Saint Louis University Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on January 21, 2026- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~75%
- Middle 50% ACT: 23–31
- Middle 50% SAT: 1130–1340
- Average GPA (HS): ~3.9
Source: Student profile data from recent published admissions summaries (most recent available). Middle 50% = the range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Saint Louis University at a Glance
https://www.slu.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships.php
https://www.slu.edu/admission/freshman/requirements.php
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/saint-louis-university/admissions
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/saint-louis-university/tuition-and-costs
💰 Cost of Attendance at Saint Louis University (2026–2027)
These are the direct, billed costs for a full-time undergraduate student living on campus. Additional expenses like transportation, books, and personal costs are not billed by the university but still factor into aid eligibility.
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $57,960 | $57,960 |
| Housing & Meals | $15,820 | $15,820 |
| Total (Direct/Billed) | $73,780 | $73,780 |
Why only these items? We include the costs you typically pay directly to Saint Louis University — tuition/fees and on-campus housing/meals. SLU’s full Cost of Attendance also includes indirect estimates such as:
- Books & supplies
- Transportation
- Personal/misc. expenses
- Loan fees (if you borrow federal loans)
📉 Average Net Price (What Families Actually Pay)
The average net price is approximately $27,075 per year after grants and scholarships (federal average).
Use SLU’s Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate, and learn how net price (and the FAFSA’s Student Aid Index) works in our
Net Price & SAI Guide.
- Merit is the primary cost lever. Because SLU charges the same tuition to all students, most real savings come from automatic merit and competitive awards—not residency-based discounts.
- December 1 is a financial deadline. Students who apply by Dec. 1 are positioned for the strongest merit consideration, including competitive scholarships like the Presidential and MLK Jr. awards.
- Full-tuition is possible—but competitive. The Presidential Scholarship can eliminate nearly $58,000 per year in tuition, but requires a separate application and interview.
- Major matters for cost. Programs like Nursing, Flight Science, and OT/PT have stricter timelines and capacity limits, which can affect both admission and scholarship outcomes.
- Need-based aid plays a bigger role here. Programs like the SLU Tuition Promise (for qualifying families) can substantially reduce tuition even without a flagship merit award.
Bottom line: At SLU, timing + merit + need-based strategy matter far more than state residency.
FAQ — Cost of Attendance at Saint Louis University
Why are in-state and out-of-state costs the same at SLU?
Because SLU is a private university, it does not receive the same state-subsidy structure as public schools. Everyone is charged the same base tuition, so the “resident vs. non-resident” price gap (and reciprocity programs like WUE/ACM/MSEP) typically doesn’t apply.
What does “full tuition” actually cover?
At SLU, “full tuition” generally means the scholarship covers the billed tuition portion of your bill. Families should still plan for housing/meals, fees not covered by the award, and indirect costs like books and transportation unless the award terms say otherwise.
Is the $27,075 average net price what most families will pay?
It’s a federal average across aid recipients. Some families pay far less (especially with strong need-based aid or a major merit award), while families without need-based aid may pay more. The best next step is SLU’s Net Price Calculator.
Do SLU scholarships stack?
Some awards can combine, but top awards may replace or reduce other institutional aid. For example, certain partnership awards can be replaced if a student receives the Presidential Scholarship. Always read the scholarship’s stacking language carefully in the award letter.
Does applying by Dec. 1 really matter?
Yes. At SLU, Dec. 1 is the key “priority” date for top merit consideration and competitive scholarships. For competitive pathways (and for certain deadline-driven majors), treating Dec. 1 as a hard target is the safest strategy.
Is SLU test-optional for cost and scholarship consideration?
SLU is test-optional, meaning ACT/SAT scores aren’t required for admission. For scholarships, policies can vary by award and applicant pool. If a student’s scores are strong, submitting them may help in competitive situations — but it’s not required for many students to receive merit.
https://www.slu.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships.php
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/saint-louis-university/tuition-and-costs
https://www.slu.edu/admission/freshman/deadlines.php
🧭 What This Can Look Like (Illustrative Scenarios)
These are examples to help families picture the math. Your actual cost depends on aid forms, housing choices, and final award terms.
