Whether planning to attend one of the nation’s 250+ Catholic universities or a public college, students in the Catholic community can find plenty of financial aid and other student support to help make their education and career dreams a reality. In this guide, we provide details on 20 scholarships for Catholic students, including those who want to earn degrees that train them for various public service careers, where they can use their education to make the world a better place. Also included is a comprehensive list of advocacy groups, financial aid guides, and other resources that provide additional support during and after college.
Scholarships & Grants for Catholic Students
Scholarships and grants are an important source of funding for all students, and those who want to earn public service-related degrees—such as social work, public health, counseling, and public safety degrees—are no exception. Get started by checking out 20 standout Catholic scholarships we’ve listed below.
General Scholarships & Grants
Organization
Catholic Community Foundation
Amount
$750 – $5,000
Deadline
Varies
Eligibility
Multiple scholarships are available to students who have attended a Catholic high school in Arizona.
How to Apply
Students should submit two letters of recommendation and demonstrate their commitment to the church, academic achievement, and extracurricular activities.
Organization
Catholic Order of Foresters
Amount
$600
Deadline
11/30/20 (Annual)
Eligibility
This scholarship is available to members of the Catholic Order of Foresters who are at least 17 years old and plan to attend an accredited college.
How to Apply
Students who have been a member for at least two years can apply on the organization’s website.
Organization
Catholic United Financial
Amount
$300 – $500
Deadline
4/30/20
Eligibility
This scholarship is available to those who have been members of Catholic United Financial for at least two years. Those who have won the scholarship before are ineligible.
How to Apply
Applicants should log into their Catholic United Financial account in order to apply.
Organization
Archdiocese of Detroit
Amount
$2,000
Deadline
5/31/20 (Annual)
Eligibility
This scholarship is available to high school seniors or college freshman living within the Archdiocese of Detroit, which includes Monroe, St. Clair, Oakland, Lapeer, Wayne, and Macomb counties.
How to Apply
Applicants should demonstrate financial need, good moral character, and a willingness to serve the community.
Organization
National Catholic Committee on Scouting
Amount
$2,000
Deadline
Varies
Eligibility
Catholic high school students who participated in a Boy Scouts of America program are eligible for this award.
How to Apply
Applicants must demonstrate leadership abilities in scouting and church activities, submit four letters of recommendation, and provide high school transcripts in order to be considered.
Organization
Italian Catholic Federation
Amount
$400 – $600
Deadline
3/15/21 (Annual)
Eligibility
Students of Roman Catholic descent who attend Catholic or public high schools in Nevada, Illinois, California, or Arizona are eligible to apply.
How to Apply
Applicants must prove financial need, academic excellence, and leadership and charitable activities.
Organization
The San Diego Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Varies
Eligibility
Practicing Roman Catholics who have been residents of Carlsbad, California for at least two years are eligible for this award.
How to Apply
Students must be accepted into a Catholic college or university, or currently attending one, and have at least a 3.0 grade point average.
Organization
Knights of Columbus
Amount
$1,500
Deadline
5/1/2020 (Annually)
Eligibility
Knights of Columbus members, or the children of members, are eligible to receive this award to attend a Catholic college or university.
How to Apply
People can log into their account to apply. Proof of having at least a 3.0 grade point average required.
Organization
Polish Roman Catholic Union of America
Amount
$500
Deadline
6/1/20 (Annual)
Eligibility
This scholarship is available to PRCUA members who have completed their freshman year of college.
How to Apply
Applicants are expected to submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and proof of participation in community service activities.
Organization
National Catholic College Admission Association
Amount
$1,000
Deadline
Varies
Eligibility
Students must enroll in a college or university that is a member of the National Catholic College Admission Association.
How to Apply
Students are expected to show proof that they’re enrolling in a National CCAA school.
Scholarships & Grants in Public Service
Organization
Aquinas College
Amount
$1,000 – $3,000
Deadline
Varies
Eligibility
This scholarship is for students at Aquinas College in Nashville, Tennessee who are enrolled in a teacher education program.
How to Apply
Log on to the school’s website to apply.
Organization
Annuvia
Amount
$500
Deadline
7/31/20 (Annual)
Eligibility
This scholarship is offered to students studying to enter a public safety field, such as emergency medical services, public safety administration, and public health.
How to Apply
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and enrolled in a two- or four-year college. An essay is required with the application.
Organization
American Addiction Centers
Amount
$2,500 – $5,000
Deadline
Varies
Eligibility
Students who are majoring in a behavioral health discipline—such as psychology, counseling, and social work—and focusing on the treatment of substance abuse disorders are eligible for this award.
How to Apply
People should submit their application, along with an essay, on the organization’s website.
