Magis Scholarship
JCU's highest merit award, recognizing exceptional academic achievement and leadership potential.
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We pride ourselves on ensuring that a JCU education is accessible and affordable for all students and families, regardless of their economic backgrounds. Discover scholarships and grants that make JCU possible.
JCU offers merit scholarships ranging from $18,000 to $28,000 annually, plus regional and specialty awards.
All first-year applicants are automatically considered for one of our merit scholarships—no separate application required. Awards are determined by academic performance, curriculum rigor, and test scores (if submitted). Listed amounts represent starting annual values and renew each year for four years.
| Scholarship | Annual Amount |
|---|---|
| Magis Scholarship | $30,000 |
| Presidential Scholarship | $26,000 |
| University Scholarship | $22,000 |
| Ignatian Award | $19,000 |
As an admitted student, you may be able to boost your merit award with additional regional, specialty, or transfer scholarships. Use the filters below to find the opportunities that apply to you.
JCU's highest merit award, recognizing exceptional academic achievement and leadership potential.
Automatic ConsiderationAll first-year applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships based on academic performance, rigor of high school curriculum, and standardized test scores (if submitted). Awards renew annually for four years as long as academic and conduct standards are maintained. You'll be notified of your merit scholarship at the time of admission.
Awarded to students demonstrating strong academic performance and rigorous high school curriculum.
Automatic ConsiderationAll first-year applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships based on academic performance, rigor of high school curriculum, and standardized test scores (if submitted). Awards renew annually for four years as long as academic and conduct standards are maintained. You'll be notified of your merit scholarship at the time of admission.
Recognizes students with solid academic records who are ready to thrive at JCU.
Automatic ConsiderationAll first-year applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships based on academic performance, rigor of high school curriculum, and standardized test scores (if submitted). Awards renew annually for four years as long as academic and conduct standards are maintained. You'll be notified of your merit scholarship at the time of admission.
Foundation merit award for students showing academic promise and potential for growth.
Automatic ConsiderationAll first-year applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships based on academic performance, rigor of high school curriculum, and standardized test scores (if submitted). Awards renew annually for four years as long as academic and conduct standards are maintained. You'll be notified of your merit scholarship at the time of admission.
Apply by November 1 and make an official campus visit by February 1 to earn this grant.
Automatic if EligibleFirst-year students admitted to JCU for fall 2026 who meet the eligibility criteria will receive this $2,000 grant as part of their JCU financial aid offer.
To be eligible, you must apply for admission to JCU by November 1, 2025, and make an official visit to campus by February 1, 2026. Only your application needs to be submitted by November 1—transcripts and other materials are not required by this date. An official visit includes any in-person visit or event hosted by the JCU Office of Admission.
For students from the Chicago area who have demonstrated leadership potential.
Application RequiredThis scholarship is intended for an individual from the Chicago area who has proven that they will be a leader while at JCU.
For incoming first-year students from St. Ignatius College Prep in Chicago.
Application RequiredThe Thomas M. Tully Family Scholarship is awarded to an incoming first-year student from St. Ignatius College Prep in Chicago, IL. A GPA of 2.75 is required for renewal.
Eligible admitted students can apply in myJCU GatewayPartnership with the Howley Foundation for Pell-eligible graduates of select Cleveland Catholic high schools.
Application RequiredJohn Carroll is proud to partner with the Howley Foundation to offer an affordable college experience for low-income (typically full Pell Grant eligible) students who are graduates of Saint Martin de Porres, Benedictine, Villa Angela Saint Joseph, or Saint Joseph Academy high schools.
Students should reach out to the designated Howley Foundation alumni coordinator at their high school to apply.
Up to eight semesters of support for students from Say Yes eligible schools in Cleveland.
Application RequiredJCU is pleased to provide five scholarship opportunities each year to students attending Say Yes eligible schools in Cleveland, OH. As part of this program, students can receive up to eight semesters of financial support to meet the full cost of tuition and mandatory fees at JCU.
Recognizes leadership, citizenship, and academic ability in students from East Coast states.
Application RequiredThe Andrew "Dewey" McCarthy Scholarship award recognizes an incoming first-year student who has a demonstrated record of leadership, citizenship, and academic ability and who hails from an East Coast state.
The Andrew McCarthy Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by Dewey's family, friends, teammates, classmates, and co-workers. Since 1983, money has been raised in support of the scholarship, and today the fund is fully endowed. The scholarship has been awarded annually since 1988.
Eligible admitted students can apply in myJCU GatewayAnnual scholarship awarded to up to five students from the New York City area.
Application RequiredThe A.M.D.G. $10,000 annual scholarship is awarded to up to five students from the New York City area.
Eligible admitted students can apply in myJCU GatewayFull-tuition award for students with 3+ years of Latin planning to major in Ancient Greek & Roman Studies.
Application RequiredFull-tuition, four-year scholarship for a student with 3+ years of Latin in high school who plans to major in Ancient Languages or Ancient Studies. Must maintain 3.0 GPA and enroll in Latin/Greek each semester.
Eligible admitted students can apply in myJCU GatewayNSF-funded scholarships for STEM majors demonstrating financial need and strong academic potential.
Application RequiredIncoming first-year students planning to pursue a science or technology major are eligible to apply for the INnovation for STEM Pre-Professionals: Identity, Research, and EDucation (INSPIRED) Scholarship program.
Funded by the National Science Foundation, these scholarships award up to $15,000 per year to students who demonstrate both financial need and strong academic potential in STEM at JCU. Awards are renewable for students who continue to meet the program's requirements.
