Transfer or Adult Students
Bring us your goals and challenges, and we will help you achieve, and exceed, your own expectations. St. Ambrose is a welcoming, inclusive community of learners who grow, challenge, and succeed within academic rigor. We explore and expand our talents in all our pursuits. We support our peers and community through service projects and simple presence. We walk with you, as faculty, staff, and mentors, guiding and encouraging you to the end.
You've already started your education - now finish your degree at St. Ambrose
Enroll Tuition-Free
Through the Ambrose Advantage scholarship program, a tuition-free St. Ambrose University education is available to Pell Grant-eligible Iowans.
Black Hawk College Scholarship
Students transferring from Black Hawk College receive maximum of $20,000 (yes, it's renewable)!
Next Stop: St. Ambrose
Take the first step in your lifelong journey. Get a preview of the St. Ambrose University experience with a campus visit. Explore our current visit opportunities and register today. Be sure to also check out the main campus virtual tour!
Net Price Calculator
This calculator helps estimate your out-of-pocket costs plus financial aid and scholarship figures for joining St. Ambrose University as a transfer student.
Before you begin using the calculator below, it's helpful to have your or your parents' latest tax return (and your own if you have one) to help you to complete the Financial Aid section. The other sections – on scholarships and where you want to live – are self-explanatory.
Transfer Student Calculator
Costs
Undergraduate Tuition for Full-Time Status (12-18 credits): $17,659 per semester / $35,318 per year
Undergraduate Tuition for Part-Time Status (1-11 credits): $1,080/credit hour (16-week courses); $515/credit hour (accelerated and online courses)
Housing Fee: $150
Payable with housing contract offer after a student is admitted to the university on May 1.
Matriculation Fee: $100
One-time fee paid at initial registration.
Technology Fee: $280 per year
Software maintenance, upgrade network and lab equipment, enhance technological services.
Motor Vehicle Registration: Parking ranges from free to $130 per year.
Get details on parking.
Tuition, fees, housing and food are charged on a semester basis. These must be paid before students attend class, unless payment arrangements are made with Student Account Services office. This is not a complete list of fees. Lab, books, graduation, and other miscellaneous fees and expenses may apply for continuing students.
2023-2024 Academic Year: $515/credit hour (accelerated and online)
Fees Per Semester
- 12 or more credit hours = $140 ($280/year)
- 11 or fewer credit hours = $70 ($140/year)
- Matriculation = $75
Rates are effective summer through spring.
Scholarships and Grants
St. Ambrose offers excellent scholarships and grants, work-study and other financial aid options! Full-time students may be eligible based upon your strong academic performance in college, your talent in fine arts or athletics or your demonstrated financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The SAU school code for the FAFSA is 001889.
St. Ambrose scholarships awarded for fall and spring semesters only, and are renewable up to 120 credits of undergraduate study, which includes credits transferred to St. Ambrose from prior attendance. Scholarships are only awarded to students enrolled full-time coursework and combined total may not exceed cost of tuition. Award terms and regulations regarding financial aid eligibility are available below.
Download helpful PDFs of this information here: Transfer Iowa Resident or Transfer Out of State Resident
IOWA RESIDENT
Ambrose Advantage Full-Tuition Scholarship (more information here)
Iowa resident, full-time student, Pell Grant and Iowa Tuition Grant eligible, 2.5 cumulative GPA, admitted and file FAFSA by July 1
Phi Theta Kappa: $17,000
Awarded to all Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society members transferring from a community college
OR
ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on GPA
Awards:
3.5-4.00 GPA $15,500
3.0-3.49 GPA $14,500
2.5-2.99 GPA $13,500
2.0-2.49 GPA $11,500
Fr. Welch Alumni Scholarships: $1,000 on campus/$500 off campus per year
Parent is a St. Ambrose graduate
Dual Admission Scholarship: $1,000
Participant in SAU/community college dual admission program
Minority Scholarship: $500 per year
Ethnically diverse student
Athletic Scholarships: varies
Performance and ability
Fine Arts Scholarships: varies
Performance and ability in music, art and theatre
Student Leader Scholarship: $2,000 per year (more information here)
Involvement in select student clubs and organizations, additional application required by Dec. 31 2022. Cannot be combined with athletics or fine arts scholarships.
