Thomas Aquinas College has its own aid program that is funded through contributions made by benefactors of the College. This program includes work-study and grants which are awarded to students with demonstrated financial need. Need is determined through careful review of a student's submitted financial aid application which includes a completed FAFSA and Confidential Financial Aid Application (CFAA). (International students have different forms to complete than students from the U.S. See our webpage for international students for more information).
Work-Study
The first type of assistance provided by the College itself is in the form of on-campus employment, administered under our institutionally-funded work-study program. Students who are awarded a full work-study position are expected to work 13 hours per week for 35 weeks in such areas as food service, buildings maintenance, grounds maintenance, the library, or office clerical work. For this work in 2024-25, credit in the amount of $6,660 is credited to a student's account, half at the start of the fall term and half at the start of the spring term.
A student who has accepted a work-study position agrees to abide by the work schedule assigned to him by his department supervisor. Supervisors will see to it that work-study duties do not conflict with scheduled class times.
Some work-study recipients are needed to work during the Thanksgiving and Easter vacations since many students remain on campus during these holidays and basic services must continue to operate. Supervisors have the final say over who is scheduled to work during these holidays.
During the school year a student may be informed by the College’s Development Office of the name and address of the donor or donors who have made his work-study possible. By accepting a work-study position, a student agrees to write to donor(s) who have made his work-study possible and to express his appreciation.
If a student has a less than satisfactory work-history, the College reserves the right to not offer work-study as part of his financial aid package, or to offer “at-will employment” instead of work-study. With “at-will employment,” the work arrangement can be ended by the employer at any time for any reason.
If a student does not perform his work-study duties in a satisfactory manner, as determined by his supervisor, he may be found ineligible for financial assistance from the College (work-study and Thomas Aquinas College grant) in subsequent semesters.
Work-study wages are taxable income. No state or federal taxes are withheld by the College, so a student may face a corresponding tax liability at the end of the year if his total taxable income for the year exceeds the tax threshold for his filing status. Please plan accordingly.
Grants
To meet remaining need, Thomas Aquinas College Grants are provided. Students are not expected to repay such grants, although the College hopes that, as alumni, they will donate to provide for grants for future students.
Thomas Aquinas College Grants are credited directly to the student’s account for tuition and housing & food at the beginning of the semester for which they are given.
During the school year a student may be informed by the College’s Development Office of the name and address of the donor or donors who have made his grant possible. By accepting a grant a student agrees to write to donor(s) who have made his grant possible and to express his appreciation.