Understanding Your Financial Aid Offer Letter

Your financial aid offer is based on your individual information and is designed to support the value of your Lasell University education. It outlines the financial assistance available to support your cost of attending. This page will help you understand what’s included in your offer, the different types of aid, how to read each section, and what steps you may need to take next.

You can view your financial aid offer letter here.

Reading your financial aid offer letter

Understanding Your Financial Aid Offer

Direct Cost of Attendance

The Direct Cost of Attendance or "Sticker Price" is the annual cost of attendance published by Lasell University, before financial aid is applied. Tuition and fees, housing and food, and other additional education-related expenses (both direct and indirect) are included and may vary based on personal choices.

Direct Billable Costs

Expenses that are billed to your student account and paid directly to Lasell University: tuition and fees, on-campus housing and meal plan (if you live on-campus).

Estimated Additional Indirect Expenses/Indirect Costs

These charges are not included in your bill. Indirect costs are educational and living expenses you may incur while attending Lasell University but are not paid directly to the school. These may include: books and course materials, supplies, personal expenses, transportation. These costs vary based on individual preferences and can be included in your student loan funding.

Waivable Costs

Health Insurance is included in your bill. If you are currently covered by a comparable health insurance plan, you may waive this charge.

For quick reference, use this easy-to-read PDF guide that outlines the key sections of your offer

Different types of aid you may find in your financial aid offer from Lasell University.

Grants and Scholarships

Awards, Grants and Scholarships do NOT need to be repaid

Lasell University Award
Given to incoming students based on a holistic review of each students' application. Any additional need-based aid will be awarded in the Lasell University Full Time Grant based on the students' submitted FAFSA application. All Lasell University, Awards and Grants require full-time, in-person enrollment in one of our standard undergraduate degree programs and are linked to your selected housing status. Lasell offers need-based grant aid for students who file the FAFSA. For our full list of insitutional scholarships, Awards, and Grants click here.

Outside Scholarships

If you receive scholarships from outside organizations-such as community groups, religious institutions, employers, or civic organizations such as the Rotary Club - please notify Lasell University of both the source and amount of each award by submitting the offer letter.

If an outside scholarship is paid directly to the university, it will be added to your financial aid offer and reflected as anticipated aid on your billing statement.

Federal Grants

The Federal Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) are need-based federal programs designed to help students with significant financial need, as determind by the submitted FAFSA.

These grants do not need to be repaid and are awarded only to eligible undergraduate students. SEOG funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

State Grants

Massachusetts residents must file the FAFSA by May 1 to be considered for the Massachusetts State Grant (MASS Grant). Eligibility is determind by the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance, not Lasell University. If you qualify, your state's higher-education agency will notify Lasell University directly. Lasell regularly coordinates with agencies in Vermont, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut, along with Massachusetts.

The Lasell Tuition Commitment

The Lasell Tuition Commitment is our pledge to deliver both access and value in higher education. Massachusetts families with household earnings under $100,000 may be eligible to recieve full tuition coverage, making a Lasell degree both accessible and valuable.

For FAQs and eligibility requirements, click here.

Trustees Award

A need-based scholarship awarded to high-achieving students whose academic performance and overall accomplishments reflect their dedication and potential.

Loans

Lasell University does not have any school-offered loans. We do accept federal loans (for FAFSA eligible students) and private educational loans.

Federal Loans

Lasell University participates in the Federal Direct Loan Program, which includes both need-based and non need-based options to help students finance their education.

Federal Direct Subsidized Loan

Available to students with demonstrated financial need. The federal government pays the interest that accrues while the student is enrolled at least halftime.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan

Available to all FAFSA filers regardless of financial need. Interest begins accruing at disbursement and continues throughout the life of the loan.

Important Information About Federal Loans

You are not required to accept the full amount offered
To recieve a Direct Loan, students most-complete the Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Counseling at studentaid.gov
Repayment begins six months after graduation or after leaving Lasell University

Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan (Available for biological/adoptive parents of undergraduate dependent students, only.) The parent is the borrower for this federal loan and responsibility cannot be transferred to the student.

Private/Alternative Education Loans We cannot recommend a specific loan or lender, however students and their support network can use ELM Select to research and compare private/alternative loan options. Students can apply on their own (and depending on each lender's requirements, they may need a credit-worthy cosigner), or a parent can apply on a student's behalf.

Financing with a payment plan:
Monthly Payment Plan You can enroll in our 4-month payment plan online via QuikPAY. Payments can be made by check/e-check (no fee), credit card (includes a service fee), or you may have monthly payments deducted from your checking or savings account via ACH recurring payment (no fee). Visit Payment Plan to better understand which of our plans can best suit your needs. There is a $40 per semester charge per payment plan.

Federal Work Study/Student Employment

Student Employment

Lasell University offers part-time employment opportunities to all students. Positions are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Federal Work Study

Lasell University employs students each year through both Federal Work Study and campus employment opportunities.

Work-Study job postings are available at the beginning of each semester, students awarded Federal Work-Study may apply for approved campus positions. Wages are paid directly to the student and are not automatically applied to the student’s billing statement.

Please Note:

Students are not guaranteed a job and are not automatically placed
Students earn an hourly wage, paid via biweekly paycheck, for hours worked
Work Study wages are paid directly to the student and not applied to the billing statement
For both Federal Work Study and Student Employment students are responsible for searching and applying for open positions.

FAQS

Subsidized vs. Unsubsidized loans?

Direct Subsidized Loans are available to undergraduate students with financial need. The U.S. Department of Education pays the interest on a Direct Subsidized Loan while you're in school at least half-time, for the first six months after you leave school (a postponement of loan payments).

Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to undergraduate and graduate students; there is no requirement to demonstrate financial need. You are responsible for paying the interest on a Direct Unsubsidized Loan during all periods.