Saint Joseph’s University Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on January 21, 2026- What families typically pay at Saint Joseph’s after merit and aid — in plain English
- How SJU awards automatic merit, and what student profiles tend to receive more (or less)
- Which competitive and lesser-known scholarships can meaningfully reduce your bill
- How to think about stacking awards, honors perks, and need-based aid without over-planning
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~86%
- Middle 50% ACT: 27–31
- Middle 50% SAT: 1150–1330
- Average GPA (HS): 3.65
Source: Saint Joseph’s University Office of Admissions (2025–2026 data). 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 Joseph’s at a Glance
https://www.sju.edu/scholarships
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/saint-josephs-university/tuition-and-costs
https://www.sju.edu/admission/undergraduate
💰 Cost of Attendance at Saint Joseph’s University (2026–2027)
These are the direct, billed costs for a full-time undergraduate student living on campus. Additional expenses like books, transportation, and personal costs are not billed by the university but still factor into financial aid eligibility.
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $55,380 | $55,380 |
| Housing & Meals | $17,090 | $17,090 |
| Total (Direct/Billed) | $72,470 | $72,470 |
Why only these items? We include the costs you typically pay directly to Saint Joseph’s — tuition, required fees, housing, and meals. The university’s full Cost of Attendance budget also includes common indirect costs like:
- Books & course materials (budgeted ≈ $1,160/year)
- Transportation (budgeted ≈ $604/year for on-campus students)
- Personal expenses (budgeted ≈ $898/year)
- Loan fees (budgeted ≈ $70/year for borrowers)
📉 Average Net Price (What Families Actually Pay)
The average net price is approximately $36,392 per year after grants and scholarships (federal data reported on College Board BigFuture).
For a personalized estimate, use Saint Joseph’s
Net Price Calculator.
Learn how net price and the Student Aid Index (SAI) work in our
Net Price & SAI Guide.
- Private tuition model: Saint Joseph’s charges the same tuition to all students, regardless of state residency.
- Automatic merit scholarships: Most tuition discounts come from admission-based merit awards, typically ranging from $18,000–$30,000 per year for first-year students.
- Need-based aid: FAFSA-based institutional grants can further reduce the bill, especially for families with demonstrated financial need.
- Special population awards: Additional scholarships may apply for Honors students, Catholic high school graduates, legacy students, ROTC participants, and select academic programs.
Parent takeaway: At SJU, your final cost depends far more on merit + need-based aid than on where you live.
- Stronger fit if: your student is near the top of their class, open to Jesuit mission, and SJU’s net price lands within ~1.2–1.5× your best in-state option.
- Riskier fit if: affordability depends on stacking full tuition + housing, or if borrowing would exceed federal loan limits.
FAQ — Cost of Attendance at Saint Joseph’s University
Why are in-state and out-of-state costs the same?
Saint Joseph’s is a private university, so it doesn’t use state residency to set tuition. Everyone pays the same tuition and standard fees; savings typically comes from merit scholarships and need-based aid.
What’s the difference between “direct/billed” costs and the full Cost of Attendance?
Direct/billed costs are what you generally pay to the university (tuition, fees, housing, meals). The full Cost of Attendance adds indirect expenses like books, transportation, and personal spending—important for aid calculations, even though you don’t pay them to SJU.
Does the $36,392 average net price apply to every family?
No. It’s a federal average across all students. Families with strong merit awards or significant financial need may pay less, while families who don’t qualify for much aid may pay more. The best next step is the university’s net price calculator for an estimate tied to your situation.
Can commuting reduce the overall cost?
Often, yes. Housing and meals are one of the biggest line items. If a student is approved to live off campus (or at home), the billed total can drop significantly—but you’ll still want to budget for transportation and personal expenses.
Do merit scholarships reduce tuition only, or can they reduce the total bill?
Most SJU merit scholarships are applied toward tuition. Your total bill can still be reduced further if you qualify for need-based grants, outside scholarships, or (for eligible students) federal work-study.
