Magis Scholarship
JCU's highest merit award, recognizing exceptional academic achievement and leadership potential.
Automatic ConsiderationWe pride ourselves on ensuring that a JCU education is accessible and affordable for all students and families, regardless of their economic backgrounds. Discover scholarships and grants that make JCU possible.
JCU offers merit scholarships ranging from $18,000 to $28,000 annually, plus regional and specialty awards.
All first-year applicants are automatically considered for one of our merit scholarships—no separate application required. Awards are determined by academic performance, curriculum rigor, and test scores (if submitted). Listed amounts represent starting annual values and renew each year for four years.
| Scholarship | Annual Amount |
|---|---|
| Magis Scholarship | $30,000 |
| Presidential Scholarship | $26,000 |
| University Scholarship | $22,000 |
| Ignatian Award | $19,000 |
As an admitted student, you may be able to boost your merit award with additional regional, specialty, or transfer scholarships. Use the filters below to find the opportunities that apply to you.
JCU's highest merit award, recognizing exceptional academic achievement and leadership potential.
Automatic ConsiderationAwarded to students demonstrating strong academic performance and rigorous high school curriculum.
Automatic ConsiderationRecognizes students with solid academic records who are ready to thrive at JCU.
Automatic ConsiderationFoundation merit award for students showing academic promise and potential for growth.
Automatic ConsiderationApply by November 1 and make an official campus visit by February 1 to earn this grant.
Automatic if EligibleFor students from the Chicago area who have demonstrated leadership potential.
Application RequiredFor incoming first-year students from St. Ignatius College Prep in Chicago.
Application RequiredPartnership with the Howley Foundation for Pell-eligible graduates of select Cleveland Catholic high schools.
Application RequiredUp to eight semesters of support for students from Say Yes eligible schools in Cleveland.
Application RequiredRecognizes leadership, citizenship, and academic ability in students from East Coast states.
Application RequiredAnnual scholarship awarded to up to five students from the New York City area.
Application RequiredFull-tuition award for students with 3+ years of Latin planning to major in Ancient Greek & Roman Studies.
Application RequiredNSF-funded scholarships for STEM majors demonstrating financial need and strong academic potential.
Application RequiredFor Ohio residents pursuing healthcare careers in Biology, Chemistry, Nursing, or related fields.
Application RequiredFor students whose parent, step-parent, guardian, grandparent, or sibling graduated from JCU.
Automatic if EligibleFor Cuyahoga County residents majoring in science, math, psychology, or accounting with demonstrated need.
Need-BasedRenewable merit award based on academic achievement, coursework rigor, and extracurricular involvement.
Automatic ConsiderationFor admitted students who earned an associate's degree and completed their last 12 credits at a community college.
Automatic if EligibleFor members of Phi Theta Kappa honor society. Indicate membership on your admission application.
Automatic if EligibleMultiple non-renewable scholarships for students transferring between Ohio Transfer Council member institutions.
External ApplicationCompetitive scholarships covering tuition, fees, books, and a monthly stipend through the Reserve Officers' Training Corps.
External ApplicationGrants are need-based awards that do not need to be repaid. They represent the largest portion of JCU aid each year and help ensure all accepted students can attend.
To be eligible for university grants, undergraduate students must:
Individual award renewal criteria can be found in your myJCU Gateway portal.
JCU administers several federal grant programs. All require a FAFSA to establish need and eligibility.
| Grant | Maximum Award | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Pell Grant | $7,395 | For undergraduates with exceptional financial need who have not earned a bachelor's degree. Amount varies based on credit hours and need. |
| Federal SEOG | $1,000 | For undergraduates with exceptional need. Limited funding; awarded first-come, first-served. |
| Grant | Maximum Award | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG) | $5,000 | Ohio residents in a first bachelor's program with SAI of $3,750 or less and household income under $96,000. FAFSA required by early fall. |
| Pennsylvania State Grant | $600 | PA residents eligible for state grant. FAFSA and PA State Grant Form required by May 1. |
Outside scholarships can provide additional support for your JCU education. Most applications are due between February and May. Check online resources, libraries, employers, and community organizations.
Avoid scholarship scams: Legitimate scholarship searches are always free and never ask for credit card or bank information. If you're unsure about a scholarship offer, contact Student Enrollment and Financial Services.
Outside scholarships must be reported to Student Enrollment and Financial Services. If total aid exceeds cost of attendance by $300 or more, aid will be adjusted per federal rules:
Note: Students awarded a JCU Faculty & Staff Tuition Grant or Tuition Exchange Grant will have prior merit scholarships replaced by the tuition grant.
John Carroll participates in tuition exchange programs for families working in higher education. All programs are available to dependent children of eligible employees who meet admission standards.
Priority consideration is given to:
Demand often exceeds available spots. Decisions are released in late January. For questions, contact:
Steve Vitatoe
Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Operations & Analytics
svitatoe@jcu.edu
| Program | Awards/Year | Coverage | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| FACHEX (Jesuit Universities) | 4–5 | Full tuition (fees and room/board not included) | Contact FACHEX liaison at parent's university, then apply via Tuition Exchange portal |
| Tuition Exchange Program (TEP) | 10 | Tuition at TEP minimum rate (remainder of tuition, fees, room/board not included) | Contact TEP liaison at home institution, then apply via Tuition Exchange portal |
| CIC Tuition Exchange (CIC-TEP) | 3 | Full tuition (fees and room/board not included) | Contact CIC-TEP liaison at home institution, then apply via CIC-TEP portal |
| JCU Employee Tuition Benefits | Varies | Tuition reduction for employee, spouse, or dependent children | Contact Human Resources for eligibility details |