Financial Aid

The Financial Aid Office at Fitchburg State University is committed to providing an affordable education for every student admitted to the school. The university adheres to the basic premise that the student and family are primarily responsible for meeting university costs. Financial aid is available to assist with the educational expenses that remain after the family’s resources have been taken into account.

Application Process

Financial aid funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, according to demonstrated financial need. In order to receive priority consideration, students must file:

• The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with the federal processor by March 1*
• Any additional information needed to complete an applicant’s file as requested by the Financial Aid Office by May 1

Applications are accepted and processed after the priority date listed above. Late applications will be reviewed on a funds available basis.

*The FAFSA may be filed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Please remember that financial aid is not automatically renewed. It must be applied for each year.

Gift Aid

Gift aid is usually in the form of grants or scholarships and does not need to be earned or repaid. The following gift aid programs are available to undergraduate students at Fitchburg State University:

The Federal Pell Grant is a federally funded entitlement program designed to assist undergraduate students who have exceptional need. Grants range from $575 to $5,550 per academic year.

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) is a federally funded program, which awards funds to undergraduate students with extreme financial need and who would otherwise be unable to attend a postsecondary institution. Average award is $250 per academic year.

Massachusetts State Grant is need-based grant aid administered by the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA). Recipients must be enrolled full-time. Awards range from $300 to $900 per academic year.

Massachusetts Cash Grant is need based gift aid from Fitchburg State University funded by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and awarded to undergraduate Massachusetts residents.

Tuition Waiver is a state-funded program for Massachusetts residents. Applicants with demonstrated need can receive a reduction in tuition. Award amounts vary, but they cannot exceed the total tuition cost for which an undergraduate day student is billed.

Massachusetts Part-time Grant is awarded to part-time undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need. Awards average $450 per year.

Special Fee Scholarship is awarded to full-time undergraduate day students who are not a resident of Massachusetts and who demonstrate financial need. Average award is $1,000 per year.

Fitchburg State University Fee Grant is awarded to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need.

Other State Grants

Students from other states may be eligible to receive a grant or scholarship from their respective state. Each program has its own individual guidelines and deadlines. Students are urged to contact the appropriate agency in their state for further information.

Student Loans

Student loans are long-term, low-interest loans, which come due only after graduation, withdrawal from the university, or upon less than half-time enrollment. Student eligibility for these loans is based on financial need and availability of funds. To apply for the loans indicated below the FAFSA is required. Once students are awarded a loan or loans, additional paperwork is required.

Federal Perkins Loan

• Available for qualifying undergraduate and graduate students
• Low-interest (5%) loan from the federal government and Fitchburg State University
• Repayment begins nine months after the student either leaves school or drops below half-time status
• Provisions for deferment, postponement, or cancellation are available for some specialized areas

Nursing Student Loan

• Assists students who are furthering their education in nursing
• Low-interest (5%) loan from the federal government and Fitchburg State University
• Repayment begins nine months after a student leaves school or drops below half-time status

Massachusetts No-Interest Loan Program

• Available to qualifying full-time undergraduate Massachusetts residents
• Zero interest loan from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
• Repayment begins six months after a student leaves school or drops below half-time status

Federal Direct Student Loan Program

Enables undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need to apply for a loan through Fitchburg State University, instead of applying through a bank. If a student qualifies for a Subsidized Direct Loan:

• The federal government pays the interest on the loan while the student is in school
• Repayment begins six months after graduation, withdrawal from the school, or upon less than half-time enrollment

An Unsubsidized Direct Loan is available to undergraduate and graduate students who do not demonstrate financial need or who are eligible to borrow additional funds beyond the subsidized loan:

• Federal government does not make interest payments on behalf of the student
• Interest on the loan accrues once the loan is made
• The interest payments can be deferred or paid while the student is in school

For information on other educational loans, interest rates, eligibility standards, and requirements, applicants should contact the Financial Aid Office.

