This is our third newsletter for candidates interested in the Samuel Merritt University MSW program. Over the past two weeks we looked at how to create your online Social Work CAS application page and sent out suggestions on requesting your reference letters. This week I thought it would be helpful to look at the financial aid process and give you updates on the our scholarship application process. I understand the challenges that prospective graduate students face when it comes to financing your education. In light of this, I wanted to provide you with some guidance and information on finding financial support for your graduate studies.

Graduate education is a significant investment in your future, and at Samuel Merritt University we firmly believe that financial limitations should not hinder talented people from pursuing their academic goals. There are numerous avenues available to help fund your studies, and I encourage you to explore these opportunities to make your educational dreams a reality. Visit the University’s financial aid web pages for helpful information. 

Here are a few highlights from the SMU Financial AID webpage:

1. If you are planning on attending classes in the fall it is helpful to get your Free Application for Federal Student AID (FAFSA) application submitted by the end of June. Complete the FAFSA for both need based aid (grants) and as the starting place for government supported student loans. (There is a link to the FAFSA on the SMU webpage.)

2. The FAFSA is used to establish eligibility for both need based aid, scholarships, and loan funding, which is the majority of assistance available to graduate students. Completing the FAFSA is the first step in applying for any type of support. 

3. Some loans are eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, depending on the career you pursue. Review your loans and make sure they will qualify. 

4. Once you have completed the FAFSA and have been accepted into the program, the Financial Aid Office can meet with you to help you develop a financial aid package based on your needs. Our financial aid office is equipped to provide guidance and support throughout the application process. Please do not hesitate to reach out to them for personalized assistance and information about scholarships, grants, and loan programs available specifically to our graduate students.

Other topics:

Scholarships: Scholarships for the MSW program are being provided through a grant from the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI). The HCAI funds support $10,000 grants for year one and year two of the program and are available to the first cohort of entering students. As part of our admission notification process students will receive a letter explaining their scholarship award. The MSW department scholarships will be awarded on a rolling basis, so please get your applications in as early as possible if you want to seek a scholarship for the program.

Working while in school: Remember that the Samuel Merritt MSW program has also been designed to support your employment opportunities. You can consider full or part-time work opportunities while you are a student at Samuel Merritt University, which is one of the unique features of our MSW program.

Support from your employers: If you are currently employed in a social service position, discuss the possibility of financial support for your graduate studies with your employer. Some agencies offer tuition reimbursement programs.

I wish you the best of luck in your search for financial aid. Please feel free to contact me or the admissions office if you have any questions or need further guidance. We are here to support you in every step of your academic journey.

Warm regards, 

Ben

Ben-David Barr, PhD, MSW

MSW Department Chair Samuel Merritt University