Scholarships, Assistantships, and Student Loans
Scholarships for Graduate Students Seeking Master’s Degrees
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 at marywood.edu/affordability/types-of-aid/graduate 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 or Doctoral Degrees
All students interested in applying for a Graduate Assistantship listed should read the Conditions of Appointment for Graduate Assistantships and Application Process prior to submitting an application.
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 Student Employment section of the Marywood University website each February.
Prospective and current graduate students should submit resumes electronically no later than March 31st 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.
Conditions of Appointment for Graduate Assistantships and Application Process
Students awarded full-time or part-time graduate assistantships will register for and complete a minimum of 6 graduate credits each semester and must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on studentaid.gov.
For full-time graduate assistantships, the University will provide tuition remission for 4.5 credits for the fall semester and 4.5 credits of tuition remission for the spring semester.
For part-time graduate assistantships, the University will provide tuition remission for 2.25 credits for the fall semester and 2.25 credits of tuition remission for the spring semester.
Students with full-time graduate assistantships will work, on average, 20 hours per week, for a maximum of 640 hours per academic year, while students with part-time graduate assistantships will work, on average, 10 hours per week for a maximum of 320 hours per academic year. The tuition remission will not be credited to a student's account without a valid FAFSA on file with the Financial Aid Office. *International students are exempt from the FAFSA requirement.*
Compensation is paid to students on two-week intervals. Graduate assistants may only perform work while the fall and spring semesters are in session. Assistantships commence with the first day of the fall semester and terminate the last day of the spring semester.
If you receive and accept a graduate assistantship, you relinquish any claim to graduate scholarship program awards for that academic year.
Graduate assistants are expected to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.25 each semester. Current graduate students must maintain a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.25 to renew or receive consideration for a new graduate assistantship position.
If you must resign from an assistantship prior to the end of your appointment (except in the event of illness or disability resulting in the inability to fulfill the requirements of the assistantship), the following conditions will apply:
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If your resignation or termination becomes effective at the end of the fall semester, you will forfeit tuition remission for the spring semester.
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If your resignation or termination becomes effective at any time prior to the end of your contracted term, your tuition discount will be prorated pursuant to the number of weeks remaining in the semester from the date of resignation or termination, and you will be responsible for repayment of any tuition balance due thereafter. The prorated amount shall be calculated by the Financial Aid Office and must be paid to the Cashier's Office within 30 days of the adjustment. You will also forfeit the remaining stipend pursuant to the number of weeks remaining in the semester.
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If you resign from your assistantship, it is strongly recommended that you give a minimum of two weeks notice in writing to your supervisor.
The University reserves the right, after giving 30 days notice, to terminate the assistantship on the recommendation of your supervisor or dean if you fail to perform assigned duties satisfactorily, to meet academic standards set by the University, or to conform to the policies of the University.
Graduate assistantships are not renewed automatically. It is the responsibility of the student to apply for these opportunities for the next academic year by the established deadline. Gross and/or willful misconduct or moral turpitude will result in immediate termination of the assistantship appointment.
Marywood University abides by The Council of Graduate Schools' Resolution Regarding Graduate Scholars, Fellows, Trainees and Assistants. An acceptance given or left in force after April 15 commits the student not to accept another offer without first obtaining a written release from Marywood University. Similarly, an offer by Marywood University after April 15 is conditional on presentation by the student of the written release from any previously accepted offer.
For more information on how to apply for a graduate assistantship, go to: marywood.edu/affordability/types-of-aid/graduate.
Ph.D. Strategic Leadership and Administrative Studies Doctoral Program Scholarships
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 endowment has an application deadline of mid-January of each year. You may apply for this opportunity online in the Graduate Financial Aid Section of the Marywood University website.
Psy.D. Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program Scholarship
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.
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.
The Schierling Fund was established in 2022 by Toni ’60 and Hans Schierling to support the Master of Social Work (MSW) program, including scholarship support for MSW students and programmatic support for a visiting scholar program.
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 2013 in memory of her parents. Preference is given to undergraduate and graduate students with financial need.
The Angela & Pio Ferrario Scholarship for Physician Assistant Students was established in 2022 by Pia Ferrario in memory of her parents to support full-time undergraduates and graduates in the Physician Assistant program.
The 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 first year 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 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 to work with 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.
The John E. &Catherine A. Winters Scholarship Fund was established in 2021 by Catherine Matturo Winters ’70 in memory of her husband, John E. Winters, to provide scholarship support to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in a major from the following academic departments: Architecture; Business and Global Innovation; Communication Sciences & Disorders; Computer Science; Education; Health Services Administration; Mathematics; Multimedia Communication; Nursing; Nutrition and Dietetics; Physician Assistant Studies; Psychology and Counseling; Respiratory Therapy; Science; Social Sciences; and Social Work.
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 and Assistantship 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.
The Graduate Assistantship award is subject to the “Conditions of Appointment for Graduate Assistantships and Application Process”. Resignation from an assistantship position at any point during the academic year may result in the recovery of institutional funds. Students can read the terms of their appointment on the Graduate Financial Aid Section of the Marywood University website.
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 student.aid.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 https://www.marywood.edu/affordability/types-of-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 attendance 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 attendance less any other scholarships, assistantships, grants, employer reimbursement, or loans received. Students may apply for this loan at studentaid.gov/plus-app/. 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 as their first borrowing option. A 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.