East Stroudsburg University - Admissions - Scholarships & Financial Aid

East Stroudsburg University is happy to learn of your interest in us. This website contains information, which should be helpful to you in learning about the financial aid programs and assistance available at our university.

A college education is one of the best investments you can make. The cost of that education represents a significant financial investment for most families. East Stroudsburg University, as a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, offers you a high quality education at an affordable cost. The tuition and fees paid by Pennsylvania students cover only part of the costs of their education. The difference between this and the actual cost is the amount of money the Pennsylvania legislature makes available to public universities. For the 2006-2007 academic year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania subsidized $5,290 of instructional costs per student.

There are a variety of financial aid opportunities designed to make your education even more affordable. Grants, loans, scholarships and student employment are available. More than 75% of ESU students receive some type of financial assistance. The $47.5 plus million in financial aid distributed to students during the 2006-2007 academic year included: $34.8 million in loans with the remainder awarded in grants, scholarships, university employment and miscellaneous awards. Grants, loans, scholarships and employment are based on a combination of factors including demonstrated financial need and academic performance. There is no general application required for scholarship consideration. All eligible students are automatically considered for scholarship opportunities.

Financial Aid Grants Scholarships Types of Aid Apply for Aid

Federal Stafford Loans

The Federal Government offers both Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans. These are low interest loans created to help you pay for your education. The Center for Enrollment Services will determine your eligibility for loans, based on your financial need as determined from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid

Click here to download a Request for a Federal Stafford Loan. This is not to be used in place of a FAFSA. You can complete your FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov

Subsidized Federal Stafford Loans for undergraduate and graduate students:

These loans are made in the student's name only and can be used for expenses related to higher education (tuition, fees, room and board, books, transportation and personal expenses). Loans are disbursed directly to the school, generally in two disbursements. With a Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan, interest is paid by the government while the student is in school and for six months thereafter.

Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans for undergraduate and graduate students:

Students who do not qualify for the Subsidized Federal Stafford Loans or who do not receive the maximum loan amount in subsidized funds, may be eligible for the Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan. The Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan carries the same eligibility, disbursement terms and loan amounts as the Subsidized Loan. However, with the Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan, the borrower rather than the government, is responsible for paying the interest. Full or half-time graduate and independent undergraduate students have higher loan amounts available to them under the additional Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan.

Interest Rates-For Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans:

The interest rate on these loans is variable, meaning it is set every July by the Federal Government. The government also sets a "cap" or a rate that the loan will not exceed throughout its lifetime. The interest rate on these loans is 6.8% as of July 1, 2006.

Five Steps to a Stafford Loan

Step 1: Submit the 2008-2009 FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov and indicate your interest for a loan on question #26.
Step 2: ESU will pre-certify a student's loan by determining the maximum loan eligibility and type of Stafford Loan (subsidized and/or unsubsidized) based on the student's financial need and grade level. However, the student loan amount cannot exceed the student's annual loan limit under the Stafford Loan Program (see "Stafford Loan Borrowing Chart" which follows). The loan certification process will be completed electronically.
Step 3: Once your federal Stafford Loan has been pre-certified, the AES/PHEAA Loan division will inform you in writing on how to complete your Master Promissory Note (MPN) on-line. Prior to the completion of your MPN, you will be asked to complete a Stafford Loan Entrance Interview at www.pheaa.org
Step 4: Upon completion of your MPN, AES/PHEAA's Stafford Loan division will mail an approval notice to the student. Students will then have the opportunity to cancel or reduce their Stafford Loan by logging on to AES/PHEAA's web site at www.aesSuccess.org.
Step 5: AES/PHEAA will authorize the disbursement of loan proceeds (Electronic Funds Transfer [EFT] or check) at the appropriate time to the school.

Note: Students must meet the university's satisfactory academic progress requirements to remain eligible for Stafford Loans.

Maximum Annual Loan Amount

Our academic year is defined as a minimum of 30 weeks of instructional time and requires that during this time period a full time student is expected to complete at least 24 credits.

Year 1 $3,500 0-29 Credites

Year 2 $4,500 30-59 Credits

Year 3 $5,500 60-89 Credits

Year 4 $5,500 90 - Credits

Year 5 $5,500 Teacher Certification

Graduate $8,500 500 Level

Federal Perkins Loan

The Federal Perkins Loan is a campus-based federal program which is awarded to students on the basis of financial need. It is interest free and non-repayable until nine months after termination of education, at which time it becomes repayable at five percent interest.

What is a Federal Perkins Loan?

A Federal Perkins Loan is a low-interest (5 percent) loan for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. East Stroudsburg University (ESU) is your lender. The loan is made with government funds with a share contributed by ESU. You must repay this loan to East Stroudsburg University.

