Pursuing higher education can be a costly endeavor, but numerous scholarships are available to ease the financial burden. Among these, Catholic scholarships offer a unique blend of financial assistance, spiritual support, and community involvement. This guide provides you with all the information you need to know about Catholic scholarships, from their origins and eligibility criteria to the application process and notable examples.
What Are Catholic Scholarships?
Catholic scholarships are financial aid awards provided by Catholic organizations, foundations, parishes, and educational institutions. These scholarships are designed to support students who are members of the Catholic Church or who attend Catholic schools, though some may also be open to non-Catholics who meet specific criteria. The primary goal of these scholarships is to promote higher education within the Catholic community, uphold Catholic values, and encourage students to engage in service-oriented activities.
Whether you are a high school graduate seeking to continue your education at a Catholic institution, a teacher dedicated to fostering faith-based learning, or a student committed to integrating faith and leadership, there is a Catholic scholarship to support your journey. Programs like the Catholic School Scholarship, the Catholic Scholars Program, and the Catholic School Educator Grant at St. John’s University are excellent examples of how these opportunities can help you achieve your academic and spiritual goals.
In this blog, let’s take a look at the specifics of how you may benefit from these programs.
Available Catholic Scholarships
There are a number of scholarships available for you as a Catholic student. Let’s look at scholarships from St. John’s University in Queens, NY. This financial assistance will complement your academic journey and encourage you throughout college spiritually and academically.
Catholic School Scholarship:
St. John’s University offers the Catholic School Scholarship, which provides an annual award of $3,000, up to a total of $12,000 over four years of undergraduate study. It was established based on a recommendation from the Advisory Board of the University’s Institute for Catholic Schools (ICS).
Eligibility Requirements: You must meet the following criteria:
- You must graduate from a Catholic high school by June 2024.
- You must be a first-time, first-year student admitted to St. John’s University for the Fall 2024 semester.
- You must enroll full time, taking a minimum of 12 credits per semester.
- You need to maintain good academic standing for the scholarship to be renewed annually for up to four years of undergraduate study.
Award Details
- The scholarship provides up to $3,000 per year.
- It is renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study.
- Students in five-year joint degree programs are not eligible for the scholarship once they begin their graduate studies.
How to Apply
There is no separate application for the Catholic School Scholarship. Eligible first-time, first-year students automatically receive the minimum award upon admission.
Catholic Scholars Program:
As a first-year student at St. John’s University, you can apply for their Catholic Scholars Program, which offers $5,000 per year for each of your four years of study. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to living the Catholic tradition through leadership and excellence.
As a Catholic Scholars recipient, you are part of a multidisciplinary community of Catholic leaders who join professors and campus ministers in monthly meetings, lectures, courses, and prayer experiences that integrate faith, reason, and service. The energy of the University’s diverse, metropolitan campus enriches your education as you explore the richness of the Catholic tradition and its role in your studies and your future as a faith-inspired leader.
Eligibility Requirements:
- It is open to first-time, first-year students entering St. John’s University in the Fall of 2024.
- You must demonstrate a commitment to living the Catholic tradition through leadership and excellence.
Award Details:
- Receive $5,000 per year, totaling $20,000 over four years of study.
- The award is renewable each year for up to four years, provided you maintain good academic standing and demonstrate continued commitment to the Catholic tradition.
How to Apply:
- The application deadline is generally in the fall.
- For more information about this scholarship, contact Jillian Perota, Assistant Director of Admission, St. John’s University, at perotaj@stjohns.edu.
Catholic School Educator Grant:
As part of their mission as a Catholic university, St. John’s offers a 40 percent tuition reduction to full-time teachers and administrators in Catholic schools. This reduction applies to one master’s degree, one advanced certificate, or one doctoral degree.
Eligibility Requirements:
- You must be a full-time teacher or administrator at a Catholic school and provide proof of employment.
Award Details:
- Receive a 40 percent tuition reduction applicable to one master’s degree, one advanced certificate, or one doctoral degree.
- The tuition reduction is available as long as you maintain full-time employment in a Catholic school and submit the required proof of employment each academic year.
How to Apply:
Download and submit the application along with all necessary materials. Once accepted into the University, complete a written form each semester and submit it to the Office of Student Financial Services. There is no deadline for this program.
Tips for Catholic Students:
- Applying for scholarships specific to Catholic students often requires discussing your faith. Get comfortable with this by practicing writing about your beliefs and experiences.
- Read success stories of students who got similar Catholic scholarships and how and what they did differently in their applications.
- Catholic scholarships frequently look for candidates who demonstrate a commitment to service. Highlight your volunteer work, community involvement, and any service projects in which you have participated.
- Showcase your leadership roles in school, church, or community organizations. This demonstrates your potential as a future leader within the Catholic community.
- Carefully read the eligibility criteria and application requirements for each scholarship. Ensure you meet every condition and submit all necessary documents.
- Pay attention to deadlines and submit your application well in advance to avoid any last-minute issues.
- Be genuine and sincere in your writing, letting your passion for your faith and education shine through.
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