Tuition, Expenses and Financial Assistance

Undergraduate Tuition

Note: Certain courses offered may require additional costs.

Course with additional costs are noted in the course listing  section.

College-Related Costs

Students are advised that they should anticipate certain expenses over and above tuition expenses. While Mercy College cannot guarantee that each student will incur the same expenses, or that these expenses will remain constant throughout the student’s years at Mercy College, the following may assist the student in making financial plans.

* The “maintenance at home” figure is used for students living at home. Room and board charges for resident students are available from the Office of Student Residence Life.

Additional fees may be required for clinical/laboratory courses. Students in the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program, Clinical Laboratory Science Program, Exercise Science Program, and Generic Nursing Program may have additional expenses related to clinical/internship experiences. Clinical sites require students to have their immunization titer values taken (can cost a minimum of $300) and to have an annual physical examination to participate in the clinical education component of the programs. Professional malpractice insurance (approximately $40/year) is required, and an annual CPR certification course may be required. Some settings in which students complete clinical/internship experiences may require the students to complete criminal background checks through the state bureau of investigation, fingerprinting (approximately $100), central registry check for child abuse charges, and/or drug and alcohol screenings. The expenses incurred for this background checks are the student’s responsibility. Some clinical sites may require specific uniforms and students to be immunized with the influenza vaccination.

The above tuition and fees are for the 2018-2019 academic year.
Refer to the Fall 2017 Course Bulletin for current fees.

Payment Policy

Tuition, fees and all other charges are due as follows by academic term:

You will be required to complete a Student Acknowledgment Statement and Method of Payment Information Form prior to registering for classes each term. The forms are available online via MercyConnect. This information will be used to assist you in completing your payment arrangements each term.

Arrangements for payment in installments may be made with specific monthly payment plan providers or directly with Mercy College. For additional information regarding payment plan options, please contact either the Office of Student Accounts or the Office of Enrollment Services. These arrangements must be made as of the above outlined timeline. Payment may be made by MasterCard, VISA, AMEX, Discover or debit cards with appropriate credit card logos. All tuition and fees are subject to change without prior notice. Any student who has an overdue balance will be subject to late fees, and will not be eligible to participate in the registration process, receive transcripts, or remain in residence at the College or use college services or facilities. Students are responsible for balances incurred due to the loss or reduction of financial aid or other credit originally anticipated due to her/his ineligibility, lack of attendance, incomplete paperwork or for any other reason.

Many Mercy College students may be eligible for Financial Aid in the form of Scholarships, Grants, Loans, and Work Study from Federal, State, Institutional, and/or Private sources. Tuition payment may be deferred based upon anticipated receipt of the awards that have been processed by the Office of Enrollment Services prior to billing due dates and in accordance with related deadlines. All financial aid awards are conditional upon the successful and timely completion of all related and required paperwork. Therefore, if, for any reason, financial aid awards are not disbursed, the full balance of tuition and fees is due and payable upon demand to Mercy College. Should it be necessary to place a delinquent account with a collection agency, all fees, including reasonable attorney fees, become the responsibility of the student.

Resident students should be aware that the due dates for their financial arrangements are different from the dates for the at-large student population. Please read the housing agreement carefully.

Notwithstanding anything contained in this catalog, the College administration expressly reserves the right, whenever it deems advisable: (1) to change or modify its schedule of tuition and fees, and (2) to withdraw, cancel, reschedule, or modify any course, program of study, or degree, or any requirements in connection with any of the foregoing.

For questions regarding billing or payments please contact the Enrollment Services Support Center at (877) MERCY-GO.

Refunds

When a student officially withdraws from any course or courses by filing a formal withdrawal notice (Drop/Add Form) with the Office of Enrollment Services, refund of tuition will be made according to the below outlined schedule. See the course bulletin for specific refund dates. The date of withdrawal is the date upon which the formal withdrawal notice is received. Withdrawal may be processed at the Office of Enrollment Services or via the Web at MercyConnect. Fees are non-refundable once courses begin.

This refund policy may not apply to international students who enter the U.S. under the terms of their international contract with Mercy College or to students receiving discounted tuition.

Students who have elected to pay on the installment plan are responsible for completing all payments if they withdraw during or after the fifth week of the scheduled course meeting for the fall or spring semester, and during or after the second week of scheduled course meeting for the eight-week sessions and summer sessions.

Financial Assistance

The general College policy for processing financial assistance for our students is to do so in an efficient, equitable and accurate fashion for all students. Specifically, the Office of Enrollment Services strives to provide access to the maximum number of resources at the maximum value possible for a student to fund his/her education.

In addition, the Office of Enrollment Services always strives to process all types of financial aid (federal, state, and institutional) in accordance with the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), the NYS Higher Education Services Corporation  (HESC), and all other governing association mandated policies and procedures.

Mercy College utilizes the U.S. Department of Education Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine federal and institutional aid eligibility for a given academic year. Eligibility for state funding is determined by the NYS HESC Electronic TAP Application (ETAP).

All students requesting financial aid must file the previously mentioned FAFSA Application. The College recommends that students file this application electronically at www.fafsa.ed.gov. You must include the federal code for Mercy College to ensure that your application is forwarded to both the College and to HESC. The federal code is 002772.

