Scholarships

JCU offers merit scholarships ranging from $18,000 to $28,000 annually, plus regional and specialty awards.

Merit Scholarships

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.

Merit scholarship amounts for first-year students
Scholarship Annual Amount
Magis Scholarship $30,000
Presidential Scholarship $26,000
University Scholarship $22,000
Ignatian Award $19,000

Find Additional Scholarships

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.

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Scholarship Type

Magis Scholarship

JCU's highest merit award, recognizing exceptional academic achievement and leadership potential.

Automatic Consideration
Amount
$28,000Renew
Eligibility
First-YearMerit
Deadline
At admission
More Details

All 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.

Presidential Scholarship

Awarded to students demonstrating strong academic performance and rigorous high school curriculum.

Automatic Consideration
Amount
$25,000Renew
Eligibility
First-YearMerit
Deadline
At admission
More Details

All 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.

University Scholarship

Recognizes students with solid academic records who are ready to thrive at JCU.

Automatic Consideration
Amount
$21,000Renew
Eligibility
First-YearMerit
Deadline
At admission
More Details

All 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.

Ignatian Award

Foundation merit award for students showing academic promise and potential for growth.

Automatic Consideration
Amount
$18,000Renew
Eligibility
First-YearMerit
Deadline
At admission
More Details

All 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.

Discovery Visit & Apply Grant

Apply by November 1 and make an official campus visit by February 1 to earn this grant.

Automatic if Eligible
Amount
$2,000Renew
Eligibility
First-Year
Deadline
Nov 1 (apply)
Feb 1 (visit)
More Details

First-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.

Schedule a Visit

Chicago Alumni Chapter Leadership Scholarship

For students from the Chicago area who have demonstrated leadership potential.

Application Required
Amount
$5,000
Eligibility
First-YearChicago Area
Deadline
Jan 15, 2026
More Details

This scholarship is intended for an individual from the Chicago area who has proven that they will be a leader while at JCU.

Eligible admitted students can apply in myJCU Gateway

Thomas M. Tully Family Scholarship

For incoming first-year students from St. Ignatius College Prep in Chicago.

Application Required
Amount
$25,000Renew
Eligibility
First-YearSt. Ignatius Prep
Deadline
Jan 15, 2026
More Details

The 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 Gateway

Howley College Scholars Program

Partnership with the Howley Foundation for Pell-eligible graduates of select Cleveland Catholic high schools.

Application Required
Amount
Up to Full Cost
Eligibility
First-YearCleveland AreaNeed-Based
Deadline
Contact HS coordinator
More Details

John 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.

Say Yes To Education Scholarship

Up to eight semesters of support for students from Say Yes eligible schools in Cleveland.

Application Required
Amount
Up to Full Tuition
Eligibility
First-YearCleveland Area
Deadline
See Say Yes website
More Details

JCU 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.

Apply on the Say Yes Website

Andrew "Dewey" McCarthy Scholarship

Recognizes leadership, citizenship, and academic ability in students from East Coast states.

Application Required
Amount
$4,300
Eligibility
First-YearEast Coast
Deadline
Jan 15, 2026
More Details

The 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 Gateway

Greater NYC A.M.D.G. Scholarship

Annual scholarship awarded to up to five students from the New York City area.

Application Required
Amount
$10,000
Eligibility
First-YearNYC Area
Deadline
Jan 15, 2026
More Details

The 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 Gateway

Castellano Scholarship (Latin/Greek)

Full-tuition award for students with 3+ years of Latin planning to major in Ancient Greek & Roman Studies.

Application Required
Amount
Full TuitionRenew
Eligibility
First-YearGreek and Roman Studies Major
Deadline
Jan 20, 2026
More Details

Full-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 Gateway

NSF S-STEM INSPIRED Scholars

NSF-funded scholarships for STEM majors demonstrating financial need and strong academic potential.

Application Required
Amount
Up to $15,000Renew
Eligibility
First-YearSTEMNeed-Based
Deadline
Jan 20, 2026
More Details

Incoming 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 Gateway

SANUM Scholars

For Ohio residents pursuing healthcare careers in Biology, Chemistry, Nursing, or related fields.

Application Required
Amount
$6,122Renew
Eligibility
First-YearHealthcareOhio Resident
Deadline
Jan 20, 2026
More Details

Incoming 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 Gateway

Legacy Grant

For students whose parent, step-parent, guardian, grandparent, or sibling graduated from JCU.

Automatic if Eligible
Amount
$1,000Renew
Eligibility
First-YearTransferLegacy
Deadline
Indicate on application
More Details

The 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.

John Huntington Scholarship

For Cuyahoga County residents majoring in science, math, psychology, or accounting with demonstrated need.

Need-Based
Amount
Up to $3,000
Eligibility
First-YearTransferCuyahoga County
Deadline
Based on availability
More Details

Several 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.

John Carroll University Scholarship (Transfer)

Renewable merit award based on academic achievement, coursework rigor, and extracurricular involvement.

Automatic Consideration
Amount
$18,000 – $27,000Renew
Eligibility
TransferMerit
Deadline
At admission
More Details

These 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.

Associate's Degree Scholarship

For admitted students who earned an associate's degree and completed their last 12 credits at a community college.

Automatic if Eligible
Amount
$3,000
Eligibility
TransferAssociate's Degree
Deadline
At admission
More Details

Admitted 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.

Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship

For members of Phi Theta Kappa honor society. Indicate membership on your admission application.

Automatic if Eligible
Amount
$1,000Renew
Eligibility
TransferPTK Member
Deadline
Indicate on application
More Details

These 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.

Ohio Transfer Council Scholarships

Multiple non-renewable scholarships for students transferring between Ohio Transfer Council member institutions.

External Application
Amount
Varies
Eligibility
TransferOhio
Deadline
See OTC website
More Details

The 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

ROTC Scholarship

Competitive scholarships covering tuition, fees, books, and a monthly stipend through the Reserve Officers' Training Corps.

External Application
Amount
Up to Full Cost
Eligibility
First-YearTransfer
Deadline
See Go Army website
More Details

The 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.

Learn More and Apply

Grants

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.

Undergraduate University Grants

To be eligible for university grants, undergraduate students must:

Individual award renewal criteria can be found in your myJCU Gateway portal.

Federal Grants

JCU administers several federal grant programs. All require a FAFSA to establish need and eligibility.

Federal grant programs with maximum award amounts for 2025-2026
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.

State Grants

State grant programs with eligibility requirements and maximum awards
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

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.

Scholarship Search Engines
Regional and Partner Scholarships
JCU Policy on Outside Funding

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:

  1. Applied to unmet need first
  2. Then reduces self-help aid (loans/work-study)
  3. Institutional grants reduced last

Note: Students awarded a JCU Faculty & Staff Tuition Grant or Tuition Exchange Grant will have prior merit scholarships replaced by the tuition grant.

Tuition Benefits and Exchange Programs

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:

  • Students applying for first-year admission directly from high school
  • Students who apply by the Early Action deadline of November 1
  • Students whose home institution submits eligibility certification by December 1

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

Tuition exchange programs with annual awards and coverage details
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

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