Scholarships, Grants, Work-Study & Student Loans

On This Trail

Scholarships

Every student who applies for admission is automatically considered for MCLA institutional merit scholarships, with no separate merit-scholarship application required. Merit awards are based on high school academic performance for first-year applicants and on college coursework for transfer applicants. Complete the FAFSA as well to be considered for eligible federal and state need-based aid.

We award scholarships automatically because we would rather recognize your work than test whether you found the right form in time.

Full Cost Details, Including Out-of-State Rates and Total Cost of Attendance

Do I need to apply for a scholarship?

Applying for admission also places you into consideration for MCLA institutional merit scholarships, so there is no separate merit-scholarship application. Award timing and conditions should be communicated through the admission decision and scholarship notice.

How is my award decided?

First-year merit awards are based on high school academic performance and curriculum strength, while transfer awards are based on college coursework. Award amounts vary and are communicated with the admission decision.

Will my scholarship renew each year?

Merit scholarships may be renewable when students continue to meet the conditions stated in their award letter. Students should review that notice for the academic, enrollment and duration requirements that apply to their award.

What about need-based aid?

Merit scholarships are awarded on academic performance. Need-based grants are awarded through the FAFSA. Complete both steps: apply for admission, then file the FAFSA. The two work together and neither replaces the other.

Are there other scholarships I should apply for?

Some departmental, donor-funded, or external scholarships may require a separate application.

Grants, Student Employment Programs, & Loans

There are three ways MCLA can help you pay: money you don't pay back, money you earn, and money you borrow. All three start with the FAFSA. Our school code is 002187.

Most students end up with a mix of all three. Understanding what each one actually is helps you take what you need and borrow only what you must.

What grants can I get?

A grant is a set amount of money for your education that you don't have to pay back. At MCLA, you may be eligible for the Federal Pell Grant, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), and Massachusetts state grant programs. Eligibility is based on financial need as calculated from your FAFSA, so there's no separate grant application.

How does work-study actually work?

Federal Work-Study gives you a part-time job on campus during the academic year. You're paid wages for the hours you actually work, on a regular payroll schedule. Your award is the maximum you can earn over the year, not a credit against your bill, so plan to pay your bill in full and treat work-study as income arriving across the term.

If you were not awarded work-study but still want to work on campus, look for positions marked College Funded. Those are open to all MCLA students.

What federal loans are available?

Subsidized loans

Based on financial need. Interest doesn't build up while you're enrolled at least half-time, during your six-month grace period, or during deferment.

Unsubsidized loans

Not based on need. Interest starts building from the day the loan is disbursed, and is added to your balance if you don't pay it.

Parent PLUS loans

Credit-based federal loans that parents of dependent undergraduates can apply for at studentaid.gov. If a PLUS loan is denied, you may become eligible for additional unsubsidized loan funds.

How much can I borrow?

Annual undergraduate limits depend on how many credits you've earned: $3,500 at 0 to 29 credits, $4,500 at 30 to 59 credits, and $5,500 at 60 or more. Graduate students may borrow up to $20,500 per year in unsubsidized loans.

Lifetime limits also apply: $31,000 for dependent undergraduates, $57,500 for independent undergraduates, and $138,500 for graduate students, including anything borrowed as an undergraduate.

Federal student loan interest rates and origination fees change by award year and loan type. Parent PLUS Loans carry separate rates and fees from undergraduate Direct Loans.

Do I have to apply for loans separately?

No. Loan amounts appear in your award letter once your FAFSA is processed and your file is complete. First-time borrowers do need to complete federal entrance counseling and sign a Master Promissory Note at studentaid.gov before funds are applied to your account. We'll email you with instructions.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to apply separately for scholarships at MCLA?

A: No separate application is required for MCLA institutional merit scholarships. Admission applicants are automatically considered, with first-year awards based on high school academic performance and transfer awards based on college coursework. Students should also complete the FAFSA to be considered for eligible federal and state need-based aid.

Q: What scholarships does MCLA offer?

A: MCLA offers institutional merit scholarships, awarded automatically to admission applicants based on academic performance, alongside need-based aid from federal and state grant programs accessed through the FAFSA. Some departmental and externally funded awards may require a separate application.

Q: Are MCLA scholarships renewable?

A: Institutional merit scholarships at MCLA are awarded at admission and are generally renewable across a student's undergraduate enrollment, subject to meeting the academic performance conditions attached to the award. Students should review the renewal terms in their award letter, since conditions vary by award, and contact finaid@mcla.edu with any questions about maintaining eligibility.

Q: What is the difference between a grant, work-study, and a loan?

A: Grants are financial aid that doesn't require repayment and are awarded primarily on financial need, including federal Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants and state MASS Grants. Federal Work-Study provides part-time employment during the academic year, and students earn wages for hours actually worked. Loans must be repaid with interest after leaving school. All three are accessed by completing the FAFSA, and a student's aid offer may combine them.Grants are financial aid that doesn't require repayment and are awarded primarily on financial need, including federal Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants and state MASS Grants. Federal Work-Study provides part-time employment during the academic year, and students earn wages for hours actually worked. Loans must be repaid with interest after leaving school. All three are accessed by completing the FAFSA, and a student's aid offer may combine them.

Q: Does work-study reduce my tuition bill at MCLA?

A: No. Federal Work-Study is earned rather than credited. Students are paid wages for hours worked, usually on a regular payroll schedule, and use those earnings for ongoing expenses such as books, transport and personal costs. The award amount represents the maximum a student may earn over the year, not a sum deducted from the bill. Students should budget for the full billed amount and treat work-study earnings as income received over the course of the term.

Q: What grants can MCLA students receive?

A: MCLA students may be eligible for federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants and Massachusetts state grant programs, depending on financial need as determined by the FAFSA. Grants don't require repayment. Students are also automatically considered for MCLA institutional merit scholarships when they apply for admission, with no separate application required.