Catholic University scholarships and merit aid

Exceptional academic profile based on quality of high school curriculum, GPA, and class rank (if provided); test-optional — scores not reviewed

University scholarships may be renewed for up to eight semesters or until you complete your current degree; requires continuous full-time enrollment (min 12 credits) and Satisfactory Academic Progress. Page states amounts are 'not subject to future increases (except for the Archdiocesan Scholarship).'

Page describes the figure as the 'current four-year scholarship ranging from $17,000 to $32,000' — wording is ambiguous as to annual vs four-year total; see Section C.

New first-year or transfer student with a parent, grandparent, or sibling who graduated from Catholic University (undergraduate, graduate, or law)

Renewable for up to four years; determined only at time of admission.

Awarded automatically to all admitted students meeting the legacy criterion; no separate application.

Parishioner of a Catholic church in the U.S. or U.S. territories; must complete the Parish Scholarship section of the Common Application with the admission application

Renewable for up to four years.

Receipt is NOT automatic; only one Parish Scholarship awarded per student and no later requests accepted.

Top of high school class, 'A' average in a highly demanding curriculum, significant leadership; nomination in mid-December, 250-word statement, interviews

Recipients must maintain a 3.20 cumulative GPA at all times plus Satisfactory Academic Progress. This is the only university scholarship that IS subject to future increases.

Competitive/nominated. Dollar amount not stated on the page.

Entering freshman from the Diocese of Trenton, NJ with a demonstrated record of service; no separate application but service resume encouraged; finalists interviewed

Four-year, full-tuition award.

One award per year. Full TUITION, not full cost of attendance.

Must be admitted into the Basselin Fellowship Program (philosophy)

Tied to continued participation in the Basselin Fellowship Program.

Students 'may be permitted to combine this assistance with other aid depending on the aid program and the student's year in college.'

First-year student admitted to Studio Art or Art History major; online portfolio (10-15 pieces) and faith-and-art essay; finalists interviewed

Renewable scholarship totaling $20,000 over four years, plus up to $6,500 research/travel support.

Up to two students selected per year.

Transfer applicant who is an active PTK member at a two-year college; must provide PTK certificate with application

Renewable award.

Transfer-specific award; separate track from first-year merit.

Child of a qualified employee at a TEP-participating institution; home institution determines initial eligibility/deadline

Continuing students must be determined eligible by their home institution and continue to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress.

CANNOT be combined with any other Catholic University scholarship or grant. ~10 awarded annually from 80-100 applications. Value figure is for 2025-2026 (aid-year mismatch — see Section C).

Parent employed full-time as faculty/staff at the John Paul II Institute; full-time degree-seeking student

Renewable as long as the parent maintains continuous full-time employment at the Institute and the student remains matriculated in good standing; up to four years (eight semesters), aggregate max $40,000.

Can be combined with other CUA merit scholarships up to the value of full tuition.