I'm thinking about attending a Catholic college after high school. Are there specific scholarships available for students choosing a Catholic institution? Any tips on where to find them or how to apply would be super helpful!
Yes, several scholarships exist specifically for students attending Catholic colleges or universities. These scholarships are often offered by the institutions themselves, religious organizations, or other private foundations.
Many Catholic colleges offer generous scholarships and aids to attract students. For instance:
- The University of Notre Dame offers the Notre Dame Scholarships that cover a significant portion of tuition.
- The Loyola University Chicago, which does not charge an application fee, offers merit scholarships for students based on their high school achievements.
It's recommended to check the financial aid page of the specific Catholic college you're interested in, as many institutions list both their internal scholarships and external scholarship opportunities on their website.
You may also look into private foundations or religious organizations that offer scholarships for Catholic education. One such organization is The Catholic College Scholarship Foundation, but there are many others. You can research these potential opportunities through scholarship search platforms like Appily.
The Knights of Columbus, a large Catholic fraternal organization, offers a variety of scholarships, some of which prioritize students attending Catholic colleges.
Most of these scholarships require an application separate from your college application, so do pay attention to the specific requirements, due dates, and requested materials for each scholarship.
Additionally, remember to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to see what kind of federal aid you qualify for. The SAI (Student Aid Index) generated can be used by schools to determine eligibility for their own need-based aid programs. You can start filling the form by October 1st of the year before you plan to attend college.
Remember, when looking for scholarships, start early, make a timeline, keep track of deadlines, and don't be afraid to apply to as many as you're eligible for—it's often a numbers game! Good luck!
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