Erie Promise Grant

The Erie Promise Grant programs serves students from Erie County, Pennsylvania, with demonstrated financial need to help them afford higher education. This scholarship promises to bring a world-class Mercyhurst education into reach for thousands of students and families in northwestern Pennsylvania.

Designed to meet 100% of unmet tuition costs in the first year of enrollment, Erie Promise is available to students with financial need who:

• Meet the university’s admissions standards for enrollment in a bachelor's degree program.
• Enroll as first-time, full-time, traditional-aged undergraduate.
• Receive a Federal Pell Grant or PA State Grant (or both).
• Have resided in Erie County, Pennsylvania, for at least two years prior to enrollment.
   

The amount of the Erie Promise Grant varies by recipient and is a “last dollar” scholarship, determined by deducting Pell grants and/or other federal, state, or institutional aid from the base tuition price. Essentially, if you’re eligible for an Erie Promise Grant, 100% of your tuition costs will be covered in your first year of enrollment. The grant does not cover fees, room, or board.

The grant is renewable for four years at the same amount determined at the time of initial eligibility, provided you maintain satisfactory academic progress and submit your FAFSA annually. Mercyhurst University reserves the right to amend the award based on any tuition updates.

In addition, recipients are eligible for additional support if they choose to live on campus. Students living on campus also receive a $2,500 Erie Housing Grant. The grant is renewable for up to four years, provided you continue to live on campus and maintain satisfactory academic progress.

We see this program as a service to enriching the educational attainment of our local community.  In its first year of implementation, the Erie Promise Grant has helped more than 100 students afford their Mercyhurst education.

Who is eligible for a Federal Pell Grant or PHEAA Grant?

Eligibility for a Pell grant is determined by the U.S. Department of Education when a student submits their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To give you an idea of the profile of the typical Pell-eligible student, during the most recent financial aid year, 75% of Mercyhurst students who qualified for Pell grants came from families with household incomes below $54,000.

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) state grant program has slightly different and more expansive eligibility criteria. Generally, most students who qualify for Pell grants are also eligible for PHEAA support. PHEAA aid is also determined by a student’s FAFSA information. There are strict deadlines for qualifying for PHEAA—students pursuing bachelor’s degrees must submit the FASFA by May 1, and students pursuing associate degrees must submit the FAFSA by Aug. 1.

Regarding PHEAA grant eligibility, according to the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, during the 2021-2022 award year:

• 99% of applicants whose parents’ annual income was below $25,000 qualified.
• 99% of applicants whose parents’ annual income was $25,000-$49,999 qualified.
• 97% of applicants whose parents’ annual income was $50,000-$74,999 qualified.
• 88% of applicants whose parents’ annual income was $75,000-$99,999 qualified.

We strongly encourage you to submit your FAFSA by March 1 each year.

A Scholarship Rooted in Mercy

Since Mercyhurst’s founding in 1926, we’ve strived to uphold the Mercy Mission in all that we do—including providing a world-class university education to all who aspire to it. Through Erie Promise, we’re furthering our mission-centered goals by bringing a quality Mercyhurst educational experience into reach for individuals and families in our region. This scholarship represents a vote of confidence in you and your potential to achieve great things.

Take These Next Steps

If you’re interested in learning more about your eligibility for the Erie Promise Grant and how a Mercyhurst University education will prepare you for future success, we encourage you to:

• Apply online to Mercyhurst.
• Submit your FAFSA. Be sure to include Mercyhurst’s school code, 003297, on your FAFSA. 
• Get in touch with your admissions counselor in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions or Office of Professional Admissions.