At Saint Louis University, we make an extraordinary education attainable. Nearly all (99%) of new SLU students receive financial aid. In fact, when you apply to SLU you’re automatically considered for many of our merit-based scholarships.
Additionally, at SLU, merit-based scholarships are available for up to 10 semesters. While your degree is still designed to be completed in four years, we allow you an extra year of scholarship-funded study at SLU if you need it.
While deciding how to pay for college is often a big question, you and your family don’t have to answer it alone. Each incoming Billiken is assigned an admission counselor to answer every question you have about admission, scholarships, financial aid and more. They are personally invested in creating the best financial aid package for you.
Financial aid options include need-based grants, loan programs, work opportunities and merit-based scholarships. More than 40% of SLU students graduate with no student loan debt
SLU Is Invested in You
SLU knows affordability is a big factor in the college decision process. Through scholarships and financial aid, including gift aid that doesn't have to be repaid, SLU puts a world-class education within reach.
Which Competitive Scholarships Could Be a Fit for You? Take a Quiz to Find Out.
Already thinking about how you'll finance your education? At SLU, freshman applicants are automatically considered for scholarships based on academic achievement, but our scholarship options don't end there. Answer these questions to see which applications for competitive scholarships you might want to fill out.
Consider Applying for the Presidential Scholarship
Application Deadline: Dec. 1
Saint Louis University’s Presidential Scholarship is a four-year award for exemplary student leaders. This competitive award covers the full cost of tuition for up to 10 consecutive full-time (up to 18 credit hours) fall and spring semesters. Presidential Scholars can also apply for up to $1,200 to support an Investigative Learning Experience, such as research, a service project or internship.
Eligibility*: Cumulative high school GPA of at least 3.85
*These criteria are used only for determining eligibility and do not guarantee that you will be selected as a Presidential Scholarship recipient. After reviewing applications, SLU invites a select group of students to our St. Louis campus to interview and compete for a Presidential Scholarship.
Consider Applying for the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship
Application Deadline: Feb. 1
SLU’s Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship is a four-year award offered to students who have demonstrated leadership as agents of change or influence at their school and/or through community activities. On average, MLK Scholars receive a total of $24,000 in scholarships and aid per year from the University. The scholarship is available to first-year and transfer students.
Eligibility*: Cumulative high school GPA of at least 3.25
*These criteria are used only for determining eligibility and do not guarantee you will be selected as a Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship recipient. After reviewing applications, SLU invites a select group of students to campus to interview for a Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship.
Merit Scholarships
Competitive scholarship eligibility starts with a GPA of 3.25, but when you apply to SLU, you’re automatically considered for SLU’s merit-based awards.
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What other SLU scholarships could you be eligible for?
Check the box to answer yes to the following questions.
Catholic High School Award
This scholarship is automatically awarded to freshman applicants from a Catholic high school. The Catholic High School Award recognizes students from Catholic high schools for their continued commitment to Catholic education.
Award Amount: $4,000 per year, renewable over up to 10 consecutive semesters to students who maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA. Can be combined with merit-based scholarships.
Application Instructions: Complete and submit SLU's online application for freshman admission and all required materials (transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, etc.) by Dec. 1.
Jesuit High School Award
This scholarship is automatically awarded to freshman applicants from a Jesuit high school. The Jesuit High School Award recognizes students from Jesuit high schools for their continued commitment to Jesuit education.
Award Amount: $5,000 per year, renewable over up to 10 consecutive semesters to students who maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA. Can be combined with other merit-based scholarships.
Application Instructions:* Complete and submit SLU’s online application for freshman admission and all required materials (transcripts, etc.) by Nov. 1 for Early Decision or by Dec. 1 for Early Action. After Dec.1, applications are considered for Regular Decision admission.
Family Award
Undergraduate siblings who are enrolled full-time at SLU are each eligible for the Family Award. The Family Award can be combined with other scholarships or grants, but not with full-tuition scholarships, such as Presidential Scholarships or tuition remission.
Award Amount: $3,000 per year, renewable as long as multiple siblings remain full-time undergraduate students and each student maintains at least a 2.0 GPA.
Application Instructions: Families are required to complete and submit the Family Award application each year.
When you apply to SLU by Dec. 1, you’re automatically considered for many of the scholarships SLU offers, including scholarships that recognize academic accomplishment or commitment to Catholic or Jesuit education.
Merit-Based Awards and Application deadlines
SLU offers merit-based and competitive awards. Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on your previous academic performance. ACT and SAT scores are not required for admission to SLU or for scholarship consideration. Competitive scholarships involve separate applications and consider your leadership qualities and involvement, as well as your grades.
Saint Louis University offers four application paths for all first-time freshman applicants: Early Decision I, Early Decision II, Early Action and Regular Decision. Explore each path to see which option is right for you.
Early Decision Application Deadline: Nov. 1 / Early Decision II Application Deadline: Jan. 16 / Early Action Application Deadline: Dec. 1 / Regular Decision Application Deadline: By April 15 or within 30 day of receiving all application materials (*some SLU majors, programs and scholarships have Dec. 1 application deadlines)
What is work study?
Federal Work-Study allows you to work part-time (typically no more than 15 hours per week) and earn money for your education.There are more than 570 federal work-study positions on campus and 1,900 non-federal work-study positions open to students.
Lance Hussey, Class of 2022, says,
"Apply and see what kind of scholarships you get because you might be surprised. SLU's many scholarships show the number of people that support SLU — amazing partners and donors."
Featured scholarship: Presidential Scholars
Application Deadline: Dec. 1
Saint Louis University’s Presidential Scholarship is an award for exemplary student leaders. This competitive award covers the full cost of tuition for up to 10 consecutive full-time (up to 18 credit hours) fall and spring semesters. Presidential Scholars can also apply for up to $1,200 to support an Investigative Learning Experience, such as research, a service project or internship. Take the quiz above to see if you meet eligibility requirements.
Featured Scholarship: MLK Scholars
Application Deadline: Feb. 1
SLU’s Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship is an award offered to students who have demonstrated leadership as agents of change or influence at their school and/or through community activities. On average, MLK Scholars receive a total of $24,000 in scholarships and aid per year from the University. It is available to first-year and transfer students. Take the quiz above to see if you meet eligibility requirements.
Need-Based Financial Aid
To apply for need-based financial aid, such as low-interest student loans, the first step is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as FAFSA. Due to delays in the 2024-25 FAFSA, SLU has suspended all institutional financial aid application deadlines.
Help where you are
Saint Louis University’s Office of Student Financial Services offers online chats and informational virtual presentations to help educate students and families about the financial aid process. In addition, admission counselors provide families one-on-one virtual appointments to go over financial aid packages in detail.
Cost by the numbers
Tristin Sorrells, Class of 2022, says, "SLU tries really hard to meet students where they're at through financial aid packages and lots of scholarships that they offer."
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