Navigating Scholarships for International Students at The Catholic University of America

For international students aspiring to study at The Catholic University of America, understanding the landscape of available scholarships is crucial. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the various scholarship opportunities, eligibility criteria, and application processes to help international students finance their education at this esteemed institution.

Financial Aid for Education Abroad Programs

Applying for financial aid for education abroad programs mirrors the on-campus application process, especially for Catholic University-affiliated programs. However, significant differences arise when considering non-affiliated programs.

Affiliated vs. Non-Affiliated Programs:

Affiliated Programs: The process is identical to applying for financial aid on campus.
Non-Affiliated Programs: Catholic University scholarships and grants are not applicable. Eligibility for federal aid may exist, contingent upon completing a consortium agreement and receiving approval from the CUAbroad Office.

Federal Aid and the FAFSA:

Regardless of program affiliation, students planning to use federal aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as a primary step. Further financial details on studying abroad can be found on the CUAbroad website, including a cost comparison between a semester abroad and a semester on campus.

External Scholarships:

CUAbroad provides a list of external scholarship opportunities. Recipients of university scholarships must maintain full-time enrollment while studying abroad to retain their scholarship. Any enrollment changes should be discussed with Student Financial Assistance.

Loan Options for Covering Unmet Costs

Undergraduate students can have a parent apply for a Parent Plus Loan, while graduate students can apply for a Grad Plus Loan to cover any unmet cost of attendance not covered by other loans or awards. These loans should be processed at least a month before departure to allow sufficient time for approval and disbursement.

Read also: Catholic School Educators

University Scholarships for Undergraduate Students

The Catholic University of America offers various scholarships to undergraduate students based on academic merit, legacy status, parish affiliation, and specific program enrollment.

The Catholic University of America Scholarship (CUA Scholarship)

Awarded to incoming first-year and transfer students with exceptional academic profiles. The scholarship amount varies, ranging from $17,000 to $32,000 over four years. Candidates are assessed based on the quality of their high school curriculum, GPA, and class rank. Standardized test scores are not considered for admission, scholarship, or the University Honors Program.

Legacy Grant

A $1,000 grant renewable for up to four years is available to new undergraduate first-year and transfer students who have a parent, grandparent, or sibling who graduated from Catholic University. No separate application is required. This grant underscores the university's commitment to its alumni and their families.

Parish Scholarship

Applicants from U.S. dioceses, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories are eligible for the Parish Scholarship. Applicants must complete the Parish Scholarship information section in the Common Application. The required information must be submitted with the application, and students cannot request consideration later.

Most Reverend David M. O’Connell Service Scholarship

Established in 2010, this four-year, full-tuition scholarship is awarded to an entering freshman from the Diocese of Trenton in New Jersey who demonstrates a commitment to service. The scholarship honors Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., who served as the 14th president of Catholic University. Applicants are considered based on their completed Undergraduate Application for Admission and are encouraged to submit a service resume.

Basselin Fellowship Program

Students admitted into the Basselin Fellowship Program receive a 50% waiver of tuition and scholarships for the remaining tuition, room, and board. This program is designed for students with a strong interest in philosophy and theology, providing a unique opportunity for intellectual and spiritual growth.

Departmental Scholarships

Various schools and departments within the University offer scholarships to students applying to study in specific fields. Top applicants are automatically considered during the admission review process.

Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship

Available to transfer applicants who are active members of Phi Theta Kappa at their current two-year colleges. This scholarship recognizes academic excellence and leadership among community college students.

ROTC Room and Board Matching Scholarship

Students who earn full-tuition ROTC Scholarships from the Army, Navy, or Air Force are automatically eligible for the ROTC Room and Board Matching Scholarship, covering up to the median cost of on-campus room and board. ROTC candidates whose scholarships are removed or are not full-tuition scholarships will be considered for merit and need-based financial assistance per University policies for any future years not covered by the ROTC award.

Music Scholarships

Students planning to study in a Bachelor of Music program and complete their required audition are automatically eligible for consideration for music scholarships, which can be combined with other merit-based awards.

Karen Laub-Novak Art and Faith Scholarship

First-year students admitted to the Studio Art and Art History majors are eligible to compete for the Karen Laub-Novak Art and Faith Scholarship. Up to two students each year who demonstrate exceptional creative talent will be selected to receive a $5,000 renewable scholarship (a total scholarship of $20,000) and up to $6,500 financial support for research, travel, museum admission, arts events, or other forms that may serve to advance their formation as creative and productive students of the arts.

Applicants must submit an online portfolio and an essay expressing how they wish to explore their Catholic faith and formation through art and artistic expression.

John Paul II Institute University Grant

Students who earn admission to Catholic University and who have a parent employed as a full-time faculty or staff member at the John Paul II Institute are eligible for a University Grant of $10,000 per academic year. Grant recipients must be full-time undergraduate degree-seeking students. The University Grant can be combined with other Catholic University merit scholarships up to the value of full tuition.

Scholarship Renewal and Requirements

University scholarships can only be applied to tuition charges billed by The Catholic University of America during the academic year and are not refundable. Merit and need-based aid cannot be awarded above total tuition charges. Scholarships may be renewed for up to eight semesters or until the student completes their degree, whichever comes first. Aid must be accepted each academic year. Continuous full-time enrollment status (a minimum of 12 credit hours) in a degree program is required.

Scholarships will be prorated if a student completes their degree early, based on the number of credits enrolled during the final semester.

