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 University-based scholarship by applying for aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE forms as well as your Undergraduate Admission application. Merit-based Scholarships are selected during the admissions process and there is no separate application.

Presidential Scholarship at Entry
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 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 fifty percent tuition scholarship 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 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. 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 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.  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 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.

National Merit Scholarship
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation, in conjunction with the Financial Aid Office, awards four merit scholarships to selected academically talented high school seniors for undergraduate studies at Santa Clara University. Prospective Santa Clara University freshmen who have been selected as a 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. Santa Clara University College-sponsored National Merit Scholars will receive $2,000 per year, renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study.

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

The Department of Theater 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.