We do not fund: 1. Students attending for-profit institutions. 2. Schools not accredited by North Central or its regional equivalent. 3. Students seeking a second baccalaureate degree. This includes career changes that now require different education.  4. Graduate students applying to The Foundation for the first time. We will consider funding graduate students who have been funded as undergraduate students in the recent past.     The maximum loan amount is $7,000 per academic year.

ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES (New applicants): To apply, you must: Be a citizen of the United States or in possession of an Alien Registration Card.   Be a permanent resident (defined as having primary home of record within and limited to) the following St. Louis metropolitan area: St. Louis city, or in the Missouri counties of St. Louis, Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, St. Charles or Warren, or the Illinois counties of Clinton, Jersey, Madison, Monroe, or St. Clair for at least two years prior to the date of application.  Demonstrate financial need. Note: Loan awards are made to the most financially needy candidates. The Foundation will consider applications with an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $12,000 or less. If you are unsure about the EFC, please click here to estimate your family contribution. If your EFC is greater than $12,000 and you have extenuating circumstances such as job loss or illness, please call The Scholarship Foundation to discuss your situation. We will consider individual circumstances.  Have achieved a minimum 2.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.  Plan to enroll or be currently enrolled in a degree program at a non-profit higher education institution accredited by a regional accrediting body (North Central or its equivalent in the region).   Be a responsible borrower, without history of educational loan default or bankruptcy. In some instances, a statement of exceptional circumstances will be considered. All fields of study, except the ministry, are eligible for funding. Additional eligibility requirements may apply depending on the specific program for which you are applying. See the application for further information or contact The Scholarship Foundation office for more details. We will not fund graduate students applying to us for funding for the first time.  CLICK HERE FOR A NEW APPLICATION.       CLICK HERE FOR A RENEWAL APPLICATION. The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis  8215 Clayton Road St. Louis MO 63117

HOW TO APPLY   Submit the following materials in person or by mail (postmarked no later than the application deadline date) to The Scholarship Foundation 8215 Clayton Road St. Louis , MO 63117    Applications and/or supporting documents may not be submitted electronically.   Application.   Written Statement should describe applicant`s professional and personal goals in no more than the equivalent of one typed page. The statement will be evaluated for proper format, punctuation, coherence, appropriate expression and articulation of ideas.  Federal Income Tax Returns (IRS Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ - all forms and schedules should be attached for applicant if filed, and for parents if applicant is dependent). Independent students will have reached the age of 24 by December 31 of the application year; or are an orphan or ward of the court; or are a veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States ; or are a parent with legal dependents; or are married; or have already attained a baccalaureate degree. Applicants that do not meet at least one of these criteria are considered dependent students. Independent students do not need to submit income tax information for parents. Please do not submit originals.      Divorced Families: Please enclose a copy of the portion of the divorce decree relating to child support and payment for college. If the applicant`s custodial parent is under an order to pay child support, please state the amount and frequency of the payment in a separate statement attached to the copy of the divorce decree document. Also, indicate whether the non-custodial parent is paying the level of support required by the court. If the non-custodial parent is obligated to pay a portion of college expenses, please indicate the amount. Student Aid Report (SAR) - ALL PAGES must be submitted as part of the application. The SAR is the document resulting from filling out and completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA may be filed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov or it can be submitted by mail. The Scholarship Foundation will also accept the need analysis document available online at www.finaid.com.    Recommendation Form - Included with the application packet. It should be given to the recommender with sufficient notice that they may complete the form and return it to the applicant or directly to The Scholarship Foundation by the postmark deadline. Recommendations are evaluated on the basis of content, strength of ratings as well as the applicant`s choice of recommender.       Official Academic Transcripts from every institution attended in the last 5 years must be postmarked by the application deadline. Photocopies or unofficial academic transcripts will not be considered. Applications must include at least a high school transcript or a minimum of 24 credit hours earned at a postsecondary institution. High school seniors should send the official transcript showing the 7th semester grades completed. Freshman college students should provide both high school and college transcripts. Please explain any gap more than one semester in a separate statement. Request all transcripts in writing and retain proof of your request. Original transcripts are required. Financial Aid Award Letter must be provided to The Scholarship Foundation as soon as it is received in order to make final determination about financial need for an interest-free student loan. The financial award letter is provided by the institution to the applicant and may not be available by the deadline. However, please understand that a decision cannot be reached about any application without a financial aid award letter.  RENEWAL STUDENTS: Renewal students must submit: Completed renewal application Student Aid Report Personal Paragraph, if changing major or schools Official Academic Transcript(s)

Other Things to Consider...  Does my transcript reflect a clear focus about my educational goals? Can others tell that I have a plan about how I will achieve my goals? Do I have a satisfactory explanation about difficult semesters? What else would I like others to know about me that is not reflected in my grade point?   Will a teacher, college professor or other faculty with whom you have established a prior relationship be willing to recommend you as a candidate for the loan program? Who else knows that you are on a serious path toward completing your degree? Are you able to describe your career goals and your plan for accomplishing those goals? Are you involved in extra-curricular activities? Have you had volunteer experiences? Do you have a history of responsible borrowing? Can you explain personal challenges and how you have been able to transform those adversities into opportunities?  Beat the deadline. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.