Maestro Pro Scholarship Policy

The Maestro Pro Scholarship is a last-dollar institutional award covering the full cost of tuition after all applicable federal and state grants have been applied. This need-based, last-dollar scholarship ensures eligible students can attend without the worry of unpaid tuition. Students awarded this scholarship will not incur any out-of-pocket costs for tuition, fees, or the institutionally provided laptop for each academic year awarded.

Because institutional resources are limited, the number of scholarships awarded to offset the tuition costs each year is based on the institution’s financial projections and available capacity. Last-Dollar Scholarship funds are awarded for one (1) academic year at a time and are renewable for up to 3 academic years of study. The total scholarship amount may vary each award year based on changes to the student’s FAFSA data and total federal and state aid eligibility.

Eligibility Criteria (Baseline Requirements)

To be considered for the Maestro Pro Scholarship, applicants must satisfy the admissions requirements and meet all the following elements:

  • Have a family income under $100,000 per year
  • Receive a valid student aid index (SAI) number determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and a FAFSA submission summary
  • Satisfy the eligibility requirements for federal financial aid, including:
    • U.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizen status
    • Valid high school diploma or recognized equivalent
    • Resolution of any comment codes or verification items as determined by the verification group assigned
    • Have not previously earned a bachelor’s degree recognized as equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree for federal student aid eligibility purposes
    • Meets and Maintains Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Grade Point Average (GPA) and credit completion standards
    • Is enrolled full-time (minimum of 12 quarter credits per 10-week term)

Priority Criteria (Selection Among Eligible Candidates)

When the number of eligible applicants exceeds institutional capacity, priority will be given to:

  • Students demonstrating higher financial need (SAI number of -1500 to 0)
  • Students with no prior postsecondary education or limited access to higher education, in alignment with the institution’s mission to expand opportunity for first-time college students
  • Students who demonstrate strong academic abilities, as evidenced by grades (transcript)

Scholarship Benefits

Students awarded the Maestro Pro Scholarship will also receive a laptop computer provided by the institution for educational use while enrolled. Students may be allowed to retain the laptop upon completion of their academic program, subject to institutional policies.

Scholarship Participation Requirements

Students awarded the Maestro Pro Scholarship must comply with the following participation requirement as a condition of the scholarship:

  • Successfully complete the Maestro Pro Scholars Pre-Course, a required preparatory program (typically 2–3 weeks) designed to ensure academic readiness and community engagement, prior to the start of their first academic term.

Renewal Requirements

The Maestro Pro Scholarship is awarded on a financial aid award year basis and is renewable, provided the student:

  • Maintains full-time enrollment (minimum of 12 quarter credits per 10-week term)
  • Continues to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
  • Maintains eligibility for federal financial aid
  • Remains within institutional scholarship capacity for the given award year

Appeals & Exceptions

Students who do not meet all eligibility criteria or who are not selected due to capacity limitations may submit a request for an extraordinary exception. This process requires:

  • A brief cover letter outlining the student's unique or exceptional circumstances
  • Submission to the institution's support team at [email protected]

Requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. While approval is not guaranteed, the institution is committed to fairness and equitable access.

Administrative Discretion

The institution reserves the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue the Maestro Pro Scholarship based on institutional capacity, strategic priorities, or policy changes. Any changes will be communicated clearly and in advance to affected students and stakeholders and will remain consistent with applicable federal and state financial aid regulations and accreditation requirements. Receipt of the Maestro Pro Scholarship does not guarantee eligibility for other financial aid programs and is subject to institutional, federal, and state financial aid policies.