Eligibility for the following programs is determined by the filing of the FAFSA need analysis on a yearly basis.
Federal Programs
- Federal Pell Grant: Awards may range up to $5,775 based on need and federal funding.
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): Awards are given to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need based on availability of federal funding. Priority is given to students who file the FAFSA by March 1 of each year for consideration. Preference is given to full-time students.
- Federal Work Study: Campus employment opportunities are provided for many students who work approximately 4-6 hours per week and earn minimum wage: availability based on federal funding. Priority is given to students who file the FAFSA by March 1 of each year for consideration.
- Direct Loans (Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized): Low-interest loans are available to undergraduate and graduate students. Students may qualify for either a subsidized Stafford Loan (interest does not accrue until after graduation) or an unsubsidized Stafford Loan (interest begins accruing immediately). The federal government, for both subsidized and unsubsidized loans, retains an origination fee, deducted proportionately from each disbursement. Interest rates on these loans are fixed for the life of the loan and are set July 1 for the upcoming school year. Loan amounts vary dependent upon class standing, the level of demonstrated financial need and previous loan history. freshman, 0-29 hours, $3,500; sophomore, 30-59 hours, $4,500; junior/senior, 60+ hours, $5,500; graduate $20,500. A minimum of half-time status is required for eligibility. Repayment of these loans begins six months after enrollment ceases or the student drops below half-time.
- Direct PLUS Loan: These loans are available to parents with good credit histories for educational costs not met by other financial aid and are not need-based. The federal government retains an origination fee deducted proportionately from each disbursement. Repayment begins 60 days after the final disbursement, but can be deferred until six months after the student ceases to be enrolled or drops below half time; the interest rate is fixed for the life of the loan and is set July 1 for the upcoming school year.
- Direct Graduate PLUS Loan: These loans are available to graduate students with good credit histories for educational costs not met by other financial aid and are not need-based. The federal government retains an origination fee deducted proportionately from each disbursement. Repayment begins six months after enrollment ceases or the student falls below half time; the interest rate is fixed for the life of the loan and is set July 1 for the upcoming school year.
State Programs
- Missouri Higher Education Academic Scholarship (Bright Flight): Annual award of up to $3,000 for Missouri resident undergraduate students scoring in the top 3% of Missouri high school students taking the ACT or SAT. Applications for Bright Flight are available from the high school guidance counselor. The scholarship is renewable as long as the continuation of initial eligibility requirements are being met, the student maintains full-time enrollment, receives the scholarship for at least one semester each academic year and has a cumulative GPA of 2.5. Application deadline is June 1.
- Missouri Marguerite-Ross Barnett Scholarship: Amount varies. Awarded to Missouri residents enrolled at least part-time who are employed and are compensated for a minimum of 20 hours per week. A FAFSA must be on file by August 1, the student must have financial need, cannot be pursuing a degree in theology/divinity and has not received a prior bachelor’s degree. Applications are available from the Missouri Coordinating Board of Higher Education, (314) 751-6635.
- Access Missouri Grant: Amount varies. Awards are given to Missouri residents based on need. FAFSA must be received by February 1 of each year for awarding. Students must be enrolled full-time at a participating Missouri school, have an EFC less than $12,000, not be pursuing a degree in theology/divinity and cannot have previously earned a bachelor’s degree. Students must maintain a 2.5 to be eligible for renewal and cannot have received the grant for more than 10 semesters.
University Aid Programs
- Academic Scholarships: Academic scholarships ranging in value from $8,000 to full tuition are awarded on the basis of GPA, test scores, class rank and in some cases the student’s demonstration of leadership or outstanding community service. Academic scholarships are renewable based on specific GPA requirements for each. See the Financial Aid Office for current scholarships and corresponding deadlines.
- Talent Scholarships: These are available in the areas of fine arts, forensics and athletics and awarded based on auditions, interviews and recommendations from the sponsoring talent area. Awards are renewable based on ability and participation as determined by the designated faculty in the College of Arts & Sciences and maintenance of a cumulative GPA of 2.0 at the end of each academic year. Athletics has GPA requirements set forth by the NCAA, so please see the athletic office to discuss renewal criteria on athletic awards.
- College Grants: Grants that vary in value are available based on need or other specific criteria. Special grants awarded include dependent students that have two or more undergraduates enrolled simultaneously at Rockhurst University. Also available are Endowed Scholarships funded by the interest earned on the University’s endowment accounts. Restrictions apply on these scholarships as specified by the donors.
- College Employment: In addition to Federal Work Study, Rockhurst provides institutionally funded work opportunities on campus. Students in the campus employment program work approximately 4-6 hour per week and earn minimum wage; availability is limited.
Employment Opportunities
The Office of Career Services assists students and alumni in defining their talents and interests, identifying career goals and exploring career opportunities. Professional staff is available to meet one-on-one to refine the tools used during the application process and discuss students’ career search strategies. Hiring for on-campus University Work-Study positions is coordinated by Career Services, with eligibility for employment determined by the Financial Aid Office. Students who do not qualify for the University Work-Study Program can also seek local part-time positions through Career Services. The Goppert Cooperative Education Program offers undergraduate students the opportunity to gain practical work experience within their field of study while getting paid and gaining academic credit. For more information, contact the Assistant Director of Career Services at 816-501-4861.
Important Information
The information contained in the Financial Aid section of the catalog is provided for information purposes only and is not a contract or an offer to contract. Rockhurst University reserves the right to change the information or conditions contained herein without prior notice.