How much can I borrow?

Depending on when you apply, your level of need, and the funding level at ESU, you can borrow up to:

$4,000 for each year of undergraduate study (the total amount you can borrow as an undergraduate is $20,000 if you have completed two years of undergraduate work; otherwise, the total you can borrow is $8,000).

Is there a charge for this loan?

A Perkins Loan borrower is not charged any fees. However, if you skip a payment, make a payment late, or make less than a full payment, you may have to pay a late charge. If your failure to make payments persists, you may have to pay collection costs as well.

How will I be paid?

The school will either pay you directly (usually by check) or credit your account. Generally, you'll receive the loan in at least two payments during the academic year.

When do I pay back this loan?

If you're attending school at least half-time, you have nine months after you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time status before you must begin repayment (you may have longer than nine months if you are on active duty with the military). This is called a grace period. If you're attending less than half-time, check with the Center for Enrollment Services to determine your grace period. At the end of your grace period, you must begin repaying your loan. You may be allowed up to 10 years to repay.

How much will I have to repay each month?

Total Loan
Amount Number of
Payments Monthly
Payments Total Interest
Charges Total Repaid

$ 3,000 119 $ 31.84 $ 817.86 $ 3,817.86

$ 5,000 119 $ 53.06 $1,363.40 $ 6,363.40

$15,000 119 $159.60 $4,090.85 $19,090.85

Federal Plus Loans

Graduate Plus Loans

Alternative Loans

Federal Pell Grants

Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)

National Science & Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant

Pennsylvania State Grants

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) are available to eligible students who demonstrate exceptional financial need as determined by the analysis of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is generally awarded to Pell-eligible students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. The awards range from $400 to $1,400 per academic year at East Stroudsburg University. It is an award given to undergraduate students only.

What Are The Eligibility Requirements?

To receive FSEOG, you must meet the eligibility requirements for Federal aid described in the section on PELL.

How do I Apply for FSEOG?

Apply for FSEOG by completing a FAFSA. You do not indicate on the application that you wish to apply for FSEOG. You are automatically considered for this award.

How Much Can I Recieve?

How much you receive depends on your financial need, the amount of money budgeted to the program and the other financial aid you have been awarded.

How Will I Know if I've Been Awarded FSEOG?

When you receive your award letter from the university, it will indicate whether or not you have been awarded FSEOG.

How Will I Be Paid?

There are two disbursements of FSEOG, one each semester.

How Many Credits Do I Have to Take in Order to be Eligible?

You must register for and maintain enrollment status of half-time (6 credits or equated credits) or greater to be eligible for FSEOG. If, for any reason, your course load falls below half-time, payments of your award will be stopped.

What's the Difference Between FSEOG and Pell?

For the PELL program, the Federal Government guarantees that the university will receive enough money to pay PELL to its eligible students. For the FSEOG program, each school receives a fixed amount of money to make FSEOG awards. Once this money is awarded, there is no more for that academic year. It is important that you file your applications early in the academic year so that you get maximum consideration for limited FSEOG funds.

Athletic Grants–in–Aid

Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic achievement and financial need. Honors Program and some athletic scholarships are awarded based solely on individual criteria such as academic standing or athletic performance.

It should be noted that the selection criteria for the awards vary significantly. Among the factors which may impact upon a student's eligibility are: major course of study, quality point average, SAT scores, class rank, athletic prowess, recommendations of professors and teachers, and in some cases, geographic area.

Many of the scholarship areas require a separate application. The links below will assist in finding a scholarship designed for you.

Freshmen Scholarships

Verizon Scholarship for Computer Science and Technology

This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to an outstanding incoming freshman. This is not a renewable scholarship. Contact: Office of Admission (570) 422-3542

Abeloff Scholarship

This $1000 scholarship is awarded to an incoming freshman who is a math major. Contact: Office of Admissions (570) 422-3542

Allen Greene Scholarship

Allen Greene Scholarship

Board of Governors Tuition Scholarship for Cultural Diversity

This scholarship is granted in the form of a waiver of university tuition only.. The purpose of this scholarship is to enhance the recruitment and retention of students who will contribute to a culturally diverse campus. Candidates must be residents of Pennsylvania, U.S. citizens, and have a combined SAT score of 900 and above. Student activities and demonstrated leadership are also considered. Renewal option is available for a total of 8 semesters based on meeting specific criteria set forth by the guidelines of this program. Contact: Office of Admission (570) 422-3542

