Navigating Messiah University Tuition Costs and Financial Aid Options
Planning for higher education expenses is a crucial step in the college application process. Understanding the costs associated with attending Messiah University and the various financial aid options available can empower students to make informed decisions about their educational investment. Messiah University strives to provide transparency regarding tuition costs and offers several avenues for graduate and professional students to finance their education.
Understanding Tuition Costs at Messiah University
Messiah University distinguishes itself by offering a no-fee tuition structure for most of its graduate and professional programs. This means that the advertised cost per credit is the actual cost students pay, without additional hidden fees for labs, courses, services, or technology. This transparent approach allows prospective students to accurately compare programs and plan their finances effectively.
Tuition varies depending on the specific graduate or professional program a student chooses to pursue. For CAGS, graduate certificates, certification, and non-degree coursework, the tuition rate is $800 per credit. This clear pricing model enables students to estimate their tuition expenses based on the number of credits required for their program.
Cost of Attendance Budget
To provide a comprehensive view of the expenses associated with attending Messiah University, the institution develops a Cost of Attendance Budget each year. This budget includes not only actual charges like tuition and fees but also estimates for other costs students may incur, such as books, housing, meals, transportation, and personal expenses.
It’s important to understand that the Housing & Food amounts listed in the Cost of Attendance Budget for commuter students are estimates of expenses they will incur during the school year. While these amounts are not charged directly by Messiah University, they are included in the budget to maximize a student's financial aid eligibility, as required by federal regulation.
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Additional Costs
In addition to tuition and the expenses included in the Cost of Attendance Budget, students should be aware of a few other potential costs. For example, books are not included in the cost of tuition. However, all new students are automatically enrolled in the Slingshot Book Program, which provides rental books before the start of classes. Students can manage their account and preferences in the Slingshot Campus Bookstore program and can opt in or out at any time.
New DPT and MOT students are required to pay a $500 non-refundable pre-registration deposit, while all other new, first-time graduate students or re-enrolled graduate students must pay a $200 non-refundable deposit. This deposit is applied as a prepayment to the first semester's tuition and fees.
Exploring Financial Aid Options for Graduate and Professional Students
Messiah University offers financial aid to eligible graduate and professional students pursuing a degree, certificate, or certificate of advanced graduate studies (CAGS). Non-degree and international students are generally not eligible for federal loans.
Financial aid options at the graduate and professional level primarily consist of federal loans. Unlike undergraduate programs, need-based grants and institutional scholarships are typically not available. Therefore, students are encouraged to proactively seek out scholarships on their own, utilizing online search engines or contacting local organizations with which they have a relationship. While there are few grants available to graduate students, exploring all potential avenues for funding is essential.
Federal Loan Options
Two federal loan options are available to graduate students: Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Grad PLUS Loans. Direct Unsubsidized Loans do not require a credit check, but interest accrues from the date of the first loan disbursement. Grad PLUS Loans, on the other hand, do require a credit check and have a higher interest rate.
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The federal government collects a small loan origination fee off the full amount of the loan before it disburses each semester. Students should factor this fee into their overall borrowing calculations.
Students can request changes to their loan amount by making a written request before the end of the semester. This allows flexibility in adjusting loan amounts based on changing financial needs.
Satisfactory Academic Progress
To continue receiving financial aid, students must meet the federal government's minimum standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress. Grades are reviewed at the end of each semester, and students who fall below these standards are given one warning semester to improve.
Loan Deferment and Grace Period
As long as students remain continuously enrolled at Messiah University, their federal loans will be in deferment. Interest accrues on unsubsidized loans from the date of the first loan disbursement. At the end of the grace period, which is six months after enrollment ends, the accrued interest is capitalized, meaning it is added to the principal, and interest starts to accrue on the new, larger balance.
Loan Servicer Information
If students are unsure about how to contact their loan servicer, they can visit www.studentaid.gov and sign in with their federal FSA ID to access a financial review of their loan(s). This website provides valuable information and resources for managing federal student loans.
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Private Loans
In addition to federal loans, private loans are also available to graduate students. However, it's generally advisable to exhaust all federal loan options before considering private loans, as federal loans typically offer more favorable terms and repayment options.
Employer Reimbursement
Graduate students who are eligible for employer reimbursement can defer payment of their reimbursed charges until after the end of the semester. To take advantage of this option, students must complete the Deferred Tuition Payment Agreement, which is an agreement between the student and Messiah University. Federal regulations require students to notify the university of any reimbursement they will receive.
Managing Your Student Account and Understanding Billing
Messiah University provides students with access to their account information through FALCON Link > Transact eBill. Selecting "Statements" allows students to view dated billing statements. These invoices include itemized charges for the entire semester. However, when registered for early and late term courses, the balance can be broken down into two payments.
Each semester, all undergraduate and graduate students are required to complete a “Financial Responsibility Agreement” before registering for courses. By signing the Agreement, each student acknowledges that they are fully responsible for paying their educational cost while enrolled at Messiah each semester. When registration opens each semester, an FRA hold is automatically applied to a student’s record.
Students may drop a course online through the day before a course begins, and charges will be reversed. After the course begins, students may only withdraw from a course and will be assessed a drop registration fee by the Registrar’s Office. Tuition refunds are calculated in accordance with Messiah University's Graduate Refund Policy and based upon the number of calendar days a student has completed upon the official date of withdrawal.
Tax Benefits for Higher Education
The federal tax code includes provisions designed to reduce or partially offset the costs of higher education. Among those are the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) and the Lifetime Learning Tax Credit (LLC). Students can access their online 1098-T form from FALCONlink>1098T. It is helpful to keep records of all graduate account payments made.
The responsibility for individual tax circumstances lies with the taxpayer alone, and Messiah University cannot take any responsibility for your interpretation of the information. Your receipt of the 1098-T indicates that you were enrolled at Messiah University for at least one course and does not necessarily mean that you are eligible for a tax credit.
Net Price and Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
The Net Price is the total cost of attending Messiah University minus the total aid given. In other words, this is the price students have to pay to the school out of pocket. Messiah University provides a Net Price calculator to help students estimate their individual net price based on their financial circumstances.
The US government has developed a standardized way to calculate how much a typical family can afford to pay without help, known as the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Colleges use this number as a guideline to decide how much aid to give, but it's just a guideline.
Additional Financial Aid Information
Messiah University's Financial Aid Office develops the student cost of attendance budget each year. This budget is used in conjunction with the Student Aid Index (SAI - calculated through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid [FAFSA]) to determine each student's maximum financial aid eligibility.
The student budget consists of fixed charges including tuition, fees, housing, food and estimated charges including books and supplies, transportation costs and personal expenses. Use of financial aid funds to purchase a motor vehicle is strictly prohibited by federal law.
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