Carroll University Scholarships: A Comprehensive Guide to Funding Your Education

Carroll University recognizes outstanding student accomplishments and is deeply invested in the success of its students, offering various scholarships and grants to make education accessible and affordable. A significant percentage of Carroll students receive scholarship assistance, which helps them find a balance between studies, work, and extra-curricular activities. Every year, a vast majority of Carroll students receive institutional scholarships or grants. These financial aid opportunities are designed to support students at every phase of their academic, personal, and spiritual journey.

Merit Scholarships for First-Time Freshmen

Carroll University awards renewable, automatic merit scholarships (non-need-based grants) to incoming first-year students at the time of admission. These scholarships are based on cumulative high school GPA and standardized test scores, when provided. There is no need for an additional application to be reviewed for these scholarships. A student is awarded merit scholarships based on their academic background. All first-year applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships based on academic performance, rigor of high school curriculum, and standardized test scores (if submitted). Awards renew annually for four years as long as academic and conduct standards are maintained.

Carroll understands that every student is more than a number or a test score, and they also know that the answer to the question, “What’s a good ACT or SAT score?” varies from student to student. At Carroll University, they’ll take the guesswork out. If you send us your ACT or SAT score, we’ll use it only if it helps your application and merit scholarship. Don’t want to send a score? No problem!

Opportunity Scholarship

The Opportunity Scholarship demonstrates how Carroll University employees, alumni, and friends gift to support the success of future Pioneers. This Scholarship serves as a lifeline for those students from backgrounds that are historically underrepresented in higher education and helps bridge that gap. Recipients of the Opportunity Scholarship will be awarded varying amounts up to full tuition. There will be two rounds of awards. Applications for the first round must be received by February 2, 2026. Any student unable to complete the FAFSA, can complete the Net Price Calculator and submit results to their Carroll Admission Counselor.

MacAllister Scholarship

The MacAllister Scholarship is a scholarship program providing full tuition to the selected recipients. Pershing E. MacAllister, a 1940 graduate of Carroll University, is a longtime and generous supporter of Carroll University. The recipients of the MacAllister Scholarship will receive a full-tuition benefit each year for four years. This benefit, in combination with any state or federal grants the recipient is eligible for, cannot exceed the cost of tuition. The recipients are not eligible for additional Carroll scholarships or grants. The applicant must possess an outstanding academic record from high school and show strong potential for the same high achievement at the college level. Finalists will be selected by the scholarship committee for a mandatory on-campus interview.

Scholarships Requiring Special Application

Several scholarships require a special application and some may also include an on-campus interview:

William A. Vareschi Scholarship: Offers varying renewable amounts.
International Undergraduate Student Scholarships: Carroll University offers competitive scholarships for international undergraduate students.

Scholarships and Grants for Montana Students

Carroll College offers several scholarships and grants specifically for students from Montana:

Montana Saints Promise Award: Pell Grant Eligible students with a high school GPA of 3.00 and higher from Montana qualify for a Montana Saints Promise Award. Receipt of athletic aid may cancel or reduce this grant. Covers the remaining portion of tuition/UG fee after subtracting out federal grants, Carroll Merit/need-based grants, and the $3,500 Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan. The award is renewable each year, provided the student files a FAFSA, receives a federal Pell Grant, lives on-campus and meets GPA and credit requirements. Priority deadline date is by May 1, 2026.
Dr. Robert Swartout Endowed Scholarship: Intended for a worthy student who exemplifies the quality, character and academic promise of a student at Carroll College and who meets the following eligibility requirements: Incoming or currently enrolled student, Full-time student, Montana resident (if no student from Montana fits the requirements, students from out of state will be considered), Application due by May 1, 2026, If incoming new student, accepted for admission by May 1, 2026, Officially declared major in one of the regularly recognized Humanities, with preference declared Major in History. Maximum Award will be $5,000. Scholarship may be renewable if student reapplies and maintains a minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA and remains a declared major in humanities as noted on the application.
Dr. J. Murray and Margaret Sterling Brooke Memorial Scholarship: Residents from the Ronan/St. Ignatius MT area that are/or will be enrolled full-time at Carroll. Must be accepted for admission.
Parish Scholarship: Full-time MT Students active in a MT Catholic parish. This scholarship is for newly accepted Carroll students. Receipt of athletic scholarships will reduce or may cancel this award. Incoming Freshman must be accepted for admission.

Scholarships and Grants for Specific Programs or Affiliations

Fr. Thomas R. Flynn Endowed Scholarship for the Department of Philosophy: For incoming or currently enrolled students, Philosophy Major or Minor. Receipt of athletic scholarships will reduce or may cancel this award. The amount of this scholarship varies.
Honors Scholarship: Incoming Freshman with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Must be accepted for admission and complete Honors application with a priority deadline of February 1. Renewable for sophomore and junior year (not senior year). Senior year would be eligible for 1 credit study abroad opportunity.
Horatio Alger Scholarship Match: Recipients of the need-based state or national Horatio Alger Scholarship. Receipt of athletic scholarships will reduce or may cancel this award.

