The Roman Catholic church is the world’s largest Christian church with over one sixth of the world’s population following its teachings. The head of the Catholic church lies in Rome at the Vatican, were the Pope administers guidance to the religion’s millions of followers. A majority of Catholics call Europe and South America home, but there is a substantial population of Roman Catholics in the United States as well. Students who follow this religion may be able to find funding for their education through associated programs.

Because there are so many Catholics in the world and the United States in particular there are a limited number of scholarships available. In order to be eligible for any awards that are out there students generally will have to be a member of a Catholic church, participate in their community and maintain a high GPA. Competition for these awards can be stiff and many come with strings attached.

One of the places students can seek funding is through the Catholic Aid Association, though awardees must be a member of the organization. The same is true for a variety of other Catholic organizations, which require membership and sometimes other qualifications to be met before award money can be given. There are a variety of other awards that are doled out based on the student’s heritage. Those of Irish, Slovak, Czech or Italian heritage can apply for these awards which can often be quite generous.

There are also numerous scholarship programs for those interested in entering theology and pastoral programs both at home and abroad. Some of these programs require that students give a certain number of years to service in a particular area or country or that students attend an approved Catholic institution.

Catholic Scholarships

• Catholic Aid Association College Tuition Scholarship: $300 to $500 awarded to Catholic undergraduate students who are members of the Catholic Aid Association.
• Archdiocesan Scholarship: Full tuition to a varying number of Catholic high school seniors with a 3.8 GPA, an ACT score of 31 or an SAT score of 1400, and who are in the top 10% of their class.
• Italian Catholic Federation Scholarship: Up to $1,000 awarded to 200 Catholic undergraduates in Arizona, California, Nevada or Illinois.
• Jesuit Endowment Fund: Varying amounts to undergraduate students attending Saint Louis University.
• Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Pro Deo and Pro Patria Scholarship: $1,500 awarded annually to over 50 freshmen entering a Catholic college or university.
• First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association Seminarian (College) Scholarship: $1,250 to $1,750 awarded to 15-55 Catholic undergraduate students majoring in theology.