Board of Governors Tuition Scholarship for Science and Technology

This scholarship is granted in the form of a waiver of university tuition only.. The purpose of this scholarship is to increase number of Pennsylvania resident students enrolled as mathematics, science, or technology majors, including math and science education. Candidates must be residents of Pennsylvania, U.S. citizens, and have a combined SAT score of 1100 and above, graduating in top 25% of high school class. Student activities and demonstrated leadership are also considered. Renewal option is available for a total of 8 semesters based on meeting specific criteria set forth by the guidelines of this program. Contact: Office of Admission (570) 422-3542

Alumni Association Students of Color Scholarship

This $1,000 scholarship is for incoming freshman and is renewable for an additional year providing the student has a QPA of 3.0 at the end of the first academic year and is enrolled full-time. Contact: Office of Admission (570) 422-3542

Sanofi Pasteur Honor Scholarship Biology

This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to an outstanding incoming freshman. The recipient must have a total SAT score of 1000 and be in the top 15% of their graduating high school class. This is not a renewable scholarship. Contact: Office of Admission (570) 422-3542

Sanofi Pasteur Computer Science Scholarship

This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to an outstanding incoming freshman. The recipient must have a total SAT score of 1000 and be in the top 15% of their graduating high school class. This is not a renewable scholarship. Contact: Office of Admission (570) 422-3542

Dillman/Morris Scholarship

This is a $334 scholarship awarded to an incoming freshman who ranks in top 50% of graduating class. This is a renewable scholarship while maintaining a QPA of 2.75. Contact: Office of Admissions (570)422-3542

Edwards Family Scholarship

This $550 scholarship is awarded to freshmen undergraduate students who intend to pursue a degree in any major leading to secondary education teacher certification. Contact: Office of Admissions (570)422-3542

Eugene Stish Scholarship

This $385 scholarship is awarded to freshmen undergraduate students. It was established through bequest from Margaret L. Stish. Recipients must be enrolled full time. This scholarship is renewable provided the student is enrolled full-time and maintains, at least a 2.75 QPA. Contact: Office of Admissions (570) 422-3542

The ESSA Foundation Scholarship

This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to incoming freshmen in the designated areas in Monroe County that include Northampton County, Pen Argyl, Wind Gap, Bangor, East Bangor, Roseto, Upper Mount Bethel, Portland, Plainfield Township and Washington Township. This is a renewable scholarship up to four years provided the recipient maintains a 3.0 GPA. Contact: Office of Admissions (570)422-3542

Biological Science Scholarship

This $1,300 scholarship is awarded to incoming freshman. The recipient must have a total SAT score of 1000 and be in the top 15% of their graduating high school class. This is not a renewable scholarship. Contact: Office of Admission (570) 422-3542

Thomas S. & Mae S. Brinton Scholarship

This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to an outstanding Monroe County high school graduate. It was established through a bequest from Thomas S. Brinton and Mae S. Brinton. Selection is based on high school grades, class rank, and college admission test scores. Recipients must maintain at least a 3.0 QPA at the end of each academic year for renewal. Contact: Office of Admission (570) 422-3542

Cecilia S. Cohen Act 101 Award

This $50 award is presented to a student who was enrolled at East Stroudsburg University. The recipient must display significant progress and motivation. Contact: ACT 101 Director at East Stroudsburg University (570) 422-3507

Class of '76 Scholarship

This $630 scholarship is awarded to an incoming freshman. The recipient must have be in the top 1/2 of their graduating high school class. This is not a renewable scholarship. Contact: Office of Admission (570) 422-3542

Computer Science Scholarship Award

This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to an incoming freshman majoring in computer science. The student's high school record, both academic and extracurricular, are part of the evaluation process. Contact: Computer Science Department at East Stroudsburg University (570) 422-3666

ESU Foundation Scholars

This $3,000 scholarship is awarded to a student who ranks in the top 5% of their high school class and are renewable for an additional three years provided the recipient maintains a minimum QPA of 3.2. Contact: Office of Admission (570) 422-3542

Jonas T. May Math Scholarship

This $1,250 scholarship is awarded to an incoming freshman. Consideration will be given to SAT scores, high school class rank and high school math course performance. This is not a renewable scholarship. Contact: Office of Admission (570) 422-3542

Maureen Mussett Welch Scholarship

This $875 scholarship is awarded to an incoming freshman from Bucks Country majoring in Education. Must have a 3.00 overall QPA in high school senior year. Contact: Office of Admission (570)422-3542

Mona & Frank N. Fitzgerald Art Scholarship

This $210 scholarship is awarded to an outstanding Monroe County school high school graduate. Selection is based acceptance at ESU as art major, high school grades, class rank, and submission of portfolio with 5 samples. Recipients must maintain at least a 3.0 QPA at the end of each academic year. Contact: Office of Admission (570) 422-3542