Student Employment

The university advocates earning while learning as a supplement to the gift aid and loan components of a student’s financial aid package. The current work programs include:

Federal Work Study

• Federally funded part-time employment on campus
• Students are paid an hourly rate every two weeks for time worked
• Work hours are available during the academic year, holidays, and the summer
• Open positions are posted on the Financial Aid website www.fitchburgstate.edu/finaid

Fitchburg State University Employment

• Part-time on-campus employment
• Students are paid an hourly rate every two weeks for time worked
• Open positions are posted on the Financial Aid website www.fitchburgstate.edu/finaid

Off-Campus Employment

The Career Center is located on the third floor of the Hammond Campus Center, room 318.  The office provides listings of part-time positions from the local community.

• Positions are posted on a bulletin board in the Career Center as well as on the department’s web site under “part-time positions.” careersvs@fitchburgstate.edu
• Flexible hours are offered to accommodate academic commitments.

Eligibility for Financial Aid

Determining Financial Need

Although Fitchburg State University does not set the standards to measure financial need, the Financial Aid Office will help students and their families with the process of applying under federal and state guidelines. No student should assume that they are ineligible for financial aid. All students, regardless of family income, are encouraged to apply.

A student’s financial need and financial aid eligibility is based on careful review of the information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Financial need is based on the difference between expected educational costs and the family or student contribution toward those costs.

Educational costs vary according to the individual circumstances of the student, and include such items as tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses.

Family or student contribution is determined by the federal formula known as Federal Methodology, which factors in such items as income, assets, number in household, and number in college. As a result, the amount of family contribution may vary, even between households having approximately the same income.

Student Financial Aid Budgets

A student’s financial aid budget is based on their own cost of education, which includes both direct and indirect expenses.

Direct expenses are paid by the student to the university, including tuition, fees, and room and board (for on-campus students). These expenses are set by the university and the Commonwealth.

Indirect expenses are those over which the student has some control, including books, supplies, transportation, personal/miscellaneous, and room and board (for off-campus students). These expenses are based on estimated costs for students at Fitchburg State University.

Estimated budget for a full-time undergraduate student living in a residence hall for the 2012–2013 school year is:

*Estimated budget for a half-time continuing education student for the 2012-2013 school year is below:

*Not all students will spend exactly these amounts. Budgets will vary depending on enrollment and housing status.

Students are awarded financial aid based on their total budget. When the money for a student’s financial aid is actually received at the university, it is first used to satisfy the student’s direct expenses. Once a student’s bill with the university is satisfied, the balance of their aid is available and may be used to satisfy any indirect expenses the student may have.

Students should plan to start the semester with enough money for books and at least the first two months rent (if living off campus). Financial aid refunds will not be available to cover these expenses.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Continued eligibility for financial aid for a returning student is based on need (as detailed above) and Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). SAP is the qualitative and quantitative measurement of progress toward the completion of a course of study according to the standards of the university. Students are solely responsible for maintaining their academic progress. Those who have not done so will be notified of their ineligibility for financial aid during the award letter process.

SAP standards apply to all matriculated students.

Qualitative measure: students must maintain an appropriate cumulative Grade Point Average according to the regulations listed below.

To be in good academic standing, full-time undergraduate students must meet the following standards:

• Students with 0-29 attempted credits must maintain an overall cumulative GPA of 1.6 or higher
• Students with 30-59 attempted credits must maintain an overall cumulative GPA of 1.8 or higher
• Students with 60 or more attempted credits must maintain a 2.0 GPA to remain in good standing

Quantitative measure: based on credits successfully completed during the academic year, which runs from fall through the following summer.

• Full-time undergraduate students must successfully complete 20 credits during each academic year
• Part-time undergraduate and all graduate students must successfully complete 67% of the number of attempted credits for each semester

Students who have attempted more than 150% of the credits required for a degree are not eligible for Financial Aid.

Students who have been denied financial aid because they were not making satisfactory academic progress may again receive aid the semester after attaining satisfactory academic progress.

It is the responsibility of the student to officially notify the Financial Aid Office of any changes to their academic standing. Aid cannot be awarded until this official notification is received.