- Scenario A — Tuition Promise family: AGI ≤ $60k. Tuition can be covered through gift aid, but plan for housing/meals and indirect costs. Ask SLU what “last-dollar” means on your bill and whether partner awards reduce loans/work-study or reduce SLU grants.
- Scenario B — Solid academics, test-optional: Strong GPA, no scores submitted. Expect one automatic merit award plus need-based aid if eligible. Your decision hinge: whether your net price stays competitive versus your best in-state option.
- Scenario C — Service-heavy student: Strong service leadership. This is where SLU’s mission-based awards (MLK and service-focused programs) can materially improve affordability — but confirm caps (often “up to tuition”).
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships at Saint Louis University
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility / Criteria | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Typically Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vice Presidents’ Scholarship | Up to ~$19,500 per year | First-time freshmen; awarded automatically based on academic performance; test scores optional* | No | Yes — typically renewable (with continuing requirements) | Students near the top of the admitted academic pool* | Apply by Dec 1 for priority |
| University Scholarship | Up to ~$17,500 per year | First-time freshmen; admission-based merit; test scores optional* | No | Yes — typically renewable (with continuing requirements) | Strong academic students (often ~3.7+ GPA range)* | Apply by Dec 1 for priority |
| Ignatian Scholarship | Up to ~$16,500 per year | First-time freshmen; admission-based merit; test scores optional* | No | Yes — typically renewable (with continuing requirements) | Solid academic students (often mid-to-high GPA band)* | Rolling (earlier is better) |
| Billiken Scholarship | Up to ~$15,500 per year | First-time freshmen; admission-based merit; test scores optional* | No | Yes — typically renewable (with continuing requirements) | Admitted students meeting SLU merit criteria* | Rolling (earlier is better) |
| Jesuit High School Award | $5,000 per year | Graduate of a Jesuit high school; awarded automatically | No | Yes — renewable (with continuing requirements) | Jesuit HS graduates admitted to SLU | With admission |
| Catholic High School Award | $4,000 per year | Graduate of a Catholic high school (non-Jesuit); awarded automatically | No | Yes — renewable (with continuing requirements) | Catholic HS graduates admitted to SLU | With admission |
*GPA/test ranges are estimates based on past recipients and published profiles; actual thresholds can change by year.
Important: Students typically receive one main SLU freshman merit scholarship (Billiken/Ignatian/University/Vice Presidents’). The Jesuit and Catholic High School awards are mutually exclusive with each other.
Starting with incoming freshmen in Fall 2026, SLU’s Tuition Promise is designed to cover full undergraduate tuition for qualifying students (based on family income and assets). This is not “automatic merit” — it’s a need-based guarantee that can work alongside merit.
- If you might qualify: treat this like a priority program — meet SLU’s financial aid steps and deadlines.
- How it usually works: other grants/scholarships apply first, then the Promise covers remaining tuition (“last-dollar” style).
- Watch for conditions: programs like this often have requirements (enrollment, housing, deposit timing, etc.), so confirm details in the official policy for your year.
FAQ — Automatic Merit at Saint Louis University
Is there a separate application for automatic merit?
No. SLU’s automatic merit scholarships are awarded from the admission application. There is no separate scholarship application for the Billiken/Ignatian/University/Vice Presidents’ tiers.
Does applying by Dec. 1 really matter?
Yes. Dec. 1 is the safest “money deadline” for SLU because it aligns with priority consideration for the strongest awards and competitive programs. Even for automatic merit, earlier applicants are typically considered when more funding is available.
Do ACT/SAT scores matter if SLU is test-optional?
They’re not required, and many students receive merit without them. But if your scores are strong, submitting them may help in competitive situations or higher-tier placement. Families should treat score submission as a strategic choice — not a requirement.
Does SLU superscore ACT or SAT?
SLU states it does not superscore. If a student tests multiple times, SLU may still consider testing in context, but families should not assume the school will combine section scores into a new composite.
Do these scholarships stack?
Students typically receive one main SLU freshman merit scholarship (Billiken/Ignatian/University/Vice Presidents’). Other awards may stack depending on the program, but top awards can also replace existing aid — always confirm stacking rules in the award letter.
