Cardinal Newman Scholarship Requirements: A Comprehensive Guide

The Cardinal Newman Scholarship, offered through organizations like The Cardinal Newman Society and individual universities such as Newman University and Ave Maria University, aims to support students pursuing higher education within a faithful Catholic environment. These scholarships have specific requirements and guidelines that applicants must adhere to. This article provides a detailed overview of the requirements for various Cardinal Newman Scholarships, drawing upon information from The Cardinal Newman Society and Ave Maria University.

The Cardinal Newman Society Scholarship

The Cardinal Newman Society offers an essay scholarship contest open to high school seniors. The winner of the Contest has the opportunity to be awarded $20,000 over the course of four years.

Eligibility Criteria

The Contest is open to high school seniors who will graduate in the upcoming Spring and are 20 years of age or younger as of May 1. Entrants must be legal residents of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia.

Application Requirements

Applicants must:

Watch the Newman Society’s new video on the advantages of choosing a faithful Catholic college.
Use The Newman Guide in their college search.
Plan to attend one of the institutions recommended in The Newman Guide in the upcoming Fall.

Additional Conditions

Should the winner of the Contest decide not to attend a college recommended in The Newman Guide, a new winner may be selected. Upon entry, each entrant agrees to be bound by the Contest Rules and the decisions of the judges, which shall be final and binding in all respects. The Cardinal Newman Society will not be responsible for incomplete, lost, late, misdirected, or illegible entries. Return of a prize notification as undeliverable may result in disqualification, and an alternate winner may be selected. Winners may waive their right to receive prizes. Prizes are nonassignable and nontransferable. Winners may be required to complete an affidavit of eligibility and a liability and publicity release (except where prohibited by law) which must be returned within ten (10) days of date of postmark. Each prize will be paid directly to an institution of higher education that is recommended in the 2023-24 edition of The Newman Guide, only after the winner provides verification from the institution that he/she has formally enrolled in the institution for full-time study in the Fall of 2024. Winners must provide any IRS required information prior to payment. The prize may be applied by the higher education institution to complete payment of the winner’s tuition, fees, books, supplies, housing, and related educational expenses. No prize will be paid directly to the winner. Failure to verify enrollment in an institution that is recommended in The Newman Guide by September 1, 2024, may result in a winner’s disqualification, the forfeiture of his/her interest in the prize, and the award of the prize to an alternate winner. Upon entry, each entrant and his/her parents or guardians (if the entrant is under age 18) release The Cardinal Newman Society from all liability arising from his/her entry in the Contest and use of the prizes and agree to sign any additional documentation which The Cardinal Newman Society may reasonably request addressing this or any other Contest rules.

Read also: CDHS Notable Alumni

St. John Henry Newman Scholarship at Newman University

Honoring its namesake, the St. John Henry Newman Scholarship is the most competitive Newman University award, offered to only FIVE high-achieving First Year students entering in the Fall each year! Recipients are required to live on campus while receiving this scholarship.

Renewal Requirements

This scholarship is automatically renewable for up to 5 years/10 semesters total as long as the student maintains a 3.00+ GPA, continues to live on campus, completes 32 hours of community service each semester, and continues to enroll full time. This award replaces any previously-awarded merit scholarship and may only be stackable with Athletics.

Application Deadlines

The application for Fall 2026 is NOW OPEN!

Initial Deadline: Monday, January 5, 2026
Final Deadline: Monday, January 12, 2026

Must submit application by Monday, January 5, 2026 (Initial Deadline) to be eligible to attend and interview! Saturday, January 24, 2026 Must submit application by Monday, January 12, 2026 (Final Deadline) to be eligible to attend and interview!

Eligibility and Application Components

Cumulative 3.90+ GPA
Completed application for admission & acceptance (for a Fall term as a First Year student)
Completed scholarship application (includes submission of photo & résumé)
Interview with committee & timed essay during St. Newman Interview Day
Live on campus
Complete 32 hours of community service per semester
Maintain a cumulative 3.00+ GPA

Ave Maria University Scholarships

Ave Maria University offers a variety of scholarships designed to support students' academic journeys, recognizing excellence in academics, leadership, athletics, and more.

Academic Scholarships

A holistic assessment will be made based upon several factors, including-but not limited to-high school or college GPA, standardized test scores, and the academic rigor of the high school classes. Recipients must be admitted to Ave Maria University and must be enrolled full time (minimum 12 credits per semester). The selection process is based on evaluation by the Admissions Office, considering factors such as application, high school GPA, and standardized test scores.