Once the application has been filed with the DOE, the processed application, the resulting Institution Student Information Record (ISIR), is forwarded to the College and to HESC electronically. Upon receipt of the ISIR record, the College will generate a comprehensive financial aid package. This information, along with supporting information will be sent to each student in the form of an official Notice of Award for the academic year. This information will also be available via MercyConnect.

Students MUST file a FAFSA Application EVERY year to be eligible for financial aid in a given academic year. The priority filing dates are as follows:

February 15 for the Academic Year: fall, spring, summer

February 15 for the fall term only

October 1 for the spring and summer terms

Meeting the priority filing dates ensures the ability of the Office of Enrollment Services to complete all the required processes to generate a comprehensive financial aid package in a timely manner. Failure to meet the above priority deadlines may result in the loss of federal, state, and/or institutional aid. Financial aid funds are credited to a student’s account when eligibility requirements are satisfied for the given term (generally the fourth or fifth week of the term).

The U.S. Department of Education randomly selects FAFSA applications for a mandated Verification Process. This process requires the College to request, collect and review specific data elements of the received ISIR record. The Verification Process may result in a revision to a prior comprehensive financial aid package. A revised Notice of Award will be generated and sent to applicable students.

The Office of Enrollment Services will notify selected students in writing for verification. This notice will detail all required documents that must be submitted to the College within two weeks of the date of the notice. Failure to comply with the Verification request will result in the loss of all financial aid (federal, state, and institutional) funding. The student will then be responsible for the full balance due on the account.

To maintain eligibility for financial aid in subsequent academic years, a student must meet the following criteria:

1. Re-file the FAFSA and the ETAP within the priority deadline.
2. Maintain minimum Satisfactory Academic Progress as defined by the federal and state agencies (detailed further later).
3. Maintain minimum academic requirements for academic scholarships.
4. Maintain minimum enrollment criteria for respective aid programs.
5. Complete and submit all required verification processes (if requested).

Federal Financial Aid Programs

The FAFSA application is required to determine potential eligibility for all federally funded financial aid programs, including grants, loans and work study. Additionally, a student must meet the following criteria:

1. Be a U.S. Citizen or an eligible non-citizen (permanent resident).
2. Have a valid Social Security Number.
3. Be enrolled as a matriculated student in an eligible degree-granting program.
4. Have either a high school diploma or a General Equivalency Development Certification (GED).
5. Be registered for the Selective Service (if applicable).
6. Demonstrate need (as defined by the DOE) for the grants, work study and student loan programs.
7. Not be in default or in an overpayment situation for any federal grant or loan program.
8. Maintain the minimum academic requirements (as detailed later).

The academic eligibility requirements for financial aid are as follows:

1. Maintain a cumulative grade point index during each academic year at or above the minimum standard as outlined in the below detailed chart.
2. Complete the minimum number of degree credits (or greater) as outlined in the below detailed chart.
3. Register for courses that are applicable to the matriculated degree; course work not applicable to the matriculated degree are not eligible for consideration in determining a student’s eligibility for aid.

Students matriculated in either an associate’s degree program or a bachelor’s degree program must meet similar academic progress standards. However, the maximum number of semesters of aid eligibility for an associate degree is six.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

For purposes of determining financial aid eligibility under Title IV of the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965, all institutions, including Mercy College, must establish reasonable standards for measuring whether a student is maintaining satisfactory academic progress (SAP). On October 29, 2010, the Secretary of Education published final rules aimed at improving the integrity of programs authorized under Title IV of the HEA. Effective July 1, 2011, institutions must comply with the published regulations that impact SAP. The Office of Enrollment Services has implemented its satisfactory academic progress policy to comply with said regulations.

Mercy College students who do not make satisfactory academic progress towards their degree will not be eligible for the following federal Title IV aid programs:

Federal Pell Grants.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG).

Federal Work Study Program.

Federal Direct Loan Programs, both Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans.

Federal Direct Parent Plus Loan Program.

In addition, students who do not meet satisfactory academic progress will not be eligible to receive institutional (Mercy College-based) grants and scholarships. NOTE: Students receiving academic scholarships must also meet the criteria outlined in the initial scholarship notification letter.

The Office of Enrollment Services will review academic records annually after each spring term to monitor that students are making progress towards degree completion. Students are required to maintain qualitative and quantitative standards, and may not exceed the maximum time frame for their program.

Qualitative Measure Standards

To maintain the qualitative standards of satisfactory academic progress, students must meet the cumulative GPA at the end of each academic year, as outlined in the charts below. The ‘end’ of an academic year is defined as the end of the spring term of each academic year, regardless of the term an individual student began his/her studies with the College in a given academic year.

Undergraduate Students

Quantitative Measure Standards

Cumulative Progress

To quantify academic progress, students must successfully earn credits toward their degree greater than or equal to 67 percent of the credits attempted. For example, if a student has attempted 24 credit hours, he/she must earn 16 credits of those attempted (16 earned credits / 24 attempted credits x 100 percent = 67 percent).

Maximum Time Frame

The number of credit hours for which a student may receive federal financial aid may not exceed 150 percent of the credit hours required to complete the academic program’s published length. For example, if a student is enrolled in a bachelor’s program that requires 120 credit hours for completion, then 180 hours is the maximum number of attempted hours permitted relative to federal student aid eligibility (150 percent x 120 credit hours). For a student enrolled in an associate’s program, he/she may receive aid for up to 90 attempted credit hours (150 percent x 60 credit hours).

