Tuition Exchange Scholarships

Tuition Exchange

More than 700 colleges and universities, located in all US states and territories, participate in this dynamic reciprocal scholarship network. The value of a Tuition Exchange scholarship is typically the full Gustavus tuition for up to eight semesters. 

Because there are limited spots available each year, Tuition Exchange scholarships are highly competitive. 

How to Apply

1. Confirm that your parent works at a participating Tuition Exchange school.
2. Get formal certification from your home school’s liaison officer. Find this person here. 
3. Complete the Tuition Exchange EZ-Application. The process opens July 1.
4. Apply to Gustavus. Applications open August 1.
5. Submit your FAFSA. The FAFSA opens October 1.
6. If you’re accepted as a Gustie and awarded a Tuition Exchange scholarship, you’ll need to accept or decline by May 1 of the following year.

The Fine Print

There’s an annual enrollment fee of $100 for Tuition Exchange scholarship winners.

For students who qualify for the Federal Pell Grant or the Minnesota State Grant, these awards will be applied to your account first. Your Tuition Exchange Scholarship will then be awarded to cover the remaining tuition balance.

Questions and Contacts

For more information about the Tuition Exchange process, scroll these FAQs or contact your Gustavus liaison officer.

The Gustavus Financial Aid Office can also guide you.

 

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

The small but mighty ELCA tuition exchange network includes more than 20 participating member schools. If one of your parents works at a Lutheran-affiliated college or university, you can apply for a tuition exchange scholarship. The Gustavus award typically matches, dollar for dollar, the benefit that your home institution offers.

How to Apply

1. Confirm that your parent works at a participating ELCA college or university.
2. Have that parent complete the ELCA Tuition Exchange Program application form by April 15.
3. Apply to Gustavus. Applications open August 1.
4. Submit your FAFSA. The FAFSA opens October 1. 
5. If you’re accepted as a Gustie and awarded an ELCA scholarship, Gustavus will determine the award amount and notify you and notify you once it's finalized — timing varies, so you may hear before other applicants do. 

The Fine Print

The program is only available for your first undergraduate degree. 

Questions and Contacts

For more information about the ELCA process, contact the Gustavus Financial Aid Office.

 

Council of Independent Colleges

This fee-free network comprises more than 400 colleges and universities from 48 states and five countries. If your parent is a full-time employee at a CIC institution, you could receive a scholarship that covers your entire Gustavus tuition for four years. 

Highly flexible, the CIC scholarship covers a wide range of enrollment options, including part-time, online and study abroad programs for both bachelor’s and master’s students. Find more details here.

How to Apply

1. Confirm that your parent works at a CIC member school.
2. Complete the CIC application form. The process opens July 1.
3. Apply to Gustavus. Applications open August 1.
4. Submit your FAFSA. The FAFSA opens October 1.
5. If you’re accepted as a Gustie and awarded a CIC scholarship, you’ll need to accept or decline by May 1 of the following year.

The Fine Print

Gustavus participates in both the CIC and the Tuition Exchange networks. There’s no need to apply for both scholarships individually. If you meet the eligibility requirements, we’ll consider you for either a CIC award or a Tuition Exchange award.

Questions and Contacts

For more information about the CIC application process, scroll these FAQs or contact the Gustavus Financial Aid Office.