Do out-of-state students receive the same merit consideration?
Yes. Because tuition is uniform, merit scholarships are not “resident-only” by design—out-of-state students are typically reviewed the same way as Pennsylvania students for admission-based merit.
https://www.sju.edu/financial-aid/cost-attendance
https://www.sju.edu/tuition-fees/undergraduate
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/saint-josephs-university/tuition-and-costs
https://www.sju.edu/financial-aid/undergraduate
How SJU typically applies aid
- Automatic academic merit (at admission)
- Competitive flagship awards (may replace merit)
- Stackable “hidden gems” (legacy, band, partner school)
- Federal & need-based aid (FAFSA-driven)
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships at Saint Joseph’s University
Saint Joseph’s University automatically considers first-year applicants for merit scholarships at the time of admission. No separate scholarship application is required for these awards.
| Scholarship Type | Typical Award Range | Eligibility / Criteria | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Academic Merit Awards | Up to full tuition (very limited) | ~3.9–4.0 GPA*; strongest academic records in the applicant pool | No | Yes — up to 4 years (subject to GPA maintenance) | A very small group of the most academically competitive admits | Feb 1 (admission) |
| University Merit Scholarships (High Range) | ~$28,000–$35,000 per year* | ~3.75+ GPA*; strong rigor; test scores optional | No | Yes — up to 4 years (see reduction policy) | Students near the top of the admitted academic profile | Feb 1 (admission) |
| University Merit Scholarships (Mid Range) | ~$22,000–$27,000 per year* | ~3.6–3.8 GPA*; solid academics and curriculum strength | No | Yes — up to 4 years (see reduction policy) | Strong academic admits across many majors | Feb 1 (admission) |
| University Merit Scholarships (Entry Range) | ~$18,000–$21,000 per year* | ~3.4–3.6 GPA*; college-prep curriculum completed | No | Yes — up to 4 years (see reduction policy) | Broad range of admitted students meeting merit thresholds | Feb 1 (admission) |
*Award ranges and GPA/test bands are estimates based on recent offers, the Guaranteed Admission Program minimums, and published student profiles. Saint Joseph’s does not publish an official merit grid, and thresholds may change by year.
Disclaimer: Merit scholarships are typically applied to tuition and may replace, not stack with, certain institutional grants. Renewal is subject to GPA maintenance; Saint Joseph’s uses a scholarship reduction policy rather than immediate cancellation.
If your student’s GPA is in the mid-3s and you’re applying test-optional, most families land in the mid-range merit band. Higher awards tend to cluster around students with very strong GPAs or clear mission-fit (Jesuit, leadership, partner schools).
FAQ — Automatic Merit Scholarships at Saint Joseph’s
Do I need to apply separately for these scholarships?
No. All first-year applicants are automatically reviewed for merit scholarships as part of the admission process.
Is the $30,000–$35,000 range guaranteed?
Only students admitted through the Guaranteed Admission Program (typically with a weighted GPA of 3.75+) are guaranteed a minimum merit award. Other students may receive more or less depending on the applicant pool.
Does Saint Joseph’s superscore the ACT or SAT?
SAT scores are superscored. For the ACT, Saint Joseph’s uses the highest single composite score submitted.
Can merit scholarships stack with need-based aid?
Yes. Merit scholarships can be combined with FAFSA-based grants and federal aid, which is how many families reduce the total cost below the sticker price.
When are scholarship decisions released?
Merit awards are typically included with, or shortly after, the admission decision.
Does Saint Joseph’s offer legacy or Catholic high school grants?
