Start typing in the text field above
Load More
Scholarship Review Process

The Scholarships360 Research Team reviews all scholarships individually and strives to exclude any scholarship where any of the below applies:

  • The scholarship requires a fee to apply
  • The scholarship provider’s privacy policy allows for the misuse of student data
  • The scholarship requires paid membership in an organization (with certain exceptions for reputable trade organizations and others)
  • Student are required to sign up for a site or service to apply*
  • The scholarship seems primarily used for lead generation** or idea harvesting purposes***
  • The scholarship website has many grammatical errors and/or advertisements
  • The scholarship or scholarship providing organization seem untrustworthy
  • There is no evidence the scholarship was previously awarded
  • The scholarship has not been awarded in the past 12 months
  • There is no available contact information

If you believe a scholarship has been published in error, please reach out to [email protected] and we’ll take a look!


* There are certain exceptions to this, for example if the sponsoring organization is a major corporation or nonprofit with its own scholarship application system.
** Lead generation scholarships will require students to sign up for an app or website and require minimal (if any) application requirements.
***Idea harvesting scholarships will require students to submit blog posts or other materials that companies may use for marketing purposes.

Learn about our editorial policies
Advertiser disclosure

Student-centric advice and objective recommendations

Higher education has never been more confusing or expensive. Our goal is to help you navigate the very big decisions related to higher ed with objective information and expert advice. Each piece of content on the site is original, based on extensive research, and reviewed by multiple editors, including a subject matter expert. This ensures that all of our content is up-to-date, useful, accurate, and thorough.

Our reviews and recommendations are based on extensive research, testing, and feedback. We may receive commission from links on our website, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our marketing partners don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. It’s accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted. You can find a complete list of our partners here.

Top 17 Catholic Scholarships in September 2023

Written by Will Geiger

Will Geiger is the co-founder of Scholarships360 and has a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. He is a former Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Kenyon College where he personally reviewed 10,000 admissions applications and essays. Will also managed the Kenyon College merit scholarship program and served on the financial aid appeals committee. He has also worked as an Associate Director of College Counseling at a high school in New Haven, Connecticut. Will earned his master’s in education from the University of Pennsylvania and received his undergraduate degree in history from Wake Forest University.

Full Bio

Learn about our editorial policies

Updated: September 1st, 2023

According to research from Pew, there are over 50 million Catholics in the United States. This makes Catholicism one of the most common religious denominations in the country. This also means that there are many Catholic scholarships out there to support Catholic students!

In this guide, you will learn about private Catholic scholarships, as well as some of the top Catholic colleges and universities that offer merit scholarships to prospective students. Keep on reading to learn more about the top Catholic scholarships, including eligibility, award amounts, and application deadlines.

Read More
Get Started

Join for exclusive scholarships, personalized matching, and application tracking. 0% Spam, 100% Free.

Scholarships360 is recommended by
UChicago Logo
Stony Brook University logo
Illinois State Logo
Northern Michigan Logo
Manhattanville Logo
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS360 WINNERS

Danielle Emretane

Winner of the Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

Fiorella Ruiz

Winner of the "Commencing at Community College" Scholarship

Jack Furman

Winner of the “Tuition Solution” STEM Scholarship

Morgan Breitschuh

Winner of the “Follow Your Own Path” Scholarship

Connor Godoy

Winner of the “Commencing at Community College Scholarship”

Kyamani Atterbury

Winner of the “Outstanding Undergraduate” Scholarship

17 Scholarships
Sort by:
$2,000 Annual Catholic College Scholarship
$2,000 Annual Catholic College Scholarship

Offered by The Christian Connector

1 award worth $2,000
Deadline May 31, 2024

Are you a current high school student interested in attending a Catholic college or university? If so, consider applying for the Annual Catholic College Scholarship!…

Are you a current high school student interested in attending a Catholic college or university? If so, consider applying for the Annual Catholic College Scholarship!…

