SCHOLARSHIP POLICY

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 to the student’s tuition balance. 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.

Due to limited institutional resources, the number of scholarships awarded to offset tuition costs each year is determined by 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 opportunities for first-time college students
  • Students who demonstrate strong academic abilities, as evidenced by grades (transcript)

Scholarship Participation Requirement

Students awarded the Maestro Pro Scholarship must 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 or the published deadline (by the earlier deadline).

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.

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 - resubmission of the FAFSA for the new award, resulting in a valid Student Aid Index (SAI)

Appeals & Exceptions

Students who do not meet all eligibility criteria, or who were not selected due to capacity limits, may submit an extraordinary request — including appeals or special circumstance requests. This option is meant for unique or exceptional cases. Requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis to ensure fairness and equitable access.

Please note — at this time, no additional extraordinary scholarships are available until early 2026.

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. In the event the Maestro Pro Scholarship is revoked, terminated, or otherwise ceases, the Student shall bear no tuition liability for any period during which the scholarship was in effect. Any tuition obligations shall apply only prospectively from the date of termination and shall not be imposed retroactively. 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.