Yes. In addition to automatic merit scholarships, Saint Joseph’s often provides smaller institutional grants such as a Legacy Award (typically around $1,000–$3,000 per year for children or grandchildren of alumni) or a Catholic High School Grant (often around $3,000 per year for graduates of Catholic secondary schools). These awards are usually determined at admission and often stack with automatic merit, though amounts and availability can vary by year.
https://www.sju.edu/scholarships
https://www.sju.edu/admission/undergraduate/guaranteed-admission-program
https://www.sju.edu/financial-aid/undergraduate/current
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/saint-josephs-university/tuition-and-costs
🏆 Flagship & Competitive Scholarships at Saint Joseph’s University
These scholarships are competitive and limited in number. Unlike automatic merit, they typically require separate applications, essays, interviews, or nomination processes and are awarded to a small subset of students.
📊 What Families Like Yours Often See (Illustrative)
- Student A: 3.9 GPA, Catholic high school, leadership → High-range merit + partner-school award; housing still largely out-of-pocket.
- Student B: 3.5 GPA, test-optional, no legacy → Mid-range merit only; affordability depends heavily on FAFSA results.
- Student C: STEM major + McNulty finalist → Full tuition replaces merit; budget focus shifts to housing and living costs.
Examples are illustrative, not guarantees.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility / Criteria | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| McConnell Scholars Program |
$35,000 per year (supersedes other SJU scholarships/grants) |
Minimum 3.3 GPA; admitted applicants demonstrating leadership and a commitment to gender justice and equity; short essay required | Yes — program application | Yes — up to 4 years (with program requirements) | Small cohort (roughly a dozen students per year) focused on inclusive leadership | Feb 15 (application) |
| John P. McNulty Program for Leadership in Science & Mathematics |
Full tuition (limited number of Scholars each year) |
Women pursuing majors in natural sciences, mathematics, or computer science; strong academics, leadership, and interest in STEM | Yes — program application & interview | Yes — renewable with continued STEM enrollment and GPA requirements | ~6 Scholars per cohort with top STEM profiles and leadership potential | Feb 1 (application) |
| St. Joseph Scholar |
Full tuition (fees not included) |
Graduates of St. Joseph’s Preparatory School selected by the Prep administration | No (school-based selection) | Yes — up to 4 years | Top-performing Prep graduates chosen annually by the school | N/A (school nomination) |
Disclaimer: Competitive scholarship amounts, eligibility criteria, and cohort sizes may change annually. Flagship awards often replace automatic merit rather than stacking on top of it.
FAQ — Competitive Scholarships at Saint Joseph’s University
How are competitive scholarships different from automatic merit?
Automatic merit is awarded broadly based on academic strength. Competitive scholarships are selective programs with limited seats that emphasize leadership, service, or program-specific excellence.
Do these scholarships stack with automatic merit?
Usually not. At SJU, flagship awards such as McConnell or McNulty typically replace standard merit scholarships rather than add on top of them.
Do I need to be admitted before applying?
You generally must have applied to Saint Joseph’s before submitting competitive scholarship applications, though some programs allow you to apply before receiving a final admission decision.
Are interviews required?
Many flagship programs include interviews, finalist weekends, or additional essays as part of the selection process.
Are these scholarships renewable?
Yes, most are renewable for up to four years as long as academic and program requirements are met.
https://www.sju.edu/scholarships
https://www.sju.edu/scholarships/mcconnell-scholars-program
https://www.sju.edu/mcnulty-scholars
https://www.sjprep.org/news-detail?pk=1344535
🎖 Honors Program at Saint Joseph’s University
Saint Joseph’s University offers a selective University Honors Program designed for high-achieving students who want smaller classes, interdisciplinary coursework, and early access to research and advising. The Honors Program is primarily an academic and experiential enhancement, not a guaranteed scholarship boost.
| Feature | What It Means at SJU |
|---|---|
| Admission | Competitive; based on academic strength, course rigor, and overall application. Invitation may come with or shortly after admission. |
| Typical Academic Profile | Students often present high GPAs, strong writing skills, and a record of academic curiosity. Test scores (if submitted) usually fall in or above the middle-50% range. |
| Curriculum | Honors-designated courses, interdisciplinary seminars, and a required capstone or thesis experience. |
| Class Size & Faculty Access | Smaller classes with discussion-based formats and early access to faculty mentoring. |
| Registration Priority | Priority course registration, which can be valuable in high-demand majors. |
| Housing | Honors-designated housing options may be available for first-year students, depending on capacity. |
| Honors-Only Scholarships | Limited and competitive; not guaranteed for all Honors admits. Some awards are tied to leadership, research, or program participation. |
FAQ — Honors Program at Saint Joseph’s University
Does being in the Honors Program increase my merit scholarship?
