Villanova University Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on April 1, 2026- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~27%
- Middle 50% ACT: 34
- Middle 50% SAT: 1485
- Average GPA: 3.99
- Below the typical ranges: This is a reach. Villanova is highly selective, so focus on strong essays, meaningful activities, and building a balanced list with schools that offer more predictable merit.
- In the typical ranges: You’re competitive for admission, but merit aid is still unlikely. Make sure you apply early and understand the financial picture before falling in love with the school.
- Well above the ranges: You may be in the running for top scholarships, but these are extremely limited. Treat Villanova as a financial reach unless need-based aid comes through.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 Villanova University at a Glance
- There are no automatic merit scholarships—nearly all awards are highly competitive or need-based.
- Top scholarships (like the Presidential Scholarship) require early application consideration and are awarded to a very small percentage of students.
- Villanova requires the CSS Profile, which can significantly impact your expected family contribution.
- Many families assume strong grades will lead to merit aid—but at Villanova, that’s not how it works.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Villanova University is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 34; SAT: 1485.
Average net price? About $44,876/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? No — private school; same rate for all.
University Connelly-Delouvrier program page: https://www1.villanova.edu/university/nursing/resources/connelly-delouvrier.html
University catalog scholarship page: https://live-villanova-catalog.cleancatalog.io/scholarships
University merit scholarship page: https://www1.villanova.edu/university/undergraduate-admission/Financial-Assistance-and-scholarship/merit-based-scholarships.html
University undergraduate research page: https://www1.villanova.edu/university/research-scholarship/crf/undergraduate-research/vurf.html
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
💰 Cost of Attendance at Villanova University 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) | $70,826 | $70,826 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) | $18,520 | $18,520 |
| Total (Direct Costs) | $89,346 | $89,346 |
Average Federal Net Price: $44,876 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
Cost & Aid FAQs
Does Villanova offer in-state tuition?
No — Villanova is a private university, so all students pay the same tuition regardless of residency.
What’s the average total cost before aid?
About $89,346 per year for tuition, housing, and meals, excluding personal and travel expenses.
How can Pennsylvania families lower costs?
Eligible residents can apply for the PHEAA State Grant and institutional need-based aid through the FAFSA and CSS Profile.
Villanova University – Tuition & Fees (2025–26)
Villanova Financial Aid Office – Cost of Attendance
Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) – PA State Grant Program
U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
✅ 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 directly through National Merit process | Not always renewable (varies, check award letter) | National Merit Finalists who officially commit to Villanova; the award is modest compared to competitive full-ride options |
Note: Villanova participates in the National Merit Scholarship Program but does not offer STAMPS or QuestBridge partner awards.
Villanova does not publish automatic GPA/test score tiers. Most major merit scholarships (like the Presidential Scholarship and St. Martin de Porres Scholarship) require no separate application to be considered, but are highly competitive and detailed in the Competitive Scholarships section below.
Automatic Merit FAQ
Is there automatic merit at Villanova?
No. The only semi-automatic scholarship is for National Merit Finalists who select Villanova as their first choice. All other awards are competitive, holistic, and offered to a select group of applicants each cycle.
Does Villanova superscore the SAT/ACT?
Yes. Villanova superscores both the SAT and ACT, meaning your highest section scores across multiple dates will be considered.
Can National Merit awards stack with other aid?
Typically yes, as the amounts are modest, and they are often layered with other Villanova merit, need-based grants, or external scholarships. Larger institutional scholarships (like the Presidential) may replace smaller National Merit awards.