Appeal Process

Students have the right to appeal to have their financial aid reinstated under the following circumstances:

• If extreme circumstances during the course of the academic year have impacted a student’s academic progress, then a letter of appeal may be submitted to the dean of student and academic life

These appeals will be reviewed by the Dean of Student and Academic Life. If the dean determines that the student has extenuating circumstances, they may be granted a one-semester probationary period. Winter and/or summer sessions may be used to make up credits or improve cumulative GPAs.

Return of Title IV Funds

Refund policy for students who receive federal financial aid.

Applicability

This refund policy applies to all full-time and part-time students enrolled at Fitchburg State University who are receiving federal Title IV financial aid and withdraw from all classes.

This policy is mandated by federal regulation.

This policy deals only with the percentage of aid that is earned by a student. Charges incurred by a student who withdraws from the university are determined in accordance with the Institutional Refund Policy.

Withdrawal Requirements

All financial aid recipients that wish to withdraw from the university must do so by contacting the Financial Aid Office. The official date of withdrawal for this policy is the date that the student begins the official withdrawal process or the date that the student officially notifies the university of their intent to withdraw.

Refund Policy

Refund of federal Title IV financial aid will be based on the date a student completely withdraws from the university as described above. During the first 60% of the semester, a student earns Title IV funds in direct proportion to the length of time that they remain enrolled. A student who remains enrolled beyond the 60% point earns all aid for the semester.

The percentage of the semester that a student remains enrolled is derived by dividing the number of days that a student remains in attendance by the number of days in a semester. Calendar days are used, but breaks of at least five consecutive days are excluded from both the numerator and denominator.

Unearned federal Title IV aid other than federal work study must be repaid by the student in the following order:

• Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loan
• Federal Subsidized Direct Loan
• Federal Perkins Loan
• Federal Parent (PLUS) Loan
• Federal Pell Grant
• Federal SEOG

Other Title IV Financial Aid

Students must repay 100% of unearned loans according to the terms of their promissory note. 50% of unearned grants must be repaid within 30 days of withdrawal from the university.

An example of the Return of Title IV Funds Policy is available in the Financial Aid Office.

It is very possible that a student who receives federal financial aid and withdraws from the university will owe a balance to the Fitchburg State University Student Accounts Office and may be required to repay funds to the U.S. Department of Education. Students considering withdrawal from Fitchburg State University are advised to contact the Financial Aid Office.

Correspondence

The Financial Aid Office corresponds with Fitchburg State University students via mail and e-mail. Mail will be sent to a student’s permanent address during the summer and to their campus mailbox, if applicable, during the school year. E-mail will be sent to a student’s fitchburgstate.edu e-mail address throughout the year. It is the student’s responsibility to monitor their mailbox and e-mail accounts.

Aid for Veterans

Fitchburg State University strives to meet the needs of our veterans by providing services and information necessary to support their educational goals. Prospective and current students may receive guidance by visiting our resource webpage at www.fitchburgstate.edu/veterans.

U.S. veterans are entitled to certain financial aid benefits at Fitchburg State University for undergraduate degree programs. While all veterans are urged to keep informed about benefits available to them through the Veterans Administration, they should contact the Registrar’s Office to establish eligibility for such benefits. The Registrar’s Office will provide the veteran with an Application for Benefits or the Change of Place of Training Form, whichever is applicable. Along with an application, the veteran needs to provide the following documents for the Registrar’s Office:

• a DD214 Form notarized by a veteran notary
• a marriage certificate, if applicable
• birth certificates for each dependent child, if applicable

All veterans, whether or not exempt from paying tuition, must pay all fees.

For more information on veterans education benefits write to:

Regional Office
Department of Veteran Affairs
JFK Federal Building, Government Center
Boston, MA 02203

Some veterans from Massachusetts are entitled to attend Fitchburg State University on a no-tuition basis.

Additional information may be obtained from:

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Department of Education
1385 Hancock Street
Quincy, MA 02169

Or call the hotline at (800) 827-1000.