Are you a current high school student interested in attending a Catholic college or university? If so, consider applying for the Annual Catholic College Scholarship! In order to apply, you simply need to fill out a form with some simple information about yourself, your high school, and your college plans. You will then be entered into a scholarship drawing with the opportunity to win up to $2,000. The scholarship is offered by The Christian Connector, a "one-stop-shop” for receiving free information from Catholic/Christian colleges and Bible colleges.   If you’re a high school student with plans of attending a Catholic college, we encourage you to apply to the Annual Catholic College Scholarship!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents, DACA

Academic Interest: Religion

Religious Affiliation: Catholic

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

Show Details
Exclusive
$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship
$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

Offered by Scholarships360

1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Jun 30, 2024

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high…

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high…

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high school student who hopes to go to college, a graduate student who’s in a master’s program, or an adult learner who wants to return to school, you are eligible for our no essay scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded to students who get the most out of Scholarships360 scholarships and content. You will be a strong applicant if you apply to scholarships with the Scholarships360 platform. Finalists for this scholarship will be interviewed about their process for funding their education.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: All Grade Levels

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents

Minimum GPA: No GPA requirement

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

Show Details
$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship
$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship

Offered by Sallie Mae

1 award worth $2,000
Deadline Sep 30, 2023

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for…

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for…

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for school.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents, DACA

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

Show Details
$40,000 BigFuture Scholarships
$40,000 BigFuture Scholarships

Offered by The College Board

Multiple awards worth up to $40,000
Deadline Sep 30, 2023

Open to US-Based high school students in the classes of 2024 and 2025 — no essay, minimum GPA, test score, or citizenship requirements.

Open to US-Based high school students in the classes of 2024 and 2025 — no essay, minimum GPA, test score, or citizenship requirements.

Open to US-Based high school students in the classes of 2024 and 2025 — no essay, minimum GPA, test score, or citizenship requirements.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Juniors & Seniors

Citizenship: US Citizens, Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents, DACA

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

Show Details
$25k “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship
$25k “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship

Offered by Bold.org

1 award worth $25,000
Deadline Oct 1, 2023

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: All Grade Levels

Minimum GPA: No GPA requirement

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

Show Details
ARFORA Helen Muntean Education Scholarship for Women
ARFORA Helen Muntean Education Scholarship for Women

Offered by The Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America

1 award worth $1,000
Deadline May 10, 2024

Are you a female communicant member of a parish or mission of the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America, or the wife or daughter of a…

Are you a female communicant member of a parish or mission of the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America, or the wife or daughter of a…

Are you a female communicant member of a parish or mission of the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America, or the wife or daughter of a communicant member who has completed her first year of an undergraduate degree? Additionally, are you studying to become a teacher? If so, you might consider applying for the ARFORA Undergraduate Scholarship for Women! The scholarship is funded by the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America with the goal of helping communicant members further their education and become teachers. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded to selected students annually. The scholarship can be used for any educational expenses. If you’re a female, education major passionate about your faith as a part of the Roman Orthodox Episcopate of America and are looking for some help paying for college, we encourage you to apply!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors

Citizenship: US Citizens, Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents, DACA, Other

Minimum GPA: No GPA requirement

Academic Interest: Education, Religion

Religious Affiliation: Christian, Catholic

Other Category: Women

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

Show Details
ARFORA/Martha Gavrila Scholarship for Women
ARFORA/Martha Gavrila Scholarship for Women

Offered by The Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America

1 award worth $1,000
Deadline May 10, 2024

Are you a female graduate student who has been a voting communicant member of a parish/mission of the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America for at…

Are you a female graduate student who has been a voting communicant member of a parish/mission of the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America for at…

Are you a female graduate student who has been a voting communicant member of a parish/mission of the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America for at least one year? If you are, consider applying for the ARFORA Martha Gavrilla Graduate Scholarship for Women! The scholarship is funded by the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America with the goal of helping communicant members further their education. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded to one selected graduate student annually and can be used for any educational expenses. If you’re a female graduate student passionate about your faith as a part of the Roman Orthodox Episcopate of America and are looking for some help paying for your graduate degree, we encourage you to apply!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: Graduate Students

