St. John's University, New York
PA-8: Affordability and Access

St. John's University's financial aid awarding policy is based on the student’s financial need, as demonstrated by the completion and results of the Free Application for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA), as well as the students high school performance. Our institutional financial aid awarding policy favors those students that show financial need (low-income students), by awarding them a higher amount of financial aid. Additionally, there are federal financial aid programs, that are geared towards low-income students and we ensure that we assist those students by awarding them those financial aid programs.

Faculty are consistantly offered training in different aspects of student engagement and respongin to the special needs of students on campus. Current training programs can be found at http://www.stjohns.edu/about/administrative-offices/human-resources/training-and-development. Programs change throughout the year to meet the changing needs of the faculty community.

The University Freshman Center and University's Office of Transfer Student Services are committed to the academic success, personal development and overall satisfaction of every new student. Each student is assigned a personal advisor who will guide him or her through the first year at St. John’s,answering questions and providing support when needed. All student advisors are trained to assist with the overall transition and acclimation to a college setting. The University starts assisting low-income students from an early age through the "Jumpstart" program which "strives to combat the statistics suggesting that low-income children are 60 percent more likely to start kindergarten unable to read", helping them on their way to a brighter and college-bound future. See more at: http://www.stjohns.edu/about/news/2013-12-31/jumpstart-%E2%80%9Cignite-passion-learning%E2%80%9D

St. John's University offers a number of scholarships that are available to only low-income students (Pell eligible). The scholarships are awarded by the Office of Student Financial Services.

St. John's University offers financial aid workshops to assist families in the completion of the financial aid application. We also have dedicated financial aid counselors to help low-income families navigate through the financial aid process.

We partner with various Community Based Organizations (CBO) that work with disadvantaged students. We conduct visits, attend their college fairs and sponsor bus trips for the students to visit the St John’s campuses during the college search process. In addition, we host financial planning sessions on campus and at local high schools for parents and students to help them navigate the financial aid process. Lastly, Admission staff members serve as mentors at the New York State Association for College Admission Counseling’s Camp College which is designed to give high schools students to have a college experience to understand the benefits of attending college.

We wave the application fee for low income students and offer an array of scholarship opportunities rewarding students with good grades, community service, and those active in the church. Our financial aid office works closely with students and families allowing them to find the best way for paying for college. Students are encouraged to submit a letter of recommendation from their college adviser and a personal statement.

The University offers merit based scholarships awarded to those with good acadmic standing and indicates external opportunities for scholarships for students with specific needs. More informations about merit based and external scholarships can be found via http://www.stjohns.edu/admission-aid/scholarships and http://www.stjohns.edu/admission-aid/scholarships/external-scholarships.

The University offers a "Gift Aid" Grant Program, including the TEACH Grant and Federal SEOG Grant, which provides funds to ease the financial burden on low-income students. Information about these grants can be found at http://www.stjohns.edu/admission-aid/tuition-and-financial-aid/undergraduate-aid/understand-your-award-offer/gift-aid.

The University requests application for "Endowed Scholarships" which have been established due to the generosity of our donors who include trustees, alumni, parents and friends of St. John’s. Each of the available endowed scholarships have specific requirements based on the students academic status and/or need. Students must read the criteria for each and see which one is applicable to them. Some Endowed Scholarships may specify that a part-term status is needed or eligible for application. More information on the 2015-2016 Endowment Scholarships can be found at: http://www.stjohns.edu/admission-aid/scholarships/endowed-scholarships

There are no on-site or local facilities that support childcare needs through the University.

St. John's University will schedule and administer C.L.E.P. exams on campus for those who wish to take the exam. If the student receives the needed passing score for the University course, course credit is awarded to the student (3 credits). The university also offers many courses online that can be completed at the speed of the student by administering due dates/exams within a window of time.