Available Aid
Financial aid and scholarships take a variety of forms, including guaranteed Merit Scholarships that are based on academic and artistic achievements. Donor-funded scholarships, need-based grants, and work-study opportunities can significantly help to reduce your education costs. Financial aid for adults completing their undergraduate students is also available.
Financial aid opportunities:
Lesley University Merit Scholarships
Lesley University Donor Scholarships
Private Scholarships
Need-Based Grants
Federal and State Student Loans
Student Employment
Additional Financial Options
Lesley University Merit Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded to incoming students based on the strength of your academic record and can significantly lower the cost of your Lesley education. For more information and application deadlines, please visit one of the following:
Lesley University Donor Scholarships
Through the generosity of donors and organizations, endowed and scholarship funding is made available to the students of Lesley University. These funds are made available to students to assist them with their educational expenses and all currently enrolled Lesley University students should apply for consideration regardless of GPA, financial need, or area of study.
Private Scholarships
Students are encouraged to seek out private scholarship funding. In most cases private scholarships are added to any existing financial aid, and do not result in a reduction of existing financial aid. An adjustment in need-based aid will be required only if the total need-based aid exceeds the calculated need. Self-help aid (such as Federal Loans and Federal Work-Study) will always be reduced before any adjustment to the grant portion of an award. An adjustment in merit-based aid will be required only if total awards exceed the cost of attendance. In order to help you get started on your scholarship search, we have put together a list of specific private scholarships we believe may be of interest to Lesley University undergraduate students, as well as a list of scholarship search resources.
Need-Based Grants
Grants are free money that does not have to be repaid. In order to receive your maximum eligibility for institutional, federal and/or state grants, you must register for all classes, including independent studies, and must have submitted completed consortium agreements before the end of each semester’s add/drop period.
The Lesley University Grant is provided for up to eight semesters to students with demonstrated financial aid eligibility that apply for financial aid by the established priority deadline. Total grant funding will remain consistent throughout the four years of eligibility, provided that your family's financial situation remains constant. We encourage all students to complete the financial aid application process, regardless of what you believe your eligibility to be. You apply for the Lesley University Grant by completing the FAFSA.
The Federal Pell Grant is a need-based federal grant for first-time bachelor's degree students. Eligibility is determined by criteria established by the U.S. Department of Education and the enrollment status of the student. The maximum Pell Grant amount for 2013-2014 is $5,550. You apply for the Federal Pell Grant by completing the FAFSA.
State Grants are provided by several states to assistance undergraduate students with their educational pursuits. Students must meet their state's application deadline and financial aid eligibility requirements. If you are a Massachusetts Resident, your award letter may indicate an estimate of MassGrant eligibility if Lesley University anticipates you will receive this award. Residents of Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont may also be eligible to apply state grants or scholarships towards a Lesley University education. Visit State Grants and Scholarships for more information and application details.
Federal and State Student Loans
Federal loans help students finance a college education by borrowing federally backed funds at a reasonable interest rate. Federal Direct Stafford Loans and Federal Perkins Loans do not require a credit history or credit check. These loans are in the student's name only.
Federal Direct Stafford Loans (Subsidized and Unsubsidized) There are two types of Federal Direct Stafford Loans: Subsidized and Unsubsidized. The Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan is a need-based loan program available to eligible aid applicants. With this loan, the interest is subsidized by the federal government and does not accrue interest while the student is enrolled in school on at least a half-time basis. The 2013-2014 interest rate for new subsidized loan borrowers is fixed at 3.4%. The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan is available to those students who do not qualify for the Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan. The interest for the unsubsidized loan is paid by the student while enrolled on at least a half-time basis or it may be deferred (capitalized onto the principal loan balance) until repayment begins.The 2013-2014 interest rate for new unsubsidized loan borrowers is fixed at 6.8%. There is an origination fee of 1% that is deducted from each loan type before the funds are sent to Lesley University on the student's behalf. Bachelor's degree candidates may qualify for $5,500 to $12,500 per year depending upon their grade level in school and dependency status. Repayment begins six months after the student is no longer enrolled at least half-time. Lesley University participates in the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program, which means that Federal Direct Stafford Loans are borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. You apply for Federal Direct Stafford Loans by completing the FAFSA.
The Federal Perkins Loan Program is a federally subsidized loan offered to students with demonstrated need. The interest rate is fixed at 5%. Repayment begins nine months after the student is no longer enrolled full-time. If you are eligible for the Federal Perkins Loan it will be included on your Financial Aid Award Letter. You can then decide whether or not you would like to utilize the Federal Perkins Loan Program. The Office of Financial Aid will contact you as to when the promissory note and information counseling sessions will be made available for completion.
The Massachusetts No Interest Loan (NIL) Program was created for eligible Massachusetts residents attending post-secondary educational institutions in Massachusetts. The state-funded NIL program offers zero interest loans to assist students in meeting educational costs. Repayment begins six months after the student graduates, leaves school, or ceases to be enrolled at least half time. If you are eligible for The Massachusetts No Interest Loan, it will be included on your Financial Aid Award Letter. You can then decide whether or not you would like to utilize The Massachusetts No Interest Loan Program. The Office of Financial Aid will contact you as to when the promissory note and information counseling sessions will be made available for completion.
Student Employment
The Federal Work-Study Program offers eligible students in on-campus programs the opportunity to earn part of their personal expenses through part-time, on-campus or qualifying off-campus employment. Awards traditionally do not do not exceed $1800 per year.
The Lesley Works Program is available to students who have not applied for financial aid or who did not receive Federal Work-Study. On-campus student employment opportunities will be listed by our office. Students may also wish to contact the Career Resource Center for a listing of off-campus employment.
Please visit Student Employment for more details on Federal Work-Study and Lesley Works Programs.
Additional Financial Options
When the types of financial aid discussed above do not meet the full annual expense of your Lesley University program, you may wish to pursue additional financial options such as the Interest-free Payment Plan, a Federal Parent PLUS Loan, a private alternative loan, or a combination approach. Visit Additional Financial Options for more details on each of these options.