News and Events:

College reaches out to parents regarding financial aid: A Message From Stephanie King, Director of Financial Aid

11.28.2008

The economic turbulence of recent months has created a sense of uncertainty that affects all of us. We in Student Financial Services are keenly sensitive to how our students and their families are being impacted, and I assure you that we are here to help.

A brief summary regarding Bay Path’s financial aid and academic opportunities can be found below. I also encourage you to contact Bay Path’s Student Financial Services at 413.565.1345 (or 1.800.782.7284, ext. 1345) if you have questions or concerns regarding financial aid, especially if your family’s financial situation has changed. Never be embarrassed or shy in telling us of your circumstances, such as loss of job or excessive medical bills, because we may be able to help in providing additional financial aid. In addition to consultation by phone, we are available many evenings and most Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. to offer one-on-one individualized assistance in financing your education.

What distinguishes a Bay Path education is that each student is treated as a unique individual. We know that every family’s financial situation is different and that we must respond accordingly. In addition to considering the financial aid and academic opportunities available, I ask that you keep the following in mind:

Bay Path has the lowest price of any private college in Western Mass/Northern CT
100% of full-time incoming students receive a guaranteed scholarship or grant that does not have to be repaid
All students are automatically considered for merit scholarships of up to $13,000 a year
The average loan debt for Bay Path graduates is below the national average

As noted above, the Student Financial Services staff is here to help you. With over 17 years of combined experience in the financial aid field, we take great pride in making sure Bay Path students have every opportunity to succeed. We look forward to serving you.

Facts that Help Make Bay Path College Affordable

Fact #1: Financial Aid is available.

Scholarships – Bay Path awards over $4.8 million in scholarships every year. These do not need to be paid back by students. We provide a wide variety of scholarships, including unique opportunities for students. For example, the National Science Foundation Scholars Program awards scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 PER YEAR FOR FOUR YEARS to qualifying students. We have also established two funds to specifically address the need of families whose financial considerations have changed: the Bayparents Fund and the Bay Path Opportunity Grant.

In addition to Bay Path sponsored scholarships, countless numbers of private scholarships are available and we strongly encourage students to seek these out. You can find private scholarship information through your local paper, on the internet, or by calling Bay Path’s Office of Student Financial Services. Always look for free scholarship searches on the internet, we recommend never paying for a scholarship search.

Grants – State and federal grants – that do not have to be repaid – are another option. Pell and Federal SEOG grants (Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant) as well as Mass State Grants and Massachusetts Gilbert Grants are a few of the options we can help you pursue.
Loans – Parents and students may be eligible for state and federal loans such as Stafford and Perkins Loans, at preferential rates and payback schedules. While there has been much in the news regarding the challenges of getting education loans, options are available.

Call Bay Path’s Office of Student Financial Services at 413.565.1345 or 1800.565.1000, ext. 1345 to learn how you can take advantage of scholarships, grants and loans.

Fact #2: Bay Path is one of the few colleges that does not impose mandatory across-the-board fees in addition to tuition.

Fact #3: Convenient payment plans are available through the Office of Student Financial Services.

We have a plan that fits your needs. For example, if you have trouble meeting the cost of the semester, you may want to consider a monthly no-interest payment plan.

Fact #4: Bay Path is increasing the number of work-study jobs on campus, as well as paid co-ops and internships off campus.

Work-study positions provide valuable experience and help students cover expenses. Co-ops and internships serve as excellent references on a resume and also create networking opportunities that can lead directly to employment. Contact the Sullivan Career Center at 1.800.565.1000, ext. 1290 for more information on these opportunities.

Bay Path’s Academic Value

The strength of our academic programs is reflected in our continued ranking as a “Top College” in the prestigious U.S.News & World Report. Bay Path offers several academic options that can help reduce your educational expenses:

18 Credits/Semester – As a full-time student, you can enroll in classes that bring your total credits to 18 per semester at no additional tuition charge. This option may enable you to complete your graduation requirements earlier than anticipated. If you wish to pursue this option, you should discuss the criteria with your academic advisor.
Five-Year Option – To meet today’s challenges of the ever-changing workforce and workplace, Bay Path offers qualified undergraduate students opportunities to enroll in graduate courses during their senior year. These courses will be applied to their undergraduate degree as well as the appropriate graduate program at Bay Path College. Thus, a student may complete a master’s degree in just one year after receiving a bachelor’s degree, allowing the student to reduce graduate school costs. For more information, call the Graduate School Admissions Office at 413.565.1332 or 800.782.7284 ext. 1332 or 1317, or e-mail graduate@baypath.edu.
Career Services – The Sullivan Career Development Center is available to you as soon as you become a Bay Path student. From your first year to your senior year, the Center provides lifelong career support by offering personal guidance and advice to land the ideal job. The Center also maintains information regarding internships, co-ops, and employment opportunities on and off campus.