Hahn Scholarship

This scholarship valued at $2,500 is awarded annually to students graduating from high schools in Northampton County. Preference will be given to graduates of Easton, Notre Dame of Bethlehem Township or Wilson. The recipient must have a total SAT score of 1050 and be in the top 15% of their graduating class. These scholarships are renewable for an additional three years provided the recipient remains enrolled full-time and completes at least 24 credits at East Stroudsburg University during the academic year and maintains at least a QPA of 3.0. Must have evidence of financial need. Consideration is requested, but not required for aid to be supplied to students whose father is deceased. Contact: Office of Admission (570) 422-3542

Hughes Scholarship

This $2000 scholarship is awarded to high school seniors from Monoroe County High School who have demonstrated academic achievement, co-curricular activities and general good citizenship at their schools. This is not a renewable scholarship. Contact: Office of Admission (570) 422-3542

John Arslanian Scholarship

This $2,500 scholarship is awarded each spring to a student who ranks in the top 15% of their high school class and must have a minimum SAT score of 1150 (or 25 on the ACT test). This scholarship is renewable for an additional three years provided the recipient maintains a minimum QPA of 3.0. Contact: Office of Admissions (570) 422-3542

Mabel I. Meyers Scholarship

This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a student who ranks in the top 5% of their high school class and must have a total SAT score of 1100. This scholarship renewable for an additional three years provided recipient maintains a minimum QPA of 3.2. Contact: Office of Admissions (570) 422-3542.

Mary Walsh Krahe Scholarship

This $ 2,517 scholarship is awarded to the most highly qualified applicant from Lackawanna County. The scholarship is renewable for three additional years providing the recipient remains enrolled full-time and completes at least 24 credits at East Stroudsburg University during the academic year and maintains at least a QPA of 3.0. Contact: Office of Admission (570) 422-3542

Millennium Scholarship

This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to an incoming freshman. This is a renewable scholarship. Contact: Office of Admission (570) 422-3542

Paul E. Edinger, Jr. Scholarship

This $500 scholarship is awarded to an incoming freshman who has minimum of 1000 SAT score and ranked in the top 10% of their high school graduating class. This scholarship is renewable for three additional years provided student maintains a minimum 3.0 QPA and completes at least 24 credits per academic year. Contact: Office of Admissions (570)422-3542

Presidential Scholarships

This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to the most highly qualified applicants enrolling as freshmen. The recipient must have a combined SAT score of 1100 and a class rank in the top 6 % of the high school graduating class. This scholarship is renewable for three additional years provided the recipient is enrolled full-time and maintains a QPA of 3.30 at the end of each academic year. Contact: Office of Admission (570) 422-3542

Prince Hall Scholarships

Two scholarships per academic year of study are granted to graduates of Prince Hall School, Philadelphia, in the form of a waiver of tuition, fees, room, board and book expenses less any financial aid the recipient is eligible for. These scholarships are granted for four academic years, and require candidates to predict a 2.3 QPA and have a combined SAT score of 850. For renewal the student must have at least a 2.3 QPA at 24 credits and at least a 2.5 QPA at 48 credits and throughout the remainder at East Stroudsburg University. Recipients must demonstrate strong civic responsibility through notable community service. Student must also complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid each year to receive the scholarship. Contact: Office of Admission (570) 422-3542

Robert & Amy Welch Scholarship

This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a student who ranks in the top 5% of their high school class and must have a total SAT score of 1100. This scholarship renewable for an additional three years provided recipient maintains a minimum QPA of 3.3. Contact: Office of Admissions (570) 422-3542

Rotary Club of the Stroudsburg Scholarship

This $250 scholarship ($1,000 over four years) is awarded to high school seniors from Stroudsburg, East Stroudsburg, or Notre Dame High School of East Stroudsburg. Recipient must demonstrate academic ability, financial need and special talents. The scholarship is renewable for a maximum four-year period providing the recipient maintains at least a 2.0 QPA. Contact: East Stroudsburg University Scholarship/Awards Committee Chair (570) 422-3340

Upward Bound Scholarship

This $500 scholarship is awarded to a student who participated in the Upward Bound Program at East Stroudsburg University for at least two years. The recipient must have demonstrated a high level of commitment to the Upward Bound Program and must have attained at least a 2.5 quality point average in high school. Contact: Upward Bound Program at East Stroudsburg University (570) 422-3476

Warren Hoeffner Scholarship

This $1,990scholarship is awarded to an incoming freshman. This is not a renewable scholarship. Contact: Office of Admission (570) 422-3542

Transfer Scholarships

Academic Scholarships by Department

Art

ART (570) 422-3759
Cecilia S. Cohen Memorial Art Award – Named in memory of Cecilia S. Cohen, this $50 award is given to a full-time art student who has completed at least 30 credits with a minimum QPA of 3.0 in art course work. The recipient must have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in the theater arts and service to the art programs at East Stroudsburg University.

