Institutional Aid
The mission of the Lindenwood University Grant System is to make it possible for the student to earn a college degree when that aspiration would otherwise be financially prohibitive for the student. In short, the Lindenwood University Grant System (institutional merit- and need-based gift aid) is intended to fill a funding gap and enable a student with need to pursue a college education. The “gap” is the difference between the total cost of tuition, room, board, and fees, and the sum of all personal and outside funding available to the student. The intent is for Lindenwood and the student to share equitably in covering the cost of the student’s college education.
A variety of scholarships and grants are awarded to students who have excelled in fields of study, community activities, the arts, or athletic competitions. Lindenwood University’s admissions and financial aid staff can advise prospective students of the full program of grant and scholarship availability. Although Lindenwood University grants and scholarships are credited in total at the beginning of each term, they are actually earned as charges are incurred.
Lindenwood University encourages students to apply for any outside scholarships for which they may be eligible. Scholarships or tuition benefits from outside private and non-profit institutions or organizations are another way to help finance undergraduate education. Students must report all anticipated outside resources, including scholarships, grants, fellowships, tuition benefits, veteran benefits, or any other type of financial resources to the Office of Day Admissions. Lindenwood admissions/financial aid counselors can advise prospective students and families of the policies and procedures regarding grants and scholarships.
In certain cases, outside awards may reduce eligibility for other financial aid or loans. Under NCAA rules, athletes must report the reason for their external awards, whether given based on athletic ability or based on some other criteria, such as academic merit or interest, non-athletic talent, ethnicity, residency, employment affiliation, etc. In certain circumstances, NCAA student-athletes may not be eligible to accept outside awards.
In no case may the total award exceed the cost of attendance (room, board, tuition, books, and fees). When a student becomes eligible for additional outside support above the cost of attendance, that revenue reduces institutional merit- or need-based grants. Scholarship checks received by the Office of Day Admissions will be distributed to the current term of enrollment, unless otherwise indicated in writing by the donating organization.