Matthew Holmes Scholarship: Requirements and Opportunities

The Matthew Holmes Scholarship Fund stands as a testament to the enduring impact of a young man whose life was tragically cut short. This article comprehensively explores the requirements, eligibility criteria, and various avenues for financial aid, including the Matthew Holmes Scholarship, to help deserving students achieve their educational aspirations.

Understanding Financial Aid at the University of Scranton

The University of Scranton is committed to making college education accessible to qualified students. The University maintains a Financial Aid Office, and all inquiries concerning such assistance should be directed to: Financial Aid Office, 401 St. Thomas Hall, telephone: (570) 941-7701, fax: (570) 941-4370. Traditional undergraduate students are automatically considered for scholarship eligibility upon acceptance. Those seeking need-based assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The priority filing date for incoming students is January 15, and for returning students, it's April 15. To remain eligible for financial aid, students must maintain satisfactory academic progress, adhering to established standards that measure progress toward their declared educational objective. These standards include a maximum time frame for degree completion, a minimum percentage of credits completed each academic year, and a minimum cumulative grade point average.

New transfer students follow the same application procedures as other financial aid applicants. Students who withdraw or transfer from the University and are later readmitted forfeit any previously awarded merit scholarship. FAFSA forms are available online at studentaid.gov. Financial aid is awarded for one year only and isn't automatically renewed. Students should regularly check their outstanding documents and Electronic Award Notification on the University’s Self-Service system via the my.scranton.edu portal.

Maintaining satisfactory academic progress is crucial for continued financial aid eligibility. This involves achieving PACE (earning 65% of total attempted credits for freshman and sophomore undergraduates; 70% for junior and senior undergraduates, and graduate students) and maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00. Specific scholarships like the Presidential and Dean’s Scholarship (3.25 GPA), Loyola Scholarship (2.75 GPA), and Faber Scholarship (2.50 GPA) have higher GPA requirements.

All forms of need-based financial aid require annual reapplication, and undergraduate applicants must apply for a Pell Grant. Pennsylvania residents should also apply for the state grant. Receiving additional aid from outside sources may lead to adjustments in the financial aid package according to the University’s Gift Aid Policy. Changes in housing arrangements can also affect need-based aid eligibility, as awards are influenced by the cost of attendance budget.

University of Scranton undergraduate grants and scholarships are limited to a maximum of eight undergraduate terms, with exceptions for students in the Master of Occupational Therapy Program. Students in combined undergraduate/graduate programs are reviewed each term to determine if their coursework applies to their undergraduate degree program, and revised notifications are sent if eligibility changes.

Federal and State Aid Programs

Federal Pell Grant Program

This program provides federal grants ranging from $767 to $7,395 per academic year, based on financial need, as determined by the Department of Education.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

This is a federal campus-based program administered by the University. Amounts may range from $250 to $1,000 per year to students who demonstrate exceptional need, with priority given to Pell recipients.

TEACH Grant

This grant requires a 3.25 high school GPA and maintenance of a 3.25 GPA for renewal. Recipients must serve as full-time teachers for at least four academic years at a high-need school within eight years after completing their course of study; otherwise, the obligation converts to a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan.

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Federal Direct Stafford Loan

This loan allows students to borrow in their own name without a credit evaluation. A FAFSA is required for all loan applicants, with the Department of Education as the lender. Stafford loans have fixed interest rates and can be subsidized or unsubsidized. Eligibility for a subsidized loan is based on family income and financial need. Payment of principal is deferred while the student is enrolled.

First-year students may borrow up to $5,500 ($3,500 subsidized), sophomores up to $6,500 ($4,500 subsidized), and juniors and seniors up to $7,500 ($5,500 subsidized). Students in a Teacher Certification program or under Pre-Professional status may be eligible for additional unsubsidized Stafford Loans.

Federal Direct PLUS Loan

This loan is available to credit-worthy parents of dependent undergraduate students and has a fixed interest rate. Parents may borrow the difference between the student’s total cost of education and all other aid received. Interest accrues after the first disbursement, with repayment beginning 60 days after the second disbursement. Deferment options are available.

Private Educational Loans

These loans are available to students with a credit-worthy co-applicant to finance educational costs. Interest rates can be variable or fixed, and application and credit review requirements vary.

Federal Work-Study Program

This campus-based program provides employment during the academic year and summer for students demonstrating financial need. Jobs are primarily on-campus, with some community service opportunities. Students must file a FAFSA to be considered.

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Pennsylvania State Grant Program

Administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA), this program provides grant assistance to Pennsylvania residents enrolled at least half-time in a two-year or longer program. Eligibility is based on financial need. Awards range from $612 to $5,750 per year.