Biology

BIOLOGY SCIENCES (570) 422-3725
American Association of University Women (AAUW) Scholarship – Established by the Pocono Area Branch of AAUW, this $500 scholarship is awarded to the highest ranking woman who has completed at least 96 credits with 60 of the credits being completed at East Stroudsburg University with a minimum QPA of 3.5. The recipient must be majoring in biological science, chemistry, physics, or mathematics. Contact: East Stroudsburg University Scholarship/Awards Committee Chair (570) 422-2800
C. Warner Smith Scholarship – This $2,174 scholarship established in memory of C. Warner Smith and is awarded to an undergraduate majoring in environmental studies. The recipient must be a full-time student maintaining a minimum QPA of 3.0 and a QPA of 3.2 in the major.
Robert J. Shields Scholarship – This $846 scholarship established in honor of Robert J. Shields, Class of 1955 is awarded to a student majoring in biology. The recipient may be either full-time or part-time and must have an overall QPA of 3.0. This is a non-renewable scholarship.

Chemistry

CHEMISTRY (570) 422-3342
American Association of University Women (AAUW) Scholarship – Established by the Pocono Area Branch of AAUW, this $500 scholarship is awarded to the highest ranking woman who has completed at least 96 credits with 60 of the credits being completed at East Stroudsburg University with a minimum QPA of 3.5. The recipient must be majoring in biological science, chemistry, physics, or mathematics. Contact: East Stroudsburg University Scholarship/Awards Committee Chair (570) 422-2800
Elizabeth Kurtz Memorial Scholarship – Established in memory of Elizabeth Kurtz, the first female on the science faculty specializing in geology and geography, this $1,980 scholarship is awarded to a student who has completed at least 30 credits with a minimum QPA of 2.5 and a QPA of 3.0 in the major.

Communication Studies

Communication Studies Scholarship – This $500 scholarship is awarded to student enrolled full-time. The recipient must show exceptional academic abilities and promise in studies of human communication, must have completed 62 credits at East Stroudsburg University and must have a minimum QPA of 3.0 and a QPA of 3.4 in the major. Top junior students are preferred recipients. This is not a renewable scholarship.

Computer Science

COMPUTER SCIENCE (570) 422-3666
Sanofi Pasteur Computer Science Scholarship – This $1,034 scholarship is awarded to students majoring in computer science. It is awarded each spring for the following fall semester.
Computer Science Scholarship – This $1,500 scholarship is awarded to a student majoring in computer science based on student's academic record.
Laird Technologies Scholarship – This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a student majoring in computer science. Applicant must submit an application to the Computer Science Department.
Elizabeth Kurtz Memorial Scholarship – Established in memory of Elizabeth Kurtz, the first female on the science faculty specializing in geology and geography, this $1,980 scholarship is awarded to a student who has completed at least 30 credits with a minimum QPA of 2.5 and a QPA of 3.0 in the major.
Professor Richard Prince Memorial Scholarship – This $750 scholarship is awarded to a student majoring in Computer Science, having completed at least two semesters of course work at East Stoudsburg University.
Proteus Technologies – This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a graduate students majoring in Computer Science in one of the four areas: Distributed computing and framework development; Advanced and scientific computing; Software development process and engineering; web and enterprise computing. Recipient must be a US citizen.
Sheldon J. Snyder Memorial Scholarship – This $790 scholarship is awarded to a junior or senior majoring in Computer Science with a minimum 3.0 QPA and a QPA of 3.25 or greater in their major coursework.
Weiler Company Computer Science Scholarship – This $1,500 scholarship is awarded to a student who is a graduate of a Monroe County High School. Recipient must have demonstrate academic merit upon completion of the first semester as a computer science major at East Stroudsburg University. Financial need is also considered.

Criminal Justice

CRIMINAL JUSTICE (570) 422-3453
Cecilia S. Cohen Memorial Criminal Justice Award – Named in memory of Cecilia S. Cohen, this $100 award is given to a criminal justice major who has demonstrated an extraordinary ability in the field of criminal justice through internships, volunteer work, research, special projects and activities closely related to the criminal justice field. The recipient must have completed at least 30 credits at East Stroudsburg University with

Financial Aid, Grants, and Scholarships