Scholarships, Assistantships, and Student Loans
Scholarships for Graduate Students Seeking Master’s Degrees or the Educational Specialist Degree
Marywood University awards scholarships each year on the competitive basis of academic promise and professional focus and commitment. Scholarships are available to both full-time and part-time students who meet specified credit levels of matriculation.
Please consult the Graduate Financial Aid Section of the Marywood University website to review which academic programs award merit scholarships and the method of application based upon your academic discipline.
The endowed scholarships, generous gifts of Marywood University benefactors, provide the financial support for the IHM Graduate Scholarships for a number of our students. Prospective and current graduate students do not apply for endowed scholarships directly.
Assistantships for Graduate Students Seeking Master’s Degrees, the Educational Specialist Degree, or Certifications
Marywood University provides graduate assistantships that are designed to further the educational goals of graduate students in an environment of academic excellence. Graduate assistants serve Marywood University by working with the faculty to advance research or with professional staff to enhance services.
Full-time assistantships with 20 work hours per week afford tuition remission for nine graduate credits per academic year and a stipend for up to $5,440 per year. Part-time assistantships with 10 work hours per week afford tuition remission for 4.5 graduate credits per academic year and a stipend for up to $2,720 per year.
For full-time assistantships, the University will provide tuition remission for 4.5 credits for the Fall semester (2.25 credits for part-time positions) and 4.5 credits of tuition remission for the Spring semester (2.25 credits for part-time positions). Students with full graduate assistantships will work, on average, 20 hours per week, for a maximum of 640 hours (10 hours per week for part-time positions, for a maximum of 320 hours).
Compensation is paid to students on two-week intervals. Graduate assistants may only perform work while the Fall semester and the Spring semester are in session.
Graduate assistants are expected to maintain a minimum Q.P.A. of 3.25 each semester. Current graduate students must maintain a cumulative graduate Q.P.A. of 3.25 to renew or receive consideration for a new graduate assistantship position.
To be eligible, students are required to register for a minimum of six graduate credit hours per semester. Graduate assistantships replace any other graduate scholarship that may have been awarded.
The student selection process for assistantship positions funded by the University occurs in the spring semester. Job descriptions for vacant graduate assistantships will be posted in the Graduate Financial Aid Section of the Marywood University website each February. Prospective and current graduate students should submit resumes electronically no later than March 15th of each year for positions in which they are interested. These electronic resumes will then be forwarded to faculty and staff who have funded graduate assistantships for consideration. Departments and/or offices will work together to select the GA that best serves their collective needs.
Ph.D. Strategic Leadership and Administrative Studies Doctoral Program Scholarships
Ph.D. Strategic Leadership and Administrative Studies Doctoral Program Scholarships have an application deadline of mid-April of each year. You may apply for this opportunity online in the Graduate Financial Aid Section of the Marywood University website.
Ph.D. Strategic Leadership and Administrative Studies Doctoral Program Assistantships
Ph.D. Strategic Leadership and Administrative Studies Doctoral Program Assistantships have an application deadline of mid-February of each year. You may apply for this opportunity online in the Graduate Financial Aid Section of the Marywood University website with your electronic submission of a professional quality résumé.
Psy.D. Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program Scholarships and Assistantships
The graduate admission application serves as the scholarship application for prospective doctoral students of the Clinical Psychology Program. The departmental academic progress file serves as the scholarship application for current doctoral students in the Clinical Psychology Program. There are no other documentation obligations for scholarship consideration for prospective and current doctoral students of the Clinical Psychology Program.
Prospective doctoral students of the Clinical Psychology Program should adhere closely to the graduate admission application deadline. Scholarship notification letters will be mailed in May to both prospective and current doctoral students of the Clinical Psychology Program.
Psy.D. Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program Assistantships have an application deadline of mid-March of each year. You may apply for this opportunity online in the Graduate Financial Aid Section of the Marywood University website with your electronic submission of a professional quality résumé.
Special Gifts
The Joan and Fred Miller Endowment Fund was established by Drs. Joan and Fred Miller to provide financial support for graduate students pursuing a PhD.
The Harry M. and Marie E. Pearson Graduate Assistantship was established in 1995 to provide support for graduate assistantships for students from the Department of Psychology and Counseling.