The Pennsylvania State Grant Program also includes the Ready to Succeed Scholarship (RTSS). To qualify for RTSS, students must meet all other Pennsylvania State Grant eligibility requirements, including submitting a FAFSA and Pennsylvania State Grant Form, and have completed one academic year (24 semester credits or equivalent).

Blind or Deaf Beneficiary Grant (BDBG)

This state-funded program, administered by PHEAA, provides financial aid to blind or deaf Pennsylvania residents enrolled at least half-time in a Pennsylvania postsecondary institution. The maximum award is $500.

Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver (FosterEd) Program

Established by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the FosterEd Program provides tuition waivers at postsecondary institutions for eligible youth who are or have been in foster care.

State Work Study Program

Administered by PHEAA, this program offers eligible Pennsylvania students opportunities to earn money for college while working for a high-tech or community development employer.

University of Scranton Scholarships and Grants

The University of Scranton offers a variety of awards based on academic merit and financial need. All accepted traditional first-year and transfer students are automatically evaluated for scholarship aid. University of Scranton grants and scholarships are limited to eight undergraduate terms, with exceptions for students in the Master of Occupational Therapy Program.

Merit-Based Scholarships

These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement and include full-tuition scholarships for incoming first-year students with exemplary academic records and partial-tuition scholarships for students demonstrating high levels of academic achievement.

Nazareth Academy High School Financial Aid and Scholarships

Nazareth Academy High School also provides financial aid and scholarship opportunities to deserving students.

Tuition and Payment Plans

Tuition for the 2026-2027 school year is $21,750, inclusive of books, labs, and classroom expenses. Uniforms are an additional cost. Nazareth offers four payment plan options administered by FACTS Tuition Management.

Financial Aid Application

Nazareth Academy High School employs a personalized financial aid process. Families wishing to apply for financial aid must complete an online application and supply the required documentation. The largest portion of Nazareth’s internal financial aid award occurs in December, and families are strongly encouraged to participate in the financial aid process by this deadline.

Academic Scholarships

Each year, Nazareth awards academic scholarships ranging from partial scholarships to one full scholarship. These scholarships are awarded for all four years, provided the student maintains the required criteria, including a 3.0 overall GPA.

Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth Legacy Scholarship

This scholarship of $2,500 is awarded to 8th-grade students attending Nazareth Academy Grade School or whose mothers graduated from Nazareth Academy High School. The scholarship is renewable for each academic year at NAHS, as long as the student remains in good standing.

Music, Fine Arts, and Multimedia Scholarships

Nazareth Academy High School offers scholarships for students excelling in music, fine arts, and multimedia. Applicants must meet all Nazareth Academy High School Admissions requirements and may need to submit portfolios or videos demonstrating their skills.

Student Leadership Scholarship

This scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate the spirituality and mission of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth through their involvement in parish, school, and/or non-profit activities.

The Matthew Holmes Scholarship Fund

The Matthew Holmes Scholarship Fund is dedicated to providing scholarships to deserving students. The fund hosts events such as the annual 'St. Pattys for Matty' to raise funds for its initiatives. Intended clients include students in need of financial assistance for their education. The Matthew Holmes Scholarship Fund also uses first (ex.

Matthew Holmes was remembered as a young man with a strong character, an eagerness to help others, and a thirst for knowledge. In his memory, the scholarship fund was established to provide assistance to deserving 8th-grade students entering Catholic high schools. The support of this scholarship helps recipients pursue their goals through academic achievement.

Other Scholarship Opportunities

Massachusetts AFL-CIO Scholarship and Labor Education Program

The Massachusetts AFL-CIO and affiliated unions award financial resources to high school students pursuing trade union programs or college/university study. Individual awards range from $500 to $16,000. In order to be eligible for a scholarship, students must be a senior in high school and take the Labor History Exam.

Massachusetts Coalition of Taft-Hartley Trust Funds (MCTHTF) Scholarships

The MCTHTF sponsors the Lou Sarno Memorial Scholarship and the Colleen Sullivan Memorial Nursing Vocation Scholarship. These scholarships are available to members, children, grandchildren, or spouses of local union members or employees of affiliated Taft-Hartley Trust Funds.

New England Mechanical Contracting Industry Improvement Fund Scholastic Merit Award Program

This program makes funds for higher education available to the children of both labor and management employees of the Mechanical Contracting Industry. The Fund awards one-time scholastic merit awards in the amount of $2,000.

United Association Scholarships

Scholarships are available for United Association members and their dependents to assist with paying for expenses related to their education at an accredited college or university.

University of Minnesota Academic Scholarships

Admitted freshmen are considered for these scholarships based on an overall assessment of the application for freshman admission.

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