Lesley University: Out-Of-State Students' Support System

Lesley University is a private institution in Cambridge, Massachusetts, that offers a range of financial aid options for students. The university has a dedicated Financial Aid Office to help students navigate funding options, including scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and loans. While international students are not eligible for federal or state funding, they can still access private loans, scholarships, and other funding opportunities. The university also offers an Installment Payment Plan, allowing students to pay tuition in smaller amounts. Additionally, the university has a Maine Scholars program, which provides students with prioritization from Maine employers, as well as financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

International students are not eligible for federal or state funding but can apply for private loans and student jobs

International students at Lesley University are not eligible for federal or state funding. However, they can apply for private loans and student jobs.

International students can apply for private (alternative) education loans, which are monies borrowed from a private lender, not the federal government. These loans can cover the difference between the cost of education and the funds received from other sources. Lesley University provides a list of private loan products available to students and parents. However, international students should research scholarships, grants, work programs, and federal direct loans before borrowing from a private lender.

International students can also apply for part-time, paid jobs on campus through the Lesley Works employment program. They may be eligible for Federal Work-Study jobs, which allow them to earn money through on-campus or off-campus jobs. The money earned can be used for personal expenses, books, tuition, and more. Additionally, the Career Resource Center at Lesley University can help students find work off-campus.

The Maine Scholars program gives students financial aid and scholarship benefits

Lesley University, a private institution based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, offers a range of financial aid and scholarship options for students. One such program is the Maine Scholars program, which provides students with prioritization from Maine employers as well as financial aid and scholarship benefits.

The Maine Scholars Program

The Maine Scholars program is a financial aid and scholarship initiative offered by Lesley University to its students. The program is designed to help students with their financial needs and provide them with opportunities for scholarships.

Financial Aid and Scholarship Benefits

The Maine Scholars program offers a range of benefits to its participants. These benefits include:

• Prioritization by Maine employers: The program helps students gain priority consideration from employers in Maine, which can enhance their career prospects and provide valuable connections.
• Financial aid opportunities: Maine Scholars can access various forms of financial aid to support their studies. This assistance can come in the form of grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and loans.
• Scholarship benefits: In addition to financial aid, the program offers scholarship opportunities to its participants. These scholarships can provide additional financial support to students, helping to offset the cost of their education.

Applying for Financial Aid at Lesley University

Lesley University provides a step-by-step guide to help students navigate the process of applying for financial aid and scholarships. Here is an overview of the key steps:

Step 1: Complete the FAFSA

The first step in applying for financial aid is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application determines eligibility for federal and state aid, as well as some types of school-based aid. It is recommended to submit the FAFSA when applying for admission to Lesley University and each year thereafter to renew eligibility.

Step 2: Submit Additional Documents

In some cases, the U.S. Department of Education may request additional documents from applicants. About 30% of applicants are randomly selected for a verification process, so it is important to submit any requested documents promptly.

Step 3: Receive the Financial Aid Award Letter

After processing the FAFSA and any additional documents, students will receive a Financial Aid Award Letter. This letter outlines the types of aid included in the financial package, estimated costs for education, and expected out-of-pocket expenses.

Types of Financial Aid and Scholarships

Lesley University offers a comprehensive range of financial aid and scholarship options, including:

• Scholarships and Grants: Lesley University provides merit-based scholarships to incoming students, which are awarded based on academic records and potential for success. These scholarships can be renewed annually if certain criteria are met.
• Federal Direct Loans: These are provided by the U.S. Department of Education at a fixed interest rate to help students pay for their undergraduate or graduate education.
• Federal Work-Study: This program provides students with part-time employment opportunities to earn money for their education.
• Private Scholarships: Students can also apply for private scholarships, which are funds that they research and apply for independently.

The Maine Scholars program at Lesley University offers a valuable opportunity for students seeking financial assistance and scholarship benefits. By participating in this program, students can gain priority with Maine employers and access a range of financial aid and scholarship options to support their educational journey.

The average financial aid package for a full-time, first-year student is $19,036 a year

Lesley University offers a range of financial aid options to help students cover the costs of their education. The average financial aid package for a full-time, first-year student is $19,036 a year. This includes a variety of funding sources, such as scholarships, grants, work-study programmes, and loans.

Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships and grants are a significant component of financial aid packages at Lesley University. The university offers several merit-based scholarships to incoming students based on their academic record and potential for success. These scholarships can be renewed annually if students maintain good academic standing and make satisfactory progress toward their degree. Additionally, the university has partnerships with community organisations to provide scholarships for students with financial need through the Urban Scholars Initiative.