Not automatically. Merit scholarships are determined at admission.
Honors students may be eligible for additional competitive awards, but most Honors benefits are academic rather than financial.
Do I need to apply separately to the Honors Program?
Some students are invited automatically during the admission review.
Others may be asked to submit additional materials, depending on the cycle and applicant pool.
Is the Honors Program worth it if there’s no extra money?
For many students, yes. Priority registration, smaller classes, and early research access can be especially valuable for
pre-health, business, and graduate-school-bound students.
Can I stay in Honors if my GPA drops?
Yes, within limits. Students must meet ongoing academic standards to remain in the program;
policies are more flexible than scholarship renewal rules.
Can Honors students still apply for flagship or competitive scholarships?
Yes. Honors participation does not prevent students from applying to competitive programs,
though major flagship awards typically replace standard merit rather than stack with it.
https://www.sju.edu/academics/honors-program
https://www.sju.edu/scholarships
Questions worth asking SJU’s financial aid office
- If my student wins McNulty or McConnell, which existing awards are reduced or removed?
- Do legacy or partner-school grants renew automatically, and what GPA is required?
- What is the average total borrowing for graduates in this major?
⭐ College Specialty
Saint Joseph’s University is a private Jesuit university in Philadelphia that’s known for pairing career-focused programs with a mission-driven education rooted in ethics, service, and community impact. What families tend to love about SJU is that “real-world learning” isn’t just a slogan—many majors build in applied experiences through internships, service-learning, and faculty-supported projects. If your student wants strong professional preparation without the “anonymous big campus” feel, SJU is often a great fit.
Haub School of Business (AACSB accredited) — The Erivan K. Haub School of Business is AACSB-accredited in business and accounting, and SJU highlights national recognition in areas like marketing, analytics, management, accounting, and finance. Haub also emphasizes ethics and applied learning through employer pipelines and experiential coursework.
- Business Analytics + Career Pipelines: SJU highlights business intelligence/analytics and strong employer connections (examples SJU lists include PwC, KPMG, Vanguard, and Johnson & Johnson), which matters if your student wants a clearer internship-to-job pathway.
- Nursing & Allied Health: SJU’s School of Nursing and Allied Health emphasizes guaranteed clinical placements and hands-on training (including simulation-based learning), leveraging Philadelphia’s deep healthcare ecosystem.
- Pharmacy (Philadelphia College of Pharmacy): A long-established PharmD program at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, with published licensure (NAPLEX) reporting and strong regional name recognition—especially for students considering pharmacy practice or residencies.
- Service-Learning + Mission-Driven Programs: SJU’s Faith-Justice and service-learning infrastructure is a real differentiator for students who want academics tied to community work and public-impact experiences.
🔗 Official Saint Joseph’s University Links
Use Saint Joseph’s University’s official resources below to confirm admissions requirements, scholarship policies, costs, and academic programs. Always rely on these pages for final deadlines, award terms, and eligibility details.
-
Undergraduate Admissions:
https://www.sju.edu/admission/undergraduate -
Application Deadlines & Early Action:
https://www.sju.edu/admission/undergraduate/apply -
Scholarships & Institutional Aid:
https://www.sju.edu/scholarships -
Tuition, Fees & Cost of Attendance:
https://www.sju.edu/financial-aid/undergraduate/cost-attendance -
Net Price Calculator:
https://npc.collegeboard.org/app/sju -
Institutional Research / Fact Book:
https://www.sju.edu/offices/institutional-research