The starting point
A private Jesuit university in Silicon Valley with a four-tier merit system: the Johnson Scholars Award (full tuition plus room, board, books, and up to $10,000 in professional development funds for roughly 5 students per year), the Presidential at Entry Scholarship (full tuition), the Provost Scholarship (half tuition), and Dean's Scholarships at varying amounts, all renewable for four years on a quarter calendar.
Selection beyond grades and scores. These awards are not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read each award's selection rules, application steps and dates. Meeting a minimum is not an award offer.
Awards to discuss
First 3 of 4 recorded awards, in chapter display order. This is a selection, not a ranking. Read the full chapter for all awards. Amounts retain the original units and conditions; confirm the entering year with the school.
Johnson Scholars Award
Full tuition per year, plus demonstrated financial need met for standard room, board, books, and supplies; up to $10,000 in professional development funds after first year · Variable or qualified amount
Not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules.
GPA: Typically unweighted 3.8+ in high school · SAT: 1450+ if submitted (test-optional)
Eligibility: Must apply Early Action or Early Decision I and to the University Honors Program. Demonstrates highest levels of academic ability, motivation, and leadership potential. International students are not eligible. Approximately 5 scholars selected per year after a virtual Selection Day in mid-March.
Renewal: Renewable for 12 consecutive academic quarters (four years). Requires 3.5 cumulative GPA, participation in the honors program, annual FAFSA filing, and active participation in Johnson Scholars programming.
Other terms: The most comprehensive merit award at SCU. Covers tuition during the academic year (summer excluded) and the university commits to fully meeting demonstrated financial need for room, board, books, and other customary expenses. Professional development funds of up to $10,000 become available after the first year for internships, research, and travel. Scholars are expected to write yearly reflective letters to program sponsors.
https://www.scu.edu/johnsonscholars/about-the-programaward/
SCU Presidential at Entry Scholarship
Full tuition per year · Published coverage or package
Not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules.
Eligibility: First-year students demonstrating qualities identified and emphasized by the president as critical to the university's mission. Holistic review at time of admission; no separate application required. Test-optional.
Renewal: Renewable for 12 consecutive academic quarters. Requires 3.5 cumulative GPA and satisfactory academic progress.
Other terms: Covers full tuition only, not room, board, or fees. Unlike the Johnson Scholars Award, no additional need-based supplementation or professional development funds are included.
https://www.scu.edu/financialaid/types-of-aid/scholarships-and-grants/merit-scholarships/
SCU Provost Scholarship
Half tuition per year (approximately $32,868 for 2026-2027) · Variable or qualified amount
Not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules.
Eligibility: First-year students who have assumed leadership roles in their schools and communities. Holistic review at time of admission; no separate application required. Test-optional.
Renewal: Renewable for 12 consecutive academic quarters. Requires 3.0 cumulative GPA and satisfactory academic progress.
Other terms: Half-tuition award. Per the SCU financial aid FAQ, Presidential at Entry and Provost are the only two SCU scholarships exempt from the fixed-amount rule; both scale with tuition annually because they are percentage-based commitments rather than flat dollar awards. Recipients do not lose ground to tuition inflation over four years.
https://www.scu.edu/financialaid/types-of-aid/scholarships-and-grants/merit-scholarships/
