At. St. Ambrose, we can help you to understand the costs associated with earning your degree, as well as the options available to pay for it.
Congrats on making the decision to earn your degree at SAU. The next step is to figure out how to finance your education. Whether you want to earn your degree on campus or online, we will give you the information you need to make smart financial decisions.
The first step to understanding the cost of your degree is to select what program and degree you are interested in earning. This will help us understand your base costs and what options are available to you.
You can reduce the cost of your tuition in a variety of ways. Consider transferring any college credits you’ve already earned, pursuing employer tuition assistance, or applying for scholarships.
Together we can explore a combination of scholarships, grants or loans; your own contributions; and federal financial aid, if needed.
Students pursuing a bachelor degree can use the Net Price Calculator to help estimate out-of-pocket costs for a degree from SAU, plus financial aid and scholarship figures. The calculator is available for first-year students as well as transfers.
Unlike student loans, scholarships and grants don't need repayment. We offer and accept various scholarships, so you can focus on studies, not finances, for both online and on-campus learning.
If you already have earned some college credits, or an associate degree, you may be able to transfer those credits to reduce the number of credits you need – which can help you save money and earn your degree faster.
St. Ambrose University assists veterans, service members and their families with federal and state military education benefits. St. Ambrose University is also proud to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
Talk to your employer. Whether you are earning your undergraduate or graduate degree many employers offer tuition assistance for eligible employees to go to school. Check to see if your employer offers any educational benefits.
Ensure eligibility for work-study jobs by referencing your financial aid award. New student work-study positions open on Handshake in July. Keep an eye on your SAU email for details before and after summer orientation.
If ineligible for work study, explore on-campus jobs. New student campus positions open on Handshake in July. Stay informed through SAU email before and after summer orientations.
Federal Financial Aid isn’t just for student loans. By filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you’ll be able to determine your eligibility for certain grants and aid programs that can help reduce the cost of your education. We encourage all students to fill out this free application to determine eligibility for financial aid programs.
Need more information? Learn everything you need to know about applying for financial aid.
Some private lenders, such as banks, credit unions or other organizations, offer educational loans. Make sure you evaluate the interest rate and repayment terms carefully before taking out a private loan. Federal loans often have more advantageous terms. Also remember that you can borrow less than what you are offered. Talk to your admissions officer or Student Financial Services representative to find out how much you need for each quarter of tuition.
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.
Take advantage of all the ways to reduce your tuition costs, as this allows you to make your degree more affordable. Now that you have a better understanding of the cost of your degree and ways to reduce that cost through funding options, it’s time to put together a plan. Use this checklist to map and track the cost of your degree.
Invest in your future. Contact SAU's Student Financial Aid to learn what assistance options are available so you can become who you're meant to be.
