The starting point
An Augustinian Catholic university near Philadelphia where merit aid is scarce and holistic: only about 5% of freshmen receive institutional non-need merit (averaging $32,067), with the Presidential Scholarship (25 awarded per year, full cost of attendance) at the top. Villanova prioritizes need-based aid, so families relying on merit alone face long odds at a $97,000 COA.
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.
Presidential Scholarship
Full cost of attendance: tuition, housing, meal plan (up to 21 meals/week), general fee, and textbook access program · Variable or qualified amount
Not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules.
Eligibility: First-time, first-year applicants only. No minimum GPA or test score requirement, but selectees are typically in the top 1-2% of the national applicant pool. Apply via Common Application by January 15. A select number of candidates receive a supplemental application invitation in January along with their admission offer. Approximately 60 finalists interview on campus in March. 25 scholars are selected annually. Test-optional: SAT/ACT submission is not required.
Renewal: Renewable for up to 8 consecutive semesters. Requires minimum 3.33 cumulative GPA. First-year scholars cannot be placed on probation; probation eligibility begins second semester of sophomore year. Once on probation, scholars have three semesters to restore GPA to 3.33 or risk losing the award. Must also comply with University Honors Program expectations and Code of Student Conduct.
Other terms: Replaces any previous merit-based award. May also reduce need-based aid. FAFSA is not required for Presidential Scholarship consideration, but is required for other financial aid. Portions covering housing, meals, and optional equipment are taxable income.
https://www.villanova.edu/university/research-scholarship/crf/presidential-scholars.html
Presidential Finalist Scholarship
$16,000/year · Published amount
Not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules.
Eligibility: Awarded to Presidential Scholarship finalists who participated in the on-campus interview but were not selected as one of the 25 Presidential Scholars. Approximately 35 students per year receive this consolation award.
Renewal: Renewable for up to 8 semesters. Requires satisfactory academic progress (2.0 cumulative GPA minimum for financial aid eligibility).
Other terms: One of the few named partial-merit amounts Villanova publishes. This is a meaningful data point for families: making the finalist round but not winning the full Presidential still yields $64,000 over four years.
https://www.villanova.edu/university/research-scholarship/crf/presidential-scholars/faq.html
St. Martin de Porres Scholarship
Full tuition and general fees · Published coverage or package
Not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules.
Eligibility: Academically talented students with a demonstrated commitment to advocacy and social justice. All eligible applicants are automatically considered upon completing admissions and financial aid applications (FAFSA and CSS Profile required). No separate application.
Renewal: Renewable for up to 8 semesters. Requires satisfactory academic progress and continued alignment with the scholarship's mission of social justice advocacy.
Other terms: Named for the patron saint of mixed-race people and social justice. Covers tuition and general fees but not room, board, or indirect costs. Villanova does not publish the number awarded annually.
https://www.villanova.edu/university/undergraduate-admission/Financial-Assistance-and-scholarship/merit-based-scholarships.html
