Financial Aid - Types of Aid - St. Norbert College

How your financial need is met is as important as how much of your need is met. Scholarships are usually based on academic performance or other criteria based on accomplishment, and are considered "merit-based" aid. Grants, loans and work study programs are generally considered "need-based" aid.

When comparing costs of attending different schools, consider final out-of-pocket costs rather than total aid offered. Also note how much of your total financial aid package is comprised of loans and how much is in the form of scholarships and grants. Of the financial aid awards St. Norbert College offers, about two-thirds are in the form of grants and scholarships, and one-third are loans and work study.

More than 97% of St. Norbert students receive some type of financial aid, with the average award being approximately $24,000.

Each student's financial aid award may include one or more of the following types of aid:

Scholarships
Scholarships are based on academic achievement. Because they are merit-based, they are available to every student who qualifies for them—regardless of financial need. The academic merit scholarships offered by St. Norbert range from $5,500 to $14,000 per year and are described on the scholarships web pages:

In addition to scholarships offered by St. Norbert College, there are many outside scholarships available to students.

For an estimate of your possible academic merit awards, try our scholarship calculator.

Grants
Grants are funds that don’t have to be repaid. In most cases, you must demonstrate financial need to receive a grant. Grant eligibility is determined by information provided by your FAFSA and can be funded by federal and state governments, as well as St. Norbert College.

Loans

An educational loan is a form of financial aid that must be repaid, with interest. Educational loans come in three major categories: Federal Student Loans (i.e. Stafford and Perkins loans), Federal Parent PLUS loans, and private student loans (offered though a private lender).

Federal student loans are often the most affordable loans available to students, with fixed interest rates and deferred principal and interest payments until after graduation. For more information on Federal Student Loans and other financing options, please visit the following web pages:

Federal Student Loans (Stafford and Perkins loans)
Financing Options (Payment plans, Federal Parent PLUS loans, and private educational loans)

Work Study
Campus employment offers students an opportunity to work on campus and contribute to their educational expenses. A wide variety of positions in campus professional settings that align with student career pursuits are available.

Waivers