Endowed Scholarships
The Alperin Family Scholarship was established in 1985 to provide scholarship support to undergraduate and graduate students on the basis of financial need and scholastic achievement. Preference is given to employees or children of employees of the Alperin Companies, Lackawanna County residents, and Northeastern Pennsylvania residents.
The Dr. and Mrs. Stanley W. Blondek Endowed Scholarship was established in 2012 by Dr. and Mrs. Stanley W. Blondek for graduate and undergraduate students with preference given to students pursuing a degree in the physician’s assistant program.
The Saint Bridget Scholarship was established in 1987 to provide support to graduate students on the basis of academic merit.
The William and Carmel Callahan Scholarship was established in 1999 to provide scholarship support to undergraduate and graduate students with preference given to legal residents of the Island of St. John in the US Virgin Islands.
The Harriet Chikowski ’42 Scholarship was established by Harriet Chikowski in 1995 to provide scholarship assistance based on academic merit to students in the MSW Degree Program with preference given to those who maintain employment in an agency that involves work with families in distress.
The Sister M. Cuthbert Donovan, IHM Graduate Scholarship was established in honor of Sister M. Cuthbert Donovan, IHM, Dean Emerita, to provide tuition scholarships on the basis of academic merit and need to alumnae/alumni of Marywood University for attendance in the graduate programs.
The Monsignor William L. Donovan Endowed Scholarship was established in 2006 by Monsignor Donovan to provide financial aid for undergraduate or graduate students in support of their education.
The Angela & Pio Ferrario Memorial Endowed Scholarship was established by Pia Ferrario in memory of her parents. Preference is given to undergraduate and graduate students with financial need.
Dr. James R. Golden Memorial Scholarship was established in 1990 by family, friends, and former students of the late Dr. Golden to provide scholarship support to graduate students with a preference given to students pursuing a graduate degree in counseling.
The Graduate IHM Scholarship Fund was established in 1982 by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary to assist individuals in achieving their professional goals in graduate education.
The Graduate Student Council Scholarship was established in 1989 by the Graduate Student Council and other friends of the University. Income from this endowment provides scholarship assistance to graduate students on the basis of academic achievement and financial need.
The Carol E. Greenblatt Scholarship was established in 2000 to provide assistance for graduate and undergraduate students with preference to those in the School of Social Work.
The Mary S. Foran Haman ’48 and Donald T. Haman Endowed Scholarship was established by Mary and Don Haman to provide support for a promising undergraduate or graduate student in need of financial assistance.
The Sister Cor Immaculatum Heffernan, IHM ’54 Endowed Scholarship was established by former students and friends of Sr. Cor Immaculatum Heffernan, IHM. This scholarship assists graduate students majoring in M.F.A. Visual Arts (Graphic Design) or M.F.A. Visual Arts (Illustration).
The Paul A. Henry Memorial Scholarship was established in 2004 by Dr. Ann R. Henry ’73 in memory of her father to provide scholarship support to needy undergraduate and graduate students with preference given to those studying nursing or a health-related field.
The Hughes Family Endowed Scholarship was established in 1985 by Sister M. Constance Melvin, IHM, in honor of Mary M. Hughes and her parents, Mary A. and Michael Hughes, to provide scholarship assistance, on the basis of academic merit, for study in librarianship and/or media.
The Mildred Hammond Hunkele Endowed Scholarship was established in 2001 to provide financial aid for any needy and qualified graduate or undergraduate students.
The Catherine Boylan Hussie Scholarship was established in 1990 to provide financial aid for needy male or female students at the graduate and undergraduate levels.
The Sister Michel Keenan, IHM Endowed Scholarship was established in 2010 in honor of Sister Michel Keenan, IHM through the bequest of her late sister, Mary Keenan Hecht, to provide financial aid to graduate or undergraduate students. Preference is given to females studying music or music education.
The Peter Kohudic Scholarship was established in 1995 to provide financial aid for graduate or undergraduate students with first preference given to students who are communicants of the Orthodox Christian Faith who are of at least sophomore status, especially those students from St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary. Second preference is given to students majoring in social work who are sophomores, juniors, or seniors.