Determination of Attempted Credits and Earned Credits

The College includes all courses attempted at Mercy College plus course work accepted as transfer credit towards the student’s declared major in the quantitative measurement in determining successful SAP. This also includes courses taken via a Consortium Agreement. Earned hours include all courses which a passing grade was received (A, B, C, D). All withdrawn courses (W, FW) and failed courses (F) are counted as unearned hours in the calculation. Repeated courses are counted in the attempted hours and are taken into consideration for the maximum allowed hours for completion toward the degree.

1. Remedial Courses
   Since remedial courses and the remedial component of developmental and compensatory courses do not carry degree credit, enrollment in these courses will not result in the inclusion of the non-credit portion as cumulative attempted credits.
2. Withdrawals
   Withdrawals as part of the program adjustment period will not be included as cumulative attempted credits. Withdrawals that are recorded on a student’s permanent record will be included as cumulative attempted credits and will have an adverse effect on a student’s capability to meet the appropriate standard.
   NOTE: Retroactive “non-punitive” administrative withdrawal activity may result in the requirement for the student to repay any assistance received as a result of the student’s enrollment at the time of receipt of the student assistance funds.
3. Incomplete Grades
   Courses with incomplete grades are included as cumulative attempted credits. However, these courses cannot be used as credits earned toward the degree since successful completion is the criterion for positive credit accumulation. Incomplete grades will be treated as an F when calculating a student’s cumulative GPA for the purpose of determining whether a student has maintained the qualitative standards of satisfactory academic progress.
   If the student fails to meet the appropriate standard for credit accumulation due to the lack of successful completion grades for these courses, the recording of successful completion grades within a term which brings the accumulated credit level to the appropriate standard will restore eligibility for the term and subsequent terms within the academic year.
4. Repeated Courses
   Successfully completed courses can generally be accepted toward degree requirements once. However, each time a student attempts a course, it is included as part of the cumulative attempted credit record. Therefore, repeated courses, regardless of the prior grade, reduce a student’s capacity to meet the appropriate credit accumulation standard.

Treatment of Non-Standard Situations

1. Readmitted Students
   Upon readmission after at least a one-year period of non-reenrollment, the student will receive assistance for the terms in the academic year of readmission and will be evaluated for future eligibility at the end of the spring term against the appropriate standard for the degree program for which the student is enrolled. The student’s previous academic history will be included as part of the calculation. If a student is readmitted after less than one year of non-enrollment, the academic record will be evaluated for satisfactory academic progress under these standards as the record stood at the end of the last term of attendance.
2. Transfer Students
   Transfer students shall have their status initialized for purposes of satisfactory academic progress measurement by using the number of credits determined to be acceptable toward the degree as both the students’ cumulative attempted credits and cumulative earned credits.
3. Second Degree Students
   Students enrolling for a second degree, either baccalaureate or graduate, shall have their status initialized for purposes of satisfactory academic progress measurement by using the number of credits determined to be acceptable toward the degree as both the students’ cumulative attempted credits and cumulative earned credits.
4. Change of Major or Degree
   A student that changes majors within the same degree must complete the program within the maximum time frame allowed for the new program.
   Students must be mindful not to exceed the 150 percent maximum time frame when changing majors.

Evaluation and Notification of Federal Title IV Aid Ineligibility

The Office of Enrollment Services will review all students’ academic records annually at the conclusion of the respective spring term. Students who are not making satisfactory academic progress towards their degree will immediately lose eligibility for future Title IV aid. Students will be notified of their ineligible status via electronic mail from the Office of Enrollment Services.

Note: If a student has a grade change or correction to their academic record subsequent to the review process, he/ she should notify their respective PACT or COP mentor in writing to request a re-evaluation of their Title IV academic progress.

Satisfactory Academic Progress for Federal Title IV Aid Appeals

Although federal regulations do not mandate institutions to offer an appeal process, Mercy College has established a Title IV SAP appeal process. Students who have unforeseen extenuating circumstances that prevented them from making SAP may submit an appeal in writing to the SAP Appeals Committee.

A student may initiate the SAP appeal process by preparing and submitting a written Title IV Satisfactory Academic Progress appeal with all substantiating documentation to his PACT or COP mentor. The appeal must include (1) a detailed explanation regarding: (a) why the student failed to make SAP (examples of appeal worthy circumstances are: serious physical or mental illness of the student, serious physical or mental illness of a student’s immediate family member, death of a student’s immediate family member and other extreme circumstances) and (b) what has changed that will allow the student to make SAP at the next evaluation, and (2) a SAP Academic Plan, made in conjunction with the student’s PACT or COP mentor, that outlines the specific plan/corrective action to improve academic progress.

The SAP Appeals Committee will meet and review the students’ submitted documentation. A determination will be made whether the students appeal will be approved or denied. All appeal decisions are final.

Result of Appeal/Reinstatement of Title IV Funding

A student whose appeal has been granted will receive federal financial aid, but will be expected to meet the terms of his Academic Plan to assure that the student is fully meeting the minimum SAP requirements by the end of the academic year. The approval of an SAP appeal is related to the renewal of federal and institutional need based aid only. Students must meet the renewal criteria of NYS and institutional scholarships for their respective renewal of funding.

