If structure, discipline, and a faith-supportive environment are what you’re looking for, Catholic schools might be right for you. Attending a Catholic high school can foster a strong work ethic in students, serving them well into adulthood.
Thanks to Catholic scholarships, students who decide to attend Catholic schools can receive scholarship awards and use the money for tuition assistance, room and board, and other educational expenses. Catholic students attending secular schools may also be able to apply, depending on the scholarship!
In this Scholarship Institute blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Catholic scholarships, with some of the best programs for prospective students, tips on how to win a scholarship, and the benefits of attending a Catholic school.
Ready to explore scholarship programs that support your values and faith? At Scholarship Institute, we curate scholarship lists and make them available to you.
So What Are Catholic Scholarships?
Catholic scholarships support students pursuing education within the Catholic tradition, helping to reduce the financial commitment of tuition while highlighting the significance of faith in academic life. These scholarships play a vital role in promoting academic excellence and offering financial assistance to students who value the integration of education and faith.
Top Catholic Scholarships for Students
With over 40 renowned Catholic schools in the U.S. offering scholarships, many provide substantial support to students in need of financial aid or those who have demonstrated excellence in their faith. Below are some standout programs:
Santa Clara University
This school offers different scholarships tailored to graduating seniors and Catholic students seeking higher education. These scholarships aim to recognize students who demonstrate a commitment to the values and teachings of the Catholic Church. Some of their programs are:
- The Excellence in Catholic Education and Leadership (ExCEL) covers full tuition to students who teach in TK-12 Catholic schools within local dioceses. Participants grow in their teaching skills, spiritual life, and sense of community while promoting social justice and educational equity.
- The Catholic Master of Arts in Teaching (CatMAT) is a two-year program for full-time Catholic school teachers to earn their MAT and California teaching credentials. It has intensive summer courses and lighter workloads during the school year, allowing teachers to prioritize their jobs. Participants also benefit from a 50% tuition discount.
- The Jesuit School of Theology (JST) guarantees a partial-tuition scholarship for every applicant. Each year, JST also awards an average of nine full-tuition scholarships. For more details, visit the scholarships page.
St. John’s University
The university offers students the opportunity to get an education focused on building knowledge, skills, and ethical leadership. To support Catholic students and educators, the university provides several scholarship opportunities.
St. John’s University Catholic Scholarships:
- Catholic School Scholarship: Incoming freshmen graduating from Catholic high schools in 2025 are automatically eligible for an annual $3,000 award, totaling up to $12,000 over four years of undergraduate study.
- Catholic School Teacher Scholarship (CSTS): Full-time Catholic school teachers and administrators can pursue an MS or Advanced Certificate at the School of Education and save tons of money. This scholarship applies to programs such as school administration, counseling, or special education.
- Catholic Scholars Program: First-year students selected for this program receive a $5,000 annual grant for four years. Scholars engage in leadership training, service, prayer, and faith-based activities to develop as Catholic-inspired leaders. Note: Students entering seminaries or religious formation programs are not eligible.
- Catholic School Educator Grant: Full-time Catholic school teachers and administrators receive a 40% tuition discount for one master’s, advanced certificate, or doctoral degree.
Georgetown University
Georgetown University gives need-based scholarships to hundreds of undergraduates each year. Award amounts range from $1,000 to over $60,000 annually, depending on demonstrated financial need. These scholarships, combined with small loans and work-study opportunities, ensure that 100% of eligible students’ financial needs are met.
Recipients of named scholarships may be invited to submit a Scholarship Impact Statement to share their achievements with donors, though this is optional and does not affect financial aid eligibility.
Catholic United Financial Scholarships
Other organizations, such as Catholic United Financial, are among those offering scholarship awards to high school students who have demonstrated initiative in service, leadership, and academic excellence, making sure that students can thrive both in their studies and in their communities.
Qualifications for Catholic Scholarships
The eligibility criteria for each scholarship is one of the most crucial aspects since you may not even be considered if you don’t understand the required qualifications. As a baseline, you’ll likely need to show some affiliation with the Catholic Church. Other qualifications will vary from scholarship to scholarship but may include:
- academic performance
- community involvement
- specific faith-based criteria
Start by exploring scholarships that align with your academic goals. Additionally, we recommend checking with your high school or college’s financial aid office for more recommendations based on your background and academic achievements.