Faith Learning Justice Scholarship: $2,000 per year (more information here)
Involvement in campus ministry, additional application required. Cannot be combined with athletics or fine arts scholarships.
OUT OF STATE RESIDENT
PHI THETA KAPPA: $17,000
Awarded to all Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society members transferring from a community college
OR
ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS
Criteria: based on GPA
Awards:
3.5-4.00 GPA $16,500
3.0-3.49 GPA $15,500
2.5-2.99 GPA $14,500
2.0-2.49 GPA $11,500
Fr. Welch Alumni Scholarships: $1,000 on campus/$500 off campus per year
Parent is a St. Ambrose graduate
Dual Admission Scholarship: $1,000
Participant in SAU/community college dual admission program
Minority Scholarship: $500 per year
Ethnically diverse student
Athletic Scholarships: varies
Performance and ability
Fine Arts Scholarships: varies
Performance and ability in music, art and theatre
Student Leader Scholarship: $2,000 per year (more information here)
Involvement in select student clubs and organizations, additional application required by Dec. 31, 2022. Cannot be combined with athletics or fine arts scholarships.
Faith Learning Justice Scholarship: $2,000 per year (more information here)
Involvement in campus ministry, additional application required. Cannot be combined with athletics or fine arts scholarships.
Black Hawk Scholarship: $20,000 maximum per year
For students transferring directly, full-time enrollment for in-person programs. Scholarship is renewable for undergraduate coursework. Apply today or contact Becky Stremlow for more information.
Ambrose Advantage Full-Tuition Scholarship
Pell-eligible Iowa residents, learn more here
OR
Black Hawk Scholarship
transfer students from Black Hawk College, learn more here
OR
Academic Scholarship
3.5-4.0 GPA: $16,500
3.0-3.49 GPA: $15,500
2.5-2.99 GPA: $14,500
2.0-2.49 GPA: $11,500
ADDITIONAL INSTITUTIONAL AID
Phi Theta Kappa Academic Scholarship: $500
Awarded to all Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society members transferring from a community college
Fr. Welch Alumni Scholarship: $500 per year
Parent is a St. Ambrose graduate
Dual Admissions Scholarship: $1,000 per year
Participant in SAU/community college dual admission program
Minority Scholarship: $500 per year
Ethnically diverse student
Athletic Scholarships: varies
Performance and ability
Fine Arts Scholarships: varies
Performance and ability in music, art and theatre
St. Ambrose scholarships awarded for fall and spring semesters only, and are renewable up to 120 credits of undergraduate study, which includes credits transferred to St. Ambrose from prior attendance. Scholarships are only awarded to students enrolled full-time coursework and combined total may not exceed cost of tuition. Award terms and regulations regarding financial aid eligibility are available on our website.
Grants are money that you don't repay, and they can come from government or private sources. SAU receives all financial aid funds directly - including loans and grants - then applies them to your account: once in the fall term and once in the spring term. Grants can be used to cover your tuition, books, and housing costs. You must apply for grants each academic year. If you have any loan funds in excess of your costs, you may receive a refund. If you are a first-time borrower, there is a 30-day hold on your first disbursement. For all of these grants, you must complete the Free Application Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as it is available.
Iowa Tuition Grant
To be eligible for the Iowa Tuition Grant, you must be a resident of Iowa as defined by the State Board of Regents and currently enrolled or planning to enroll in an undergraduate degree program at an eligible Iowa college or university (SAU is eligible). Iowa College Aid administers need-based college financial aid for Iowans, such as the Iowa Tuition Grant.
Award: $7,500 maximum
Federal Pell Grant
Awarded to students of the highest need based on how much your family can contribute to your education. The U.S. Department of Education sets a threshold. Then, when you file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), it computes where you land within that threshold and determines if you qualify for the grant and for how much.
