Villanova University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- 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
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, especially for families navigating it for the first time. Villanova University, a private Catholic research institution in Pennsylvania, offers a mix of competitive scholarships, research stipends, ROTC support, and Honors opportunities that can ease the cost. This guide breaks it all down in plain English, with clear links to both our Pennsylvania state aid guide and the full CRP scholarship hub.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Villanova University
| Category | Annual Cost (All Students) |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $69,846 |
| Student Services Fee | $980 |
| Housing (avg. residence halls) | $9,870 |
| Meal Plan (21-Meal Plan) | $8,650 |
| Books & Supplies | $550 |
| Personal Expenses | $1,450 |
| Transportation | $850 |
| Total (before aid) | $92,196 |
Reciprocity & State Aid: As a private university, Villanova does not participate in WUE, NEBHE, or Flagship Match programs. However, Pennsylvania residents may qualify for the PHEAA State Grant (based on need). For example, a family qualifying for the maximum PHEAA grant (about $5,750 in recent years) would see their net cost drop from $44,876 to under $40,000.
Since some Villanova aid packages also require the CSS Profile, be sure to review our step-by-step CSS Profile Guide before filing.
Cost & Aid FAQ
Who qualifies for the PA State Grant?
Pennsylvania residents who file the FAFSA and the PHEAA application by May 1 each year.
How much can it save?
Awards vary by need and enrollment level, but top awards approach $5,750 per year, directly reducing tuition costs.
Do I need to apply?
Yes. File the FAFSA and the state PHEAA grant application. Some Villanova scholarships also require the CSS Profile.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Villanova does not offer broad, GPA/test-based automatic scholarships like many public universities. The one semi-automatic award is linked to National Merit Finalist status. All other major merit awards are competitive and require a holistic review.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Villanova National Merit Scholarship | $500–$2,000 per year | National Merit Finalists who select Villanova as their first-choice college | No — awarded through National Merit process | Not clearly stated | National Merit Finalists who commit to Villanova; awards are modest compared to competitive full-ride options |
Note: Villanova participates in the National Merit Scholarship Program but does not offer STAMPS or QuestBridge awards.
Villanova does not publish automatic GPA/test score tiers. Most of its larger merit scholarships (like the Presidential Scholarship and St. Martin de Porres Scholarship) do not require a separate application to be considered, but they are highly competitive and covered below under Competitive Scholarships.
Automatic Merit FAQ
Is there automatic merit at Villanova?
No broad automatic tiers. The only semi-automatic award is for National Merit Finalists who choose Villanova. All other scholarships are competitive.
Does Villanova superscore the SAT/ACT?
Yes. Villanova superscores both the SAT and ACT, meaning they consider your best section scores across multiple test dates.
Can National Merit awards stack with other aid?
Generally yes, since the amounts are modest ($500–$2,000). They can be layered with need-based grants or competitive scholarships, but large full-ride awards usually replace smaller ones.
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Unlike automatic scholarships, Villanova’s largest awards are highly selective. All admitted students are considered, but only a small group advance to interviews or additional review. These scholarships can cover full tuition or even the full cost of attendance.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarship | Full tuition, fees, housing, meal plan, and textbooks (8 semesters) | All first-year applicants who apply by Jan 15 are automatically considered | No — all applicants considered; select students invited to submit a supplemental app and interview | Yes — up to 8 semesters if academic progress is maintained | About 25 students nationwide each year with top academics, leadership, and service. Most finalists are in the top 1% academically with significant extracurricular impact. |
| St. Martin de Porres Scholarship | Full tuition and fees | High-achieving students from underrepresented backgrounds | No — considered automatically with admission | Yes — typically up to 8 semesters (academic progress required) | Students with strong academics plus leadership and service tied to CASA’s mission; recipients are limited in number and highly competitive. |
| Goizueta Foundation Scholars Fund | Varies; renewable up to 8 semesters | U.S. citizens or permanent residents with strong academics, financial need, and deep engagement in Hispanic/Latino culture | No — considered with admission and financial aid application | Yes — up to 8 semesters | Two first-year students each year with both high academic achievement and demonstrated cultural involvement |
Competitive Scholarships FAQ
What makes Villanova’s competitive scholarships different?
