A master’s degree from Siena College will give you a competitive edge in the marketplace and greatly increase your earning potential. Graduate school is an important commitment and investment—and it pays off. On average, individuals with master’s degrees earn 17.9% more than those with a bachelor's degree. This adds up to $700,000 more in salary earnings over the course of their careers.*

SCHOLARSHIP

Matriculated Master's in Accounting students are eligible for a $2,500 Franciscan scholarship ($1,250 for the fall semester and $1,250 for the spring semester). It is awarded to  students enrolled in at least 12 credits per semester with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.7 or higher.

FEDERAL LOANS

The Federal Direct Unsubsidized loan is available to students in The Siena MBA and Master's in Accounting programs who have filed and met the FAFSA eligibility criteria and are enrolled at least half time per semester (6 credits).  This loan does not require a credit check or a certain level of income to be approved. The maximum amount awarded per academic year is $20,500. This loan can be awarded for one semester when requested. Apply for this loan by submitting the FAFSA to Siena College.

The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS loan is available to matriculated students in The Siena MBA and M.S. in Accounting programs, have filed a FAFSA and pass the required credit check to determine credit worthiness. Maximum loan amount is based on the student’s cost of attendance minus all other financial aid (loans, grants, scholarships). You can apply for a PLUS loan on the Federal Student Aid website.

For both of these federal loan options, the borrower is responsible for all interest that accrues and can choose to either pay the interest while in school or it is deferred and added to the loan principal at repayment. Loan fees are deducted from the loan prior to the disbursement of the funds and borrowers are responsible for repayment of all such fees. Interest rates are determined each year and set in June of the upcoming academic year. Once set, the interest rate is locked in for the life of the loan.

Repayment on the loan begins 180 days after a student falls below part-time status, graduates or stops attending school. Students have many different repayment terms to select, some of which are income-driven. 

PRIVATE EDUCATION LOANS

Private education loans, or alternative loans, are available to students when federal loans are not enough to cover the cost of attendance or for students that do not qualify for any federal loans. Before applying for a loan, make sure the loan meets your personal needs and has the most competitive rates, fees and terms available. 

INFORMATION FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS TAKING GRADUATE COURSES

Siena undergraduate students have the opportunity to enroll in graduate courses as a blended semester only during their last undergraduate semester. The student must remain a full time undergraduate matriculated student to be eligible for the following:  

  • Institutional aid. Student must also be enrolled in at least 3 undergraduate credits during the blended semester to keep their institutional aid such as merit, Siena grant and endowed scholarships. 
  • Federal Grants. Students with Federal Pell Grant will be awarded as follows: 100% for 12 or more undergraduate credits, 75% for 9-11 undergraduate credits, 50% for 6-8 undergraduate credits and 25% for 3-5 undergraduate credits.
  • Federal Stafford Loans. Student must also be enrolled in at least 6 undergraduate credits.
  • Federal Work Study. Students must also be enrolled in at least 3 undergraduate credits to maintain eligibility. 
  • New York State grants. Students will be awarded 100% of their New York State grants as long as they are in their final semester of their undergraduate program. If the student is not in their final semester, they must be enrolled in at least 12 undergraduate credits to be awarded their New York State grants.

 

*Note: This estimate is based on national average bachelor's and master's degree salaries and a 3% salary increase each year and retirement age of 65.