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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. Every year, we distribute numerous scholarship awards to incoming first-year students. We encourage you to read through the information below to learn more about awards for which you may be eligible.

Merit Scholarships

In and out of the classroom, JCU students accomplish a great deal and leave their mark on our campus and in the community. Our merit scholarships are designed to recognize and celebrate what students have accomplished throughout high school in hopes that they will share those talents with us.

When you submit your application for admission, you’ll automatically be considered for merit scholarships. No separate application is required for you to be considered for the Magis, Presidential, University, and Ignatian Awards.

Listed scholarship values automatically renew each year for a total of four years, so long as academic and conduct standards are maintained. You’ll be notified of your merit scholarship at the time of admission. Merit awards are determined based on academic performance, rigor of high school curriculum, and standardized test scores (if submitted).

Merit Scholarship Information

Test Optional

John Carroll is test-optional for fall 2024 applicants. For more information click here.

Merit Scholarship Appeals

Admitted students may make a one-time request to have their merit scholarship award reconsidered by the Scholarship Committee if they want their test scores to be removed from their application or if they want to report new or updated scores. For more information about the merit scholarship appeal process, click here.

Legacy Grant

The Legacy Grant is available exclusively to first-year and transfer legacy students enrolling at JCU in fall 2024. Eligible legacy students will automatically qualify to receive this $1,000 grant that will renew annually.

Eligible legacy students include those students who have had a parent, step-parent, legal guardian, grandparent, or sibling graduate from JCU at the time of application. Applicants should indicate their legacy connection(s), along with their year(s) of graduation, on their application for admission. 

    Catholic Commitment Award 

    John Carroll values your family’s commitment to Catholic education. Admitted students who currently attend and graduate from a Catholic High School will automatically receive a $1,000 award that will renew annually.

    Students who are awarded one or more of the following financial assistance opportunities are not eligible to receive either the Legacy Grant or the Catholic Commitment Award. If a student is awarded either of these prior to being awarded one or more of the following financial assistance opportunities, either or both of these awards will be rescinded.

    • JCU Faculty and Staff Tuition Grant 
    • Tuition Exchange Programs, including FACHEX, TEP, and CIC-TEP
    • Student Veterans or dependents receiving full benefits
    • ROTC Scholarships

    Academic, Alumni, Regional, and Special Interest Scholarship Opportunities

    Eligible students will be considered for scholarship opportunities at JCU beyond the Merit Scholarship, Legacy Grant, and Catholic Commitment Award. A few of these awards require a separate application, which will be available in your myJCU Gateway portal. You can view the full list of available scholarship opportunities for incoming first-year students by clicking here.

    We also encourage students to submit the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which will become available in December, to determine their eligibility for additional financial aid, including grants, loans, and scholarships.

    Outside Scholarships

    Be sure to research and apply for outside scholarships, which can help you gain additional support for your John Carroll educational experience. All legitimate scholarship searches should be free and should not ask for any credit card or bank information. If you are unsure of the legitimacy of a scholarship offer or search, please do not hesitate to contact Student Enrollment and Financial Services or the Better Business Bureau.

    Explore a list of reputable scholarship search engines our students have found helpful.

    More information regarding the total cost of attendance can be found here.