The L.F. Brands Scholarship was established in 2001 to provide scholarship support to undergraduate and graduate students with financial need.
The Alice Lawrence Memorial Scholarship was established in 1991 by Lora Diggins to provide financial aid for a graduate or undergraduate student pursuing a career-oriented degree. Preference is given to an adult female (over 35 years of age) returning to school to complete her degree or career choice.
The Paul Levy and Ann Bronsky Levy Scholarship Fund was established by the estate of Ann Bronsky Levy ’36 to support graduate and undergraduate students with financial need.
The Robert J. Mahady Scholarship was established in 2000 by Mrs. Betty Mahady to provide scholarship support for graduate and undergraduate students with preference given to those in the School of Business and Global Innovation.
The Sister Patricia Ann Matthews, IHM, Ph.D. Endowed Scholarship was established in 2009 by family, friends, and former students of Sister Patricia Ann to provide financial aid for undergraduate and graduate students to support their education.
The Sister M. Bernardina McAndrew, IHM Scholarship was established in 1974 by Sister M. Bernardina McAndrew, IHM to provide assistance to a graduate psychology student on the basis of academic merit and need.
The Charles J. and Margaret S. McCarty Endowed Scholarship was established in 2014 by Margaret “Peggy” McCarty ’67 in memory of her parents to provide financial aid for graduate and undergraduate students. Preference is given to students from the Lehigh Valley and/or students majoring in English or communications.
The James F. Mellody Memorial Scholarship was established in 2002 to provide assistance to students in the M.S.W. program with preference given to students who demonstrate financial need.
The Dr. Fergus T. Monahan School of Social Work Scholarship was established in 1989 to provide assistance to students in the M.S.W. program with priority given to those who are minorities; women who are single heads of household supporting children while they attend school; and students with established financial need.
The Honorable Marion L. Munley Endowed Scholarship was established in 2009 by Munley, Munley and Cartwright, PC. in recognition of Mrs. Munley’s outstanding career as a mother and as the first woman elected to the Legislature from northeastern Pennsylvania. Her career in the House of Representatives spanned 20 years (including being elected Secretary by her fellow members) until she retired in 1967. Preference is given to worthy graduate or undergraduate students interested in a career in law and/or public service.
The Regina M. and Bernard Austin Murdock Endowed Scholarship was established by the estate of Regina M. Murdock to provide scholarship support to graduate students with preference to those studying psychology.
The Thomas and Rosemary Halligan O’Hora, Jr. Endowed Scholarship was established in 2012 from the estate of the late Thomas and Rosemary Halligan O’Hora ’52 to support needy undergraduate and graduate students.
The Sister M. Johnine O’Neill, IHM Endowed Scholarship was established by friends and family in 1993. Preference is given to undergraduate or graduate students who are currently employed and wish to further their education.
The Pearson Scholarship was established through the Estate of Marie E. Pearson to provide scholarship support to graduate students who have demonstrated academic excellence but not necessarily financial need.
The John Peragallo, Jr. Endowed Scholarship was established by John Peragallo, III, family, and friends to support undergraduate or graduate students with preference given to music majors with organ as an applied performance concentration.
The Eugene L. Raymond Scholarship was established in 1966 in memory of Eugene L. Raymond, a charter member of the Development Committee of Marywood University. This scholarship is awarded to worthy graduate students who are being trained for work among children in the fields of psycho-education and psychotherapy.
The Helen Scanlon Ruane Endowed Scholarship was established in 2001 to provide scholarship support for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need.
The Tara Lee and Kelly Erin Ruddy Sisters Memorial Endowed Scholarship was established in 2015 by their parents, Leo and Mary Theresa Ruddy, and by their classmates and friends to honor the memory of sisters Tara and Kelly Ruddy. The scholarship provides scholarship support to graduate students with preference given to those in the M.S.W. program.
The Helen M. Sebastianelli ’53 Endowed Music Scholarship was established by Ms. Sebastianelli’s brother, Mr. Joseph Sebastianelli, and family to provide financial aid to graduate and undergraduate students with preference to music majors residing in Lackawanna County.
