FRANCISCAN PROMISE—FREE TUITION OPPORTUNITY

The Franciscan Promise is a free tuition program designed exclusively for Indiana residents who are first time college students qualify for full Federal Pell and State of Indiana aid; they will receive free tuition and standard fees at USF for up to 4 years!*

Without this support, I would not be able to attend a prestigious university like USF. My family could not afford it. I have nine siblings and I’m the first one to go to college, so the cost mattered.

Dahiro Omar ’24
Pre-Physician Assistant major

A Growing Need

Saint Francis taught us to care for and serve one another. “Where there is charity and wisdom there is neither fear nor ignorance,” he wrote.

The Franciscan Promise is USF’s response to his teachings. Through charity and wisdom, we address a growing societal need:

• Nearly 7 million U.S. students qualify for Pell grants each year
• In Indiana, 38% of high school graduates in 2019 were low income—up from 31% in 2010.

I didn’t think I could afford a private college, but the Franciscan Promise makes it possible. The classes are small and we get 1-on-1 attention from faculty. It’s not like public colleges where you’re 1 in 100.

Novia Greenleaf ’23
Graphic Design, Web Design and Illustration major

The Franciscan Promise provides access to students like Dahiro and Novia, who want and deserve what USF offers: a high-quality and personalized Catholic education.

To be eligible, you must qualify for the following:

1. Federal Pell Grant: This is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. In Indiana, students must have an Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) of $0.
2. State of Indiana Aid: This includes support from any of the following Indiana Commission for Higher Education scholarship programs.
   • 21^st Century Scholarship
   • Frank O’Bannon Grant

Indiana residents, out-of-state students and non-first time students who do not meet these criteria will still receive competitive financial aid award packages.

*Note: Student is responsible for meeting and maintaining federal and state requirements, including annual FAFSA filing by state deadline and State of Indiana credit completion requirements.