St. John’s University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Published tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit scholarships and their qualifying criteria
- Competitive flagship awards and scholarship programs
- How to stack institutional, state, and external aid
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~80-84%
- Published Middle 50% ACT: 23–29 (for test-submitters)
- Published Middle 50% SAT: ~1090–1290 (for test-submitters)
- Average HS GPA (middle range): ~3.4–3.9
Source: St. John’s Common Data Set & BigFuture overview. “Middle 50%” refers to the score range for the central half of admitted students who submitted scores.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
St. John’s at a Glance
Last verified: October 17, 2025
St. John’s blends its Catholic mission with a robust scholarship program: all admitted students are reviewed for academic scholarships, and competitive awards like the Presidential Scholarship can cover full tuition. Many families reduce their final bill well below sticker through grant stacking.
Use this guide to align deadlines, qualify for automatic vs. competitive awards, and stack institutional, state, and external funding in smart sequence.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — submitting SAT or ACT is optional for 2025–26; test scores may help in scholarship review if submitted.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: ~23–29; SAT: ~1090–1290 (for test-submitters).
What’s the average net price? Roughly $26,986/year after grants and scholarships for students receiving aid (based on BigFuture/IPEDS).
Does tuition differ by state? No — as a private institution, St. John’s charges the same tuition rate for all U.S. students.
St. John’s University — Estimated 2025–26 Cost of Attendance: https://www.stjohns.edu/admission/tuition-and-financial-aid/tuition/2025-26-estimated-annual-cost-attendance
St. John’s University — Room and Board Rates: https://www.stjohns.edu/admission/tuition-and-financial-aid/tuition/room-and-board
St. John’s University Common Data Set 2024–25: https://www.stjohns.edu/about/university-facts/common-data-set
BigFuture (College Board) — St. John’s University Net Price & Aid Data: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/st-johns-university-queens/tuition-and-costs
U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard — St. John’s University: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?195809-St-Johns-University-New-York
💰 Cost of Attendance at St. John’s University (Queens Campus)
| Category (2025–26 Estimate) | On-Campus | Off-Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12–18 credits) | $53,980 | $53,980 |
| Housing & Meals (typical plan) | $17,700 | $13,620 |
| Total Direct Cost (before aid) | $71,680 | $67,600 |
Note: These totals include only tuition, mandatory fees, housing, and meals billed directly by the university. Additional indirect expenses—such as books (~$1,100), transportation (~$2,800), and personal costs (~$2,100)—are not paid to St. John’s but are part of your total financial-aid budget.
That’s what families actually paid after grants and scholarships — excluding loans — based on the most recent U.S. Dept. of Education data (2022–23).
St. John’s uses both the FAFSA and the CSS Profile to determine eligibility for its need-based grants and scholarships. The CSS Profile asks for more detailed family financial data than the FAFSA. See our step-by-step CSS Profile guide for tips and deadlines.
Cost & Aid FAQs
Is tuition the same for in-state and out-of-state students?
Yes — St. John’s is a private university and charges one rate for all U.S. students.
What credit load does this cover?
Full-time undergraduates taking 12–18 credits per semester under block tuition.
Can New York state grants stack with SJU aid?
Yes — programs like TAP or Excelsior typically stack with institutional scholarships to further reduce the final cost.
St. John’s University — Estimated 2025–26 Cost of Attendance: https://www.stjohns.edu/admission/tuition-and-financial-aid/tuition/2025-26-estimated-annual-cost-attendance
St. John’s University — Room and Board Rates: https://www.stjohns.edu/admission/tuition-and-financial-aid/tuition/room-and-board
St. John’s University Common Data Set 2024–25: https://www.stjohns.edu/about/university-facts/common-data-set
U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (Net Price): https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?195809-St-Johns-University-New-York
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
St. John’s automatically reviews every admitted first-year for institutional merit—no separate application required. The university does not publish public GPA test cutoffs or fixed dollar tiers. Instead, scholarship levels are determined by holistic review of the application, and may differ by major or college within St. John’s. Renewal standards are clearly outlined for all named awards.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Achievement Scholarship | Set by university (not publicized) | Admitted first-years; academic record (rigor, GPA, context); no fixed cutoffs | No | Yes—3.0 GPA & full-time | Strong grades and curriculum across all applicants | Rolling admission |
| Provost / Scholastic Excellence / St. Vincent de Paul Scholarships | Set by university (not publicized) | Top admits by strength/rank, reviewed by program/college | No | Yes—3.0 GPA & full-time | Top students by program; strongest grades/rigor | Rolling admission |
| National Merit Finalist Scholarship | Set by university | National Merit Finalist, lists SJU as first choice | No | Yes—good standing required | Finalists naming SJU first | Spring (NMSC deadline) |
| Catholic High School Scholarship | $3,000/year (max $12,000 over 4 years) | First-year, graduates from a Catholic high school; full-time | No—automatic, eligibility checked from transcript | Yes—good standing required | Catholic HS grads who enroll in the fall | Fall entry (FAFSA/aid deadlines) |
Notes: St. John’s does not post public GPA/test bands or dollar charts for most merit awards. Maintaining 3.0+ cumulative GPA and full-time status are published requirements for all named merit scholarships.
Automatic Merit FAQs
Are test scores required? No—St. John’s is test-optional, though strong scores may help. GPA, curriculum, and context are the biggest factors.
Can merit scholarships stack with the Catholic High School Scholarship? Yes, these can stack up to aid and cost of attendance limits.