Athletic Scholarships

Ave Maria Athletics participates in the Sun Conference of the NAIA. As such, the University offers athletic scholarships for participation in its intercollegiate offerings. Scholarship amounts vary and are at the discretion of the head coach of the individual sport and the Director of Athletics. If an athletic scholarship is offered, it is offered as a Letter of Intent, following an applicant’s admission to the University.

Brilliant Jewel Eastern Rite Scholarship

This scholarship provides additional funding for first-time college students who belong to one of the Eastern Rites of the Catholic Church and have been admitted to Ave Maria University.

Qualifications: Practicing Eastern Rite Catholic with parish endorsement letter. First-time college freshman. Unweighted high school GPA of at least 3.2 and a standardized test score of at least 24 ACT, 1180 SAT, or 77 CLT.
Selection Process: Accepted students will be identified by above criteria and do not need to submit an additional application. The scholarship may not be stacked with other regional or donor-funded scholarships.
Expectations: Maintain a college GPA of at least 2.5 at Ave Maria University.

Cardinal Kung Foundation Scholarship

Ave Maria University will cover the cost of the Cardinal Kung Foundation Scholarship for sophomore through senior year if the recipient enrolls at AMU. Students must apply to the Cardinal Kung Foundation. The Cardinal Kung Foundation provides the scholarship for the first year, and Ave Maria University will supplement it for three additional years. Candidates will be selected by the Cardinal Kung Foundation.

Cardinal Newman Society Scholarship at AMU

The Cardinal Newman Society provides the scholarship for the first year and Ave Maria University will supplement it for three additional years. Candidates will be selected by the Cardinal Newman Society Foundation. Consideration will be given to students with a high school GPA of 3.7 or higher and an SAT score of 1360 and above, an ACT score of 30 and above, or a CLT score of 92 and above. Recipients must be incoming first-year students and meet the academic standards set by the Honors faculty. Recipients must submit an essay application for review by the Honors faculty. Essays with qualifying academic credentials are reviewed by the Honors faculty to select students for admission to the program.

Read also: Hayesmen

Marching Band / Color Guard Scholarship

Ave Maria University offers scholarships for participation in its Marching Band and Color Guard. Scholarship amounts vary and are at the discretion of the Band Director and the Director of Athletics. You may be asked to submit an audition tape or audition in person.

Mary Cross Tippmann Scholarship

This scholarship provides additional funding for Catholic students from the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend.

Qualifications: Student must be admitted to Ave Maria University. Must be a Catholic in good standing at a parish in the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend. Provide a letter of endorsement from home parish.
Expectations: Maintain a GPA of at least a 2.5 while at Ave Maria University.

National Homeschool Scholarship

This scholarship provides additional funding for first-time college students who graduated from a homeschool program and have been admitted to Ave Maria University.

Qualifications: Homeschooled all four years of high school. Practicing Catholic with parish endorsement letter. First-time college freshman. Unweighted high school GPA of at least 3.1 and a standardized test score of at least 23 ACT, 1140 SAT, or 75 CLT.
Selection Process: Accepted students will be identified by above criteria and do not need to submit an additional application. The scholarship may not be stacked with Ave Maria Foundation scholarships.
Expectations: Maintain a college GPA of at least 2.5 at Ave Maria University.

Presidential Scholarship

The Presidential Scholarship invests in the best and brightest applicants to Ave Maria University by providing tuition and fees, room and board for four years to students selected by a committee based on a variety of factors.

Qualifications: Recipients must be invited to and participate in the Presidential Scholarship Weekend. Recipients must be incoming first-year students. Initial requirement: a minimum unweighted high school GPA of 3.70 and a minimum 30 ACT, 1360 SAT, or 92 CLT.
Selection Process: Based on a variety of factors, including those listed below. Selected by a committee of faculty and administration. Applicants will also be evaluated for the Operation Aquinas Scholarship. Includes essay, comprehensive examination, and interview with AMU faculty member. Please submit Admissions application by November 15, 2025, to qualify for Presidential Scholarship invitation.
Other Details: Recipients are encouraged to participate in the Thomas S. Monaghan Founders Scholarship Program (FSP).

