Institutional Scholarship

Purpose

This policy establishes the overarching framework for the administration and awarding of all institutional scholarship funds at Excelsior University. Institutional scholarships support students through financial assistance that may be based on need, academic merit, donor intent, other institutionally defined criteria, or a combination of these categories, with the goal of helping students commence or continue progress toward degree completion.

Scope

This policy applies to all institutional scholarship and grant funds, including but not limited to: need-based institutional grants, donor funded scholarships, program or school specific awards, enrollment, retention, or completion-based incentives, and scholarships with or without GPA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or demographic requirements. Individual funds may include unique non-discriminatory eligibility or selection criteria in accordance with donor agreements, institutional priorities, or regulatory requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility varies by scholarship. Funds may require submission of a FAFSA form (for need-based awards), alternate financial documentation, minimum enrollment levels, academic progress or GPA criteria (for merit-based awards), or non-discriminatory donor defined criteria such as program of study or military status. The University may revise or set additional fund-specific criteria as necessary. All awards are subject to available funds—a factor which shall be determined in all cases prior to review and award.

Selection Criteria

Selection criteria depend on the purpose of each scholarship fund and may include demonstrated financial need, academic performance, enrollment intensity, statements of circumstances or goals, donor specified characteristics, or institutional priorities supporting access, equity, persistence, or completion. Need-based funds are assessed using FAFSA data or approved alternatives. In no case shall any protected category outlined in federal or relevant state law be used as a selection criterion for award of any type of scholarship funding.

Award Determination

Scholarship awards may range from $1 up to full coverage of tuition and fees, depending on the structure and purpose of the specific scholarship fund. Award amounts are influenced by available funding, the number of eligible applicants, degree of financial need, and academic or merit criteria when applicable.

Renewal

Institutional scholarships are not automatically renewable unless explicitly stated by the specific fund and in the specific award. Students must reapply on each cycle, and eligibility is reassessed based on current criteria and available funding.

Policy Authority

Excelsior University reserves the right to alter, suspend, or discontinue any institutional scholarship program at its discretion. Final authority for award determinations resides with Student Financial Services and designated scholarship review bodies.

PROCEDURE

Administration

Institutional scholarships are administered by Student Financial Services (SFS) in collaboration with relevant University departments when needed. Responsibilities include managing application timelines, collecting required documentation, ensuring compliance with donor intent and regulations, and communicating decisions via email. SFS may coordinate with academic schools, Advancement, or other partners for funds requiring specialized review.

Oversight and Review Process

Excelsior University employs an Internal Scholarship Review Structure that may include a centralized scholarship review committee and/or program-, fund-, or donor-specific review groups, or may be administered by SFS personnel per a formula or process, as appropriate and/or as required. This flexible approach ensures that diverse scholarship programs with differing purposes or restrictions can be evaluated appropriately. Review bodies may evaluate applications, apply equitable criteria, consider financial and academic factors, and finalize award decisions. All decisions issued by designated review bodies are final and not subject to appeal.