How do I keep my scholarship? Stay enrolled full-time and keep a 3.0+ GPA each year for renewal.
Superscore FAQs
Does St. John’s superscore the SAT? Yes—uses your best section scores across SAT tests to form your top composite.
Does St. John’s superscore the ACT? No—only your chosen highest composite ACT score will be reviewed.
How does this affect scholarships? Submitting your best superscored SAT can help, but GPA and rigor matter more for large merit offers. ACT can help, but your single top composite is used.
https://www.stjohns.edu/admission/financial-aid/undergraduate/types-scholarships
https://www.stjohns.edu/admission/financial-aid/undergraduate/merit-scholarships
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
These scholarships are selective and require separate applications, essays, or interviews. They are limited in number and usually replace automatic merit aid.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarship | Full tuition | First-year; exceptional academics, leadership, service | Yes—app, essay, interview | Yes | 3.9+ GPA*, ACT 30+/SAT 1380+*, and leadership/service | Feb 1 (typical) |
| Ozanam Scholars Program | Full tuition + research/service | First-year admits w/ sustained social justice, service | Yes—essays & interview | Yes | 3.6+ GPA*, ACT 28+/SAT 1300+*, deep service/leadership | Feb 1 (typical) |
| Catholic Scholars Program | $5,000/year | First-year; Catholic ministry/service/leadership | Yes—short essay | Yes | 3.5+ GPA*, parish/ministry/service leaders | Feb 1 (typical) |
*GPA/test scores are based on recently reported winner averages; SJU does not publish official cutoffs. Selection is holistic and very competitive.
Competitive Scholarship FAQs
Do I need to submit test scores? No—SJU is test-optional, though top scores help. GPA, essays, and recommendations are weighted most heavily.
If I win one, do I keep my automatic merit? No—full-tuition scholarships replace institutional merit, but some outside/state/federal aid may still stack.
What are the deadlines? Most are due by Feb 1, with interviews conducted in late winter; confirm current dates on the SJU portal.
https://www.stjohns.edu/admission/financial-aid/undergraduate/types-scholarships
https://www.stjohns.edu/admission/financial-aid/undergraduate/merit-scholarships
https://www.stjohns.edu/admission/financial-aid/undergraduate/ozanam-scholars-program
🎖️ Honors College
St. John’s offers a selective Honors Program that gives high-achieving students an enriched and rigorous academic experience. Honors participants benefit from small seminar-style honors classes, faculty mentorship, priority course registration, research and thesis funding, and special study abroad programs. Students can join by invitation after admission or by a separate application if they meet GPA and coursework criteria.
High school GPA of 3.6–3.9*, strong AP/IB or advanced honors coursework, documented service/leadership and strong writing. Some students are invited directly; others apply as current SJU undergrads with a 3.5+ GPA and supporting recommendations.
- Priority/early registration each term
- Seminar-style classes led by top faculty
- Faculty advising and special mentorship
- Research funding and thesis/project support
- Study abroad exclusively for honors cohorts
- Honors housing and community events
| Program | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University Honors Program | No direct scholarship (perks only) | First-year admits or current SJU students (3.5+ GPA); strong writing, service, academics* | Yes—invitation/app required | N/A | High-achievers, service-minded, AP/Honors/IB rigor | Feb 1 (priority) |
*GPA/profile is based on recently reported participants and St. John’s guidance. SJU does not set public minimums for Honors, but competitive stats range 3.6–3.9, plus strong essays and records of service/leadership each year.
Honors FAQs
Is admission automatic? No—some are invited, but applicants can also self-apply with essays and recommendations.
Does Honors slow graduation? No—honors seminars often replace core requirements, so most finish in four years.
Are there scholarships with Honors? No direct funding—only special programs like Ozanam tie additional awards to honors involvement.
When do I apply? Most students apply for Honors as incoming freshmen (by Feb 1), but current SJU students may apply after their first term if grades are high enough.
https://www.stjohns.edu/admission/financial-aid/undergraduate/types-scholarships
https://www.stjohns.edu/admission/financial-aid/undergraduate/merit-scholarships
https://www.stjohns.edu/academics/centers-institutes/honors-programs
⭐ College Specialty
St. John’s is a private Catholic university in New York City with a strong reputation for blending academics, professional preparation, and Vincentian service values. Students often choose St. John’s for its nationally recognized programs in pharmacy, business, and law, as well as for the global opportunities offered through its campuses in Rome, Paris, and Limerick.
College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences — One of the largest and most respected Catholic pharmacy schools in the U.S., consistently ranked among the Top 60 pharmacy programs nationally by U.S. News & World Report. Known for strong clinical placements across New York and integrated research opportunities. (Note: St. John’s is classified as a private R2 research university, not R1.)
- Tobin College of Business: AACSB-accredited; Finance and Risk Management programs recognized regionally, with strong NYC internship pipelines.
- School of Law: Ranked among the Top 100 U.S. law schools by U.S. News; known for bankruptcy law and alumni in New York’s legal community.
- Sport Management: One of the first accredited sport management programs in the U.S., leveraging New York’s professional sports market.
- Global Campuses: St. John’s has permanent campuses in Rome, Paris, and Limerick, offering unique study abroad programs embedded into the curriculum.
Why this matters for families: These programs connect directly to New York’s industries—hospitals, law firms, financial institutions, and sports organizations—helping students turn internships into career pathways before graduation.