Student Financial Services

Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships and grants are also known as gift aid. This is money that does not need to be repaid. While scholarships can be merit based or from an outside organization, grants are generally need based and are calculated based on the information that you submitted on the FAFSA.

Merit-Based Scholarships

MCPHS University aspires to enroll students who have outstanding ability, academic promise and a passion for health care. We recognize that a college education is one of the most important investments a student will make in his/her lifetime. To this end, our merit award program helps put an MCPHS University education within reach to qualified first-year applicants.

All awards, with the exception of the MCPHS University Special Recognition Scholarship, are based on academics and standardized test scores, and decisions are made without regard to financial need. There is no separate application for these awards, as merit scholarships are awarded at the time of admission. Additionally, these scholarships are renewable every year as long as the student maintains full-time enrollment and a specific grade point average that varies based on the award.

Completed admission applications must be received by February 1 in order to be considered for merit scholarships. 

Important Points to Remember

• Applicants to the Doctor of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical and Health Care Business, Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Pharmaceutical Sciences programs are eligible to receive one merit-based scholarship.
• The Dean's Achievement Award is available to freshmen who qualify and who have been accepted for admission for one of the following programs: Dental Hygiene, Nursing, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Nuclear Medicine Technology, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Radiation Therapy, Radigraphy, Premedical and Health Studies, Chemistry, Health Psychology, Medical and Molecular Biology, Public Health, and Health Sciences.
• The Dean's Achievement Award may be awarded to students who qualify for the Academic Achievement or College Merit Award. Students who qualify for either the Presidential Scholar or the Canadian Achievement Awards receive just the one scholarship.
• Merit scholarships will not be changed based on additional test scores or adjusted GPA subsequent to the admission decision.
• Students or applicants who do not hold U.S. citizenship or permanent residency in the U.S. are only eligible for the MCPHS University Special Recognition Scholarship.
• Completed admission applications must be received by February 1 in order to be considered for merit scholarships. 

*Cannot be combined with other scholarships.

†Students or applicants who do not hold U.S. citizenship or permanent residency in the U.S. are only eligible for the MCPHS University Special Recognition Scholarship.

Outside Scholarships

Obtaining an outside scholarship can help to support your out-of-pocket expense. If you receive a scholarship or award from an organization or outside source, simply send a copy of your scholarship directly to your Student Financial Services Counselor. For more information regarding outside scholarships that may be available, speak with your high school guidance counselor.

Endowed Scholarships

Numerous endowed scholarships have been established through the generous contributions of friends, supporters and alumni of the University. Financial need and academic performance are the most common criteria in awarding these scholarships. Students must apply for financial aid each year in order to be considered for these awards. These scholarships are awarded annually and are not automatically renewed for subsequent years.

MCPHS University Scholarship

This institutional program provides grants to students demonstrating financial need.

Federal Pell Grant

This federal program provides grants to undergraduate students demonstrating exceptional financial need. Award amounts are determined by the federal government.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The FSEOG program provides grants to undergraduate students demonstrating exceptional financial need.

Mass. Grant

The Mass. Grant program provides grants to undergraduate students who meet the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance, and who demonstrate financial need. Award amounts are determined by the state government and are estimated until final state appropriations.

Gilbert Grant

The Gilbert Grant program provides grants to undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. To be eligible, a student must meet the Massachusetts residency requirements as detailed by the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance.

Massachusetts Part-Time Grant

The Massachusetts Part-Time Grant program provides grants to undergraduate students demonstrating exceptional financial need and is designed to assist students who are not eligible for Massachusetts grants solely due to being enrolled less than full-time. Students must be enrolled in 6-11 credit hours and must be a resident of Massachusetts in order to qualify for a Massachusetts Part-Time Grant.