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file. FAFSA applications can be completed online at: www.fafsa. ed.gov. The FDSL MPN is available online at: www.studentloans. gov Students may be eligible to borrow up to $20,500 per academic year, depending on the number of credits for which the student is enrolled. Students must successfully complete 18 credits in order to be eligible for the next increment of $20,500. Please note: Graduate students are not eligible for PHEAA or PELL grants.
Graduate Student Incentive Awards
Students may qualify for a Graduate Student Incentive Award. The awards range from $100 - $525 per semester and are available to graduate students who are receiving no other form of assistance such as scholarship, grant, tuition discount, or company reimbursement (excluding educational loans). To be considered for this award, you must be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen and complete either the FAFSA or a Graduate Student Incentive Award application. Online programs and certain majors are excluded from this scholarship program. Refer to the Office of Graduate Admissions brochure “Financial Facts and Policies for Graduate Students” for additional information or contact the Financial Aid Office. Graduate Student Incentive Award applications are available in the Offices of Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid.
Gannon University Grant for Diocesan Employees
Full-time employees of the Catholic Diocese of Erie or an approved affiliate institution are eligible for the Gannon University Grant for Diocesan Employees. This grant from Gannon University is designed to assist Diocesan employees who are continuing their education at Gannon University on a part-time (fewer than 9 credits per semester) basis. Students are not eligible if they are enrolled in Health Science or Doctoral programs. For additional information refer to the Office of Graduate Admissions brochure “Financial Facts and Policies for Graduate Students” or contact the Education Office of the Diocese of Erie. Students cannot be receiving any other type of assistance. Application forms are available in the Office of Graduate Admissions and the Education Office of the Diocese of Erie. The application must be completed by the student and approved by the Vicar of Education each semester and submitted to the Cashier’s Office prior to the due date of the bill. Once the approved application is received, the grant will be applied to the student’s bill.
Employment Services
The Office of Career Development and Employment Services, located in the Student Success Center on the first floor of the Palumbo Academic Center, is available to assist graduate students in their job search. Staff will work with students who are seeking part-time employment while completing their degree, as well as those who are seeking professional positions at any time after graduation.
Experiential Education
Graduate students have the opportunity to participate in co-op and internship placements. The professional experience acquired through participation in co-ops and internships can give the Master’s degree graduate a competitive edge in the job market. Students can explore these opportunities with their academic advisor or through the Center for Experiential Education located in the Student Success Center on the first floor of the Palumbo Academic Center.
Assistantships
There are a limited number of assistantships available through various departments of the University. Generally the positions require part-time professional contributions by the student in return for tuition waiver and a stipend. For an updated list please call the Office of Graduate Admissions. Competition for assistantship openings is quite intense; therefore, early application is essential.