Key Takeaways
Catholic students can apply for scholarships that require proof of church attendance, letters from pastors, or graduation from Catholic high schools.
Local dioceses and organizations like the Knights of Columbus offer additional funding opportunities beyond national scholarships.
Scholarship applicants improve their chances by submitting tailored essays and asking faith leaders for recommendation letters.
In 2018, 94% of students at Catholic colleges received financial aid to pay for school, according to the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities. Scholarships and grants do not require repayment, making them more appealing than student loans.
College students can explore many Catholic scholarships to help fund their education. This page introduces scholarships and grants for Catholic students and offers religious student resources and information about resource centers for Catholic students.
Catholic scholarship applications often require different application materials than other scholarships. For example, some Catholic scholarships require proof of regular church attendance or a recommendation letter from the applicant's pastor. Many also award scholarships to graduates of Catholic high schools or students from a particular diocese.
Applicants stand out by writing custom essays and other application materials for each scholarship. They can also request recommendation letters from people who can speak to their faith, including religious leaders.
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Scholarships
Many organizations offer scholarships for Catholic students. Our list of Catholic scholarships includes awards for students attending specific institutions, graduates of Catholic high schools, and students who meet various other eligibility requirements.
In addition to this list, Catholic college students should also contact their local Knights of Columbus council or archdiocese to learn about scholarships. This page provides information about financial aid and college.
Choosing to Attend a Catholic University
Prospective students considering Catholic colleges and universities must weigh their unique needs and circumstances to find the best fit. Some students thrive at Catholic institutions, while others prefer a nondenominational school. This section explores reasons to attend or not attend a Catholic institution.
While students bring their own perspective to the college decision process, researching the options helps them make an informed choice. Check out our Christian student guide to choosing a college.
Reasons to Attend a Catholic Institution
Why attend a Catholic university? For many students, a Catholic institution offers a welcoming atmosphere where shared values shape the curriculum and life outside of the classroom. Below, we list some reasons to attend a Catholic institution.
Built-in Catholic Community
While only 42% of Catholic school students identify as Catholic, these institutions offer a built-in community of people with shared values and religious beliefs. At a Catholic institution, undergraduates connect with Catholic students, faculty, and staff.
Faith-based Education
Catholic colleges integrate faith into the curriculum. Undergraduates study theology, Western philosophy, church history, and social justice. Religious studies or theology majors devote themselves to exploring faith and the relationship between religion and society.
Commitment to Religion
At nondenominational schools, Catholics connect through faith-based religious centers or student groups. At Catholic colleges, faith shapes the education and extracurricular activities. Advisors and counselors help students grow as individuals and Catholics rather than providing a secular approach.
Reasons Not to Attend a Catholic Institution
Catholic institutions are not the right fit for every student. When evaluating Catholic college versus public college, for instance, some prefer the larger class sizes, greater variety of majors, and lower tuition rates at public colleges. Below, we list some reasons not to attend a Catholic school.
More Options
Students who choose to attend a Catholic college limit their choices to around 200 colleges. However, Catholics who choose a nondenominational college can explore many more choices, including top-ranked institutions.
Tuition Savings
The average cost of tuition at Catholic schools exceeded $30,000 per year in 2018-19. While 94% of undergraduates receive financial aid and nearly 89% of undergraduates receive institutional aid, nondenominational schools may offer tuition savings over Catholic universities. For example, in-state public institutions charge around $9,000 in tuition and fees, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Larger Schools
In 2018-19, around 850,000 students attended a Catholic college in the U.S. These schools enroll around 2,600 students, with only a small number enrolling more than 10,000 students. For undergraduates seeking a large campus, nondenominational schools offer more options.
Finding and Joining the Catholic Community on Campus
Whether Catholic college students choose a Catholic school or a nondenominational college, they can connect with the Catholic community on campus. Local organizations like Catholic student centers or Catholic student associations help new students find their local church, learn more about their parish, and volunteer their time.
Resources like the The Catholic Directory also help students find local Catholic organizations. Online learners attending a school outside of their local area particularly benefit from this kind of resource. Catholic organizations on campus differ depending on the school and the size of the campus Catholic community.
Catholic College Resources and Support
Catholic college students face many of the same stressors as other undergraduates, such as balancing their classes, getting enough sleep, and managing distractions. However, Catholic students also experience unique issues like finding the right college and choosing between a religious school or a nonreligious school. These resources help students thrive in college.
External Resources
Catholic Answers
Catholic Answers helps current, former, and non-Catholics learn more about Catholicism and the Catholic Church. The site provides answers to common questions and offers an accessible way to learn about the Catholic faith.CRS University
A humanitarian agency for the U.S. Catholic community, CRS University runs campus chapters to prepare college students for leadership roles in Catholic relief services.FOCUS
A Catholic outreach group focused on higher education, FOCUS promotes Catholicism on college campuses. The organization hosts Bible studies, outreach events, and trips to spread Catholicism.The National Catholic College Admission Association
Founded in 1959, CCAA represents more than 120 Catholic colleges and universities. The nonprofit encourages Catholic higher education while providing resources to prospective students on attending a Catholic college.United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Diocesan Locator
USCCB represents Catholic bishops in the U.S. The site includes resources on mass times, Bible study materials, Catholic news and resources, and prayers.
Genevieve Carlton
Genevieve Carlton holds a Ph.D. in history from Northwestern University and earned tenure as a history professor at the University of Louisville. An award-winning historian and writer, Genevieve has published multiple scholarly articles and a book with the University of Chicago Press. She currently works as a freelance writer and consultant.