Can I get both the Jesuit High School Award and the Catholic High School Award?
No. Those two awards are mutually exclusive — you can receive one or the other, depending on your high school background.
https://www.slu.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships.php
https://www.slu.edu/beabilliken/articles/scholarships-for-freshmen.php
https://youatslu.slu.edu/financial-aid
🏆 Competitive (Flagship) Scholarships at Saint Louis University
These scholarships are not automatic. They require a separate application, and some include interviews, essays, or additional eligibility rules. Awards in this section are limited in number and far more selective than SLU’s automatic merit.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility / Criteria | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarship | Full tuition (up to 10 semesters) | Exceptional academics + leadership + service; separate scholarship application and interview required | Yes | Yes — with continuing criteria | A small cohort of top academic + leadership applicants (think “high bar,” not “automatic”) | Dec 1 (hard deadline) |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship | $3,000 per year (minimum) | Leadership as an “agent of change” (school/community); commitment to service and social impact | Yes — scholarship application | Yes — with continuing involvement | Students with sustained service leadership + strong writing (often a better fit than “perfect scores”) | Feb 1 |
| National Merit (SLU-Sponsored) | $2,000 per year (SLU-funded portion) | National Merit Finalist who lists SLU as first-choice school (National Merit process) | No separate SLU app (College Board/NMSC process) | Yes — per National Merit rules | Qualified Finalists who select SLU as their first-choice institution | Per National Merit timeline |
FAQ — Competitive Scholarships at Saint Louis University
If we miss Dec. 1, is it over for competitive scholarships?
Not necessarily. The Presidential Scholarship has a strict Dec. 1 cutoff, but the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship deadline is Feb. 1, which gives families more time to strengthen essays and leadership documentation.
Is the MLK Scholarship only about grades?
No. SLU frames it around being an “agent of change” — meaning real service, leadership, and impact matter as much as academics. SLU also notes that MLK Scholars often average about $24,000 per year in total SLU scholarships and aid (combined package), even though the MLK award itself is at least $3,000/year.
Does test-optional hurt flagship scholarship chances?
Not automatically. SLU reviews applicants holistically. If a student’s ACT/SAT scores are strong, submitting can help — but the Presidential and MLK awards are not framed as “test-score cutoffs.”
Do competitive scholarships cover housing too?
Usually not. The Presidential Scholarship is a tuition award, which means families still need a plan for housing/meals (and that’s where Hidden Gems, departmental awards, and need-based aid can matter).
Can the Presidential Scholarship stack with SLU Tuition Promise?
In practice, both are designed to cover tuition, so families should expect one to replace the other rather than “double up.” Confirm the final structure in the award letter for your year.
https://www.slu.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships.php
https://youatslu.slu.edu/financial-aid
https://www.slu.edu/beabilliken/articles/not-to-late-to-apply.php
- Automatic merit: You receive one main merit award (highest tier you qualify for).
- Full-tuition programs: Presidential or Tuition Promise may replace base merit (not stack on top of it).
- Stackable add-ons: Partner/mission awards (Jesuit/Catholic HS, PLTW, MLK, etc.) may layer in — often capped “up to tuition.”
- Need-based aid: Grants + work-study + loans fill remaining gaps (especially housing/meals).
Best practice: Ask for an “award stacking example” using your student’s exact offers — it’s the fastest way to avoid surprises.
🎖 Honors College at Saint Louis University
Saint Louis University offers a selective University Honors Program designed for high-achieving students who want small seminars, priority access to research, and close faculty mentorship — not just an “Honors” label on a transcript.
The Honors curriculum typically includes 21–24 credits spread across interdisciplinary seminars, upper-division Honors coursework, and a required senior capstone (HR 4960). Many Honors credits overlap with Core or major requirements.
- Honors Learning Community: Typically housed in Spring Hall, one of SLU’s newer residence halls.
- Advising & Cohort Model: Dedicated Honors advising and a smaller academic community within a large university.
- Investigative Learning Experience (ILE / ILEX Grant): Up to $1,200 for Presidential Scholars and some Honors students to support research, internships, creative work, or travel.