Donor-Sponsored Scholarships

Alumni and friends of The Catholic University of America generously provide funding for students through Donor-Sponsored Scholarship funds. Students cannot apply directly for these scholarships. Some of the scholarships include:

Adela Pavia-Soto Scholarship
Andrew B. Candelaria Scholarship
Annie Lee Knowles Horton
Bishop of Pittsburgh Scholarship
Brady Family
Brother Patrick Ellis Scholarship
Carl A. Westerkamp Scholarship
Casey Korbecki
Charles Genovese Memorial
Class of 1959
Class of 1984
Collier Chemistry Scholarships
Craves Family Scholarship
Daniel E. Finnegan
David Lynch Scholarship
Dennis & Johanna Cadigan
Diocese of Rapid City Scholarship
Dolores Wahl Griswold
Double H Housing Corp.
Dr. James Donnelly
Edward J. Pryzbyla Scholarship
Farone Foundation
Flanigan
Frank A. Grasso Scholarship
Good Thief Hyland Scholarship
H.R. Franco Scholarship
Helene Monney
Horace McKenna
Hurley Diconcini Scholarship
James L. DeChard
John A. and Eileen F. Carr Scholarship
John Mosby Russell Scholarship
Joseph & Eunice Rankin
Joseph & Mary Della Ratta Scholarship
Kast Family Scholarship Fund
Loughran Foundation
Martin Richard Smith
Mary J Feik Scholarship Fund
Maureen Daley Favo Scholarship
Milholland Memorial Scholarship
Monsignor James Magner
Monsignor John J. McMahon
Mother Theresa Scholarship
Murray/Talbot
Nicholas Michael Hand
Noel J. Slakey Scholarship Fund
Olive S. and Edward C. Sweeney Scholarship
Patrick X Garvin Endowment
Patton Memorial Scholarship
Richard W. Clifford
Roman Catholic High School
Schmitt Family Scholarship - Music
Schmitt Family Scholarship - Science
Senator’s Club Scholarship
Talbot/Richard Scholarship
The Alpha Delta Gamma Scholarship
The Anthony Miranda Scholarship Fund
Toomey Family
USX Scholarship Fund
Walter E. Norris Scholarship
William J.

Graduate Scholarships, Fellowships, and Assistantships

All graduate university scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships are awarded by the respective academic departments, not the Office of Student Financial Assistance or the Office of Admissions. Graduate students should contact their academic departments for deadlines and application procedures. The Office of Student Financial Assistance processes graduate students for federal loan eligibility on a rolling basis as FAFSA applications are received.

External Scholarship Search Sites

Numerous external scholarship search sites can aid students in finding funding for studying abroad. These sites are free to search and are not affiliated with Catholic University. Popular platforms include:

FastWeb: A large, accurate, and frequently updated scholarship database.
Scholarships.com: Matches students with scholarships based on their academics, talents, and interests.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

American Academy in Rome: Offers Rome Prize fellowships for emerging artists and scholars, with preference given to those whose research in Italy is essential.
American Institute of Bangladesh Studies: Supports Senior, Junior, and Pre-Dissertation Fellowships.
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program: Provides up to $5,000 for U.S. citizen undergraduate students.
Boren Awards for International Study: Awards scholarships and fellowships for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students to study less commonly taught languages in world regions critical to U.S. interests.
Council of American Overseas Research Centers (CAORC): Offers Multi-Country Research Fellowships for advanced multi-country research.
Council for European Studies (CES): Sponsors fellowships for graduate and undergraduate students studying Europe.
EIFFEL Scholarship: A prestigious scholarship for elite overseas students on masters, engineering, and PhD courses in France.
Fulbright U.S. Student Program: Funds one academic year of study or research abroad after graduation.
Go! Study Abroad Scholarship: A $1,000 scholarship open to graduate and undergraduate students for any education abroad program.
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD): Sponsors grants for study and research and offers RISE Internships and RISE professional programs.
Henry Luce Foundation: Luce Scholars Program: Enhances the understanding of Asia among potential leaders in American society.
The Language Flagship Fellowships: Helps individuals achieve superior-level proficiency in certain critical languages.
The Thomas J. Watson Fellowship: Awards money for self-designed trips overseas.
Schwarzman Scholars Program: A highly selective program for a one-year Master's Degree at Tsinghua University in Beijing.
American Councils: Offers programs for research and training on Eastern Europe and the Independent States of the Former Soviet Union (Title VIII).
Belgian American Educational Foundation (BAEF) Fellowships: Awards fellowships for advanced study or research at a Belgian University.
Chinese Government Scholarship: Through the Chinese Scholarship Council, the Chinese Government awards full and partial scholarships to international students studying at Chinese Universities.
Chateaubriand Fellowship: A fellowship program offered by the Cultural Services of the French Embassy in the US for Ph.D. students researching in France.
Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program: Provides an opportunity for 75 American and 75 German Young Professionals to spend one year in each other's countries.
Kosciuszko Foundation Year Abroad in Poland Scholarship: Financial support for US students to study and live in Poland.

Financial Aid for International Students

International Students are not eligible to receive Federal and State financial aid; however, many private organizations offer scholarships and grants. It is advisable not to limit the search to the resources listed and to explore other potential funding avenues.

Loan Options

It is common for students to take out student loans to pay for their education. Criteria, rates, fees, and loan terms vary from lender to lender.

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