Mount Mercy provided $8.6 million in scholarship support to undergraduates in 2011–12, including $596,000 from endowed and named scholarships. A total of 225 endowed scholarships, which are a continual source of support for Mount Mercy students, were awarded. Additionally, annual donors provided 106 named scholarships.

Institutional Aid | Scholarships & Grants

Academic Scholarships, Grants & Awards  |  $4,000-$16,000

• Awards include the Presidential Scholarship, Distinguished Honor Scholarship, Honor Scholarship and Collegiate Award
• Must be enrolled full-time to receive full award
• Awards will be reduced for part-time enrollment
• Must be enrolled a minimum of 6 hours to receive a partial award
• High school students: based on high school GPA and ACT/SAT score
• Transfer students: based on college transfer GPA 

Legacy or Sibling Scholarship  |  $1,000

• Must be nominated by a parent, grandparent or sibling who has graduated from Mount Mercy
• Must enroll with full-time status
• Refer a prospective student online >

Athletic Scholarships

• Awarded to entering full-time students academically eligible to compete in NAIA athletic events
• Coaches of each sport with work with the Athletic Director and Student Financial Services Office to award the scholarship

Catholic Education Grant  |  $1,000

• First-year students only
• Graduates of Catholic High Schools

Archdiocese of Dubuque Parish Award  |  $500

• Recipients selected by parish priest

Special Talent Scholarships   |  $3,000
Open to incoming freshmen students only.

• Scholarships including Art & Design, Instrumental Music, Theatre Arts, Vocal Music, and Writing
• Must complete a scholarship application and participate in an interview session or audition
• Open to incoming freshmen students in all disciplines, including international students
• Available to full-time, degree-seeking students entering Mount Mercy directly from high school
• Major not required

Social Work Scholarship through the Department of Psychology, Sociology, and Social Work  |  $500-$2,000

• Scholarship applications and materials are required (expectations vary by application and program)
• High school students: 2.5 or higher high school GPA
• Transfer students: 2.5 or higher college transfer GPA
• Demonstration of ability, talent, and dedication in major area of study
• Must enroll half-time
• Download the Social Work Scholarship application form

Sister Mary Ildephonse Holland Scholarship  |  Up to full tuition

• Requires minimum 26 ACT Composite and 3.5 Cumulative GPA
• Scholarship awarded from participation in Scholarship Day
• Evidence of strong community service and extra-curricular activities desired
• Must complete the Admissions and Scholarship Day application process by desired date
• FAFSA must be filed by July 1
• Student will be required to live on-campus
• Only for Fall and Spring semesters

Out-of-State Grant  |  $500-$3,500

• Need-based
• Must reside out-of-state
• Must complete FAFSA by July 1
• Must enroll with full-time status
• Must live on campus

Outstanding International Student Award |  $3500-$7000

• The International Grant is awarded to international students not eligible for federal financial aid. 
• The amount is determined by whether the student is living on or off campus.

One-Course Grant  |  $300

• Students enrolled for one course (3-5 hours) are eligible 
• Students must complete the course with a grade of C or better (C- does not count), maintain a grade point average of 2.30
• Apply for fall grants by December 30 and spring grants by May 31
• Those receiving employer reimbusement or other forms of aid are not eligible

Honor Society Scholarships for Transfer Students: Phi Theta Kappa and Kappa Beta Delta  |  $1000

• For transfer students only
• Must be a member of Phi Theta Kappa or Kappa Beta Delta
• Must submit a copy of membership card or certificate of membership
• Awards are non-duplicative (one honor society scholarship per student)
• Must maintain a 3.25 or higher cumulative GPA
• Must be a 2-year college transfer
• Must transfer at least 45 credits
• Must be enrolled full-time
  

State & Federal Programs | Grants 

Iowa Tuition Grant  |  $400-$4,000

• Need-based
• Must reside in Iowa
• Must complete FAFSA by July 1

Federal Pell Grant

• Need based
• Apply by filing a FAFSA
• Award determined by number of credit hours student is taking and Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
• No repayment required unless student changes credit hours or withdraws from school

Federal TEACH Grant

• Must file a FAFSA
• Must be a U.S. citizen enrolled in a qualified teacher education program
• Students must also sign an Agreement to Serve (ATS) that obligates them to teach for 4 years within 8 years of completing or ceasing enrollment in a TEACH grant eligible program
• If obligation is not met the grant converts to an unsubsidized loan and must be repaid with interest
• A student must teach in a low income elementary or secondary school in a high need field
• A cumulative GPA of 3.25 must be maintained

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

• Awarded to undergraduates with exceptional financial need, that is, students with the lowest Expected Family Contributions
• No guarantee every eligible student will be able to receive a FSEOG
• Awards are based on the availability of funds at Mount Mercy