Eligible admitted students can apply in myJCU GatewayFor Ohio residents pursuing healthcare careers in Biology, Chemistry, Nursing, or related fields.
Application RequiredIncoming first-year students preparing for careers in healthcare (medical, dental, pharmacy, nursing, and related fields) are invited to apply for the SANUM Scholars Award. Funded through a grant from the Ohio Department of Higher Education and John Carroll University, this scholarship provides $6,122 per year and can be combined with other sources of financial aid.
To be eligible, students must be Ohio residents, admitted undergraduates with a current FAFSA on file, and pursuing one of the following majors: Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Chemistry (including Biochemistry), Interdisciplinary Physics (including Biomedical Physics), Nursing, or Psychology with a Neuroscience Concentration.
Eligible admitted students can apply in myJCU GatewayFor students whose parent, step-parent, guardian, grandparent, or sibling graduated from JCU.
Automatic if EligibleThe Legacy Grant is available exclusively to first-year and transfer legacy students enrolling at JCU in fall 2026. Eligible legacy students will automatically qualify to receive this $1,000 grant that will renew annually.
Eligible legacy students include those who have had a parent, step-parent, legal guardian, grandparent, or sibling graduate from JCU at the time of enrolling. Applicants should indicate their legacy connection(s), along with their year(s) of graduation, on their application for admission.
For Cuyahoga County residents majoring in science, math, psychology, or accounting with demonstrated need.
Need-BasedSeveral scholarships will be awarded through the generosity of the Huntington Foundation to Cuyahoga residents. Scholarships are based on funds being available. Recipients must have a GPA of at least 2.5 and must be majoring in science, math, psychology, or accounting and have demonstrated need.
Renewable merit award based on academic achievement, coursework rigor, and extracurricular involvement.
Automatic ConsiderationThese renewable scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, the rigor of your college-level coursework, and involvement in extracurricular activities. No separate application is needed.
For admitted students who earned an associate's degree and completed their last 12 credits at a community college.
Automatic if EligibleAdmitted students who have earned an associate's degree and have completed their last 12 credit hours at a regionally accredited community college are eligible for this $3,000 award.
For members of Phi Theta Kappa honor society. Indicate membership on your admission application.
Automatic if EligibleThese scholarships are awarded to members of Phi Theta Kappa and are renewable for a second year. To be eligible, please indicate your membership on your admission application.
Multiple non-renewable scholarships for students transferring between Ohio Transfer Council member institutions.
External ApplicationThe Ohio Transfer Council offers multiple non-renewable scholarship opportunities for students transferring from one member institution to another.
View member institutions, deadlines, and application requirements
Competitive scholarships covering tuition, fees, books, and a monthly stipend through the Reserve Officers' Training Corps.
External ApplicationThe Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) offers competitive scholarships that can cover tuition, fees, books, and a monthly living stipend. In addition to financial support, the program provides leadership development and military training that can lead to a commission as an officer in the U.S. Army after graduation.
ROTC develops leaders who serve with distinction both in military and civilian careers.
Grants are need-based awards that do not need to be repaid. They represent the largest portion of JCU aid each year and help ensure all accepted students can attend.
To be eligible for university grants, undergraduate students must:
Individual award renewal criteria can be found in your myJCU Gateway portal.
JCU administers several federal grant programs. All require a FAFSA to establish need and eligibility.
| Grant | Maximum Award | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Pell Grant | $7,395 | For undergraduates with exceptional financial need who have not earned a bachelor's degree. Amount varies based on credit hours and need. |
| Federal SEOG | $1,000 | For undergraduates with exceptional need. Limited funding; awarded first-come, first-served. |
| Grant | Maximum Award | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG) | $5,000 | Ohio residents in a first bachelor's program with SAI of $3,750 or less and household income under $96,000. FAFSA required by early fall. |
| Pennsylvania State Grant | $600 | PA residents eligible for state grant. FAFSA and PA State Grant Form required by May 1. |
Outside scholarships can provide additional support for your JCU education. Most applications are due between February and May. Check online resources, libraries, employers, and community organizations.
Avoid scholarship scams: Legitimate scholarship searches are always free and never ask for credit card or bank information. If you're unsure about a scholarship offer, contact Student Enrollment and Financial Services.
Outside scholarships must be reported to Student Enrollment and Financial Services. If total aid exceeds cost of attendance by $300 or more, aid will be adjusted per federal rules:
Note: Students awarded a JCU Faculty & Staff Tuition Grant or Tuition Exchange Grant will have prior merit scholarships replaced by the tuition grant.
John Carroll participates in tuition exchange programs for families working in higher education. All programs are available to dependent children of eligible employees who meet admission standards.
Priority consideration is given to:
Demand often exceeds available spots. Decisions are released in late January. For questions, contact:
Steve Vitatoe
Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Operations & Analytics
svitatoe@jcu.edu
| Program | Awards/Year | Coverage | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| FACHEX (Jesuit Universities) | 4–5 | Full tuition (fees and room/board not included) | Contact FACHEX liaison at parent's university, then apply via Tuition Exchange portal |
| Tuition Exchange Program (TEP) | 10 | Tuition at TEP minimum rate (remainder of tuition, fees, room/board not included) | Contact TEP liaison at home institution, then apply via Tuition Exchange portal |
| CIC Tuition Exchange (CIC-TEP) | 3 | Full tuition (fees and room/board not included) | Contact CIC-TEP liaison at home institution, then apply via CIC-TEP portal |
| JCU Employee Tuition Benefits | Varies | Tuition reduction for employee, spouse, or dependent children | Contact Human Resources for eligibility details |