6 Ways St. Edward’s Is Making College More Affordable

At St. Edward’s University, we believe that every student deserves access to a high-quality education—regardless of their financial background. 140 years later, that idea is still at the heart of what we do on the hilltop day to day. Whether students are navigating the FAFSA process (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), or exploring ways on how to pay for college, we provide a range of opportunities that make a St. Edward’s education within reach.

Here are 6 ways we make college more affordable: 

1. Personalized Financial Support

We offer a one-on-one approach to helping students finance their education. From the day they apply to the day they graduate, financial aid counselors are here to guide them through the entire financial aid process. Counselors will help students determine their Pell Grant eligibility and identify additional scholarship opportunities to make college more affordable.
 

2. Generous Scholarships

In the 2023–2024 academic year, highly qualified first-year students at St. Edward’s received an average of $37,965 in scholarships and grants. We offer a wide range of merit scholarships and grants for college students to help make college more accessible from the start.
 

3. FAFSA Guidance for Student and Families

Completing the FAFSA is one of the most important steps in accessing financial aid and exploring how to pay for college. We are committed to helping students navigate the FAFSA application through a personalized approach that includes financial aid call-In events, webinars and information sessions. This is also available for Spanish-speaking families. When completing your FAFSA, be sure to use St. Edward’s University school code: 003621.
 

4. College Cost Calculator To Estimate Tuition

We provide helpful financial aid tools for the college search that help families understand how to pay for college by comparing the “sticker price” versus the “net price” for each school. One of the most useful tools is our College Cost Calculator – or Net Price Calculator – which helps students and families figure out how much they’ll pay for a St. Edward’s education after financial aid is applied. Very often, St. Edward’s is much more affordable than students and their parents realize. Families can see their real bottom line for college in just minutes by viewing our "How to Calculate Scholarships and Tuition" video (seen at the bottom of this page) and using our Net Price Calculator (NPC). 

NPC is an estimate. The official aid offer is sent by St. Edward's Student Financial Services office based on a student's Admission to the university.

5. Support for First-Generation Students

We support first-generation students through campus programs like First-Gen Scholars Week and the First Generation Scholars student group, and offer scholarships for first generation students to help make college more accessible.
 

6. Financial Literacy for Students

St. Edward’s is dedicated to our students’ success and helping them develop a college financing plan that meets their needs. Our financial aid counselors host webinars with students on topics like debt alleviation, budgeting and other topics of financial wellness. As part of the university's LiveWellSEU initiative, we’ll work with students to develop a personalized college financing plan that supports their goals and helps them make lifelong decisions around money. 
 

*The Student Aid Index (SAI) replaced the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) starting with the 2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Congress enacted this change in December 2020 as part of FAFSA simplification through the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021.