Citizenship: US Citizens, Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents, DACA, Other

Minimum GPA: No GPA requirement

Academic Interest: Religion

Religious Affiliation: Christian, Catholic

Other Category: Women

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

Show Details
Pamfil and Maria Bujea Family Orthodox Christian Seminarian Scholarship
Pamfil and Maria Bujea Family Orthodox Christian Seminarian Scholarship

Offered by Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America

Multiple awards worth $10,000
Deadline May 31, 2024

The Pamfil and Maria Bujea Seminarian Scholarship is a unique opportunity for Orthodox Christian seminarians with a passion for serving the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of…

The Pamfil and Maria Bujea Seminarian Scholarship is a unique opportunity for Orthodox Christian seminarians with a passion for serving the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of…

The Pamfil and Maria Bujea Seminarian Scholarship is a unique opportunity for Orthodox Christian seminarians with a passion for serving the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America in Canada. This scholarship is awarded once to a deserving male or female student at the beginning of the recipient's second year of studies at one of these Schools of Theology: St. Vladimir Orthodox Seminary, Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, or St. Tikhon Orthodox Seminary. The ruling hierarchy will determine the length of service required. Three letters of recommendation are necessary to apply.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College Students

Citizenship: US Citizens, Canadian Citizens

Academic Interest: Religion

Religious Affiliation: Catholic

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

Show Details
COF Fraternal Scholarship
COF Fraternal Scholarship

Offered by Catholic Order of Foresters

Multiple awards worth $1,000
Expected deadline June 2024

Are you a prospective or current college student and member of the Catholic Order of Foresters (COF)? If so, you might be interested in applying…

Are you a prospective or current college student and member of the Catholic Order of Foresters (COF)? If so, you might be interested in applying…

Are you a prospective or current college student and member of the Catholic Order of Foresters (COF)? If so, you might be interested in applying for the COF Fraternal Scholarship! The scholarship is open to COF members who host a "Feeding God Children's" event, participate in COF's "Alternative Break", or serve as a religious instructor at any level. The Catholic Order of Foresters, a society of fraternal benefit in the U.S., offers the scholarship to help its members through financial support and service to the Catholic community. Every year, COF selects multiple applicants to receive $1,000 to use toward their college or university of choice. If you're a college student passionate about your Catholic faith, we encourage you to apply!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Seniors & College Students

Academic Interest: Religion

Religious Affiliation: Catholic

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

Show Details
ARFORA Undergraduate Scholarship for Women
ARFORA Undergraduate Scholarship for Women

Offered by Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America

Multiple awards worth $1,000
Expected deadline May 2024

The ARFORA Undergraduate Scholarship for Women, established in 1994, offers a $1,000 award to eligible female students who have completed their first year of undergraduate…

The ARFORA Undergraduate Scholarship for Women, established in 1994, offers a $1,000 award to eligible female students who have completed their first year of undergraduate…

The ARFORA Undergraduate Scholarship for Women, established in 1994, offers a $1,000 award to eligible female students who have completed their first year of undergraduate studies. To qualify, applicants must be a communicant member or daughter of a communicant member of a parish/mission of The Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America for at least one year prior to application.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College Sophomore

Citizenship: US Citizens

Religious Affiliation: Catholic

Other Category: Women

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

Show Details
Charles W. Riley Firefighter and Ambulance and Rescue Squad Member Scholarship Program
Charles W. Riley Firefighter and Ambulance and Rescue Squad Member Scholarship Program

Offered by Maryland Higher Education Commission

Multiple awards worth Varies
Expected deadline May 2024

Are you an active career or volunteer firefighter, ambulance, or rescue squad member serving Maryland communities? If so, consider applying for the Charles W. Riley…

Are you an active career or volunteer firefighter, ambulance, or rescue squad member serving Maryland communities? If so, consider applying for the Charles W. Riley…