They cover much more than typical awards — in some cases the full cost of attendance. Selection involves essays, interviews, and proof of sustained leadership and service.
Do I need to apply separately?
No. For the Presidential Scholarship, all applicants who apply by Jan 15 are considered. A select group is invited in January or February to submit a supplemental application, and finalists attend an in-person interview in March. Other awards like St. Martin de Porres or Goizueta are also considered automatically if you qualify.
Are these renewable?
Yes. As long as students meet academic progress and conduct requirements, these awards continue for up to 8 semesters.
How competitive are they really?
Very. The Presidential selects about 25 students nationwide each year. Others have equally small recipient pools, making them closer to national-level scholarships than typical merit aid.
⭐ College Specialty
Villanova University may be a mid-sized private Catholic university, but it punches far above its weight in several fields. Families often recognize it for its top-ranked business programs and nationally respected nursing school — programs that open doors to internships, graduate study, and strong career pipelines. While it is not an R1 research university, Villanova has invested heavily in undergraduate research and maintains a strong reputation in key professional fields.
Consistently ranked among the top undergraduate business schools in the nation — Poets&Quants placed VSB at #3 in 2024. Known for small class sizes, alumni networks, and career placement rates.
- M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing — Recognized nationally by U.S. News & World Report (2024 undergraduate nursing rankings placed Villanova among the top 50 programs), with strong clinical partnerships in the Philadelphia region.
- College of Engineering — Praised for hands-on learning and humanitarian engineering initiatives. Ranked among the top 15% of engineering schools nationwide without a doctoral program (U.S. News 2024).
- Liberal Arts & Sciences — Offers competitive programs in Communication, Political Science, and English. Villanova’s Communication program has received national attention for its debate and media studies tracks.
🎖️ Honors College
Villanova’s University Honors Program gives motivated students the chance to dig deeper into their studies in a small, close-knit learning environment. Rather than adding extra years, Honors integrates directly into your degree, with seminar-style classes and unique academic cohorts that first-generation families often find especially supportive.
High school GPA above 3.8*, strong rigor (AP/IB/Honors), evidence of leadership and service, and a genuine interest in deeper classroom discussion. Students must maintain at least a 3.33 GPA in college to remain in good standing.
*Estimate based on selectivity; Villanova does not publish an official cutoff.
- Priority registration for courses
- Small seminars (typically ~16 students)
- Specialized living-learning cohorts (e.g., Medical Humanities, Business & Society)
- Dedicated faculty mentorship and alumni network connections
- Exclusive study abroad funding (e.g., Connelly-Delouvrier International Scholars)
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connelly-Delouvrier International Scholars | Full tuition for one semester abroad (up to 15 awards annually) | Honors students selected for study abroad | Yes — separate Honors Program application | No — one-time award | Honors students in good standing who propose a strong academic plan for global study |
Honors Program FAQ
Is admission automatic?
No. Students are invited at the time of admission based on the strength of their application; there is no separate Honors application.
Does Honors add time to a degree?
No. The curriculum is designed to integrate into a four-year plan without extra semesters.
Are there extra scholarships for Honors?
Yes. Honors students can apply for the Connelly-Delouvrier International Scholars award, which funds one semester abroad. Other scholarships are handled through general admission or competitive processes.
When will I know if I’m invited?
Honors invitations are issued at the time of the general admission decision.
📎 Official Links
Final Thoughts
Navigating Villanova’s scholarships can feel complicated — but when you break it down, the picture is clearer. Big awards like the Presidential cover everything for a select few, while hidden gems like ROTC support, research stipends, and the Connelly-Delouvrier scholarship offer meaningful savings for students who know where to look. Even if your family doesn’t land a competitive full-ride, Villanova still commits to meeting need through grants, which makes understanding the FAFSA and CSS Profile all the more important. For parents, the key is timing: apply early, watch deadlines, and lean on the right-fit opportunities for your student.
✅ Last updated: September 13, 2025