Mason Merit Scholarships 鈥 Incoming, First-Time Freshman Students
George Mason awards millions of dollars in scholarships to incoming freshmen every year. These awards not only recognize strong academic talent and achievement, but also special talents and other personal characteristics, without regard to an applicant鈥檚 financial need.听听Most George Mason scholarships require full time enrollment and are not pro-rated based on reduced enrollment loads.
All freshman applicants who apply by November 1 (the Early Action application deadline) will automatically be considered for merit-based scholarships through the Office of Admissions and the Scholarship Committee. Students who apply Early Action are notified of their admissions decisions by mid-December, and the Scholarship Committee notifies students if they were awarded a scholarship no later than February.听 For more information, visit .
All international students can apply for the #YouAreWelcomeHere scholarship program at George Mason. The scholarship is open to first-year undergraduate international students of all academic majors and fields of study, and it is applied to tuition costs. To learn more about this opportunity, visit the You Are Welcome Here .
Mason Foundation Scholarships听鈥 Continuing Students
听are provided through the generous donations of George Mason alumni, friends, faculty, staff and students. Private philanthropy enables the University to recognize students showing academic achievement, financial need and unique interests of those students attending George Mason. If you would like to establish a University scholarship or support an existing fund, please visit听.
罢丑别听听for your听major听may have information about scholarships related to your field of study. Students should contact the college/school and department in which they plan to major for scholarship opportunities.
Questions about athletic scholarships should be directed to the appropriate听.
听awards five scholarships to undergraduate/graduate students each academic school year.听
听there are a number of resources at your disposal. It is important to research carefully and EARLY to secure appropriate funding.
听Graduate fellowships are awards that provide support to master's and doctoral students for research, writing, fieldwork, language study, professional development, or independent projects undertaken in conjunction with a degree program.
Renewal of Mason Scholarships
Recipients of most George Mason Scholarships are required to have a cumulative grade point average of at least a 2.75 on a 4.00 grading scale to have the scholarship renewed for the next year. (Please refer to your scholarship letter for specific requirements of your scholarship.)听 Information about .听If you have lost your scholarship due to failure to meet GPA standards, you can appeal for reinstatement. Please review the appeal process in the on-line .
Outside (External) Scholarships - All Students
Outside scholarships are offered through private agencies and organizations such as high schools, community organizations, scholarship foundations, employers and government agencies. Criteria for these scholarships generally include academic performance, financial need, underrepresented groups, volunteerism, heritage, community affiliations or other unique factors important to the sponsoring individual or organization. Students are encouraged to apply to as many external scholarships as possible: .
Reporting Outside Scholarships
Information for Recipients
You may report your outside scholarship by submitting a copy of the official award notification from the donor by email to the , fax to 703-993-2350, or in person to the Mason Student Services Center.
- Student鈥檚 full name
- Student ID (G#)
- Amount of the scholarship
- Organization information
- How the scholarship will be disbursed - by paper check or electronic transmission of funds (EFT), and term or听year to be applied
Important Steps if Your Organization Requires Documentation
Some scholarships may require the university to complete certain forms before awards are made or before payment is made to the school. Below are some commonly requested documents.
- Bill or unofficial transcript: The financial aid office cannot issue official transcripts or enrollment certifications. The information you require may be accessible via our student portal (e.g., financial aid award, tuition bill, unofficial transcript, & class schedule). Student Accounts will provide all semester bills electronically.
- An official invoice: Public/private sector, military agencies, educational institutions, and international embassies requiring an official invoice must go through the Student Accounts .
- Transcripts or certification of enrollment: The Office of the University Registrar provides official verification of enrollment through at no cost by the National Student Clearinghouse. After logging on to , select Student Records and then Order Enrollment Verification.
- Verification forms: You may submit your documents/forms via mail, fax, or remotely through the 鈥檚 secure document submission process.
Submitting a Payment to 亚洲AV
The Cashier鈥檚 Office has relocated to the Student Accounts Office suite in SUB 1, #1600. #1600 is located across from the Mason Student Services Center. The Cashier鈥檚 Office drop box is located in the niche near the entry/exit doors of the听building. Campus maps and signage will be updated through the appropriate channels.
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PO听BOX听# 716475
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19171-6475
Provide the sufficient documentation with the payment or student鈥檚 full name and ID (G#) and term/year on the face or stub of the check.
Unless the donor has specified, scholarships of $1,000 or more will be split between the fall and spring semesters. Scholarships under $1,000 are credited to the tuition bill during the semester the check is received.
How the Process Works
Payment of Outside Scholarships
- The official award letter allows the Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) to post a pending credit (or memo) on the student鈥檚 financial aid award.
- If the donor does not specify which semester the scholarship to be applied, the student may request the scholarship be paid out in its entirety for one semester.* Adjustments may be made to the student鈥檚 financial aid package to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
- Outside scholarships are processed in the order in which they are received and follow a numerical sequence (ex. OSCH1, OSCH2, OSCH3鈥tc.).
- Students are encouraged to track their scholarship notifications/awards via the student portal Patriot Web under the Financial Aid tab.