Grants Based on Family or Alumni Connections

Family Tuition Allowance Grant: Students with one or more eligible family members enrolled full-time at Carroll during the same term. Receipt of athletic scholarships will reduce or may cancel this award. Must be accepted for admission.
Hilger Tradition Award: As a Carroll graduate, your referral will automatically result in the Hilger Tradition Award (a $500/year renewable scholarship for 4 years) for all undergraduate prospective students who you refer. Students are limited to one scholarship per person but as a graduate, there is no limit to sharing your Carroll pride. A student is eligible for only one of these scholarships.

Catholic High School Room Grant

Every graduate meeting eligibility criteria can receive this award, and there are no limits on the number of grants available. We are honored to offer this program to invest in those who have invested in Catholic education. Some restrictions do apply, and are outlined below: This award is available for first-time freshmen only. Students must apply and receive acceptance to Carroll College. As a 2026 graduate of an eligible Catholic High School (acknowledged by diocese or ecclesiastical authority.), you can receive up to 50% off the cost of your room, which is on top of your already generous financial aid package. Grants will be awarded at 50% of double room occupancy cost ($3,070/yr room grants based on 2025/2026 costs). Pay for one term and get another term free, but Carroll will divide the amount in half over two terms. Basically 50% off the yearly room cost. Receipt of athletic scholarships will reduce or may cancel this award. Only Guadalupe Hall, St. Charles Hall, and Borromeo Hall qualify. Students who choose to live in other residence halls (ex. Trinity, Apartments) forego the opportunity to receive this award. Home School Students and Tuition Remission/Exchange Students do not qualify.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

Campus Visit Grant: Incoming freshman schedule and visit Carroll College (individual or program attendance). Apply and be accepted for admission. To renew, submit a FAFSA and receive a SAI below our cost of attendance. Receipt of athletic aid may cancel or reduce this grant.

Important Considerations for All Scholarships

Application Deadlines: Many scholarships have specific application deadlines, so it is crucial to note these dates and submit applications on time. Priority deadline dates are often in early February or May 1.
Athletic Scholarships: Receipt of athletic aid may cancel or reduce some grants and scholarships.
Renewability: Many scholarships are renewable for multiple years, provided that the student maintains satisfactory academic standing and meets other requirements.
External Funding: International students who are externally funded (e.g. by their government) should explore these options.
Use of AI: The use of artificial intelligence by a scholarship applicant is not permitted under any circumstances in conjunction with application content.

Financial Aid Resources

Carroll University is committed to maintaining affordability without sacrificing the quality of a premier academic experience. The institution works in partnership with students and their families to keep a Carroll education within reach.

Financial Aid Counselors: Counselors and staff are available for appointments to discuss the financial aid process. The financial aid office is located on the Main Level of Voorhees Hall.
Net Price Calculator: Any student unable to complete the FAFSA, can complete the Net Price Calculator and submit results to their Carroll Admission Counselor.
Award Letters and Loan Options: Questions regarding award letters, loan options, types of financial aid or campus employment can be directed to the financial aid office.

External Scholarship Opportunities

Outside scholarships can provide additional support for your Carroll University education. Most applications are due between February and May.

Read also: Exploring Carroll College Library

Caution Against Scams: Legitimate scholarship searches are always free and never ask for credit card or bank information.
Reporting Outside Scholarships: Outside scholarships must be reported to Student Enrollment and Financial Services.

Additional Opportunities at Other Institutions (JCU)

John Carroll University (JCU) also offers a variety of scholarship opportunities:

Say Yes to Education Scholarships: JCU is pleased to provide five scholarship opportunities each year to students attending Say Yes eligible schools in Cleveland, OH.
The Andrew McCarthy Memorial Scholarship Fund: This fund was established by Dewey's family, friends, teammates, classmates, and co-workers. Since 1983, money has been raised in support of the scholarship, and today the fund is fully endowed.
National Science Foundation S-STEM Scholarships: Funded by the National Science Foundation, these scholarships award up to $15,000 per year to students who demonstrate both financial need and strong academic potential in STEM at JCU.
SANUM Scholars Award: Incoming first-year students preparing for careers in healthcare (medical, dental, pharmacy, nursing, and related fields) are invited to apply for the SANUM Scholars Award.
The Legacy Grant: The Legacy Grant is available exclusively to first-year and transfer legacy students enrolling at JCU in fall 2026. Eligible legacy students include those who have had a parent, step-parent, legal guardian, grandparent, or sibling graduate from JCU at the time of enrolling.
Huntington Foundation Scholarships: Several scholarships will be awarded through the generosity of the Huntington Foundation to Cuyahoga residents.
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarships: For members of Phi Theta Kappa honor society. These scholarships are awarded to members of Phi Theta Kappa and are renewable for a second year.
Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) Scholarships: The Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) offers competitive scholarships that can cover tuition, fees, books, and a monthly living stipend.
Federal Grant Programs: JCU administers several federal grant programs.
Ohio College Opportunity Grant: Ohio residents in a first bachelor's program with SAI of $3,750 or less and household income under $96,000.
Tuition Exchange Programs: John Carroll participates in tuition exchange programs for families working in higher education. Demand often exceeds available spots.

Read also: Carroll's Career Services

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