Financial Aid

Financial aid - such as scholarships, grants, and loans - can help you and your family meet the total cost of attendance.

The Family

Both the government and all colleges start with the assumption that the primary financial responsibility for educating the student lies with the student and his or her family. We assume that achieving a college education is a basic family goal, and that each family will do all it can to commit its financial resources to that goal.

The College

Centre commits over $41 million of its own funds each year to assist families in meeting college costs. We want to enroll able students from diverse backgrounds, and generous alumni giving allows us to provide this assistance.

State and Federal Government

Over the years, both the state and federal governments have supported higher education by providing financial aid funds to eligible students.

The Process: Personal Attention

Your financial situation is given personal attention at Centre. All relevant information will be taken into account by a financial aid officer and our financial aid committee. Our dedicated staff strives to gain an appreciation for each family’s financial situation with the information provided. We are glad to answer any questions you may have regarding your aid award or the need-based aid application process at Centre.

 

If you feel that there is some aspect of your financial situation that merits a closer look on our part, simply write us a letter explaining your circumstances. We will review your file again and ask for additional documentation, if necessary.

 

For need-based financial aid consideration:
1) Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
2) Complete Centre’s own supplemental form, the Centre Aid Form.

 

Deadlines:
Priority financial aid deadline: Forms should be submitted by the deadline of your chosen application plan. (Early Decision: November 15, Early Action: December 1, Regular Decision: January 15)

Regular financial aid deadline: Forms should be submitted by January 15. Please note that you may submit your FAFSA beginning October 1 and some types of need-based aid may run out later in the application year. We encourage all families to submit the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1.

 

Click here for more information on applying for need-based aid.

The Result: Your Financial Aid Award

 

Students must re-apply every year for need-based aid, and financial need is reassessed annually based on the family’s financial situation. Most students who receive aid during their first year at Centre qualify for assistance in subsequent years.

 

Financial aid at Centre comes in two forms: merit scholarships and need-based financial aid.

 

• Merit scholarships at Centre fall into three categories: general merit scholarships (no separate application required), special scholarships (separate online application required), and premier scholarships (nomination and separate online application required).
• Need-based financial aid comes in the form of grants, work-study positions, and special loan options. You must apply separately for need-based financial aid.