- The OSFA reserves the right to adjust or cancel financial aid awards based on changes in eligibility, funding, enrollment, receipt or non-receipt of outside scholarships. A revised award notice sent to the Mason email.
- Outside scholarship payments must be received in the Cashier鈥檚 Office by the end of October for the fall semester and March for the spring semester or the credit removed from your account.
- Outside scholarship payments received in the Cashier鈥檚 Office are applied within 24-48 hours of receipt. The OSFA will change the scholarship status from 鈥淎UTH鈥, to 鈥淧AID鈥 on the student鈥檚 financial aid award. During peak times, allow for additional processing time.
- Scholarship payments can only be applied to educational expenses on your tuition bill.
- A credit balance from financial aid awards (e.g., grants, loans, scholarships, etc.) paid on the account will automatically generate a refund check.
- Refunds from credit balances can be used for books and other educational expense. Please be advised that no refunds will be issued on pending financial aid. For more information, please refer to the Office of Student Account's .听
- If you are no longer receiving an outside scholarship you reported to the OSFA, please notify gmusch@gmu.edu.
*Outside scholarship, awards are considered resources for students receiving federal and state financial aid and may reduce the amount of need-based financial aid awarded to the student. If the outside scholarship exceeds a student鈥檚 financial need and/or cost of attendance, adjustments may be made to the student鈥檚 financial aid package to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations. The OSFA鈥檚 policy is to first reduce student loans or Federal Work-Study funds.
Troubleshooting
- If your donor has sent your outside scholarship check payment to the Cashier鈥檚 Office, please be patient at the beginning of the semester. Allow 14 days for delivery, and confirm receipt by accessing听听辞谤听.
- If you do not see your outside scholarship check payment, verify with your donor when (date) and where (address) payment sent, and if the payment cleared the donor鈥檚 account. If so, provide a copy of the cleared check to gmusch@gmu.edu to resolve the issue.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Merit Scholarships
Q. Do I need to submit a scholarship application for Admissions Merit Scholarships?
A. 听No.听 All freshman applicants who apply by November 1 (the Early Action application deadline) are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships through the Office of Admissions. Visit .
Q. How do I apply for a full-tuition scholarship?
A. The Award is the highest academic distinction that Mason offers to undergraduate students. The University Scholar Award covers the full cost of tuition over four years. Recipients are selected from the Honors College听applicants who apply by the priority deadline, November 1; no other application is necessary.
Q. Are there merit scholarships for international students and how do I apply?
A. All international students can apply for the #YouAreWelcomeHere scholarship program at George Mason.
The scholarship is open to first-year undergraduate international students of all academic majors and fields of study, and it is applied to tuition costs. To learn more about this opportunity, visit the You Are Welcome Here听.
Q. How will know I received a merit scholarship?
A. For students offered a merit award, notification is included in their Admission Office acceptance letter or a separate letter after admittance to the University. Recipients are also able to view their merit offer on their Patriot Pass Portal or in their Financial Aid package.
Q.听 I believe I meet the requirements for a merit scholarship but was not awarded one whom should I contact?
A. If you have questions about scholarship eligibility, contact your admissions advisor or .
Q. Can I receive multiple merit scholarships?
A. Most awards can combine with other scholarships and financial aid.听However, merit awards may cancel or adjust if an additional aid, scholarship, benefit or resource pay partial or full tuition.
Scholarships and Residency Classification
Q. How is domicile determined?
A. The initially determines domicile.听 If a student fails to submit an听Application for In-State听rates at the time they apply to Mason, they will automatically be classified as out-of-state.
Q. How does residency affect my scholarship eligibility?
A. Certain scholarship awards are based on residency. Merit awards may be reduced or cancelled if a student鈥檚 residency status changes at any point in their academic career.
Q. How do I prove Virginia residency?
A. To be considered for in-state tuition, students must meet the residency requirements set forth by the听. For questions on how domicile is determined for Virginia residences, please visit .
Maintaining and Receiving Your Merit Scholarship
Q. What do I have to do to continue to receive my merit scholarship?
A. To remain eligible for your scholarship, you must meet the terms and condition of .
Q. If I do not meet the renewal requirements for my merit award, how will I be notified?
A. A student will receive a loss of scholarship notification from the Scholarship Manager. Please review the on how to petition for reinstatement.
Q. How is my merit scholarship applied to my student account each semester?
A. Admission Merit scholarships applied directly to tuition & mandatory charges only. Awards not applied to other educational costs.
Q. If I graduate early or do not use all eight semesters of my merit scholarship can I still receive that money?
A. Students who complete their undergraduate program in fewer than eight semesters forfeit the remainder of their scholarship.
Q. Can my merit scholarship be use to cover study abroad courses?
A. Some merit scholarships can be used to study abroad. To determine, please follow the Center for Global Education guidelines and meet with a Financial Aid Counselor. Students must have a cost breakdown or budget sheet for their study abroad program.
Internal Foundation Scholarships
Q. Does the university offer any other scholarships for new or incoming students?
A. Yes.听 Some departments award scholarships to incoming students. We encourage students to contact their college or programs directly to learn more about program-specific or talent-based scholarships.
