Making Graduate Education Attainable: Seton Hall Strengthens Student Support

Gabriella Scannell, a Master of Social Work student and U.S. military veteran, came to Seton Hall with a strong record of service that included teaching, firefighting and emergency response. But balancing graduate school with community and professional responsibilities required more than determination. It required support.

“The Graduate Merit Scholarship made pursuing my graduate education a realistic and sustainable goal. It eased the financial burden of tuition and affirmed that my dedication to community service is valued and supported,” said Scannell, a native of Hawthorne, N.J. “Seton Hall is deeply invested in its students and provides resources that make a graduate degree attainable for those willing to work hard and serve with purpose.”

For Scannell and many others, Seton Hall’s Graduate Merit Scholarship has turned the aspiration of receiving a graduate degree into a reality. The initiative, which offers tuition reductions of up to 50 percent, demonstrates Seton Hall’s long-standing effort to make an exceptional education attainable to students with strong academic and professional potential.

“We remain deeply committed to making graduate education both accessible and affordable,” said Associate Provost for Academic and Graduate Affairs Christopher Cuccia, Ed.D. “Even as national loan programs change, Seton Hall continues to provide the resources and flexibility students need to achieve their goals.”

All admitted graduate students are automatically considered for the Graduate Merit Scholarship during the admissions process, and no separate application is required. Awards are based on academic achievement, prior degrees and program of study.

“The cost of graduate school can feel overwhelming, but scholarships like this one prove that Seton Hall values dedication, integrity and service,” added Scannell. “If you are driven by a passion to make a difference, the University will meet you halfway.”

A Global Perspective on Opportunity

For Favour Ikome, a graduate student from Cameroon studying at the School of Diplomacy and International Relations, the scholarship made her dream of advanced study a reality.

“The Graduate Merit Scholarship afforded me both the flexibility and the opportunity to pursue graduate school without being conflicted about my inability to financially afford the program,” she said. “It paved the way for me to make a pivot in my career path and prepare for lifelong success in diplomatic practice.” Receiving the scholarship allowed Ikome to take time off from work and focus on caring for her two children, while also leading a nonprofit organization that provides educational opportunities for young women in Cameroon.

Ikome said she also sees her experience as part of a larger purpose. “We can never go wrong trusting God's plan for our lives, as He makes provision for us wherever His vision leads us,” she added. “I believe this scholarship was God's way of telling me that I can go ahead and get my graduate degree at Seton Hall.”

Professional Experience that Pays Off

Graduate assistantships also provide valuable financial and experiential benefits. These opportunities pair tuition remission and stipends with teaching, research or administrative work. “These assistantships provide both financial support and valuable hands-on learning opportunities that strengthen students’ professional preparation,” Cuccia said.

For Matthew LaRocca, the 4+1 program at Seton Hall has been more than an academic pathway, serving as a launchpad for his career. The Montclair, N.J., native earned his bachelor’s degrees in information technology management and sport management before continuing straight into the M.B.A. in Business Analytics program. Through his graduate assistantship with the Stillman School’s Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, he’s found an experience that challenges him academically while preparing him to lead professionally.

“This graduate assistantship has exposed me to new types of work and valuable experiences that have helped both my personal and professional growth,” said LaRocca. “Not only has it given me the opportunity to assume meaningful responsibilities and put important skills into practice, but I’ve been able to build strong connections with faculty, staff and other students.”

He added, “My supervisors have also been very understanding of my other responsibilities, offering a good balance between academic learning and hands-on experience.”

Expanding Access Through Scholarships and Partnerships

In addition to scholarships and assistantships, Seton Hall offers endowed scholarships, many of which are tied to specific disciplines or professional goals. “These scholarships demonstrate the continued generosity of our alumni and donors and their commitment to helping future leaders,” Cuccia noted.

The University also partners with a range of employers through its corporate partnership program, offering up to 20 percent tuition discounts for qualified employees pursuing select graduate programs. For Lawrence Ribeiro, who is from Westchester County, N.Y. and a student in the M.S. in Athletic Training program, that partnership made all the difference.

“I first learned about the JAG corporate discount after joining the company, and it completely changed the way I looked at my educational goals,” Ribeiro said. “Before working at JAG, Seton Hall wasn’t on my radar, but this opportunity made it an attainable and exciting option. The support JAG provides its employees has given me the chance to continue my education, grow both personally and professionally, and feel valued.”

The University offers a variety of pathways to graduate education, giving students support to help them navigate all options for funding their studies.

“While national changes to federal loan programs may alter borrowing limits in the coming years, Seton Hall continues to offer individualized guidance and alternative funding pathways that make it possible for graduate students to complete their degrees with confidence and financial stability,” said Javonda Asante, M.B.A., senior director of financial aid.

She added, “Students will continue to have access to Federal Direct Loans, which remain in place with clear annual and lifetime limits. In addition, many students may find private graduate loans with lower interest rates or no origination fees.” To assist students who need additional funding, Seton Hall uses ELM Select, which lets users view private student loan options side-by-side and compare interest rates, repayment terms and eligibility.

The Offices of Financial Aid and Graduate Affairs work individually with students to build personalized funding plans that combine scholarships, assistantships and other financial resources to best meet their needs.

“When combined with Seton Hall aid, these options create balanced, sustainable financing plans,” said Cuccia. “Our goal is to ensure that cost is never a barrier to achieving your aspirations.”

Prospective students can learn more about graduate scholarships, assistantships and financial resources here.

Categories: Education