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State & Federal Funding
Explore grant and scholarship funding available to USJ students from state and federal sources. Contact us to learn more.
Federal Grants
Federal Pell Grant & Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
These federal grants are awarded to undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need and meet certain criteria established by the U. S. Department of Education.
The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant
This federal program provides assistance for undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, and graduate students who qualify academically (3.25 overall GPA on a 4.0 scale) and agree to teach for at least four years as full-time, highly qualified teachers within eight years of completing, or otherwise ceasing to be enrolled in, the program for which she/he received a TEACH Grant. Service must be in high-need fields in public or not-for-profit elementary or secondary schools that serve students from low-income families.
University of Saint Joseph only awards TEACH Grants to eligible graduate students and undergraduate juniors and seniors who declared majors in eligible fields. Freshmen and sophomores are not eligible to apply for a TEACH Grant. For more information on eligibility please contact the Student Financial Services office.
Eligible full-time students may receive $4,000 per year , up to a maximum of $16,000 for undergraduate and post-baccalaureate study, and $8,000 for graduate study. The grant is reduced for part-time students and is subject to sequestration fees.
The law identifies the following as high-need fields:
- Bilingual education and English language acquisition
- Foreign language
- Mathematics
- Reading specialist
- Science
- Special education
- Any other field that has been identified as high-need by the federal government, a state government, or a local education agency, and that is included in the annual Teacher Shortage Area Nationwide Listing.
The TEACH Grant converts to a Direct Unsubsidized Loan if the student fails to complete any part of her obligation. The loan, plus interest, must be repaid.
TEACH Grant Forms & Information:
State Grants
Connecticut Roberta B. Willis Scholarship Program (RWSP)
This program, administered by the Connecticut Office of Higher Education (OHE), provides scholarships to help talented and needy Connecticut (CT) resident students pay for college. For additional information contact Student Financial Services or visit CT OHE.
RWSP Need-Merit Scholarship (renewable)
Qualifications: CT resident, high school senior or graduate with a high school junior year class rank of 20% or better and/or SAT score of at least 1200 or ACT score of at least 25. Must also meet high-need financial qualifications as determined by OHE annually.
How to Apply: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) prior to February 15th of year prior to the academic award year. Your high school guidance counselor must submit an electronic application to OHE also by February 15th.
RWSP Need-Based Grant (renewable)
Qualifications: CT resident who demonstrates high need via their FAFSA’s Estimated Family Contribution (EFC).
How to Apply: Complete the FAFSA. USJ determines recipients based on state guidelines and all students are automatically considered for the RWSP Need-Based Grant.
Connecticut Minority Teacher Incentive Program (MTIP)
This program, administered by the Connecticut Office of Higher Education (OHE), provides grants and college loan reimbursement stipends to minority group members enrolled as undergraduate students in a Connecticut teacher preparation program.
Qualifications: full time college junior or senior of African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American or Native American heritage, nominated by USJ’s Education Department Chair or Dean who agrees to begin teaching in a CT public school within 16 months of graduation.
How to Apply: Contact USJ’s Education Department or CT OHE for more information.
Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) Grants
Residents of Vermont (VT) can apply for full and part-time grants, administered by the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) on behalf of the state. Grant amounts vary by student and by year, depending on available funding.
Qualifications: VT residents accepted or enrolled full-time or part-time in a degree granting program who has not yet received a bachenor’s degree.
How to Apply: Complete the FAFSA and the Vermont Grant application. Contact VSAC for additional information and to complete the application.