Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

No, but you must apply to Loyola University Maryland and submit your 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before being considered. Admission to Loyola and admission to the Empowered Scholars Program are two separate processes. Only students admitted to Loyola may be selected to join the Empowered Scholars honors program.

No. The Empowered Scholars Program application is separate from the Common App. We only receive your basic information (such as name, school, and transcript). If you’d like, you may re-use essay content from your Common App, but keep in mind our essay questions are specific to the Empowered Scholars Program and focused on your academic goals in science fields.

Yes, but your options may be limited. Late applications may be reviewed later in the cycle, added to the waitlist, or, in some cases, may not be eligible for review.

Applications are reviewed after the deadline. Applicants will be notified of a decision by early March. If you have not yet been admitted to Loyola, you will hear from the Empowered Scholars Program after your Loyola admission decision. Even if you are not selected, you will receive an email notification with your status (admitted, waitlisted, or not admitted). Be sure to check your spam folder.

Yes. Students may apply to all programs they are eligible for. Empowered Scholars applicants must meet both academic and financial requirements.

No. Applying is not a commitment. If admitted, you will choose whether to accept your place in the Empowered Scholars Program. This decision is separate from your decision to attend Loyola University Maryland.

The Empowered Scholars Program is designed for incoming first-year students, and preference is given to those who apply at the time of admission. Because of the program’s structure and year-long activities, it’s usually not possible to join after the first-year cohort is selected. However, if you are a current first-year or transfer student who is interested in Empowered Scholars, we encourage you to contact the Admissions coordinator to discuss your options.

The Empowered Scholars Program is designed for incoming first-year students, and preference is given to those who apply at the time of admission. Because of the program’s structure and activities, it’s usually not possible to join later. However, if you are a transfer student and interested in Empowered Scholars, we encourage you to  contact the Admissions coordinator to discuss your options.

Yes. Students who are U.S. permanent residents or who have been lawfully admitted as refugees, in accordance with U.S. government and National Science Foundation requirements, are eligible to apply to the Empowered Scholars Program.

Unfortunately, international students are not eligible to become Empowered Scholars due to the nature of the grant. The program abides by current federal guidelines and is only for students who are either citizens of the United States, nationals of the United States (as defined in section 101(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act), aliens admitted as refugees under section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, or aliens lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence.

Please note that Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) individuals are also ineligible unless they meet the federal requirements listed above.

The program is open to students pursuing degrees in Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, and Forensic Science (B.S.). Students preparing for clinical careers (medicine, nursing, pharmacy, veterinary, dental, physical therapy, etc.), teaching, or business administration are not eligible.

Yes, if doing so does not prevent participation in extracurricular program activities nor interferes with successful completion of the majors. Additionally, neither the program major nor non-program major can be for seeking degrees/careers in the clinical sciences (e.g., medical, dental, nursing, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, physician assistant, etc.), teaching, or business administration.

Students who change their major to a field outside the Empowered Scholars disciplines will no longer be eligible to receive the Empowered Scholars Grant or to participate in the program. However, they may continue to receive other forms of financial aid based on demonstrated need and are encouraged to stay connected with their academic advisors to ensure a smooth transition and continued success at Loyola.

Yes. Students may be part of both. If accepted into both programs, staff will help you coordinate your Messina and Honors Program requirements.

No, students cannot participate in both the Empowered Scholars Program and the Hyman Science Scholars or Sellinger Scholars programs. Each program has its own Messina courses and cohort activities, and Empowered Scholars does not include business administration majors (which are required for Sellinger Scholars). If you are admitted to more than one program, you’ll meet with the program directors to determine which is the best fit for your goals.

Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 to remain in good standing for both the financial and programmatic components of the Empowered Scholars Program. Students who fall below a 3.0 GPA will be placed on program probation and may lose eligibility for the grant if academic progress does not improve.

Changing your major to a field outside the Empowered Scholars disciplines means you will no longer remain eligible for the Empowered Scholars Grant or continued participation in the program. However, you may still receive other types of financial aid based on demonstrated need. We encourage you to work closely with your academic advisors to support a smooth transition and maintain your momentum at Loyola.

Attendance at enrichment activities is strongly encouraged but not required.

This program was designed specifically for high-achieving students with significant financial need (specifically, students who are Pell Grant eligible based on the Student Aid Index). If spaces remain in the cohort after high-need students have been admitted, the faculty may choose to consider non-grant-seeking participants.

Loyola’s Office of Financial Aid determines financial need based on required forms, including the FAFSA. Without a completed FAFSA, the Empowered Scholars Program cannot award its scholarship.

If your financial situation changes and you are no longer Pell eligible, the Financial Aid team will reassess your aid and work to replace as much of the lost Empowered Scholars funding as possible. While you may lose the financial grant component, you will remain part of the Empowered Scholars community and may continue to participate in program activities, mentorship, and events as long as you remain in good academic standing.

Because the Empowered Scholars Program includes a significant scholarship component, the FAFSA is required to verify your eligibility for federal, state, and Loyola financial aid. The financial aid office uses the FAFSA to determine your level of financial need, which is a key requirement for participation in the program. Without a submitted FAFSA, we are unable to confirm your eligibility for the scholarship portion of the program, even if you meet the academic qualifications.