A student whose appeal has been denied or who has lost eligibility by not meeting the standard without appeal may regain eligibility by leaving the institution for at least one year. Upon readmittance, the student will receive assistance for the terms in the academic year of readmittance and will be subject to SAP evaluation of eligibility at the end of that year.

Students who choose to remain enrolled at Mercy College without the receipt of Title IV Federal Student Assistance may request a review of their academic records after any term in which they are enrolled without such benefits to determine whether the appropriate standards for the degree programs in which the students are enrolled have been met. If the standards are met, eligibility is regained for subsequent terms in the academic year.

Students who choose to remain enrolled at Mercy College without the receipt of Title IV Federal Student Assistance or institutional aid are responsible for all debts owed to the College, including any fees or tuition that may have been incurred during the review process.

Census and Aid Disbursement Requirements

The College faculty is required to complete a census of their respective classes by the end of the add/drop period of each session within a given term. The census information is utilized to confirm that a student has attended his/her registered courses. This information is then utilized during the Financial Aid Packaging Reconciliation Process to confirm financial aid eligibility. Financial Aid eligibility may be adjusted upon the census information. Financial Aid funds will NOT post to respective student accounts until both the Census and Packaging Reconciliation Processes are completed (generally the fourth or fifth week of the term).

Withdrawal and Federal Return of Financial Aid Policies (as mandated by DOE)

Mercy College is required to prorate financial aid funding to students that withdraw from the College. This process is required for students who withdraw officially (either in person via the Office of Enrollment Services or on-line via MercyConnect) or unofficially (by ceasing to attend).

Students who officially withdraw prior to attending 60 percent of the term are subject to the prorated calculation.

The percentage of aid retained will be applied to all institutional charges. The Return of Funds calculation may result in a balance owed to the College by the student. This balance is the full responsibility of the student.

Students who are determined to have unofficially withdrawn from the College during the end of term grading processes will have the Return of Funds calculated as of the midpoint of the term as outlined by the DOE. This Return of Funds calculation may result in a balance owed to the College by the student. This balance is the full responsibility of the student.

Federal Pell Grant

Eligibility for the Federal Grant Program is determined by the FAFSA application and current enrollment status in a degree-granting program. The value of the Federal Pell Grant is $598 to $5,815 for the 2016–2017 Academic Year. A student must be registered for a minimum of three credits and making SAP.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant: SEOG Grant

Awards are made to Federal Pell Grant eligible students demonstrating exceptional need (as defined by the DOE). Awards range from $200 to $4,000 per academic year. Limited funds restrict the number and the value of the awards in a given academic year. A student must be registered for a minimum of six credits and making SAP.

Federal Work Study Program

On-campus Federal Work Study positions are available at each campus. Additionally, a small number of students may be eligible to work off-campus at an approved not-for-profit organization through the community service component of the Federal Work Study Program. Students working in these positions generally work 12–20 hours per week. To be eligible, the student must show financial need, per the FAFSA application process. Students who have been approved for work-study as part of their aid award may contact the Office of Career Services for more program information.

Federal Aid to Native Americans

Full-time matriculated students that are one-fourth or greater Native American Indian, may be eligible for additional federal grants. Students must be members of tribes served by the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, must presently reside or have resided on the reservation, and must demonstrate financial need (as defined by the DOE).

Applications may be obtained from the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Syracuse, NY 13210.

Veterans Administration Education Benefits (VA Benefits)

There are a variety of Education Related Benefits available to veterans of each of the military branches and their dependents. Mercy College is approved to conduct college level programs to Veterans and their dependents. Benefits generally cover tuition, fees, and education related expenses. Detailed information is available from the Offices of the Veterans Administration.

The Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program and the Paul Douglas Teacher Scholarship Program The Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program and the Paul Douglas Teacher Scholarship Program are federally funded programs administered by the state. For additional information and application forms, contact the New York State Education Department, State and Federal Scholarship and Fellowship Unit, Cultural Education Center, Albany, New York 12230.

National and Community Service Program

The National and Community Service Program is available to students with a high school diploma or a GED currently or formally enrolled as a matriculated student in a degree granting program. Students may earn up to $4,725 a year working either before, during or after college. The funds can be utilized to either pay current education expenses or to repay prior federal student loans. For additional information, call 800-942-2677 or write to The Corporation for National and Community Service, 1100 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20525.

William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program (DL Loan Program)

The DL Loan Program consists of the following loans products for undergraduate students: Federal Subsidized Stafford Loans, Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, and Federal Parent PLUS Loans. Federal Stafford Loans, both Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, are loans in the name of the student. Federal PLUS Loans are loans in the name of the parent, for the student’s educational expenses.

Students must demonstrate need (as defined by the DOE) to be eligible for Federal Subsidized Stafford Loans. The DOE pays the interest of the Subsidized Stafford Loan while a student is enrolled minimally half-time. Students that do not demonstrate need are also eligible for Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loans. The value of the Federal Stafford Loan is determined by the student’s grade level (as determined by the total number of cumulative credits toward the matriculated degree). The Federal Stafford Loan values for the 2018-2019 Academic Year are detailed below:

The aggregate federal loan limit for a dependent undergraduate student is $23,000 in Subsidized funds (up to $31,000 including the additional $2,000 Unsubsidized funds, as defined by Congress).

