San Antonio – St. Mary’s University announces the second generation of a special financial assistance program which will cover tuition for qualified freshmen in fall 2010. Access 2010 at St. Mary’s University will enable members of the incoming fall class of 2010, who have excelled in high school and also have high financial need, to have their tuition paid for at St. Mary’s University!

The economic climate continues to present significant challenges to many families considering college. In response, for the second year in a row St. Mary’s President Charles L. Cotrell, Ph.D. and the St. Mary’s Alumni Association have approved the financial four-year commitment to qualifying members of the fall 2010 incoming class.

The University exceeded its projection for Access St. Mary’s 2009 by enrolling nearly 55 percent of the admitted students who were eligible for an enhanced financial package under the program’s criteria. These nearly 170 students represented more than 30 percent of the incoming 2009 freshman class and had some of the highest quality indicators of any incoming class – nearly half (44 percent) were in the top 10 percent of their high school graduating class.

“The success of Access St. Mary’s 2009 demonstrated that St. Mary’s University was fulfilling a need,” said Cotrell. “We are committed to ensuring that a quality, private, liberal-arts, Catholic education remains a viable option for students.”

A financial aid package comprised of sufficient scholarship and grant funding to cover the price of tuition for all four years will be awarded to prospective full-time, fall 2010 freshmen who apply on time for financial aid and meet the following qualifications:

  • full-time enrollment,
  • eligible for a federal Pell Grant,
  • receipt of a St. Mary’s Trustee’s or President’s Scholarship,
  • and who commit to live on-campus in University housing.

St. Mary’s University’s annual tuition is approximately $21,000. Access 2010 at St. Mary’s is a four-year commitment for students who meet the requirements for renewal. With the full price of tuition covered through gift assistance, students will be able to apply other aid for which they are eligible toward room, board, fees and other charges.

Students should complete the undergraduate admission application and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by mid February to meet the financial aid priority date of March 31. Full funding for late applicants cannot be guaranteed

“We encourage prospective students and parents to work together to complete the FAFSA,” said Suzanne Petrusch, vice president for enrollment management at St. Mary’s. “We are extremely pleased with the outcome of Access St. Mary’s 2009. With demand again expected to be high, it’s essential that students complete the FAFSA on time. Our knowledgeable financial assistance counselors are available to help students through the application process.”

Students who are not Pell Grant eligible and therefore don’t qualify for the Access 2010 program will be considered for other aid programs based on their FAFSA results. The majority of St. Mary’s undergraduate students receive financial assistance – need-based or merit-based or a combination of the two.

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