National Guard Tuition and Fee Waiver Program

Active members of the Massachusetts Army or Air National Guard may be eligible for a waiver of Day tuition and fee charges. Qualifying students must be matriculated into a degree program, possess a current Certificate of Eligibility by the Military Division of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and be maintaining satisfactory academic progress as defined by the financial aid office.

Contact the Student Accounts Office for more information.

Scholarships

In addition to the gift aid programs already listed, Fitchburg State University has numerous scholarships of its own. These scholarships are administered by the University Scholarship Committee or by the appropriate area representative. To assist in the evaluation of need, a scholarship application or a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) may be required. Scholarship applications are available on the Financial Aid Web site (www.fitchburgstate.edu/finaid/) beginning February 1 and running through March 1. Completed applications must be received in the Financial Aid Office no later than March 1.

I. Scholarships Awarded by the Alumni Association

Alumni Legacy Scholarship

Awarded to full-time undergraduate students who have completed at least one semester at Fitchburg State University and have a grandparent, parent, spouse, sibling or dependent who is a Fitchburg State University alumnus/a. Priority is based on academic excellence and/or financial need.

Mary F. Burnham and Mary Frances Burnham Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time undergraduate who has completed at least one semester at Fitchburg State University. Students must be working to support their education. Demonstrated financial need is preferred. Amount: varies.

Class of 1942 Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time undergraduate with a 3.0 GPA and a record of demonstrated leadership in University activities.

Class of 1953 Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time junior education major with a 3.0 GPA who demonstrates financial need, participates in class activities, and supports the university.

Class of 1954 Scholarship

Awarded to a junior education major who demonstrates academic excellence, has financial need and is involved in school activities.

Class of 1955 Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time undergraduate who has completed at least one semester at Fitchburg State University.

Class of 1967 Scholarship

Awarded to a Fitchburg State University student chosen on the basis of academic merit and financial need.

Vincent J. Mara Scholarship

Awarded to full-time students who demonstrate academic excellence with a GPA of 3.5 or above and/or community service or extracurricular activities.

Dean Rachupka ’93 Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to undergraduate students majoring in Education. Students must be residents of North Central Massachusetts (Ashburnham, Bolton, Clinton, Fitchburg, Gardner, Hubbardston, Lancaster, Leominster, Lunenburg, Princeton, Sterling, Templeton, Westminster, or Winchendon). The scholarships are for one year as long as a 3.0 or higher GPA is maintained. Preference will be given to non-repeating student recipients. Preference will also be given to students who display evidence of good character and active participation in extra-curricular activities and/or community service. This award is presented during the spring semester at the Honors Convocation.

Daniel J. Sullivan Scholarship

Awarded to students demonstrating financial need.

Philip J. Tardanico Scholarship

Awarded to a junior Industrial Technology major who is a U.S. citizen and demonstrates academic excellence, enthusiasm for and commitment to a career in teaching, strong moral character, and financial need. A letter of reference must be submitted from a faculty member in the Industrial Technology Department.

II . Scholarships Awarded by the Scholarship Committee

Ken and Cherie Ansin ’96 Scholarship

Awarded to a non-traditional Human Services undergraduate student.

W. E. Aubuchon Jr. Scholarship

Awarded to a student who resides in Aubuchon Hall. Financial need may be considered.

Leo Bourque Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time student who is currently a resident of Leominster, and has lived in Leominster for a minimum of three years, demonstrating financial need.

William E. Clark III Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to a student demonstrating academic achievement, financial need, and potential to succeed.

A. Wallace Cunningham ’43 Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to a student demonstrating academic achievement and financial need.

Carol Mulloy Cuttle Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time undergraduate Special Education major who demonstrates academic excellence. Financial need and involvement in extracurricular activities will also be considered. A student from Fitchburg or surrounding communities is preferred.

Dr. Edward T. Donnelly Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time Education major or minor who demonstrates financial need.

Esoteric Society Scholarship

Awarded to a current, full-time undergraduate student who maintains a 2.5 cumulative grade point average and demonstrates financial need.

