Seton Hall University Scholarships (2025–2026) | Automatic, Competitive & Hidden Aid

Seton Hall University Scholarships (2025–2026)

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What This Page Covers:
  • Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
  • Automatic merit scholarships and competitive awards
  • Full-tuition scholarships for top academic achievers
  • Need-based aid and honors opportunities

📊 Admissions Snapshot

  • Acceptance Rate: ~78%
  • Middle 50% GPA (weighted): 3.4 – 3.9
  • Middle 50% SAT: 1180 – 1340
  • Middle 50% ACT: 24 – 30

Source: Seton Hall University Common Data Set 2024–25. Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall.

Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →

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Seton Hall University at a Glance

Average Net Price
$28,921
What families actually paid on average (IPEDS 2024)
Automatic Merit Scholarships
$8,000 – $25,000 per year based on GPA and test scores
No separate application; awarded upon admission
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 3.5+ and SAT 1250+ / ACT 27+ for top automatic tiers
Leadership and service enhance competitive scholarship eligibility
Testing Policy
Test-optional through 2026; superscoring accepted
High GPAs and rigor can offset missing test scores
Key Deadlines
Early Action: Nov 15 • Regular Decision: Mar 1 • FAFSA: Jan 15
Apply Early Action for full scholarship consideration
Honors Program
University Honors Program (by invitation)
Small classes, early registration, and special research opportunities
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
No full ride or full tuition scholarships listed
Highly competitive; interview required
Residency & Waivers
Private university — same tuition for all students
New Jersey residents may also qualify for TAG and EOF grants
Seton Hall automatically considers students for merit scholarships at admission. Top awards, such as the Martin Luther King and University Scholarships, cover full tuition and require separate applications or interviews.
Last verified: October 2025

Seton Hall University is known for its strong professional programs and generous merit scholarships. Nearly all admitted students receive some form of aid, and the top-tier awards—like the Martin Luther King Scholarship—cover full tuition for outstanding leaders with a strong academic record and commitment to service.

Use this guide to explore Seton Hall’s automatic and competitive scholarships, learn who typically qualifies, and see how to combine institutional aid with New Jersey’s state grant programs for maximum affordability.

FAQ

Is this college test-optional? Yes — Seton Hall is test-optional through at least 2026. Students with strong GPAs or class rank are fully eligible for automatic merit.

What is the middle 50% GPA/SAT/ACT? GPA: 3.4–3.9; SAT: 1180–1340; ACT: 24–30.

What’s the average net price? Around $28,921 after scholarships and grants (IPEDS 2024).

Does this school offer reciprocity or waivers? No — Seton Hall is a private university. However, New Jersey residents may combine institutional aid with TAG or EOF state programs.

Sources:
Seton Hall University Scholarships & Financial Aid — https://www.shu.edu/undergraduate-admissions/scholarships.cfm
Seton Hall University Tuition & Fees — https://www.shu.edu/studentservices/bursar/tuition-and-fees.cfm
Seton Hall University Cost of Attendance — https://www.shu.edu/financial-aid/cost-of-attendance.cfm
Seton Hall Honors Program — https://www.shu.edu/honors-programs/honors-programs.cfm
College Scorecard — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?186584-Seton-Hall-University
Common Data Set 2024–25 (Seton Hall University) — https://www.shu.edu/institutional-research/common-data-set.cfm

💰 Cost of Attendance at Seton Hall University

Expense In-State (NJ) Out-of-State
Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12–18 credits) $55,040 $55,040
Housing & Meals $19,000 $19,000
Total (before aid) ≈ $74,040 ≈ $74,040

Note: Additional estimated expenses—books and supplies (~$1,000), transportation (~$1,500), and personal/miscellaneous (~$1,500)—are not included above because they are not billed directly by Seton Hall University. These figures are estimates for planning purposes only.

Average Net Price: $28,921 (College Scorecard, latest year available). This represents what families actually paid after scholarships and grants were applied—no loans included.
State Aid (NJ Residents): While Seton Hall doesn’t participate in regional reciprocity programs like WUE or NEBHE, New Jersey families may qualify for the Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) or the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF).