Are you an active career or volunteer firefighter, ambulance, or rescue squad member serving Maryland communities? If so, consider applying for the Charles W. Riley Firefighter and Ambulance and Rescue Squad Member Scholarship Program! This scholarship is open to active firefighters, ambulance, and rescue squad members who are seeking a fire service-related degree. The Maryland Higher Education Commission, the state's board responsible for administering state financial aid programs for higher education, funds the scholarship. Each year, they award varying amounts of scholarship money to help eligible students pursue a fire service-related degree. Recipients are also required to serve for one (1) year as a volunteer or career firefighter, ambulance, or rescue squad member in Maryland after completion of an eligible program. If you’re passionate about helping out people in critical need and are pursuing a fire service-related degree, we encourage you to apply!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College & Graduate Students

Academic Interest: Fire Science/Firefighting

Religious Affiliation: Catholic

Other Category: Adult, Nontraditional

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

Show Details
Catholic United Financial Post-High School Tuition Scholarship
Catholic United Financial Post-High School Tuition Scholarship

Offered by Catholic United Financial

Multiple awards worth up to $500
Expected deadline April 2024

The Catholic United Financial Post-High School Tuition Scholarship is funded by Catholic United Financial, an organization that financially protects and connects members through faith and…

The Catholic United Financial Post-High School Tuition Scholarship is funded by Catholic United Financial, an organization that financially protects and connects members through faith and…

The Catholic United Financial Post-High School Tuition Scholarship is funded by Catholic United Financial, an organization that financially protects and connects members through faith and joyful service at every step of life’s journey. Every year, their Post-High School Tuition Scholarship awards up to $500 to Catholic United Financial members of any age who are pursuing a degree, diploma, or certificate. If this scholarship sounds like a fit for you, keep on reading for more application details.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Seniors & College Students

Academic Interest: Religion

Religious Affiliation: Catholic

Other Category: Adult

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

Show Details
ICF First-Year College Scholarship
ICF First-Year College Scholarship

Offered by Italian Catholic Federation (ICF)

Multiple awards worth up to $1,000
Expected deadline April 2024

Are you a Roman Catholic high school senior who lives within the Roman Catholic Dioceses or where the Branches of Federation were established in California,…

Are you a Roman Catholic high school senior who lives within the Roman Catholic Dioceses or where the Branches of Federation were established in California,…

Are you a Roman Catholic high school senior who lives within the Roman Catholic Dioceses or where the Branches of Federation were established in California, Arizona, Illinois or Nevada? If that sounds like you, consider applying for the ICF First-Year College Scholarship! In order to apply, you must submit an essay, transcript, and proof of enrollment at your soon-to-be university. If you win, the scholarship is automatically renewable, with the award amount increasing from $400 to $1,000 from freshman to senior year. If you fit the criteria and are looking for some help to pay off your college costs, we encourage you to apply!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Senior

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents

Minimum GPA: 3.2

Academic Interest: Religion

Religious Affiliation: Catholic

State: Arizona, California, Illinois, Nevada

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

Show Details
The National CCAA First-Year Scholarship
The National CCAA First-Year Scholarship

Offered by The National Catholic College Admission Association

16 awards worth $1,000
Expected deadline April 2024

The National CCAA First-Year Scholarship is funded by the National Catholic College Admission Association, an organization of Catholic colleges and universities committed to promoting the…

The National CCAA First-Year Scholarship is funded by the National Catholic College Admission Association, an organization of Catholic colleges and universities committed to promoting the…

The National CCAA First-Year Scholarship is funded by the National Catholic College Admission Association, an organization of Catholic colleges and universities committed to promoting the value of Catholic higher education and to serving students, parents, and counselors. Every year, their National CCAA First-Year Scholarship awards $1,000 to 16 college-bound high school seniors who will be attending one of the National NCAA member institutions in the fall after graduation. If this scholarship sounds like a fit for you, keep on reading for more application details.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Senior

Religious Affiliation: Catholic

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

Show Details
Emmett J. Doerr Memorial Scout Scholarship
Emmett J. Doerr Memorial Scout Scholarship

Offered by National Catholic Committee on Scouting

Multiple awards worth up to $5,000
Expected deadline March 2024

Are you a service-oriented, Catholic high school senior actively involved with a Scout Troop, Venturing Crew, or Sea Scout Ship? Furthermore, have you been awarded…