- Faculty-Mentored Research: Priority access across health sciences, engineering, and social sciences.
- Conference & Project Support: Honors students are often prioritized for limited travel or project funds.
CRP insight: The ILE/ILEX grant is one of the few ways to get cash-like support for indirect costs (equipment, travel, research expenses) on top of tuition-focused scholarships.
FAQ — Honors College at Saint Louis University
Does Honors come with automatic scholarship money?
No. Honors status itself does not guarantee extra merit aid. Its value comes from priority registration,
research access, and funding opportunities like the ILE/ILEX grant.
What GPA is required to stay in Honors?
Students must maintain a 3.5 cumulative GPA. Falling below this places a student on probation for one semester
before removal from the program.
Can students in Nursing or Engineering do Honors?
Yes. SLU designs Honors credits to overlap with Core and major requirements.
Many Nursing and Engineering students find priority registration especially valuable for labs and clinical sections.
What are “Contemplation in Action” units?
Honors students must complete four experiential units, which can include study abroad, internships,
research projects, or serving as a teaching assistant — helping students build strong graduate-school résumés.
Can students apply to Honors after enrolling?
Yes. Current SLU students may apply after at least one semester (typically with a 3.5+ GPA and fewer than 45 credits),
though available spots are limited.
*GPA profiles reflect recent Honors cohorts; SLU publishes a 3.8 weighted GPA guideline for first-year applicants but does not use fixed test-score cutoffs.
https://www.slu.edu/honors/
https://www.slu.edu/honors/applying.php
https://www.slu.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships.php
⭐ College Specialty
Saint Louis University is best known as a mission-driven research university with unusually strong pipelines into healthcare, engineering, and professional fields. Families are often drawn to SLU for its balance of academic rigor, hands-on experience, and outcomes — especially in programs where early clinical access, internships, or structured career pathways really matter.
Health Sciences & Pre-Health Pathways — SLU is widely known for preparing students for medicine, nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other clinical careers. Students benefit from early exposure to research, hospital partnerships across St. Louis, and strong advising for competitive graduate and professional programs.
- Nursing: A highly regarded program with competitive admission, strong NCLEX outcomes, and early clinical placements that make SLU graduates attractive to hospitals nationwide.
- Engineering: Known for applied learning and industry partnerships, especially in biomedical, aerospace, and civil engineering, with internships and co-op opportunities built into many tracks.
- Business: SLU’s business programs emphasize ethics, analytics, and leadership, with solid placement in accounting, finance, healthcare administration, and consulting-related roles.
- Flight Science (Aviation): A distinctive program combining aviation training with a four-year degree — one of the clearer professional pipelines on campus for students pursuing commercial aviation careers.
CRP takeaway: SLU tends to be a strong fit for students who want a clear professional path — especially in health, engineering, or aviation — and who value structured support, mentoring, and real-world experience over large lecture-style programs.
- Pre-health / nursing / therapy track: wants structured advising + clinical/research access early.
- Engineering or aviation-minded: prefers hands-on programs with clear professional pipelines.
- Service-driven: will actually pursue mission-based awards and build a leadership portfolio around them.
- Test-optional strategic: understands that SLU doesn’t superscore, so a full retake matters more than sectional improvements.
🔗 Official Saint Louis University Links
Use Saint Louis University’s official resources below to confirm admissions requirements, scholarship rules, costs, and academic program details. Always rely on these pages for final deadlines, award terms, and policies.
-
Undergraduate Admissions:
https://www.slu.edu/admission/undergraduate/index.php -
Application Types & Deadlines:
https://www.slu.edu/admission/undergraduate/apply/deadlines.php -
Scholarships & Financial Aid (Institutional):
https://www.slu.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships.php -
Tuition, Fees & Cost of Attendance:
https://www.slu.edu/financial-aid/cost-of-attendance.php -
Net Price Calculator:
https://npc.collegeboard.org/app/slu -
Common Data Set / Admitted Student Profile:
https://www.slu.edu/institutional-research/common-data-set.php -
Honors Program:
https://www.slu.edu/honors/index.php