Undergraduate Day Students

Becker College offers a wide range of financial assistance, including scholarships, grants, and loans. The programs vary from merit-based aid to need-based, with many awards based on a combination of both factors.

Becker College participates in the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program (Federal Stafford and PLUS loans).  This means that for all federal loans, the U.S. Department of Education is the lender and servicer.  Listed below are some commonly-received types of aid. Individual awards and eligibility are determined by the information provided on your financial aid application materials.

» Scholarships and Grants
» Loans

Scholarships and Grants

Becker Family Grant

A ten (10) percent tuition discount is granted to all students when two or more from the same family are full-time students in Becker’s day division. Details on eligibility and awarding are available from the Office of Financial Aid.

D. Llewellyn Evans Scholarship

Sponsored by the Becker College Alumni Association and named for a former long-time Becker faculty member, this award is given on the basis of need and academic achievement. Currently-enrolled students apply during the spring semester. Awards usually range from $1,000 to $4,000 and are intended for use during the student’s next academic year at Becker.

Ebenezer Crafts Scholarships

These awards are made to residents of the town of Leicester who have graduated from Leicester High School. Applicants must submit a letter of recommendation from a Leicester High School teacher or counselor to the Becker College Office of Financial Aid.

MassGrant

The MASSGrant is a grant assistance program funded by appropriations from the Massachusetts legislature. The MASSGrant program provides need-based financial assistance to full-time undergraduate students who reside in Massachusetts. All eligibility requirements are listed on www.osfa.mass.edu.

Merit Awards

Becker College Office of Admissions and Office of Financial Aid work together to offer merit scholarships based on, but not limited to, GPA and SAT scores. Students are reviewed for merit scholarships at time of acceptance.  Please note that study abroad students will not receive their merit aid for the time that they are not at Becker College.

Federal Pell Grants

Once you complete your FAFSA, awards through this federal program are based on financial need. Need is determined by the federal need calculation formula as well as student enrollment status.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

Awards through this federal program are based on financial need as determined by the federal formula once you complete your FAFSA.

The George I. Alden Scholarships

Named for George Alden, a leading Worcester philanthropist, the scholarships are awarded by the college to students enrolled in baccalaureate degree programs. Awards vary in size and are conferred based on academic achievement and financial need.

The George F. and Sybil H. Fuller Scholarships

Funded annually by the Fuller Foundation, these scholarships are awarded by the college to students of exceptional merit.

Gilbert Grant

A program of the Massachusetts Board of Regents of Higher Education, these are need-based awards given to students from the state of Massachusetts.

Mother Prosser Opportunity Fund

The Fund is designed to help Becker College students who have demonstrated the talent and ability to succeed academically, but who are not achieving to their full potential.

The Robert and Marie Cousy Scholarship

Boston Celtic Hall of Famer Bob Cousy and his wife Marie Cousy initiated this endowed scholarship to encourage underprivileged students to attend Becker College. The college awards these scholarships to day division residents of Worcester Housing Authority (WHA) properties who are full-time. Applicants must submit an application, proof of residency, and two letters of recommendation. The amount of the award varies to provide for full financial need. Cousy scholars are also eligible for summer employment/internships at the WHA.

Travelli Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded by the college through funds provided by the Charles Irwin Travelli Fund. Recipients must demonstrate high financial need and a strong academic record.

Work-Study

Federal Work-Study Program

Students awarded Federal Work-Study (FWS) have the opportunity to earn the amount of their award by working on campus. Federal Work-Study students will receive a bi-week paycheck. Most students work 6-10 hours per week while school is in session to earn their offered award. Funds from this program are paid directly to the student and can be used for personal expenses.

For more information on work-study positions visit the Career Services page.

Loans

Direct Federal Stafford Loans

Subsidized loans are based upon demonstrated financial need. Students are not charged any interest before repayment or during deferment periods. The federal government subsidizes the interest. The interest rate for Federal Subsidized Loans for the 2011-2012 academic year is 3.4%.

Unsubsidized loans are not awarded on the basis of financial need. The loan accrues interest from the time it it is disbursed until it is paid in full. If you allow the interest to accrue while you are in school or during repayment periods, this interest will be capitalized. Interest that is capitalized will be added to the principal amount of your loan, and additional interest will be based on the higher amount. The interest rate for Federal Unsubsidized Loans for the 2011-2012 academic year is 6.80%. Note: Students can pay the interest on their unsubsidized Stafford loan while in school.  Students interested in making payments should contact their lender directly.

Federal Stafford Loan Fee – For loans made during the 2011-2012 academic year, a 1.0% loan fee (minus a 0.5% rebate) will be deducted from each loan disbursement. This fee is held by the government, and 99.5% of the loan amount will be sent to Becker College after your fee has been applied to your loan. The borrower must make all of the first twelve payments on time or the rebate amount will be added back to principal balance of the loan.

Direct Federal Parent Loans for Undergraduate Dependent Students (PLUS)

The Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) enables parents of dependent undergraduates to borrow an amount equal to cost of attendance, less other financial aid. Parent loans differ from student loans in that repayment of the loan begins 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed, however parents can defer these payments while their student is attending college at least half-time (6 credits). Currently the interest rate is fixed at 7.9%.

Alternative Financing Options

Becker College participates in alternative loan programs through a number of lenders. Becker supports the family’s right to obtain a private alternative student loan from any loan provider and will certify and process private alternative student loans from any lender.

» Alternative Financing Options