Grace Gummo Nursing Scholarship

Awarded to three qualifying students enrolled in the Nursing program.

Walter F. Harrod ’40 Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time Industrial Technology student who possesses a minimum GPA of 2.8 and has earned 90 credits. Preference will be given to students planning to enter a professional field in industrial technology. Financial need may be considered.

Leary Family Scholarship

Awarded to students who are the children or grandchildren of current or retired staff who have been employees for a minimum of three years at Fitchburg State University.

Leblond-O’Sullivan Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time junior or senior with financial need and a record of service to the university.

Leominster Credit Union Scholarship

Awarded to sophomore, junior or senior students who are residents of Worcester County with a minimum 2.75 cumulative grade point average (GPA). Recipients must also demonstrate a commitment to community service, by involvement with community organizations, nonprofits, clubs or other groups, which may include, but not be limited to, internship and service work related to their educational experience at Fitchburg State.

Buddy McMurray Good Fellowship Scholarship

Awarded to a student whose contributions to the university are positive, salutary, and inspirational of the goals for which they entered Fitchburg State University.

Annette Rose Mitchell Nursing Scholarship

Awarded to a senior Nursing student who has maintained a 3.0 GPA.

Flora D. Mulholland Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to a nursing student demonstrating high academic achievement and financial need.

Nypro Scholarship

Awarded to an undergraduate junior or senior majoring in the Science and Technology fields based on academic merit and financial need.

Kathleen Mary O’Neil Scholarship

Awarded to an undergraduate junior or senior majoring in the Science and Technology fields based on academic merit and financial need.

Dr. Anthony J. Polito ’48, ’49 and Florence D. Polito ’50 Family Memorial Trust

Awarded in honor of Fitchburg State University veterans and all Fitchburg State University faculty members who have served the institution.

John L. Powers Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to an industrial technology major who has maintained at least a 2.0 GPA and demonstrates financial need.

Clifford Querolo Scholarship

Awarded to a student in the Industrial Technology program, or to one who intends to teach industrial, vocational or occupational education.

Michael P. and Barbara Riccards Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time undergraduate on the basis of financial need and academic record.

Albert P. Russo ’52 Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time undergraduate junior or senior majoring in Education and demonstrates financial need.

Sterilite Corporation Scholarship

Awarded to students who demonstrate financial need.

Dr. Burnham Walker Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time biology or nursing major who demonstrates academic achievement and financial need.

Lara A. Willard Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time, female, undergraduate nursing student evidencing scholastic achievement, demonstrating financial need and demonstrating the potential to succeed.

Carl T. Witherell Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time undergraduate Industrial Technology major.

III. Departmental Scholarships

Please contact the department listed for additional information.

Departmental scholarships offer the unique opportunity for returning students to work closely with the department chairperson of their specific discipline. Priority is given to those students with a record of academic excellence and previous departmental service. There is no financial need basis required for these awards, and decisions are made through each specific department.

Matti N. Antila Poetry Award

Awarded to a junior. Contact the English Department.

Lena Caron Award

Awarded to a graduating senior enrolled in Special Education who has shown expertise in teaching students.  Contact the Education Department.

Center for Italian Culture Scholarships

Awarded to students pursuing academic studies in Italian language, Italian culture or Western civilization at Fitchburg State University. Preference will be given to students who minor in Italian studies. Please fill out the online application and submit to Financial Aid. Students must access the CIC website (www.fitchburgstate.edu/offices/community-outreach/center-for-italian-culture/scholarships/) for specific requirements.

Stephen W. Clair Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to a geography/earth science major who has earned at least 30 credits, has at least a 3.0 GPA, is an active member of the Geography Club, and demonstrates financial need. Contact the GEO/Physical Sciences Department.

Roberta Fitzmaurice Connors ’63 Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time early childhood education major who demonstrates the ability to be an outstanding early childhood educator. Candidates must have earned at least junior status.

