Santa Clara University

Scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit and do not have to be repaid.

We realize that your desire for a quality education requires a serious commitment from you and your family. As your partner in this endeavor, Santa Clara University makes every effort to offer assistance to deserving students. You can be considered for a Santa Clara University Scholarship by applying for aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE forms as well as your Santa Clara University Undergraduate Admission application.  Santa Clara University Merit-based Scholarships are selected during the admissions process and there is no separate application.

This merit-based award provides a full-tuition scholarship to freshman students who are admitted with distinction and who demonstrate other qualities identified and emphasized by the president as critical to the University's mission. All Presidential Scholars at Entry are notified at the time of admission. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years, but must be coordinated with any need-based state or federal aid received. NOTE: If other Santa Clara University funds are offered, all funds must be coordinated not to exceed the value of full-tuition.

Provost Scholarship

This merit-based award provides a 50 percent tuition scholarship to up to freshman students who are admitted with distinction and have assumed leadership roles in their schools and their communities. All Provost Scholars are notified at the time of admission. This scholarship is renewable for up to four years, but must be coordinated with any need-based state or federal aid received. NOTE: If other Santa Clara University funds are offered, all funds must coordinate to not exceed the value of half-tuition.

Dean's Scholarship

The Dean's Scholarship (Arts and Sciences, Business, and Engineering) is a merit-based award to freshmen who are admitted with distinction. Recipients are selected during the admission process. The amount of individual awards varies based on the number of recipients and available funds. The Dean's Scholarship is renewable for up to four years, but must be coordinated with any other financial aid that might be awarded at a later date including any need-based state or federal aid.  In addition, the Dean's Scholarship is a fixed amount and is not indexed to changes in tuition; therefore, the scholarship will not increase annually.  Students must maintain good academic status in order to retain this award.

Thomas J. and Arlene Bannan Merit Scholarship

The Thomas J. and Arlene Bannan Merit Scholarship is awarded to a limited number of students who have demonstrated high academic achievement and exemplify the best traditions of Santa Clara University in terms of leadership, integrity, and community service. Awards can range from $1,000 to full tuition. Recipients are selected during the admissions process and there is no separate application.

Santa Clara University Scholarship

The Santa Clara University Scholarship is a merit-based award. The SCU Scholarship is renewable for up to four years, but must be coordinated with any other financial aid that might be awarded at a later date including any need-based state or federal aid.  Award amounts vary, depending on the number of qualified students and the availability of funds. In addition, the SCU Scholarship is a fixed amount and is not indexed to changes in tuition; therefore, the scholarship will not increase annually. Students must maintain good academic status in order to retain this award.

Jesuit Ignatian Award

The Jesuit Ignatian Award offered to academically outstanding students who graduated from a Jesuit high school. Awards will vary, depending on the number of qualified students and the availability of funds. The award is renewable for up to four years, but must be coordinated with any other financial aid that might be awarded at a later date including any need-based state or federal aid.  In addition, the Jesuit Ignatian Award is a fixed amount and is not indexed to changes in tuition; therefore, the scholarship will not increase annually.  Students must maintain good academic status in order to retain this award.

ACE Program Scholarship

The ACE Program Scholarship is a merit-based award. Leavey School of Business in consultation with the Santa Clara University Financial Aid Office offers this scholarship to freshman students who are admitted with distinction to the Leavey School of Business and agree to participate in the ACE Program. The ACE Program Scholarship is renewable for up to four years, but must be coordinated with any need-based state or federal aid received. Awards provide $2,000 of aid.

Honors Program Scholarship

Admission to the University Honors Program is by invitation and is based on the student's high school record, test scores and information contained in the application for admission to Santa Clara University. All Honor Scholars are notified at the time of entry. Award amounts vary, depending on the number of qualified students and the availability of funds. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years, but must be coordinated with any need-based state or federal aid received. For more information, contact the Honors Program at (408) 554-4439.

National Merit Scholarship

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation, in conjunction with the Santa Clara University Financial Aid Office, awards four merit scholarships to selected academically talented high school seniors for undergraduate studies at Santa Clara University. Prospective SCU freshmen who have been selected as National Merit Finalist and who have listed Santa Clara University as their "first choice" school on the National Merit Scholarship Application, are eligible for consideration. SCU College-Sponsored National Merit Scholars will receive $2,000 per year, renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study.

Other Awards

Santa Clara offers a limited number of talent- and performance-based awards each year.

The Department of Theatre and Dance has scholarships available to students who are declared majors. Auditions for some awards are held in early January. Contact the department at (408) 554-4989 for further information.

The Department of Music offers partial tuition and private lesson scholarships to students who qualify by audition. Contact the department for details on requirements and audition times at (408) 554-4428.

Scholarships are available in the debate/forensics program for qualified students. Most scholarships are awarded in the sophomore, junior and senior years of undergraduate study. For more information­, contact the Department of Communication at (408) 554-2798.