Lesley University also offers the Maine Scholars Program, which gives students priority with Maine employers and provides opportunities for financial aid and scholarship benefits. Other scholarship opportunities include the Cambridge Rindge & Latin Merit Scholarship, the Boston Arts Academy Scholarship, and the City of Boston Scholarship.

Work-Study Programmes

The Federal Work-Study programme provides students with part-time employment opportunities to help fund their education. Students can earn up to $1,800 per year through this programme, working in various positions on or off campus.

Loans

Lesley University provides information and guidance on different types of loans, including federal, state, and private loans. Federal Direct Loans, for instance, are provided by the US Department of Education at a fixed interest rate. There are two types of Direct Loans: Unsubsidized and Subsidized. The university also offers information on private education loans from private lenders, which can cover the difference between the cost of education and other financial aid received.

International Students

International students are not eligible for federal or state funding but can explore private loans, scholarships, and other funding opportunities. They can also apply for merit-based institutional scholarships if they do not have financial need.

Additional Resources

Lesley University's financial aid office provides further resources and guidance to help students and their families navigate the financial aid process. The university recommends submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for various types of financial aid. Additionally, the university offers a Net Price Calculator on its website to help students estimate the cost of attendance based on their financial situation.

Lesley University meets 60% of the demonstrated financial need for undergraduates

Lesley University is a private institution in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,554 students (as of Fall 2022). The university offers a range of financial aid options to help students meet the cost of attendance.

• Scholarships and Grants: Lesley University offers merit-based scholarships to incoming students based on their academic record and potential for success. These scholarships are automatically considered upon application and do not require separate application forms. Additionally, the university provides need-based scholarships to students with financial need. In 2023, the university awarded $15.7 million in need-based scholarships and $5.9 million in merit-based scholarships.
• Federal and State Aid: Students can apply for federal and state financial aid by completing the FAFSA. This includes grants, such as the Federal Pell Grant and the Federal TEACH Grant, as well as federal loans like the Federal Direct Loan and Federal Perkins Loan. State grants are also available for residents of Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Vermont.
• Work-Study: The Federal Work-Study program provides part-time employment opportunities for students, allowing them to earn money to help cover their educational expenses.
• Private Scholarships and Loans: Lesley University provides resources and guidance to help students find private scholarships offered by external organizations. Additionally, students can consider private education loans to cover any remaining costs after exploring other financial aid options.

It is recommended that students apply for financial aid, even if they don't think they qualify, as there may be aid options they have not considered. The university's Financial Aid Office works with students and their families to build a financial plan that makes a Lesley education affordable.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) helps determine financial need

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a crucial step in determining financial need and accessing various forms of financial assistance for higher education. Here are some key points about the FAFSA and how it helps determine financial need:

• Eligibility and Need-Based Aid: FAFSA is the official form used to apply for federal financial aid, and it is designed to assess a student's financial need. Students must demonstrate financial need to qualify for federal aid. The application collects detailed information about the student's and their family's financial situation, including income, assets, and expenses. This information is used to calculate the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which helps determine the student's eligibility for need-based aid.
• Types of Aid: FAFSA is not just for grants and scholarships. It also helps determine eligibility for work-study programs and loans. Grants and scholarships are typically need-based and do not need to be repaid, while work-study provides part-time employment opportunities, and loans must eventually be repaid but often have low-interest rates and favourable terms.
• Aid from States, Colleges, and Private Programs: In addition to federal aid, many states, individual colleges, and private scholarship programs use FAFSA information to make financial aid decisions. These entities may have their own criteria for awarding aid, and FAFSA helps them assess the student's financial situation and need.
• Deadlines and Renewal: FAFSA applications typically open in October of the year before enrollment and close in June of the academic year. It is essential to apply as early as possible, as some states and colleges award financial aid on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, students must submit a new FAFSA application each year to renew their financial aid.
• Customized Financial Packages: The information provided in the FAFSA allows Lesley University's Financial Aid Office to create customized financial packages for students. By understanding a student's financial need, the university can offer a combination of scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans to help make a Lesley education affordable.
• International Students: It is important to note that international students are not eligible for federal or state funding and, therefore, do not need to complete the FAFSA. However, they can explore other options, such as private loans, scholarships, and student jobs, with the assistance of the university's Financial Aid Office.

Frequently asked questions