At Elms College, we’re committed to making quality education accessible to everyone.
Elms College is proud to offer The Elms Promise, a transformative financial aid program designed to provide full tuition coverage for students with high financial need. By combining federal and state aid with institutional scholarships, the Elms Promise reflects our unwavering commitment to making a high-quality, four-year college education accessible to students of all backgrounds.
With the Elms Promise, we’re removing financial obstacles and creating pathways to success for students and families across the region.
The Elms Promise helps to fulfill that commitment by eliminating financial barriers for eligible families, ensuring every student has the opportunity to unlock their potential at Elms College.
– Elms College President, Dr. Harry Dumay
“Elms College was founded to empower those students least likely to afford a top-rate college education with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to make a lasting impact in the world,” said Elms College President, Dr. Harry Dumay. “The Elms Promise helps to fulfill that commitment by eliminating financial barriers for eligible families, ensuring every student has the opportunity to unlock their potential at Elms College.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Qualifies and What Does It Cover?
Elms College is committed to making higher education affordable and accessible to all students, regardless of socioeconomic status. Through the Elms Promise, we ensure that cost is not a barrier for students who demonstrate strong academic performance and financial need.
- Massachusetts residents who are eligible for the full Pell Grant and have a high school GPA of 3.5 or higher will have their full tuition covered through a combination of federal and state aid and institutional aid.
- Massachusetts residents who are eligible for a partial Pell Grant and have a high school GPA of 3.5 or higher will have their full tuition covered through a combination of federal and state aid, federal student loans, and institutional aid.
- Out-of-state students who are eligible for the full Pell Grant and have a high school GPA of 3.5 or higher will have their full tuition covered through a combination of federal aid, federal student loans, and institutional aid.*
*Families with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $85,000 or less and have typical assets, as reported through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) should be eligible for a full Pell grant.
Families with an AGI of $85,000 or less and have atypical assets, as reported through the FAFSA, should be eligible for a partial Pell grant.
Does a student need to live on campus to be eligible for the Elms Promise?
- Students do not need to live on campus to be eligible for the Elms Promise.
- Cost of living on campus is not covered by the Elms Promise.
Are students eligible for the Elms Promise every year?
- Students and families will need to meet the income criteria each year to remain eligible for the Elms Promise.
- Students must also file a FAFSA each year and remain in good academic standing at the college.
- Students must remain a full-time student (enrolled in at least 12 credits).
Are international students eligible for the Elms Promise?
- International students are not eligible for this program.
- International students are awarded generous merit scholarships at the point of acceptance to Elms College.
Are graduate or Post Bacc, students eligible for the Elms Promise?
- Graduate, Post Bacc., and Continuing Education students are not eligible.
Does the Elms Promise program cover all tuition costs?
- Elms Promise covers full tuition for the fall and spring semester. Students are required to cover any costs for fees, winter or summer courses, housing, or study abroad.
- Students must remain a full time student (enrolled for at least 12 credits).
What is the Application Process?
Students must:
- Apply for admission to Elms College and be accepted by May 1.
- Maintain a minimum high school GPA of 3.5.
- Complete the FAFSA by May 1 for the Fall semester.
The Value of a Four-Year Degree
Elms College offers a supportive environment rooted in Catholic social justice and academic
excellence. Pursuing a four-year degree at Elms College offers students smaller class sizes, a rich campus life, and the opportunity to form lifelong connections with peers and professors.
A bachelor’s degree from Elms College also opens doors to greater career opportunities, increased earning potential, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Take the first step toward your future by applying to Elms College today.
For more information please contact finaid@elms.edu or give us a call at 413-265-2249