The Barbara Sowinski Endowed Scholarship was established by Barbara Sowinski, M.A. ’00 in 2016 as a merit-based award to benefit graduate and undergraduate students majoring in the field of Architecture.
The Madeline Geiger Spitzer Endowed Scholarship was established in 2006 to provide financial aid to graduate students with preference given to a graduating senior from Marywood University who will be attending a postgraduate program in the area of education.
The Thalia Ann Thomas Scholarship was established in 1997 by Ms. Thomas to provide assistance to graduate students with preference first to candidates for the M.A. degree in Art Therapy, then to candidates for the M.F.A. degree.
The John Timko, Jr. Scholarship was established in 1980 to provide assistance to graduate students in the School of Business and Global Innovation.
Marywood University Class Scholarships:
The Deceased Members of the Class of 1957 Memorial Endowed Scholarship was established in 2006 by members and friends of the class to provide scholarship support to needy undergraduate and graduate students.
The Class of 1958 Endowed Scholarship was established in 2010 by the members of the Class of 1958 to provide aid for graduate or undergraduate students who need financial assistance in pursuing their educational goals and career dreams.
The Class of 1959 Endowed Scholarship was established in 2016 by the Class of 1959 to provide scholarship support to full-time graduate and undergraduate students who need financial assistance.
The Class of 1965 Endowed Scholarship was established in 2015 by the members of the Class of 1965 to provide aid to graduate or undergraduate students who need financial assistance.
The Class of 1968 Endowed Scholarship was established in 2017 by the Class of 1968 in honor of the fiftieth anniversary of their graduation to support undergraduate and graduate students in the School of Architecture.
The Class of 1995 Endowed Scholarship was established in 1994 by the Class of 1995 to support graduate students with preference given to a recent graduate of Marywood University entering a graduate program at Marywood University on a full-time basis with demonstrated financial need.
Scholarship Allocation and Usage Policies
Graduate students must be enrolled as matriculated students in a participating program in order to receive Marywood University scholarship funding. Endorsement programs, Educational Leadership certifications, English as a Second Language, and enrichment classes are not eligible for University funded scholarships.
Graduate students who are awarded a Graduate Assistantship are not eligible for a Marywood University scholarship during the same semester or academic year. Students who will benefit from any other form of tuition remission such as, but not limited to, the Marywood Diocesan Scholarship or Personnel Tuition Benefit, may not receive a Marywood University graduate scholarship during that same academic year.
Marywood graduate scholarships may only be used towards the cost of tuition and students are encouraged to consider the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan if financial aid is needed for other educational costs such as books, supplies, and housing. Marywood graduate scholarships are for use during the fall and spring semesters and are not applicable for summer enrollment.
If a graduate scholarship or need-based grant recipient should need to withdraw from courses before the completion of a semester of study, Marywood University will recover institutional funds from the student in proportion to the percentage of tuition refunded for that semester. If the student decides to return to his or her studies in the future, he or she will be required to reapply for financial aid.
For institutional resources designated by Marywood University to support merit scholarships and need-based grants for students in master’s degree programs, the University will give priority to students seeking their first master’s degree from Marywood University.
Federal Direct Student Loan Programs
To apply for a Federal Direct Loan and/or Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan, students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov each year. Students must also complete an electronic Master Promissory Note (eMPN) at www.studentaid.gov. This information is also available in the financial aid section of the Marywood University website at www.marywood.edu/fin_aid.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Student Loan
Under this program, matriculating graduate students enrolled on at least a half-time basis (minimum of three credits per semester) can borrow up to $20,500 per academic year. Interest begins accruing on the loan at the time of disbursement. The approved loan amount can never exceed the actual cost of education less any other scholarships, assistantships, grants, employer reimbursement, or loans received.
Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan
Under this program, matriculating graduate students enrolled on at least a half-time basis (minimum of three credits per semester) can borrow the difference between the cost of education less any other scholarships, assistantships, grants, employer reimbursement, or loans received. Requirements for this loan include a credit check.
Alternative Loan Sources
There are numerous types of privately financed education loans, but Marywood University recommends that students utilize the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan loan as their first borrowing option. An historical list of private educational loans utilized by Marywood students may be found at www.elmselect.com. Requirements for these loans normally include a credit check with a credit worthy cosigner.