The aggregate federal loan limit for an independent undergraduate student is $57,500 (Subsidized and Subsidized combined, as defined by Congress).

The DOE may deduct an origination fee of up to three percent for each loan. Repayment of any federal loan begins either six months after leaving school or once a student enrolls less than half time.

The Office of Enrollment Services will automatically determine eligibility for the Federal Stafford Loan Programs upon receipt of the FAFSA application. Eligibility will be communicated to the student via the comprehensive Financial Aid Notice of Award; the information will also be available via Mercy Connect.

The student may accept the offered loan amount by signing and returning one copy of the Financial Aid Notice of Award. Additionally, the student must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and a Loan Entrance Interview (both are included with the Financial Aid Notice of Award packet). Both of these documents can also be completed electronically via the Department of Education web site at studentloans.gov.

Federal Loans must be disbursed minimally in two installments (whether the loan is for one term or multiple terms in an academic year). Additionally, Federal Loan funds for newly enrolled students at the College are eligible for disbursement thirty days after the first day of the term (as required by the DOE).

Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan

Parents may borrow up to the cost of education less any financial aid each academic year for a dependent undergraduate student. The interest rate is determined by Congress. Repayment commences 60 days after the final disbursement of the loan in an academic year.

Any parent requesting a Federal PLUS on behalf of his/her student must notify the Office of Enrollment Services of approval of the Federal PLUS Loan and the value of the loan requested. Additionally, the parent must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and submit a copy of the MPN to the College.

Please be advised that Federal PLUS Loan approvals are based upon credit checks. Additionally, Federal PLUS
Loans are subject to the same origination and default fees as the Federal Stafford Loans. Finally, Federal PLUS
Loans are subject to the same disbursement regulations as the Federal Stafford Loans (as mentioned earlier).

New York State Financial Aid Program NYS

Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

Initial application for TAP is made by completing the FAFSA application and listing Mercy College’s Federal School Code (002772) in the first slot of the FAFSA application. NYS Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) will then notify students via email that an Electronic TAP Application (ETA) is available at https://www.hesc.ny.gov/ for completion. HESC will not finalize the TAP Application (ETA) without the student logging onto the website to review and electronically sign the ETA.

Students that did not list Mercy College in the first slot of the FAFSA application, yet subsequently enrolled at the College, MUST complete a NYS TAP College Change Form to be eligible for a TAP award at Mercy College.

TAP awards range from $250 to $5,165 in an academic year for NYS residents. Students must be matriculated in an approved bachelor’s or associate’s degree granting program, be registered full-time, and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as outlined by HESC.

SAP for NYS Tuition Assistance Awards is measured by Program Pursuit (completion of minimum percentage of credits in a given term) and Cumulative GPA. Details of both the Program Pursuit and Cumulative GPA are available on the Mercy College website www.mercy.edu.

To be eligible for TAP in any one semester, students must take a minimum of 12 credits applicable to their degree. For example, if a student takes four courses, but only three of the courses are applicable toward the degree and the other is for personal enrichment, that student would be counted as a part-time student for TAP purposes for that term.

Courses that are replacing a degree requirement that has already been satisfied are not counted towards full-time enrollment for TAP purposes. For example, if a student transferred in 15 credits worth of electives and their degree requires 18 credits of electives in total, they only have three credits remaining to meet that requirement. A student taking two core courses and two electives for a term would not be counted as full-time for TAP purposes; only one of those electives count towards the degree, the other is extraneous.

A student may only repeat a course and have the course count as part of the minimum full-time or part-time course load for financial aid purposes if credit was not previously earned for the course. If an F or a W was received in a course, credit was not earned for the course. Therefore, a student may repeat courses in which F or W grades were earned and have them count towards full-time or part-time study requirements. There are certain other circumstances when a student may repeat a course and have it count as part of the minimum course load, including when: (1) the grade earned is passing at the College but not considered passing in a particular curriculum. For example, a student receives a D in a nursing course. D is a passing grade; however, any grade lower than a C in a nursing course is considered a failing grade. Thus, the nursing course in which you earned the D may be repeated as part of the minimum full-time or part-time course load; or (2) The course can be repeated and credit earned each time, such as certain physical education or language courses.

With regard to the effect on full-time and part-time status, a repeated course in which you earned a passing grade may not be used to meet the pursuit of program requirement (completing a certain percentage of the minimum full-time or part-time course load in each term an award is received) for maintaining good academic standing. In other words, a course that a college does not require you to repeat in order for you to earn credit toward a degree cannot be considered in determining whether you have satisfied the pursuit requirement for a New York State award.

NYS regulations require that a student must take a minimum of one three-or-more credit course at the campus at which the degree is approved by the state education department. Each program has detailed a core course within the major, which is only offered at the program’s ‘home’ campus, for this purpose. Students can take core requirements and electives at other campuses and qualify for NYS aid, but they must complete the core course at the home campus in order to complete their degree. See the program pages for detail of the specified course for that program.

