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Types of Aid

A college education is one of the most important investments you can make in yourself, and that's why Saint Louis University provides you with individual assistance and the very best resources throughout the entire financial aid process.

Select your student status: 

Undergraduate Domestic Student

Undergraduate International Student 

Graduate Domestic Student

Graduate International Student

Types of Aid for Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate Domestic Student Aid

Scholarships

Scholarships are merit-based funds that do not have to be repaid. They are based upon academic achievement, talent or service and can be offered by entities such as high schools, colleges and civic organizations.

  • Saint Louis University merit scholarships are based on your application for admission. These scholarships will be listed in your financial aid offer and are guaranteed for 10 semesters, should you maintain a 2.0 GPA and remain enrolled full time.
  • Outside or private scholarships are awards received from organizations or institutions other than SLU. See a list of scholarships for which you might be eligible. Please note: Students must report outside scholarships to the Office of Student Financial Services along with their name and SLU Banner ID. Typically scholarship checks must be endorsed to SLU and sent to the Office of Student Financial Services. Students have full use of those scholarship amounts, subject to the limitations set forth by each individual award (Example: tuition vs. the full cost of attendance).

For domestic Missouri residents only: 

  • Missouri Bright Flight Scholarships may be available to high school students with a composite ACT score of 31 or higher, or who receive an 800 or more on the reading and math sections of the SAT. Students also must live in Missouri and be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Grants

Grants are need-based funds that do not have to be repaid. They are awarded by federal and state governments, as well as private institutions. Some of the grants most commonly awarded students could include:

  • Federal Pell Grants are offered to undergraduate students earning their first degree who qualify for need-based aid. Amounts are determined based on each student’s individual FAFSA-provided Student Aid Index.
  • Grant assistance totals may represent a collection of federal, state and/or institutional aid. Financial aid offers will reflect this need-based aid and will eventually detail each source of aid, which may include:
    • Access Missouri Grant
    • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
    • SLU Grant

Loans

Loans are borrowed funds that must be repaid. 

  • Federal student loans are secure, lower- or no-interest options and often do not need to be repaid until six months after graduation. If you filed the FAFSA, your financial aid offer will detail your student federal loan eligibility.
  • Alternative options such as Federal Parent PLUS Loans may help cover any remaining costs. SLU encourages students to take advantage of federal loan programs before exploring alternative lending options, which are often not capped. 

Work Study

Work study is a federally sponsored, need-based program that allows eligible students to earn funds from part-time work on campus. Your financial aid offer will include your eligibility and an earnings estimate; actual amounts will be determined by your wage and the number of hours you work. Please note: If you do not qualify for work study, you may be able to obtain other on-campus employment. 

What can eligible students expect?

  • Accept within 30 days work-study funds offered after May 1.
  • Apply online for on-campus positions through mySLU beginning June 1.
  • Work an average of 15 hours per week.
  • Receive a bi-weekly paycheck.

Undergraduate International Student Aid

Scholarships 

Scholarships are merit-based funds that do not have to be repaid.

Saint Louis University merit scholarships are based on your application for admission. These scholarships will be listed in your financial aid offer and are guaranteed for 10 semesters, should you maintain a 2.0 GPA and remain enrolled full time.

Grants 

International students are not eligible for need-based aid, including grants. SLU does not accept the CSS Profile. 

Loans 

Loans are borrowed funds that must be repaid. 

Borrowers (students, parents or others) must have good credit and be approved through the chosen lender. Find lender options through SLU’s International Student Loan Preferred Lender List. 

Work Study

If you want to work while you’re a student at Saint Louis University, you should first meet with your international adviser to understand employment rules for F-1 and J-1 students. Students will need a Social Security Number to work on and off campus. Get more information about on campus employment for International students here. 

Types of Aid for Graduate Students

Domestic Graduate Student Aid

Scholarships

Graduate scholarships are typically awarded from individual departments related to your program of study. Reach out to your program for more information. 

Fellowships and Assistantships

Saint Louis University offers a variety of fellowships and assistantships to students. Each academic program determines the criteria and recipients for each offer. For more information, contact the academic department for your program of study. Many employers, professional organizations and community groups offer scholarships, and current SLU students can also apply for additional scholarships on by navigating to the Scholarship Suite application in the mySLU portal. 

Loans

Many graduate and professional students take advantage of loans to help finance their education, as well as their living expenses. Borrowing options typically are divided into two categories: federal student loans and alternative loans. To be eligible for federal student loans, you must fill out the FAFSA.

Work Study 

Work study is a federally sponsored, need-based program that allows eligible students to earn funds from part-time work on campus. Your financial aid offer will include your eligibility and an earnings estimate; actual amounts will be determined by your wage and the number of hours you work. Please note: If you do not qualify for work study, you may be able to obtain other on-campus employment. 

What can eligible students expect?

  • Accept within 30 days work-study funds offered after May 1.
  • Apply online for on-campus positions through mySLU beginning June 1.
  • Work an average of 15 hours per week.
  • Receive a bi-weekly paycheck.

International Graduate Student Aid

Scholarships

Graduate scholarships are typically awarded from individual departments related to your program of study. Reach out to your program for more information. 

Fellowships and Assistantships

Saint Louis University offers a variety of fellowships and assistantships to students. Each academic program determines the criteria and recipients for each offer. For more information, contact the academic department for your program of study. Many employers, professional organizations and community groups offer scholarships, and current SLU students can also apply for additional scholarships on by navigating to the Scholarship Suite application in the mySLU portal. 

Loans

Many graduate and professional students take advantage of loans to help finance their education, as well as their living expenses. International students are eligible to take out private student loans. MPower Financing and Prodigy Finance are among our preferred lenders.

Work

If you want to work while you’re a student at Saint Louis University, you should first meet with your international adviser to understand employment rules for F-1 and J-1 students. Get more information about employment for International students here.