Merit Scholarships: https://www1.villanova.edu/university/undergraduate-admission/financing-your-education/types-of-aid/scholarships/merit-based.html
Villanova National Merit details: https://live-villanova-catalog.cleancatalog.io/financial-assistance/scholarships-and-grants
Villanova FAQ: https://www1.villanova.edu/university/undergraduate-admission/financing-your-education/types-of-aid/scholarships/faq.html
🏆 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? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarship | Full tuition, fees, housing, meal plan, textbooks (8 semesters) | All first-year applicants who apply by Jan 15 are automatically considered | No—select applicants are invited to submit a supplemental app and interview | Yes, up to 8 semesters | About 25 scholars annually, top 1% academics with leadership/service; finalists notified in Jan/Feb, interview in March | Jan 15 |
| St. Martin de Porres Scholarship | Full tuition and fees | High-achieving students from underrepresented backgrounds | No—automatically considered with admission (nominees may be asked for more info) | Yes, up to 8 semesters | Students with service and leadership linked to diversity; deadline aligns with admission & some sources cite Jan 15 | Jan 15 (varies for add’l materials) |
| Goizueta Foundation Scholars Fund | Varies; renewable up to 8 semesters | U.S. citizens/permanent residents, financial need, Hispanic/Latino involvement; FAFSA/CSS required | No—reviewed w/admission; must submit Maguire app March 14 for related pool | Yes, up to 8 semesters | 2 per year, high academic and cultural engagement, U.S. citizens or residents | Jan 15 (admission + aid); Mar 14 (Maguire app, if required) |
Competitive Scholarships FAQ
What makes Villanova’s competitive scholarships different?
They cover much more than typical awards — up to the full cost of attendance. Selection involves essays, supplemental apps, interviews, and proof of sustained leadership and service.
Do I need to apply separately?
No. Presidential and St. Martin de Porres: all applicants (by Jan 15) are considered; finalists submit more info and interview. Goizueta requires full admission and aid file by Jan 15, and may require a follow-up application by Mar 14 if connected to the Maguire pool.
Are these renewable?
Yes, up to 8 semesters with continued academic progress and engagement/participation as required.
How competitive are they really?
Extremely. Presidential selects ≈25 of all applicants annually; St. Martin de Porres and Goizueta are even tighter in recipient pools.
Presidential, St. Martin de Porres, Goizueta: https://www1.villanova.edu/university/undergraduate-admission/financing-your-education/types-of-aid/scholarships/merit-based.html
Scholarship catalog, deadlines: https://live-villanova-catalog.cleancatalog.io/financial-assistance/scholarships-and-grants
FAQ, selection: https://www1.villanova.edu/university/undergraduate-admission/financing-your-education/types-of-aid/scholarships/faq.html
🎖️ 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* (estimate; not published), strong rigor (AP/IB/Honors), evidence of leadership and service, and genuine interest in deeper classroom discussion. To remain in good standing, students must maintain at least a 3.33 cumulative GPA in college.
*Estimate based on selectivity; Villanova does not publish an official cutoff.
- Priority registration for all courses
- Small seminars (typically ~16 students)
- Exclusive Honors living-learning communities and themed cohort dorms
- Faculty mentorship, alumni network, and special lecture/events
- Study abroad funding (e.g., Connelly-Delouvrier International Scholars)
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connelly-Delouvrier International Scholars | Full tuition for one semester abroad (up to 15 awards/year to Honors students) |
Honors students (min. 3.33 GPA in program) with strong study abroad plan | Yes — program-specific application for each abroad term | No (one-time award) | Honors students in good standing who show a compelling global academic proposal | Varies by program; main app cycle closes early February |
Honors Program FAQ
Is admission automatic?
No. Students are invited to Honors with their Villanova admission decision. No extra application or essay is needed; selection is holistic by the committee.
Does Honors add time to a degree?
Not at all. Honors requirements count toward general education, major, and graduation. Many students finish in four years or less.
Are there extra scholarships for Honors?
Yes. Connelly-Delouvrier International Scholars awards offer a unique funding opportunity for semester-long study abroad by Honors students. Other awards are managed through general university or major-specific scholarships.
When will I know if I’m invited?
Invitations go out at the same time as admission notifications in spring. About 10% of admitted students receive an Honors invite.
Honors Program: https://www1.villanova.edu/university/liberal-arts-sciences/programs/honors/prospective-students.html
Catalog Honors policy: https://live-villanova-catalog.cleancatalog.io/honors-program
Study abroad funding: https://www1.villanova.edu/university/nursing/resources/connelly-delouvrier.html
Honors living-learning: https://www1.villanova.edu/university/liberal-arts-sciences/programs/honors/current-students/Living-Learning.html
Honors size, perks, application details: https://socialconcerns.nd.edu/news/living-learning-community-flourishing
⭐ 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.