Organization
Council on Social Work Education
Amount
$500
Deadline
8/23/20 (Varies)
Eligibility
This award, which is designed to pay for students’ books, is available to those who are in their senior year of a social work program.
How to Apply
Students must have a 3.0 grade point average when they submit their application, along with proof of commitment to the field, through the organization’s website.
Organization
Campus Safety, Health and Environmental Management Association
Amount
$3,000
Deadline
Varies
Eligibility
Applicants should be public health, industrial hygiene, fire protection, environmental health, or nursing majors.
How to Apply
Students are required to have a 2.5 minimum grade point average and write an essay.
Organization
DatingAdvice.com
Amount
$1,000
Deadline
6/30/20 (Annual)
Eligibility
This scholarship is available to psychology majors who plan to pursue a career in counseling.
How to Apply
Students should submit an MLA-formatted essay about the psychology of dating.
Organization
Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Varies
Eligibility
This scholarship is awarded to graduates of Pope Francis High School who plan to study social work.
How to Apply
Log on to the organization’s website to apply.
Organization
National Environmental Health Association
Amount
$2,250
Deadline
Varies
Eligibility
People who are in an environmental health degree program accredited by the Environmental Health Accreditation Council can receive this scholarship.
How to Apply
Students should submit an application form on the NEHA’s website with official transcripts and a letter of recommendation from an active NEHA member.
Organization
U.S. Department of Education
Amount
$4,000
Deadline
Varies
Eligibility
This annual grant is for education students who agree to teach in a school that serves low-income students after they graduate.
How to Apply
Students should have at least a 3.25 grade point average and fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form to be considered.
Organization
ESET
Amount
$5,000
Deadline
Varies
Eligibility
Women who are studying to enter the cybersecurity field and have at least a 3.0 grade point average can receive this award.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit a letter of recommendation, transcript, and essay.
Student and Career Resources for Catholic Students
There are several education, academic, social, and financial resources available to help assist Catholic students as they pursue their studies. Here are some of the most helpful examples.
Financial Aid
30 Top Scholarships for Public Service StudentsOn this page, public service students can find our curated list of the top sources for scholarships.
Getting Financial Aid for Your Public Service DegreeThis page on our website includes information on how to find and apply for different types of financial aid to fund a public service degree.
Knights of ColumbusThe Knights of Columbus is a Catholic fraternal organization that is dedicated to providing financial assistance to its members and the families of members.
National Catholic College Admission AssociationThis organization provides information on various types of ways Catholic students can fund their education, including grants and scholarships.
Reducing Your Student Loans Through Acts of Public ServiceOn this page, we explain how loan forgiveness programs work and how public service students can take advantage of them.
Professional Development and Networking
Catholic Psychotherapy AssociationThe Catholic Psychotherapy Association is an interdisciplinary organization that connects clinical therapists, psychology professors, members of the clergy, and students in the shared goal of promoting mental health practice rooted in the tenets of the Catholic faith.
Catholic Social Workers’ National AssociationThis organization is designed to connect Catholic social workers in the dual dedication to their profession and their faith. The group provides resources to members, as well as the opportunity to connect at an annual conference.
National Catholic Educational AssociationThis organization is dedicated to strengthening Catholic education through leadership, advocacy, and professional development. Some activities Catholic educators can participate in include events that provide hands-on training and webinars covering various topics in Catholic education.
Young Catholic ProfessionalsYoung Catholic Professionals is a national organization designed to inspire workers in their 20s and 30s to excel in their careers as they incorporate their faith into their work. The organization has local chapters around the country that allow members to meet regularly, as well as a conference where all members can get together to expand their networks as they engage in religious activities.
Advocacy Groups
Catholic Health Association of the United StatesThe CHA is made up of professionals at health facilities around the country who provide care with the compassion that the Catholic faith calls for. The organization works to promote the profession and tell the story of Catholic healthcare workers to legislators in order to improve the medical system.
National Black Catholic CongressThis group works in concert with National Roman Catholic organizations to represent the needs of African-American Roman Catholics. The association offers various resources to educate the community about African-American Roman Catholics around the world.
NETWORKFounded by Catholic Sisters, this organization promotes and encourages social justice, peace, female leadership, equality, and diversity. Grounded in strong advocacy work, the group lobbies politicians on issues that help Catholic people improve conditions in their communities.
Public Service Education
American Counseling AssociationThe ACA provides counseling articles, practice briefs, continuing education, and podcasts on this page.
Council on Social Work EducationThis page includes various resources from CSWE initiatives that cover topics such as social policy, gerontology, mental and cognitive health, and medication management.
Health Resources and Services AdministrationThis page from the HRSA includes resources that are useful for people in the public health field.
National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers & StudiesThere are resources for cybersecurity professionals, as well as students training to enter the field, on this page.
Teacher.orgThis website includes free guides, articles, and lesson plans for teachers.