Example: A New Jersey student receiving a $7,000 TAG award could see their net cost drop from roughly $74,000 to about $67,000 before any Seton Hall merit scholarships are applied.

FAQ

Who qualifies for NJ TAG?
New Jersey residents who attend an approved NJ college and demonstrate financial need. FAFSA and the state’s NJFAMS portal must both be completed on time.

How much can it cover?
TAG awards vary by income and institution but typically range from $2,000 to $7,000 per year at private colleges like Seton Hall.

Do I have to apply separately?
No extra paper application—just file the FAFSA by September 15 and complete any NJFAMS follow-up by October 1 to remain eligible.

Sources:
Seton Hall University Cost of Attendance 2025–26 — https://www.shu.edu/financial-aid/cost-of-attendance.cfm
Seton Hall University Bursar’s Office (Tuition & Fees) — https://www.shu.edu/studentservices/bursar/tuition-and-fees.cfm
College Scorecard — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?186584-Seton-Hall-University

✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships (Admission-Based)

These awards are considered automatically with your admission application—no separate scholarship form unless noted.

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
University Scholarship – Tier 1 $18,000–$25,000 Incoming freshmen or international students with 3.9+ unweighted GPA (estimated), top 10% class rank, advanced coursework (AP/IB/Honors), and 1400+ SAT / 31+ ACT if submitted No (automatic with admission) Yes — 2.5 GPA, up to 8 semesters Top academic applicants; very strong GPA and curriculum Jan 15
University Scholarship – Tier 2 $13,000–$18,000 Incoming freshmen or international with 3.7–3.89 unweighted GPA (est.), strong rigor, SAT 1300+ or ACT 28+ (if submitted) No Yes — 2.5 GPA, up to 8 semesters Students with above-average GPA and challenging courses Jan 15
University Scholarship – Tier 3 $8,000–$13,000 Incoming freshmen/international with 3.5–3.69 unweighted GPA (est.), strong overall coursework, SAT 1200+ or ACT 25+ (if submitted) No Yes — 2.5 GPA, up to 8 semesters Solid students meeting SHU’s academic minimums; test-optional allowed Jan 15
University Scholarship – Tier 4 $4,000–$8,000 Incoming freshmen/international; 3.3–3.49 unweighted GPA (est.), solid coursework; test optional No Yes — 2.5 GPA, up to 8 semesters Good students with strong academics but a less competitive profile Jan 15
Father Corrigan Scholarship (NJ residents) Varies Incoming NJ freshmen, highest academic and extracurricular performance, tuition only No Yes — 2.5 GPA Top NJ students with leadership, ~3.7+ GPA Jan 15
Similar Tuition Scholarship (Non-NJ) Varies Incoming non-NJ freshmen; top rigor/GPA; tuition only No Yes — 2.5 GPA Top non-NJ students finalist for other major awards Jan 15
Catholic High School Achievement Award $2,000/yr Select Catholic HS seniors; top 5–10% among that applicant group No Yes — 2.5 GPA, 30 credits/year Catholic HS seniors with top grades and leadership Jan 15

Notes: Estimates above reflect typical recent Seton Hall merit awarding. Ranges, GPA, and SAT/ACT cutoffs are approximate (not published). All awards are tuition-only and renewable if standards are met.

Sources:
Seton Hall University Scholarships — https://www.shu.edu/undergraduate-admissions/scholarships.html
Seton Hall Scholarship Renewal — https://www.shu.edu/financial-aid/scholarship-renewal.html
Seton Hall University Bursar’s Office (Tuition & Fees) — https://www.shu.edu/studentservices/bursar/tuition-and-fees.cfm

🏆 Competitive Scholarships

Competitive scholarships at Seton Hall would normally include the school’s flagship full-tuition or full-ride programs. Note: Seton Hall does not currently offer a flagship competitive scholarship of this type. Most selective awards here are niche or donor-funded and are listed instead in the Hidden Gems section.