Standard of Satisfactory Academic Progress for the Purpose of Determining Eligibility for State Student Aid

Loss of TAP Eligibility

Any student that fails to meet the renewal criteria for a TAP award will lose eligibility for a TAP award for the following semester. Options available to a student in this situation are as follows:

1. Request a TAP Waiver. A TAP Waiver is NOT automatic and is granted only for reasons of EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES. For further information, please contact the Office of Enrollment Services.
2. Remain out of school for a least one full year after losing eligibility. Students who have used four semesters of TAP, but have a CGPA of below 2.0, must obtain a CGPA of 2.0 at Mercy College to regain eligibility.
3. Transfer to another college.
4. Continue in college using funds other than TAP to finance educational costs. Eligibility will be regained when the student again meets the academic criteria.

Enhanced Tuition Award (ETA)

The Enhanced Tuition Awards program provides tuition awards to students who are New York State residents attending a private college located in New York State. Recipients receive $6,000 through a combination of their TAP award, ETA award and a match from Mercy College.

To be eligible a student must complete and application with HESC and:

be a resident of NYS and have resided in NYS for 12 continuous months prior to the beginning of the term;

be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen;

have either graduated from high school in the United States, earned a high school equivalency diploma, or passed a federally approved “Ability to Benefit” test, as defined by the Commissioner of the State Education Department;

have a combined federal adjusted gross income of $100,000 or less, as reported on their family’s 2015 tax return;

be pursuing an undergraduate degree at a participating private college or university located in New York State;

be enrolled in at least 12 credits per term and complete at least 30 credits each year (successively), applicable toward his or her degree program;

if attended college prior to the 2017-18 academic year, have earned at least 30 credits each year (successively), applicable toward his or her degree program prior to applying for an Enhanced Tuition Award;

be in a non-default status on any student loan(s) made under any NYS or federal education loan program or on the repayment of any NYS award;

be in a non-default status on a student loan made under any NYS or federal education loan program or on the repayment of any NYS award;

be in compliance with the terms of the service condition(s) imposed by any NYS award(s) that you have previously received; and

execute a Contract agreeing to reside in NYS for the length of time the award was received, and, if employed during such time, be employed in NYS.

An applicant who first entered college as a freshman student in the 2015-16 academic year and earned 54 credits, or who first entered college as a freshman student in the 2016-17 academic year and earned 24 credits can make up those 6 credits in 2017-18. Students who successfully earn 36 credits in the 2017-18 academic year can apply to become eligible for an Enhanced Tuition Award beginning in the 2018-19 academic year.

A recipient of an Enhanced Tuition Award is eligible to receive award payments for not more than two years of full-time undergraduate study in a program leading to an Associate’s degree or four years of fulltime undergraduate study, or five years if the program of study normally requires five years, in a program leading to a Bachelor’s degree.

To receive payments each subsequent year (after the initial application year), an Enhanced Tuition Awards recipient must annually complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the TAP-on-the-Web Application.

NYS Aid for Part-Time Study (APTS)

The NYS APTS program is a grant program financed via HESC providing funding for qualified part-time undergraduate students that are NYS Residents. The APTS grant awards range from $100 to $2,000 in an academic year. Contact the Office of Enrollment Services for more information about eligibility requirements and application processes.

Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP)

Students must meet both academic and economic criteria to be eligible for the HEOP Program. Generally, students must prove both academic and economic disadvantage. Upon admittance to the HEOP program, students may receive supplemental financial and educational assistance from the College.

Financial aid is calculated on an individual basis and is calculated to include the cost of tuition, fees, books, supplies, transportation, etc. A comprehensive financial aid package will be generated for all students upon admittance to the program and receipt of the FAFSA application. Students must also complete the ETA from HESC. Students must complete the College application process with the Offices of Admission and HEOP.

Regents Awards for Children of Deceased and Disabled Veterans

Awards for children of deceased or disabled veterans are available to the children of veterans who die or who have a current disability of 50 percent or more resulting from U.S. Military service. The amount of the award is up to $450 per year. Applications are made through the NYS HESC via www.hesc.org.

For further information regarding VA Benefits Certification, please contact the Office of Student Accounts at 914-674-3104.

Regents Awards for Children of Deceased Police Officers, Firefighters and Corrections Officers

These awards provide up to $450 per academic year for children of police officers, firefighters, and corrections officers of NYS who have died as a result of injuries sustained in the line of duty. Applications are made through NYS HESC via www.hesc.org.

Regents Awards for Children of Deceased State Corrections Officers and State Civilian Employees of a Correctional Facility

This Regents Award provides financial aid to children of NYS Corrections Officers or Civilian Employees of a NYS correction facility who dies as a result of injuries sustained in the line of duty during the September 1971 Attica uprising. Individuals cannot be eligible for both this award and the Regents Award for the Children of Deceased Police Officers, Firefighters, or Corrections Officers. The awards are for full-time undergraduate study and are equal to the sum of annual tuition and average room and board charges specified by the State University of New York. Applications are made through NYS HESC at www.hesc.org.

New York State Aid to Native Americans

New York State Aid to Native Americans is an entitlement program with neither a qualifying examination nor a limited number of awards. A student may be eligible for an award of up to $1,000 per academic year for a maximum of four years of full-time study. Applications are made through NYS HESC at www.hesc.org.