Award: $6,895 maximum
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
To qualify, you must file a FAFSA by the priority deadline of March 15 and you must qualify for a Pell Grant. This grant is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to students who have submitted all required documents for review and in time for the review to be complete. If you are eligible for a Pell Grant or SEOG, the awards will appear on your financial aid award letter.
Award: $400 maximum
Federal Work Study
Must secure campus employment.
Award: $2,560
Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant
Provides aid to students intending to teach in a high-need field at a school that serves low-income families (as determined by the U.S. Department of Education or a state education agency). Review criteria and all details here.
Award: up to $4,000
There are many opportunities to receive scholarships from outside sources, here are a few websites to begin researching your options:
- Fastweb
- College Board Scholarship Search
- Scholarships.com
- Peterson's Award Database
- Scholly (app download)
Another tip: Next time you're on campus, check out the bulletin board outside Student Financial Services where we post more flyers and applications for outside scholarships.
Upper Level Student Housing Options
Hagen Hall
$4,785 per semester / $9,570 per year
- Upper level students, co-ed by floor
- Four and six person apartments with single bedrooms
- Apartment includes a common living area, bathrooms, and kitchen
McCarthy Hall
$4,415 per semester / $8,830 per year
- Upper level students, co-ed by floor
- Apartment-style living with two double bedrooms
- Features a common living area, bathrooms, and kitchen
- Combined use residential and academic building
North Hall
$4,570 per semester / $9,140 per year
- Upper level students, co-ed by floor
- Four-person apartments with single bedrooms
- Apartment includes a common living area, bathrooms, and kitchen
- Academic themed housing option
Tiedemann Hall
$4,415 per semester / $8,830 per year
- Upper level students, co-ed by floor
- Apartment-style living with two bedrooms
- Features a common living area, bathrooms and kitchen
Townhouses
$4,415 per semester / $8,830 per year
- Upper level students
- Two-story, eight person townhouses
- Offers four double occupancy bedrooms and two bathrooms
- Features a common living area, kitchen and an outside patio with picnic table
First and Second Year Student Housing Options
Bechtel, Franklin, and Rohlman Hall
$3,850 per semester / $7,700 per year
- First year students, co-ed by floor
- Offers double occupancy, suite-style living
- Private bathroom and shower in each suite
Cosgrove Hall
$3,355 per semester / $6,710 per year
- First year students, co-ed by floor
- Offers double occupancy, suite-style living
- Private bathroom and shower in each suite
- Main cafeteria located on first floor
Davis Hall
$2,855 per semester / $5,710 per year
- First year through upper level students, female only
- Single bedrooms with options for double rooms
- Lower level includes a study lounge with a big screen TV
North Hall
$4,570 per semester / $9,140 per year
- Upper level students, co-ed by floor
- Four-person apartments with single bedrooms
- Apartment includes a common living area, bathrooms, and kitchen
- Academic themed housing option
Meal Plans
Each meal plan includes Buzz Bucks to spend during the semester on food court items and beverages, room service pizza or to buy a cafeteria meal for a guest. Meal plan change and appeal processes are available on the Housing Options and Meal Plans portal page.
7 meals per week + $225 Buzz Bucks
$1,900 per semester / $3,800 per year
12 meals per week + $275 Buzz Bucks
$2,410 per semester / $4,820 per year
19 meals per week + $200 Buzz Bucks
$2,670 per semester / $5,340 per year
160 meals per week + $100 Buzz Bucks
$2,500 per semester / $5,000 per year
St. Ambrose has partnered with Sallie Mae to offer an opt-in tuition insurance plan. Participation in the tuition insurance plan is optional and St. Ambrose University does not administer the program. The University's withdrawal and refund policies are applicable whether or not you enroll in the tuition insurance plan.
Each year thousands of college students are unable to complete classes for the semester due to unforeseen medical issues such as illness, accidents, concussions, or issues related to mental health.
Unfortunately, in many cases these families are unable to recoup all of their tuition dollars. At St. Ambrose, depending on the timing of the withdrawal, there may be circumstances where you may not be eligible to receive a full refund of your tuition and fees. We understand these types of situations can be a financial hardship for many families. Therefore, we are pleased to make available the Tuition Refund Insurance plan.