Scholarship Award Amount Why It’s Competitive Separate App & Deadline Renewable? Who Actually Wins?
No flagship full-tuition or full-ride competitive scholarships are currently offered at Seton Hall University.

FAQ

Why is the table empty?
Seton Hall’s major selective scholarships (MLK Jr., Servant Leader, Latino Institute, Women’s Guild, Bethany) are donor- or mission-based. They are not considered flagship “competitive” scholarships and are shown in the Hidden Gems section.

Does Seton Hall have a full-tuition or full-ride scholarship?
No. Unlike some universities, Seton Hall’s largest packages are automatic merit awards (up to $20,000/yr) plus niche donor-funded supplements. Together these can reduce tuition significantly, but none cover the full cost of attendance.

Where should I look instead?
See the Automatic Merit section for admission-based awards, and the Hidden Gems section for donor, identity-based, service, and need-forward programs.

Sources:
Seton Hall University Scholarships — https://www.shu.edu/undergraduate-admissions/scholarships.html
Seton Hall University Financial Aid — https://www.shu.edu/financial-aid/

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

These awards aren’t automatic or flagship, but they can still make a real difference for families. They include service-based, identity-focused, donor-funded, and ROTC opportunities that often stack with other aid.

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship $6,500/yr Incoming freshmen with strong academics, demonstrated service, and leadership in diversity/inclusion. Yes — Jan 15 Yes — ≥2.5 GPA & active participation High GPA (~3.6+), service, mission-fit essays Jan 15
Servant Leader Scholarship Varies (avg. $2,400/yr) Academic achievement and history of leadership/service (résumé & recommendation required). Yes — Jan 15 Yes — per program terms Students pairing strong grades with deep service Jan 15
Joseph & Carmen Unanue Endowed Scholarship (Latino Institute) $3,000–$6,000/yr Latino students, ≥3.0 GPA, essay, FAFSA, required cultural program participation. Yes — Jan 15 Yes — ≥3.0 GPA & involvement Latino students showing leadership/cultural engagement Jan 15
Women’s Guild Scholarship (Pre-Health) $4,000–$5,000/yr Pre-health students (MD, PA, PT, dentistry); strong GPA and clear health interests. Yes — Jan 15 Yes — per award terms Pre-health majors with top grades, clear goals Jan 15
Bethany Scholarship $2,000/yr Incoming students with financial need, based on timely FAFSA filing (by Nov 15), funds limited No — automatic with FAFSA Yes — per SAP/funding Early FAFSA filers with need; academics help Nov 15 (priority)
Army ROTC Scholarships Full tuition & fees OR R/B + $1,200 books + $420/mo stipend National ROTC scholars; academics, leadership, physical/medical, Army commitment Yes — Army ROTC app Yes — per Army standards Strong ROTC candidates (esp. nursing majors) Oct–Jan (board dates)
Seton Hall Hometown Scholarships $4,000/yr (max $16k) Pell-eligible, ≥3.6 GPA, Essex/Passaic (NJ), 1 yr residency/school No Yes — Pell eligibility High-need, high-GPA locals Jan 15
Pep Band Scholarship Up to $2,500/yr Musically talented new admits/transfer, audition/placement Yes — Band app Yes — ≥3.0 GPA & band Talented musicians in high demand March 1
Edward Loyas Scholarship Variable Polish appreciation & club involvement, FAFSA Yes — Slavic Club Yes — per club/aid rules Active Slavic Club members w/cultural ties Spring (varies by club)

*GPA/test bands are estimates drawn from profiled awardee pools and Seton Hall policy. All awards are subject to fund availability and program criteria. Deadlines reflect current Seton Hall and national/process guidance.

