program and is reserved for students demonstrating the most financial need. -

The staff within the admission offices is trained to work with first generation families as well as low-income families to guide them through the process and tell them the answers to questions they may not know to ask. The admission office staff members try to determine a family’s background/knowledge of the college process so they can cater the interview/conversation to be the most helpful.

The Center for Urban Education has programs to assist under-served people of all ages. Since 1986, CUE has been dedicated to improving the lives of low-income, first-generation, college-bound students and new immigrant youth by offering educational opportunities. CUE’s programs include: • Teacher Opportunity Corps – A personalized mentoring program that supports the retention and professional development of future teachers studying at Pace University. These tutoring services TOC provides specialize in academic and grant writing, scholarship application, instructional technology, professional development, service learning and addresses a variety of professional/career concerns. • Teacher Leader Quality Partnership – Offers professional development for teachers in New York City Public schools. TLQP provides workshops on how

Merit scholarships offered by Pace University are strictly determined by students’ academic achievements/prowess and are need-blind. However, Pace has a robust endowment scholarship program. A number of endowment funds are earmarked for “disadvantaged”/minority students. A few examples are: The Thomas O’Reilly Scholarship, Rubak Free Nurses Scholarship and Starr Scholarship.

The Financial Aid staff at Pace University offers a number of on-campus workshops guiding both prospective and current students and their parents through the FAFSA form process and general financial aid maze. In addition to these on-campus offerings, we conduct annual workshops at high schools throughout the tri-state area, many in under-served communities: Mount Vernon, Yonkers, Bronx, Harlem, etc. We also work closely with NY State programs that serve under-privileged youth, such as Gear Up. We offer financial aid workshops for these organizations, assistance to parents and students (affiliated with the programs) with completing FAFSA forms, etc.

Work with school districts that (based on data) have low graduation rate and low income families. Attend college fairs; meet with guidance counselors and students.

Participate in/allow NACAC and College Board application fee waivers that are based on income and offer the student a waived $50 application fee.