Mercy College Scholarship and Grant Programs

Mercy College Scholarships are awarded primarily on the basis of superior academic performance, demonstrated financial need, and the student’s potential contribution to the intellectual life of the College. Need-based funding and scholarship disbursement requires the filing of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (the FAFSA) by February 15th of each year. Scholarships are generally available to new incoming freshmen, transfer students and continuing students.

To apply for any of the Mercy College-funded scholarship programs, please go to our Prospective Students section at www.mercy.edu.

Mercy College Assistance Grant

Mercy College offers need-based tuition grants to supplement federal and state aid. Application is made by completing the FAFSA application. Based on the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC), full-time students may be allocated funds to assist them in meeting their financial obligations to the College. Students who receive non-need based grants from the college and/or from sources outside Mercy College may have their MCAG award reduced and/or cancelled.

Mercy College Presidential Excellence Scholarship

Scholarships may be awarded to outstanding entering freshmen students who have demonstrated academic merit. Scholarship awards are renewable for up to four years as long as the recipient meets the conditions outlined via the Scholarships Agreement Form.

Mercy College Excellence Scholarship

Scholarships may be awarded to outstanding entering freshmen students who have demonstrated academic merit. Scholarship awards are renewable for up to four years as long as the recipient meets the conditions outlined via the Scholarship Agreement Form.

Mercy College Trustees Scholarship

Scholarships may be awarded to outstanding entering freshmen students who have demonstrated academic merit. Scholarship awards are renewable for up to four years as long as the recipient meets the conditions outlined via the Scholarship Agreement Form.

Mercy College Presidential Scholarship

Scholarships may be awarded to outstanding entering freshmen students who have demonstrated academic merit. Scholarship awards are renewable for up to four years as long as the recipient meets the conditions outlined via the Scholarship Agreement Form.

Mercy College Trustee Transfer Scholarship

Scholarships may be awarded to outstanding entering transfer students who have demonstrated academic merit and earned minimally 24 credits. Scholarship awards are renewable for up to three years long as the recipient meets the conditions outlined via the Scholarship Agreement Form.

Mercy College Presidential Transfer Scholarship

Scholarships may be awarded to outstanding entering transfer students who have demonstrated academic merit and earned minimally 24 credits. Scholarship awards are renewable for up to three years, as long as the recipient meets the conditions outlined via the Scholarship Agreement Form.

Mercy College Transfer Scholarship

Scholarships may be awarded to outstanding entering transfer students who have demonstrated academic merit and earned minimally 24 credits. Scholarship awards are renewable for up to three years as long as the recipient meets the conditions outlined via the Scholarship Agreement Form.

Athletics

Mercy is a Division II NCAA member and offers intercollegiate competition in men’s baseball, basketball, cross-country, lacrosse, track and field, soccer, tennis, and golf. Women’s intercollegiate sports include basketball, cross-country, track and field, lacrosse, soccer, softball, and volleyball. Athletic scholarships are available to students who meet the eligibility guidelines as specified by the NCAA and are selected as scholarship recipients.

E.L. Franz County Scholarship Program

Scholarships awarded annually to adult students demonstrating need who have not recently been in a “normal schooling pattern” and are not normally eligible for scholarship funding from Westchester County and the Bronx.

E.L. Franz Scholarship Fund

Scholarships awarded annually to a student receiving full financial aid in order to reduce dependence on employment income and enhance opportunity for academic success.

Joel Halpern Memorial Scholarship

Scholarship created to perpetuate the spirit of Mr. Halpern, in recognition of his contributions to the enrichment of the cultural and educational environment of Westchester County. Awarded annually to a student from Westchester County; renewed in the sophomore, junior and senior years, provided the recipient continues to qualify for financial aid according to college guidelines.

Frances T.M. Mahoney Scholarship Fund for Students

The Frances T.M. Mahoney endowed scholarship fund supports a student with a GPA of 3.0 or higher who is in need of financial aid. Please contact the Office of Institutional Advancement for more information.

Links-LeMelle Scholarship

The Links-LeMelle scholarship is a partial scholarship awarded annually to defray travel expenses anywhere in the world to undertake a study project preferably at a major university or educational institution, in preparation for a professional or graduate career. The competitive scholarship is awarded to a female African-American student who has completed a minimum of 50 credits. The scholarship is offered through a fund generously contributed by the Westchester Chapter of LINKS to honor and perpetuate the ideas of its president, Wilbert John LeMelle.

Mortimer Levitt Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is awarded annually to a female member of the student body to help defray travel expenses anywhere in the world, preferably to a major university or educational institution, while undertaking an approved study project. The scholarship(s) will be awarded on a basis of a competition involving the submission of project essays. The scholarship was founded by Mortimer Levitt, founder and president of The Custom Shop.

Mortimer Levitt Gifted Student Fund

These partial scholarships are awarded to a freshman, a sophomore, and a junior based on academic merit. Each student must be on the Summa Cum Laude track and be nominated by a Mercy faculty. The award is renewable with continued academic excellence. Scholarship funding is made available by Mortimer Levitt.

Steven Gans Memorial Award

A partial scholarship awarded annually to a continuing undergraduate who has demonstrated creativity and academic achievement in his/her pursuit of an undergraduate degree. Students should be nominated by the faculty in the field of computer science, mathematics and related sciences on the basis of academic excellence, creativity, community service and financial need.

