Types of Financial Aid
Grants and Scholarships |
Personal Loans |
Student Employment |
|---|---|---|
Students are awarded grants and scholarships based on achievements, academic performance, or financial need. These awards do not need to be repaid. |
Students or parents may source a loan from their chosen financial institution, which is money repaid with interest. |
Students gain valuable work experiences while offsetting their college expenses. |
Grants and Scholarships
Scholarships are gift aid, a type of financial aid that does not need to be repaid. Different sources provide grants and scholarships, including federal and state government programs, institutional programs, and private sources. Some are based upon financial need and others are merit-based. Students should strive to obtain as many grants and scholarships as possible to fund their college education.
Learn more about Principia’s Merit Scholarship opportunities.
Principia’s many donors and alumni make it possible for the institution to provide exceedingly generous grants to eligible students. Principia grants are awarded based on demonstrated financial need.
Private Grants and Scholarships
Principia College provides information about online scholarship searches as a service to our students. Principia does not endorse any of the individual sites listed. Students who use these scholarship search services do so at their own risk. However, as general advice to avoid scholarship scams, we recommend you do not pay for scholarship search services.
Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis
This interest-free loan program for undergraduates awards loans of up to $4,500 annually. Loans are available to students who are permanent residents of the St. Louis metropolitan area or who live in specific counties in Missouri and Illinois. For further information, visit sfstl.org.
Private Grants and Scholarships
Many firms and unions provide scholarships to employees and their children. Local philanthropic organizations also provide aid to residents. In addition, some churches may also have specific funding to help students with college expenses. Contact your guidance counselor, church, union office, or company personnel office for information.
Learn more about Principia’s Christian Science scholarship opportunities.
External Scholarships
These funds are awarded directly to the student from sources outside of Principia College (community, company, private agency, tuition reimbursement, etc.). These scholarships may require the completion of separate applications. Many firms and agencies extend educational benefits to their employees. Contact the personnel office of your parents’ place of employment to find out if the employer(s) will help finance your education. Don’t forget to contact businesses and organizations within your community for possible scholarship funds.
More information on national and local scholarships can be found here:
Private Education Loans
Principia College does not maintain a preferred lender list for private/alternative education loans. We do not recommend, promote, or endorse any specific lender. Students and families are encouraged to carefully research and compare loan products from various lenders to determine the best option for their individual financial needs.
Before pursuing a private loan, we strongly recommend that you first explore all federal, state, and institutional financial aid options by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov.
Educational loans are available from a variety of sources, allowing students and/or parents to borrow funds that can pay for some or all college costs. If a student decides to fund part of their education with an education loan, it is important they understand who is making the loan (the loaner), whose name the loan is in (the borrower), and the terms and conditions of the loan.
Private education loans are typically credit-based and may require a co-signer or endorser. Terms, interest rates, and repayment options vary by lender. You are free to select any lender of your choice, and your choice of lender will not impact your eligibility for financial aid or other services from Principia College.
It is important to remember that loans must be repaid, with interest, usually after graduation.
Student Employment
Part-time jobs are available to students to help offset their expenses. Our Student Employment Office is here to help you find and apply for positions in departments and offices at the College. The hiring process for all students is the responsibility of the student. Availability of student work is not guaranteed by the institution.