How to Apply for Catholic Scholarships
We recommend searching for Catholic scholarships that align with who you are. Besides your faith and academic goals, try to find scholarships that resonate with you. Use trusted resources such as Catholic Online School, Bold.org, or scholarship pages from Catholic universities to find opportunities specifically for Catholic students.
Once you’ve found scholarships that align with you, collect the required application materials and double-check the instructions and deadlines. Take your time to write a thoughtful application highlighting your academic achievements, aspirations, and commitment to your faith.
Tips for Securing a Catholic Scholarship
You’ll be able to showcase who you are in the essay section of the application. This is where you have the best chance to convince donors that you should win the scholarship. Before you start writing, it’s important to plan ahead and think about your personal connection to the Catholic faith.
Consider your past, your family, and your traditions, but most importantly, consider why and how you are connected to faith. And consider how your faith has influenced your values, beliefs, and goals.
Share personal anecdotes or experiences that show the impact Catholic institutions have had on your life. This can make a difference in your application by demonstrating your dedication to the faith.
Benefits of Attending a Catholic High School
Before attending college, if you are a graduating high school senior, you might have benefited from attending a Catholic high school. These schools benefit students by cultivating leaders with values of compassion, integrity, and service.
In addition to that, Catholic schools emphasize accessibility and affordability, offering scholarships to students from diverse backgrounds. Beyond academics, these schools offer an environment where students can grow spiritually while preparing for higher education.
Attending a Catholic high school can also increase eligibility for faith-based scholarships, aligning with the missions of many organizations and institutions dedicated to supporting Catholic students.
State and Diocesan Tuition Assistance Programs for High Schools
Students attending a Catholic high school may also be eligible for some state aid programs, so be sure to check these out in addition to Catholic scholarships.
The Ohio Department of Education (ODE) offers funding for programs like the EdChoice Traditional and Expansion Scholarships, the Cleveland Scholarship Program, and the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship, helping students with tuition costs at non-public schools. Additionally, Diocesan tuition assistance is available for students in need of financial aid.
To apply, students have to submit a FACTS application each year they seek financial aid. These scholarships help offset the cost of tuition at Catholic high schools and other non-public institutions.
Endowed Scholarships and Legacy Awards
Lake Catholic High School offers a range of scholarships for new students based on financial need, academic achievement, and involvement in service and leadership. Students also need to complete a FACTS financial aid application if they want to be considered. These scholarships also allow alumni and supporters of the school to make a lasting impact, helping the next generation of students thrive.
In addition to scholarships, platforms like Catholic Online School and Your Catholic Voice Foundation offer financial resources to support Catholic students in their academic and spiritual growth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Catholic Scholarships
1. Are There Scholarships for Graduate Students in Catholic Colleges?
Yes, there are Catholic scholarships for graduate students, and some Catholic universities, like St. John’s University and Santa Clara University, offer specific programs for graduate-level studies. These scholarships often target Catholic educators or those pursuing advanced degrees in fields like education or theology.
In addition to those, various Catholic organizations may also provide scholarships for graduate students based on academic achievement, faith involvement, or professional goals. Be sure to review individual scholarship pages or reach out to the institutions for more details on graduate-level scholarship opportunities tailored to your academic or faith-based interests.
2. Can I Apply for Multiple Catholic Scholarships at the Same Time?
Yes, you can apply for multiple Catholic scholarships at the same time. Review each scholarship’s requirements and deadlines to avoid spending time on applications that won’t align with you. Some may have rules about combining multiple awards, so check the terms to see if there are any restrictions.
3. What Should I Include in My Application to Demonstrate My Commitment to Faith?
In your application, highlight personal experiences that show how your faith has shaped your values, beliefs, and goals. Think about moments where your Catholic faith influenced your decisions and actions. This can be in various areas, whether in academics, service, or community involvement. The most important thing is to be specific and genuinely connect to Catholic teachings. Donors are looking for applicants who are truthful and are going to become assets to the Catholic community.
Still not enough and want to explore more opportunities for college students? Check out our need-based scholarshipsblog to finance your education.