Shakespeare in Performance Scholarship

Duration: One year with the opportunity for renewal up to four years
Qualifications: Declare and pursue the Shakespeare in Performance minor. Yearly renewal of the scholarship based on a performance evaluation by Dr. Travis Curtright. Audition for plays every year.
Selection Process Complete the SIP scholarship questionnaire. At the end of the questionnaire, you will be asked to upload the following:A headshot (.png file)A 300-word statement of intent (pdf). This should explain your background and why SIP is the next step for you. One letter of recommendation (pdf) from a teacher or mentor, preferably one who can speak about your theatrical background. Complete an audition. The questionnaire will ask you to select either an on-campus or a video audition. If you select “on-campus,” someone will contact you to schedule the audition. If you select the video option, please prepare a 10-14 line monologue from a Shakespeare play and record your performance at the end of the questionnaire.

The Institute Scholarship

The Institute’s Scholar and Associate programs offer 4 years of professional, personal, and cultural formation driven by industry experts. This formation works in harmony with Ave Maria University’s liberal arts core curriculum to equip students from all majors to be leaders and to discover their vocations, careers, or graduate school opportunities. Scholarships are provided to students who complete their Candidate year in The Institute and are selected for advancement to the Scholar & Associate programs.

Qualifications: Scholars are eligible for scholarships based on individual qualifications and the results of the selection process detailed below. Recipient must demonstrate academic, personal, and spiritual excellence with a devotion to their faith and adherence to the aims of The Institute and its program. Recipients must be first-time college applicants or transfer students with fewer than 24 attempted credits (Freshman). High school unweighted GPA and test scores as outlined above. Student must not be involved in an intercollegiate sport at Ave Maria University or must be able to balance and fully commit to The Institute and their sport. Must be enrolled full-time (minimum 12 credits per semester). Recipient must reside on campus.
Selection Process: After completing your admissions interview, the admissions counselor will provide you with a link to schedule an interview with The Institute’s dedicated Specialists. Selection for an interview with The Institute is based on several factors, including your application, interview, and academic credentials. Scholars are selected by The Institute based on a variety of factors, including AMU application, AMU interview, academic qualifications, and an Institute interview. Given the number of applicants to The Institute, the selection process must be highly selective and as a result there are limited spots to join.
Candidacy Program: Those who are not able to fully commit to The Institute due to time conflicts from athletic event commitments could become a Candidate in The Institute, a member with a more limited set of commitments designed for such athletes. First-time college freshman. Unweighted high school GPA of at least 3.7 and a standardized test score of at least 26 ACT, 1240 SAT, or 82 CLT. Accepted students will be identified by above criteria and do not need to submit an additional application. Scholarship may not be stacked with other regional or donor-funded scholarships.

The Toledo Scholarship

This scholarship provides additional funding for first-time college students from Toledo who have been admitted to Ave Maria University.

Qualifications: Practicing Catholic with parish endorsement letter. Reside in Diocese of Toledo First-time college freshman. Unweighted high school GPA of at least 3.7 and a standardized test score of at least 26 ACT, 1240 SAT, or 82 CLT.
Selection Process: Accepted students will be identified by above criteria and do not need to submit an additional application. Scholarship may not be stacked with other regional or donor-funded scholarships.
Expectations: Maintain a college GPA of at least 2.5 at Ave Maria University.

Thomas S. Monaghan Founder’s Scholarship Program

This scholarship provides financial support to students who commit to participating in the Thomas S. Monaghan Founder’s Scholarship Program. The program enables participants to become more intentionally formed in the Catholic Liberal Arts Tradition at Ave Maria University, helping them become leaders for the good of the campus community and the Church.

Qualifications: Monaghan Scholarships will be broken down as follows:
- $7,500 - 3.7 GPA, 30 ACT, 92, CLT, or 1360 SAT, FSP-eligible athlete
- $5,000 - 3.6 GPA, 29 ACT, 90 CLT, or 1350 SAT, FSP-eligible athlete
- $2,000 - DiscretionaryRecipient must demonstrate academic, personal, and spiritual excellence with a devotion to their Catholic faith as well as a commitment to the core purpose of the program. High school unweighted GPA and test scores as outlined above. Recipients of the two highest tiered scholarships must be a member of an FSP-eligible sport as outlined below. Recipients of the lowest tier scholarship may also by an athlete.*Must be enrolled full time (minimum 12 credits per semester) for the disbursement. Recipient must reside on campus.
Selection Process: Selected by committee based on a variety of factors, including application, interview, and academic credentials. An application will be provided to those who meet the criteria.
Expectations: FSP Scholars attend one weekly meeting with their group to discuss required reading FSP Scholars attend 8-9 required Catholic formation events per semester FSP Scholars participate in outreach programs FSP Scholars attend certain campus social events FSP Scholars may not be on scholarship for The Institute, but they are allowed the option to apply to become a Candidate in The Institute, a member with a more limited set of commitments.

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