Graduate Merit Scholarships Make Graduate School More Affordable

As she considered where to pursue her M.B.A., Abigail Acolia found herself drawn to Seton Hall University — not only for its strong reputation and exceptional professors, but also for the financial support that would make her graduate education possible. “Seton Hall was in my top three choices for graduate school; once I received the scholarship offer, it was a done deal,” shared the Cream Ridge, NJ-native. “Receiving the scholarship was wonderful because now I could go back to school for an M.B.A. in Marketing. Not only had the degree become more affordable, I also knew I would thrive here.”
 
For Abigail, and many others, Seton Hall’s Graduate Merit Scholarship has transformed dreams of an advanced degree into an attainable reality. This scholarship initiative, with awards of up to 50 percent off per credit hour, shows the University’s dedication to making a world-class education accessible to students with strong academic records.
 
“For students embarking on graduate studies, it is a transformative journey. We are committed to making an advanced degree accessible and rewarding for our students,” said Christopher Cuccia, Ed.D., associate provost for academic and graduate affairs.
 
The reach of the Graduate Merit Scholarship extends across programs and fields, enabling students like Servando Bautista Aguilar, a first-generation college graduate, to pursue an M.S.N. in Family Health Nurse Practitioner with a focus on both career and community. “The Graduate Merit Scholarship has helped me focus more on my studies and less on the financial difficulties associated with graduate school,” he said. “In addition to encouraging me to keep giving back through my devotion to patient care and service, this scholarship reinforced my commitment to academic excellence, motivating me to consistently aim for high standards in my coursework, clinical practice and professional development.”
 
Admitted students are automatically considered for the Graduate Merit Scholarship to offset tuition costs throughout their program of study, regardless of whether they are planning to study part-time or full-time. The funding ensures that students can focus on their professional and academic aspirations without unnecessary financial stress.
 
Extensive Financial Options to Support Your Academic Goals
Seton Hall’s commitment to affordability extends beyond the Graduate Merit Scholarship. Another key part of Seton Hall’s support for graduate students includes assistantships, which provide both financial aid and hands-on professional experience. Such opportunities typically come in one of three forms: research, teaching, or graduate assistantships. 
 
After being accepted into the dual M.A. Communication/Diplomacy and International Relations program, Prasaadi “Dani” Dangolla from Sri Lanka secured a graduate assistant position. For an international student, the experience was transformative. “Investing in an American degree is a smart step for anyone. There are a variety of opportunities for research, teaching and training. Plus, at the graduate level, you should tailor your coursework to fit your specific academic goals, needs and interests.”
 
The University also offers endowed scholarships, fellowships and student loan counseling, tailored to individual student needs. For example, the Sister Rose Thering Fund Scholarship supports students in the M.A. in Jewish-Christian Studies program, while fellowship grants for the M.S. in Applied Physics and Engineering provide targeted financial assistance for aspiring engineers and scientists. View a list of scholarships for specific graduate programs.
 
Gloria Estefania Huertas, an LL.M. student from Ecuador, serves as part of the Mendoza Global Ambassador Program, which seeks to increase Seton Hall's global footprint abroad through a network of international student ambassadors. Participants also receive scholarships through the program. She said, “I am really impressed with the cultural diversity, not only of the students but also of the highly professional professors. As soon as I walked into the university, I could feel there were infinite possibilities to build my career there. I am grateful to be part of the Seton Hall community."
 
A World Class Education Awaits
Seton Hall’s nearly 4,000 graduate students are enrolled in more than 140 programs, spanning high-demand areas such as business analytics, communications, healthcare administration, law and data science. Graduate programs in business, nursing, non-profit management, health law and medical sciences are consistently recognized for their excellence by U.S. News and World Report.
 
With programs designed to accommodate working professionals, students can choose from online, on-campus and hybrid formats. The University’s South Orange campus hosts a broad array of graduate classes, while specialized facilities in Nutley and Newark cater to students in nursing, medical sciences and law. Graduate students also have access to career services and resources that enrich their academic and professional journeys. Networking events, career counseling and resume-building workshops are all part of the support structure that enables our graduates to stand out in their fields.
 
To learn more about Seton Hall’s graduate programs, scholarship opportunities, and application process, visit our Graduate Scholarships page for more details.

Categories: Education