Q. What is the Mason Scholarship Application?
A. It is an online scholarship application for Mason foundation scholarships advertised on the Office of Student Financial Aid scholarship portal. Applicants must be current Mason students.
Q.听 Can I apply for Mason Scholarships through the General Application scholarship portal as an incoming freshman?
A.听 Incoming freshmen require no application. Awards are open to admitted students who have confirmed their acceptance through a tuition deposit. Students must demonstrate merit and financial need. Financial need scholarships require the student to complete the 听each year.
Q. If I am not an admitted student can I apply for Mason Scholarships?
A. To apply the applicant must be a continuing undergraduate, admitted transfer or graduate student with a Mason student record.
Q.听 Where can I find additional scholarships?
A. The Financial Aid Office鈥檚 website is a resource for all students to help find scholarship funding. Please visit .
Q. Who can apply for Mason Scholarship Application?
A. The online听 听is open to all continuing undergraduates, admitted transfers, and graduate students, to review and apply for scholarship opportunities offered through the Office of Student Financial Aid and various departments. Awards are based on your academic record as well as your answers to the questions on the application.
Q. When is the Mason Scholarship Application open for continuing students to apply?
A. The scholarship portal emails applicants with a current drafted or submitted General Application on file when opportunities become available.听 Visit for updates!
Q. Are international students eligible to complete the scholarship application?
A. Yes.听 International students are eligible to apply for scholarships that do not require U.S. citizenship or financial need.
Q. Are Undocumented and DACA students eligible to complete the scholarship application?
A. Yes. Undocumented and DACA students must have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours by the close of the application. For maximum scholarship consideration, Undocumented and DACA students may file the VASA instead of the FAFSA-the priority deadline is February 1.
Q. Should I complete the application each year?
Yes, students must submit the Mason Scholarship Application each year for scholarship consideration.
Q. How will I know if I have received an award?
A. Notification of Mason internal scholarships begins mid-June and continues through August. Students selected for the award will receive an official letter via email or mail from the department or award committee. Recipients may view their awards on Patriot Web in the Financial Aid Awards section.
Q. I am having problems signing in to the Mason Scholarship Application.
A.听 If you are having issues logging in with your Mason Net ID (username and password) please visit the .
Financial Aid and Scholarship Payments
Q.听 How will my internal scholarship pay?
A.听 Unless stated by the department, most scholarship awards are applied towards educational expenses on your student accounts bill.
Q. Whom do I contact if I do not see my outside scholarship payment on my account?
A. Verify with your donor when (date), where (address), and if the payment cleared their account. If so, provide a copy of the cleared check to gmusch@gmu.edu to resolve the issue.
Q. Where can I see a scholarship award or notification posted on my account?
A. Students are encouraged to track their scholarship notifications/awards via the student portal under the Financial Aid tab. 亚洲AV reserves the right to adjust or cancel financial aid awards based on changes in eligibility, funding, enrollment changes, receipt of outside scholarships, etc. If your award offer changes, you will receive a revised award notice.
Q. How will my outside scholarship show up on my account?
A. Scholarships are processed and posted in the order received and follow a numerical sequence (ex. OSCH1, OSCH2, OSCH3鈥tc.).
Q. If my outside scholarship is awarded for four years; do I have to report it each year?
A. Yes. To post as a pending credit on your financial aid award renewable scholarships must be reported each year.
Q. How long will a pending outside scholarship credit stay on my account?
A. Outside scholarship pending credits (or memos) are posted once the student provides our office with a copy of the official award letter. If your scholarship check does not arrive to university by the end of October (fall semester) or end of March (spring semester), the pending credits will be removed from your account and you may have a balance due.
Q. My donor paid my outside scholarship to me directly, but I still see a pending credit on my student account. What should I do?
A. Please notify our office immediately so we can cancel the duplicate credit.
Q. I have a credit balance on my account when should I expect a refund?
A.听 A credit balance from financial aid awards (e.g., grants, loans, scholarships, etc.) paid on the account will automatically generate a refund check. Please be advised that no refunds will be issued on pending financial aid. For more information, please refer to the Office of Student Account's .听
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Scholarship Questions and Concerns
Contacts for scholarship questions for prospective or incoming students:
- Admission Merit Scholarships - contact the Office of Admissions,听admissions@gmu.edu听or call 703-993-2000.
- Talent Merit Scholarships - contact program (College of Visual and Performing Arts, Debate or Forensic) or听Academic Department
- Athletic scholarships - the appropriate听Intercollegiate Athletic Coaches.
- Graduate students may check within their department regarding assistantships, fellowships and scholarships opportunities. The program makes offers.
Whom do I contact if I have questions about my internal scholarship(s) not reported on my financial aid award for the year or term?
Always refer to the award letter and contact the appropriate office or person noted on your letter. Students are encouraged to contact their department directly. The Financial Aid Office can only give information about awards reported to our office by your department.
Current undergraduates with Admission Merit or GMU Foundation scholarships, current graduate students with assistantships or grant tuition waivers, and students with athletic scholarships may contact the Financial Aid Office鈥檚 or call 703-993-2000.
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