Are you a service-oriented, Catholic high school senior actively involved with a Scout Troop, Venturing Crew, or Sea Scout Ship? Furthermore, have you been awarded…

Are you a service-oriented, Catholic high school senior actively involved with a Scout Troop, Venturing Crew, or Sea Scout Ship? Furthermore, have you been awarded for your involvement and do you plan on continuing your education in college? Consider applying for the Emmett J. Doerr Scholarship! Each year, this program awards multiple scouts up to $5,000 for their continued dedication to Catholicism, their scout programs, and education. To apply, you must submit an application, four letters of recommendation, a transcript, and a high-quality photo of yourself. If you’re passionate about your scout program and are looking for some help to pay off college, we encourage you to apply!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Senior

Minimum GPA: No GPA requirement

Academic Interest: Religion

Religious Affiliation: Catholic

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

Show Details
Briana Tigue Medina Nursing Scholarship Fund
Briana Tigue Medina Nursing Scholarship Fund

Offered by Catholic Community Foundation

1 award worth $1,000
Expected deadline March 2024

Are you a high school senior planning to study nursing in Arizona? If so, you may be eligible for the Briana Tigue Medina Nursing Scholarship…

Are you a high school senior planning to study nursing in Arizona? If so, you may be eligible for the Briana Tigue Medina Nursing Scholarship…

Are you a high school senior planning to study nursing in Arizona? If so, you may be eligible for the Briana Tigue Medina Nursing Scholarship Fund! The scholarship is open to high school seniors in the Diocese of Pheonix area who are pursuing an undergraduate degree in nursing.  The Catholic Community Foundation is a private non-profit financial institution that is proud to offer this scholarship opportunity for prospective nursing students. Their mission is to “build the future of the Faith by providing sustainable support for those who serve our community.” The scholarship was established in 2018 to honor Briana Tigue Medina and her legacy of empathy and respect in a nursing role. Every year, one hardworking nursing applicant earns $1,000 to go towards their tuition at a 4-year college or university. If you are an Arizona high school senior passionate about obtaining a degree in nursing, we encourage you to apply!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Senior

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents

Academic Interest: Healthcare, Public Health, Nursing

Religious Affiliation: Catholic

State: Arizona

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

Show Details
Newman Society Essay Scholarship Contest
Newman Society Essay Scholarship Contest

Offered by The Cardinal Newman Society

1 award worth up to $5,000
Expected deadline February 2024

Are you a high school senior who values both higher education and your Catholic faith? The Newman Society Essay Scholarship Contest may just be a…

Are you a high school senior who values both higher education and your Catholic faith? The Newman Society Essay Scholarship Contest may just be a…

Are you a high school senior who values both higher education and your Catholic faith? The Newman Society Essay Scholarship Contest may just be a great opportunity for you! The Newman Society Essay Scholarship Contest is made possible thanks to the generosity of Joseph and Ann Guiffre, supporters of the Newman Society and faithful Catholic education. The Newman Society was founded in 1993 in order to promote and defend faithful Catholic education. If you are a student who is interested in combining intellectual learning with your spiritual Catholic beliefs, we encourage you to apply for the Newman Society Essay Scholarship Contest!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Senior

Citizenship: Permanent Residents

Minimum GPA: No GPA requirement

Academic Interest: Religion

Religious Affiliation: Catholic

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

Show Details

According to research from Pew, there are over 50 million Catholics in the United States. This makes Catholicism one of the most common religious denominations in the country. This also means that there are many Catholic scholarships out there to support Catholic students!

In this guide, you will learn about private Catholic scholarships, as well as some of the top Catholic colleges and universities that offer merit scholarships to prospective students. Keep on reading to learn more about the top Catholic scholarships, including eligibility, award amounts, and application deadlines.

Jump ahead to…

Top scholarships at Catholic colleges

In addition to private scholarships, Catholic students should consider Catholic colleges and universities. Institutional financial aid can include generous merit scholarships, as well as need-based financial aid.