Tuition Refund Insurance can help refund your tuition, fees, and room/board charges - up to the policy limits - if you are unable to complete the semester due to a covered medical reason such as an illness, accident, or mental health issue (two-day hospital stay required for mental health-related issues). This insurance program complements and enhances our school's refund policy, and we believe families will benefit from this added protection.
Visit GradGuard for more information.
Loans
Loans are one way to pay for your degree.
Financial institutions lend money to a person over a set period of time with the legal expectation that the recipient will repay the amount.
As part of learning about loans, read SAU's Financial Aid Policies and use the Net Price Calculator to see how loans affect your budget.
Here are some important tips to follow when borrowing student loans:
- As a student loan borrower, be aware of your rights and responsibilities.
- Be a responsible borrower and only borrow what you need to cover your educational expenses. If you have borrowed more money than you need for the semester, you can always return it. There are no penalties for early repayment.
- Know your allotted grace period for each loan. If you go below half-time status or withdraw from school, you will enter your grace period. If your grace period elapses and you are not enrolled, you will begin your repayment period.
- Pay off accruing interest to avoid interest capitalization when entering repayment.
- Avoid defaulting on your student loan. If you have trouble making monthly payments, contact your student loan provider or school for help and information.
- If you have any loan funds in excess of your costs, you may receive a refund. If you are a first-time borrower, there is a 30-day hold on your first disbursement.
Federal Student Loans
All students filing a FAFSA are eligible for federal loans.
The SAU Financial Aid Office determines which types of federal loans you are eligible for, and the loans will be listed on your official award letter.
Federal Direct Loans
These are federally guaranteed loans. There are two types of Direct Loans: subsidized and unsubsidized. Learn more about these loan types on the federal Student Aid website.
- A subsidized loan is based on financial need; the government waives the interest accrual while the student is enrolled at least half-time. Repayment on a subsidized loan does not start until 6 months after the student drops below half-time enrollment, graduates, or withdraws.
- An unsubsidized loan is not based on financial need, and there is no interest payment deferment.
Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans
This loan is for parents who want to finance their student's remaining balance and expenses. This is a credit-based loan with a fixed interest rate (see the table below). Parents are responsible for the full payment or interest-only payments while their student is enrolled. The loan cannot exceed the cost of attendance that remains once all other institutional and federal aid has been applied.
| Loan Type | Borrower | Starting July 1, '23-June 30, '24 |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Subsidized | Undergraduate | fixed 5.5% |
| Direct Unsubsidized | Graduate and Undergraduate | fixed 5.5% (undergraduate); fixed 7.05% (graduate) |
| Direct PLUS | Graduate or Parents | fixed 8.05% |
*See the graduate student loan accordion for more information regarding federal loans available to graduate level students.
Federal loans have an origination fee, which is a one-time cost subtracted from the top of whatever amount they lend you to pay for administration and processing costs. The fees for 23- 24 are 1.057% for subsidized and unsubsidized Direct loans, and 4.228% for Parent PLUS and Graduate PLUS loans.
For information, visit the Federal Direct Loan website.
Quick Facts about the Federal Direct Loan Program
| Percentage | |
| St. Ambrose University undergrad students who take out a federal direct loan* | 67% |
| 2020 Cohort default rate for SAU students with a federal direct loan(s)** | 0.0% |
|
2020 Cohort default rate national average*** |
0.0% |
*Borrowing data is for the 2022-2023 academic year. Graduate data available upon request.
**The federally calculated cohort default rate (CDR) measures how many federal student loan borrowers default within a specified period after entering repayment. For the 2020 CDR, students would have went into repayment between October 2019 and September 2022, and defaulted by September 2023.
*** The national cohort default rate has dropped to 0 percent, which reflects the pandemic pause on student loan repayment. This page is updated each year when the Official Cohort Default Rate is released in September.
Private alternative loans are designed to assist students who need additional funding to meet the gap between the cost of attendance and any financial aid they have already received for that year/term.