Garrett Conrad Scholarship

Awarded to a student with a disability. Applicants must be registered with Disability Services, qualify under ADA, enroll for at least six credits each semester, and have completed at least one semester at Fitchburg State University. Preference will be given to students with an outstanding record of service and commitment to the university and community. Contact Disabilty Services.

Elaine T. Coyne Women in Film Scholarship

Awarded by the Communications Media Department to a female student under criteria established by the department. Contact the Communications Media Department.

Matthew C. Dimacale Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to a non-traditional education major who plans to teach. Eligible to incoming freshmen as well as sophomores, juniors and seniors. Preference will be given to students with some musical background. Contact teh Education Department.

Early Childhood Education Scholarship

Awarded to an Early Childhood Education major.

Kay Flynn ’57 Special Education Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time sophomore, junior or senior with a primary concentration in Special Education with a 3.2 GPA or higher. Preference will be given to non-repeating student recipients. Preference will be given to students who display evidence of good character and active participation in extracurricular activities and/or community service with special needs individuals. If a student fails to return to school, does not complete both semesters of the academic year, or does not meet the criteria, the remaining scholarship may be awarded immediately to a deserving student following the above criteria. The faculty of the Fitchburg State University Special Education program or its successor program or department will select a recipient (and a secondary recipient in the event that the primary recipient cannot accept the scholarship) who meets these criteria. Contact the Education Department.

James Guertin Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time North Central Massachusetts Nursing student exhibiting financial need. Sophomores, juniors and seniors are eligible. May be renewable up to two years. Contact the Nursing Department.

Patrick and Mary Hammond Band Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time student chosen as an outstanding member of the Fitchburg State University Band. Contact the Instrumental Ensemble Directors.

Patricia A. Hess ’94 Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time, non-traditional female student. Candidates must be undergraduate English and/or Economics, History or Political Science majors with a minimum 3.0 GPA and 30 earned credits. Contact the Economics, History and Political Science or English departments.

Leo J. Hines Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to a qualified English major demonstrating academic excellence. Contact the English Department.

William Keough Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time undergraduate who has completed at least one semester at Fitchburg State University with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in English. Preference will be given to students excelling in creative writing. Minorities are encouraged to apply. Contact the English Department.

Lou Lorenzen Visual & Performing Arts Award

Awarded to a full-time sophomore student becoming a junior with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Preference will be given to a Communications Media major who also minors in Art, or shows aptitude, promise and/or a deep interest in art. Preference is given to students with financial need. Secondary preference is to be based on the student GPA. Contact the Communications Media Department.

Daniel A. Mahoney Scholarship presented by J.M. Coull, Inc.

Awarded to a full-time junior or senior with a focus in construction management with a minimum GPA of 3.0.  Preference will be given to a student active in the NAHB club.

Charles D. Maner Scholarship

Awarded to a full time undergraduate student, employed by the Technology Department, who has a passion for technology and is an outstanding Technology Department student employee. Students should have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, with preference for a major of business, computer science, economics, but not limited to such majors. Recipient will be selected by the CIO and the IT management team and recognized at convocation.

Francis Marcille ’60 Memorial Award

Awarded to an outstanding undergraduate (based on university involvement and community service) Industrial Technology major, with a minimum GPA of 3.0, who will enter the field of education. Preference given to students seeking employment in Massachusetts. Contact teh Industrial Technology Department.

Eunice J. Matson Scholarship

Awarded annually to one full-time junior or senior Special Education major and one full-time junior or senior majoring in one of the academic programs in the Behavioral Sciences Department. Each award will be based upon community involvement, leadership, scholarship, financial need and a narrative (essay on why you should be considered for the scholarship). Contact the Education Department or Behavioral Sciences Department.

Dr. Anne May Memorial Award

Awarded to a full-time sophomore, junior or senior majoring in Special Education with a minimum GPA of 3.2.  Preference will be given to students who excel in community service with special needs individuals.  Students must demonstrate the ability to be an outstanding special educator.