Some of the top Catholic Colleges are:

Boston College (Chestnut Hill, MA)

  • Boston College only offers one merit scholarship program, the Presidential Scholars Program, which is a full tuition scholarship that 15 students per year will receive.

University of Dayton (Dayton, OH)

  • The University of Dayton considers all accepted students for merit scholarships. These awards range from $59,000 to $109,000 over four years.

Fordham University (Bronx, NY)

  • Fordham offers a variety of merit scholarship programs ranging up to the Cunnliffe Presidential Scholarship which is a full ride scholarship that includes tuition, room, board, other fees, and up to $20,000 over four years for academic enrichment.
  • Since Fordham is a test-optional college, students do not need to submit the ACT or SAT to be considered for merit scholarships.

Georgetown University (Washington, D.C.)

College of the Holy Cross (Worcester, MA)

  • While most of Holy Cross’ financial aid budget is focused on supporting need-based aid, there are some merit scholarships available (many of these merit scholarships also have a need-based component).

Loyola Marymount University (Los Angeles, CA)

  • Loyola Marymount offers merit scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 per year. All students who apply and are accepted to LMU are considered for these scholarships so no additional application is needed!

University of Notre Dame (South Bend, IN)

  • Notre Dame offers the Notre Dame Scholars Program, which is a renewable scholarship worth $25,000 per year that 20 students will receive per year.
  • Notre Dame also offers the Stamps Scholarship which is a full tuition scholarship that also includes $12,000 of additional funding for students.

University of San Diego (San Diego, CA)

  • University of San Diego considers all applicants for merit scholarships that range from $18,000 to $25,000 per year.
  • Since USD is test-optional, ACT and SAT scores are not required parts of the scholarship review process.

Santa Clara University (Santa Clara, CA)

  • Santa Clara merit scholarships include awards that are full ride, full tuition, and half tuition.
  • There are also specific scholarships for legacy students, as well as for students talented in theater, art, and music.

Villanova University (Villanova, PA)

  • The Villanova Presidential Scholarship is a full ride scholarship for high-achieving students who are also leaders in their communities.
  • Villanova’s other merit scholarships also have a need-based component, so the only pure merit scholarship is the Presidential Scholarship.

How to win Catholic scholarships 

Because Catholic schools are mostly all private, they can come with some higher tuition rates than other schools, which means finding and winning scholarships is important!  

Take advantage of our article for how to write a winning scholarship essay and our ultimate guide for how to find scholarships and win them!  

Applying to many scholarships means each one will have its own challenge. Review the various scholarship essay prompts that are out there and how you can write a scholarship resume to help you tackle those challenges! 

Tips for Catholic students  

Applying for scholarships that are specific to Catholic students means you might be asked to talk about your faith. Writing about your faith is something you should become comfortable with. Ask friends or adults in your life for some suggestions on how you can do this better. They may have even had to do the same thing when they were a student!  

Resources 

Campus ministries

As a catholic college student your faith is something you’ll probably care deeply about. Finding a campus ministry to be involved with is a great choice. Catholic colleges will have their own ministries and churches associated with them. However, even if your college is not specifically a catholic college, you’ll likely be able to find college ministries like Campus Crusade for Christ.

Frequently asked questions about Catholic scholarships

Does the Catholic Church give scholarships?

The centralized organization of the Catholic Church does not offer scholarships. However, individual churches may offer scholarships, which would receive funding from the Catholic Church. Many of the scholarships on this list, such as the Young Christian Leaders Scholarship, are available to students who are members of the Catholic Church.

Do Catholic schools offer scholarships?

Most Catholic schools do offer scholarships. They might be need-based, merit-based, or a combination of the two. One example is Fordham University’s most generous scholarship opportunity: A full ride, plus a $20,000 budget for academic enrichment.

Explore these other scholarship categories

Get Started

Join for exclusive scholarships, personalized matching, and application tracking. 0% Spam, 100% Free.

Apply to the $10,000 "No Essay" Scholarship

This easy scholarship is open to all US-based high school, college, and graduate students!

Apply now