Other opportunities:

  • Departmental scholarships (Education, Social Work, etc.) — require separate applications, awarded by major/program faculty.
  • Seton Hall institutional need-based grants — automatic with FAFSA; amount depends on demonstrated need and other aid received.
Sources:
Seton Hall University Scholarships — https://www.shu.edu/undergraduate-admissions/scholarships.html
Seton Hall University Financial Aid — https://www.shu.edu/financial-aid/
Seton Hall University Pep Band Scholarship — https://www.shu.edu/pirate-band/scholarships.html
Seton Hall Army ROTC — https://www.shu.edu/rotc/scholarships.html

🎖️ Seton Hall Honors Program

The Seton Hall Honors Program is a selective, discussion-driven curriculum focused on great books, global ideas, and close faculty mentorship. It’s an invitation-based program for incoming freshmen, though strong applicants may also self-nominate during the admission process. Students gain an interdisciplinary core experience that complements their chosen major.

What a Typical Honors Student Looks Like
High school GPA in the 3.6+ range* with evidence of rigorous coursework (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), strong writing skills, and leadership/service outside the classroom. Test scores, if submitted, are usually in the upper quartile of SHU’s admitted class.
Honors Perks at Seton Hall
• Priority course registration
• Small seminar-style classes with faculty mentors
• Honors housing options for community living
• Senior thesis and research opportunities
• Enrichment funding for conferences, travel, or research projects
Entry Route Eligibility & Selection Deadline
Invitation at Admission Top applicants automatically considered based on GPA (typically ≥3.6), curriculum rigor, essays, leadership, and test scores if submitted. The program reviews all new admits for Honors eligibility. Jan 15 (as part of admission app)
Self-Nomination/Application Applicants who believe they’re strong Honors candidates can complete a brief supplemental Honors application, including a required essay. Feb 15 (priority consideration)

FAQ

Is admission automatic?
No. Admission is invitation-based, though highly qualified applicants may self-nominate. A strong application essay is crucial.

Does the Honors Program add time to my degree?
No. The Honors curriculum fulfills part of Seton Hall’s core requirements, so students graduate on time while adding depth to their studies.

When should I apply?
Students are considered during the general admissions review. To be competitive, apply for admission by January 15 and indicate interest in the Honors Program on your application. The self-nomination form is due by February 15.

Are there extra scholarships for Honors students?
No separate Honors scholarships are offered. Honors students are considered for the same merit and donor awards described elsewhere.

Sources:
Seton Hall University Honors Program — https://www.shu.edu/honors-program/
University Honors Program Application — https://app.shu.edu/honors-program/application
Seton Hall Admissions FAQs/Honors — https://www.shu.edu/undergraduate-admissions/frequently-asked-questions.html

⭐ What Seton Hall Is Known For

Seton Hall blends career-focused programs with a close-knit, values-driven campus and metro-NYC access. You’ll see strong pipelines in business, diplomacy, health, education, and the law—plus hands-on learning and internships that start early. Note: Seton Hall is classified as R2: High Research Activity (not R1), which typically means smaller research teams and more faculty access for undergrads.

Spotlight Program — Health Law (Seton Hall Law)
Widely recognized for excellence in health law, compliance, and policy—with strong ties to hospitals, regulators, and life-science companies across NJ/NYC. Graduates tap into a powerful regional network for clinical, regulatory, and corporate roles.
  • Diplomacy & International Relations: The School of Diplomacy offers UN-adjacent opportunities, issue-area labs, and global internships—standout in the region for policy pathways.
  • Business & Accounting (Stillman): AACSB-accredited in both Business and Accounting (a selective dual accreditation) with strong internship placement in the NYC corridor.
  • Nursing: Longstanding clinical partnerships and an Army ROTC nursing pathway; strong outcomes in a high-demand field statewide.
  • Educational Leadership (Graduate): Well-regarded leadership and administration programs with flexible online options and superintendent/principal pipelines.
  • Health & Hospital Administration (Graduate): Employer-connected curriculum for healthcare management careers in one of the nation’s densest health systems.

Final Thoughts

Choosing Seton Hall means blending the feel of a close-knit community with the opportunities of the New York metro area. From automatic scholarships to hidden gems like service- and culture-based awards, there are real ways to bring the sticker price down. Pair that with strong specialties in law, diplomacy, business, and health—and you’ve got a university where first-gen and cost-conscious families can find both support and opportunity.

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