Sal Argento Memorial Fund

A monetary award, based on financial need, may be awarded to any student pursuing a four-year undergraduate degree at Mercy College. The College acknowledges that the donor requests that the aid be used to meet the financial need of a student who is a first generation higher education degree-seeking student.

Anne Rice Endowed Scholarship

A partial scholarship awarded annually to a student in the natural sciences who has maintained academic excellence.

Gioietta and Alberto Vitale Scholarship

Established by Mercy College Trustee Alberto Vitale and his wife, Gioietta, partial scholarships are available to incoming Honors students who demonstrate extraordinary academic ability and who have an interest in business or health science.

Linda Christof Guglielmo Scholarship Fund

Established in honor of Mercy College alumna, Linda Christof Guglielmo, the scholarship is designated to a female student having completed her freshman year (if full-time) or the equivalent number of credits if part-time. Award is made based on a combination of financial need and academic achievement. To qualify, the recipient must have a minimum of a B average with no grade less than a C. Recipient must maintain those academic standards for each academic year in order to qualify for grant continuance. The general intent of the award is to support those who will pursue a teaching career. Recipients must be enrolled in an education-related undergraduate major. The award amount shall be $500 per academic year or per that period it takes a part time student to complete credit requirements equal to one full academic year. In no event shall one student receive more than three awards.

Luzette Ceneus Scholarship Fund

This fund is awarded to a female or male Haitian student pursuing a degree in business.

Lucie Lapovsky Award

Partial scholarship award, based on financial need, may be offered to any student pursuing a four-year undergraduate degree at Mercy College. The College acknowledges that the donor requests that the aid be used to meet financial need and has expressed a particular interest in the needs of transfer and part-time students.

Matero Scholarships

Two partial scholarships are awarded to one full-time and one part-time student who are members of a union or have an immediate family member who is a member of a union. Eligible students must pursue a degree in industrial relations or business and have a record of academic achievement.

Carol Burnett Scholarship

Partial Scholarship offered to a student who has exhibited academic achievement and has an interest in the Arts or Humanities, especially the Performing Arts. The scholarship derives from a generous contribution to the College by Carol Burnett.

The Eva Ellis Travel Scholarship Fund

The Eva Ellis Traveling Scholarship Award has been established for a student in the Mercy College Honors Program to travel to Honor Semesters sponsored by the National Collegiate Honors Council.

John Sullivan Fund

Fund established to support a student in need. Please contact the Scholarship Office for more information.

Juan Miguel Roldan Scholarship

A partial scholarship awarded annually to an undergraduate student majoring in Music Production and Recording Arts with a GPA of 3.2 or higher.

Rockland Community College Transfer Scholarship

Awarded annually to an outstanding Rockland Community College graduate majoring in Business. The student is selected by Rockland Community College faculty.

Westchester Community College Transfer Scholarship

Awarded annually to an outstanding Westchester Community College graduate majoring in Business. Students are selected by Westchester Community College faculty.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Scholarship for Communication Disorders

Scholarships are available for disadvantaged students through a grant from the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Funding is available for students who have been accepted into the bachelor’s degree program in Communication Disorders.

Michael I. Muro Scholarship

This is an annual scholarship for a student entering his/her senior year and majoring in history. Recipients must be Yonkers residents and shall be chosen on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and financial need.

Neillis Memorial Scholarship

This partial award is given to a financially disadvantaged student majoring in the natural sciences who has attained academic merit. This scholarship was established in memory of the former chairperson of the Natural Sciences Department, Dr. Jeanne Marie Neillis.

The J. Mae Pepper Memorial Fund

Two partial scholarships are awarded annually to one undergraduate and one graduate student majoring in nursing. This award is given to a student who has demonstrated qualities of scholarship, leadership, integrity, and a love for the profession characteristic of Dr. Pepper, the late Chair of Nursing. Established in memory of the former chairperson of the Nursing Department, Dr. Jessie Mae Pepper.

Charlotte Newcombe W. Foundation Scholarship

Awarded annually to “mature women students” — over the age of 25 — who have earned at least 60 credits toward a bachelor’s degree and are in need of additional financial support to complete their course work.

Steinitt Memorial Fund

Founded by Dr. Eva F.S. Ellis, the Steinitt Memorial Award is presented annually to the most outstanding student in the Teacher Education Program who plans to enroll in a Mercy College graduate program in Education.

Barbara Ross Sullivan Memorial Fund

This fund is used to generate a monetary award to be presented to the most deserving graduating senior at the Bronx campus who is entering a graduate school to pursue an advanced degree in Library Science.

Daddy Short Legs Scholarship

This scholarship supported by an anonymous donor is intended for Mercy College seniors who are in jeopardy of dropping out of school due to financial struggles. Funds may cover transportation, childcare and other expenses. A faculty or staff member of Mercy College must refer students to the Scholarship Office. The president of Mercy College makes the final selection.

Campus Employment

Through the on-campus employment program, full-time students, who are not eligible to participate in the Federal Work Study Program, may be eligible to work on-campus through departmentally sponsored positions. Students work 12–20 hours per week at the prevailing rate of pay. Students who are interested should contact the Work Study Program coordinator at 914-674-3084.

Tuition Reimbursement Plans

Many employers offer tuition reimbursement plans. Contact your employer regarding available assistance.