North End Subaru Mazda Community Service and Business Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time junior student becoming a senior with a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA).  Recipients must be residents of the North Central Massachusetts region and must also demonstrate involvement with their community, including outreach, community service, participation, and any other involvement relating to bettering themselves and their community, which may include, but not be limited to, internship and service work related to their educational experience at Fitchburg State.  Contact the Business Department.

Helen T. O’Flaherty Scholarship

Awarded to an early childhood education major who demonstrates financial need. Preference will be given to minority applicants. Award is renewable if recipient maintains satisfactory academic progress as defined by the university. Contact the Education Department.

Owens-Mara Scholarship

Awarded annually to an elementary education major completing junior level work during the spring semester and selected by the Education Department based upon promise as a future elementary leader. Contact the Education Department.

Frank Patterson Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 2001 through generous donations by band alumni, the Fitchburg State University Alumni Association, faculty, and anonymous sponsors, to honor the memory of Dr. Frank Patterson, longtime Professor of Music and director of bands.  Objective:  to provide up to full tuition for a cycle of 10 private instrumental lessons with a professional teacher.  Eligibility:  recipient must be a full-time student at the university for the semester the award is received, and participate in one or more of the instrumental ensembles.  Awardee must demonstrate promise, accomplishment, and interest in achieving high standards of performance on their instrument.  Contact:  Humanities Department. 

Louis P. Shepherd Award in Creative Writing

Awarded to the year’s best student portfolio of creative writing. The award is open to all students regardless of major and/or formal course work in English. Contact the Education Department.

Louis P. Shepard Scholarship

Awarded to a student showing achievement in the English discipline. Contact the English Department.

Special Education Scholarship

Awarded to a Special Education major. Contact the Education Department.

Student Government Association Scholarships

Awarded to sophomores, juniors, or seniors with a minimum 2.2 cumulative GPA and a record of student leadership. Contact the Student Government Association.

Visiting Nursing Association Trust Scholarship

Awarded annually to a nursing major. Contact the Nursing Department.

Robert W. Wilson Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time undergraduate student who has completed at least one semester with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in Communications Media. Preference will be given to students actively engaged in the community. Contact the Communications Media Department.

IV . Admissions Scholarships

Please contact the Admissions Office for more information on these and other scholarships awarded to entering first year students.

Ethel P. Mandrus Donahue ’41 Scholarship

Awarded to an incoming student intending to enter the Special Education Teacher Certification Program. The recipient must demonstrate financial need and be a resident of Hampden County, Mass. Renewable as long as the recipient remains in the special education program maintaining a 3.0 GPA.

Fitchburg Mutual Insurance Company’s W. Bruce Adams Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to a public high school graduate with a minimum GPA of 3.0 from the towns of Ashburnham, Ashby, Fitchburg, Leominster, Lunenburg or Westminster. Recipient must be a first-year student with a parent adjusted gross income of $40,000-$60,000. Not renewable.

Henry Frank Scholarship

Awarded to full-time entering freshmen and transfer students from Norwalk, Conn., or within a 15-mile radius of Orange, Mass. Preference given to students from Norwalk. Selection is based on academic achievement. No application is necessary.

Jeanne M. Joyal ’53 Scholarship

Awarded to a freshman student, based on financial need and/or merit. Recipient must be an elementary education major and a resident of Western Massachusetts. Participation in extracurricular activities and/or community service considered. Renewable.

Ruth Lee Scholarship

Awarded to a student from the North Central Massachusetts region (the cities and towns included in the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce membership.) Recipient will be chosen on the basis of academic merit.

Myra McGuirk-Bonitz ’14 and Arlene (Bonitz) Bentley ’52 Scholarship

Awarded to full time incoming freshmen students majoring in Education. Recipients must be residents of Worcester County, with preference given to residents of Fitchburg and Leominster. Preference given to female students and students interested in pursuing K-12 teaching careers, including special education. Renewable if incoming freshman class does not meet criteria.

Ying Gean and Sui King Yee Scholarship

Awarded to an incoming Asian-American student, based on financial need and/ or merit. Participation in extra-curricular activities and/or community service considered. Renewable.