Private loans are not part of the federal education loan program. Any student with questions or considering a private loan to help cover costs should first speak with the Financial Aid Office.
If you are considering a private educational loan, be aware of the following:
- As a private loan borrower, it is your responsibility to research which loan will be best for you. You should pay close attention to interest rates, fees, and repayment terms.
- If a lender approves the loan amount you requested, the University might not approve that same amount. The amount of money you may borrow (your loan) will be determined by both the University and other aid you receive. The loan also must fit within your Cost of Attendance budget set by the University according to Department of Education guidelines.
- Private/alternative loans are credit-based loans. This means that the company will run your credit history. If your credit does not pass, you may be required to have a co-signer in order to receive that loan. The majority of private educational loan lenders offer a choice of variable or fixed interest rates. Variable means that the rates will fluctuate with the market over the life of the loan. Fixed means your interest rate will stay the same over the life of the loan. This will greatly influence the total cost of the loan over the years of repayment. If you do require a co-signer, most lenders offer a co-signer release option. This means that once you are in repayment and can be approved for credit on your own, your cosigner will be removed from the loan through a refinance process.
- Many private educational loans also have associated fees. These processing or origination fees are charged to you and taken off the top of your loan. For example, you borrow $1,000 and the loan you chose had a 5 percent origination fee, you would only receive $950 because $50 is deducted for the fee.
- Once you apply, the Financial Aid office will be notified and we will certify your loan. In most cases, this is done electronically, but you can expect that processing will take several weeks to complete because of the credit underwriting that the lenders perform.
Compare Loans to Make an Informed Decision
This private loan comparison tool empowers you to take control of the process and make an informed decision in selecting the best private loan for your individual situation.
- FASTChoice, powered by Great Lakes loan guarantor and processor, helps you choose the right loan by presenting you with loan details, including eligibility requirements, interest rates, loan limits and borrower benefits. FASTChoice provides comparison tools for a variety of private educational lenders previously utilized St. Ambrose students.
As required by state and federal law, the preferred lender list has the following disclosures:
- In conjunction with lenders reviewed and used by our students, the SAU Financial Aid staff generated a list of lenders and compared those lenders' loan product details such as: fees, interest rates, rebates, etc. After evaluating those loan products, the staff generated a list of preferred lenders.
- Evaluation and Selection Criteria: After compiling a comprehensive list, lenders were evaluated and selected based on interest rates, origination fees, cosigner options, out-of-state borrower options, efficiency of loans processing, customer service, loan limit criteria, non-degree seeking loans options, past due balance options, and repayment options/incentives.
- Each lender on this preferred lender list is unaffiliated with the other.
- A student is not required to borrow from a lender on this list and may apply for a private student loan with any lender.
St. Ambrose University does not endorse any of the lenders included in the links above and cannot recommend specific lenders. Students may also choose to use a loan provider that does not appear in the list of lenders included at either of the links above.
You may be eligible for a portion or all of your student loan to be forgiven (not repaid) depending on your area of study, how your loan is financed, or where you work.
Information on this page is not exhaustive, so inquire with your loan provider or servicer.
Teacher Loan Forgiveness
If you plan to teach, you may qualify for a portion of your loan to be forgiven or completely paid (canceled).
Loan type: Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Subsidized Federal Stafford Loans, Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans
- Federal Student Aid website on Teacher Loan Forgiveness
- Illinois Teachers Loan Repayment Program (IL residents only)
- TeachIowa Loan Forgiveness Program
- Search the American Federation of Teachers funding database
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Working in certain public service jobs and making continuous payments on your Direct Loan may qualify the balance of your loan to be forgiven. Examples of public service include government jobs at any level, attorneys in certain fields, non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations, and other non-profit groups. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and VISTA also count.
- Federal Student Aid website on Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
- Americorps Education Award
- American Bar Association
Health Care Professionals Loan Repayment
Several programs offer loan repayment or forgiveness to those working in medical professions, usually in low-income or health professional shortage areas (HPSA).
Contact
Admissions Office
Admissions and Welcome Center
310 W. Locust St.
Davenport, IA 52803
563-333-6300
admit@sau.edu