The University of St. Thomas recruits exceptional students who wish to be challenged creatively and intellectually in their education and who, in return, will contribute to the quality of the University community with their talent and dedication to excellence. At the time of admission various criteria are considered in the scholarship award process, including grades and standardized test scores. Scholarship awarding begins in November. First–time freshmen, readmitted students and transfer students are selected for scholarship consideration through the admission application process.
Continuing students who would like to be considered for scholarships based on their University GPA must apply online at https://stthom.academicworks.com/ .
Scholarships are awarded annually and are renewable providing the student meets eligibility requirements. Scholarships are applied to the fall semester, the spring semester, and may be applied to University study abroad programs.
Students are strongly encouraged to apply for additional financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to complement scholarship awards with state or federal funding.
Scholarship recipients ordinarily may not hold more than one University of St. Thomas scholarship concurrently. If selected for more than one scholarship, recipients will retain the scholarship with the greatest value.
Scholarship recipients will be notified by letter about the amount, terms and conditions of their scholarship. Scholarship awards will be considered in the awarding of federal and state aid.
Prospective students may receive additional information about scholarship opportunities described below by contacting the Admissions Office at 1–800–856–8565, locally at 713–525–3500, by e–mail at admissions@stthom.edu or by visiting the UST Website at www.stthom.edu/admissions.
Requirements for Maintaining Scholarship Eligibility
In addition to establishing eligibility for university scholarships, first–time freshmen, readmitted, and transfer scholarship students must:
- Be degree–seeking
- Carry a full–time course load
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress
Scholarship recipients will also be required to write a thank–you note to the donor(s) of the scholarship if they are notified by the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid that their scholarship award has been funded by a specific donor.
Deferral of Scholarship
A one–year deferral may be granted to new incoming and continuing scholarship recipients who request to defer enrollment for up to one year due to serious medical difficulties, military service, serious and unforeseen family emergency, or to make a volunteer service commitment not to exceed two semesters. Students seeking a deferment should submit a written request along with supporting documentation to the University Scholarship Committee. During the deferment period, scholarship recipients may not accrue more than eight university credit hours from any post–secondary institution. Continuing students who request a deferment may not be enrolled elsewhere without an approved UST Transfer of Credit Form.
Full-Tuition Scholarships for Incoming Freshmen
The V.J. Guinan Presidential Scholars Program is a four-year opportunity for a select number of Catholic students who are in continuous pursuit of academic excellence and servant leadership. This program awards full tuition scholarships to students who excel academically and uphold the Catholic mission of the University. This opportunity is open to incoming freshmen only. Application available online at https://stthom.academicworks.com/ .
The Hometown Heroes Scholar Program is a four-year opportunity for newly admitted first year students in Houston and surrounding areas who identify a problem in their local community, and have a plan to solve that problem. We are looking for creative, motivated, service-oriented students who want to make a change for the good of the community. Application available online at https://stthom.academicworks.com/ .
Other Freshmen Scholarships
Presidential Excellence Scholarship: Based on grade point average and/or test scores. Basilian Distinguished Scholarship: Based on grade point average and/or test scores. UST Achievement Scholarship: Based on grade point average and/or test scores. Celt Award: Based on grade point average and/or test scores. Aquinas Award: Based on grade point average and/or test scores.
UST/Parish Scholarship: In partnership with participating Parishes in the Diocese of Galveston–Houston, entering freshmen, transfer students or continuing students who are parishioners may qualify. All applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and a Parish Scholarship application online at https://stthom.academicworks.com/
Catholicity Scholarship: Awarded to incoming students who are members of Catholic Parishes outside of the Galveston– Houston Archdiocese who have financial need.
Scholarships for Transfer Students
Monaghan Excellence Scholarship: Based on transfer GPA. Monaghan Achievement Scholarship: Based on transfer GPA. Celt Transfer Award: Based transfer GPA.
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship: Based on membership in PTK at prior institution.
Departmental Scholarships
Additional University Scholarships
Several departments have designated scholarship funds they award to students each year. Students will find applications online at https://stthom.academicworks.com/ with most applications opening on Feb. 1 for the upcoming award year.