Scholarships for First-Time Incoming Freshmen

Remember that time you stayed up all night studying for the chemistry test that happened the same day you were turning in that 10-page English paper, which was two days before you took the ACT or SAT? It was worth it. You’re going places. Let us help you get there. 

We know cost is an important factor when selecting a college. At RU, you are automatically considered for our merit-based scholarships for freshmen when you complete the admission application. 

These incoming freshmen scholarships are offered in three categories:

  • Competitive: You’re invited to a scholarship interview (we’ll call you)
  • Merit: Scholarship automatically awarded based on GPA, test scores (if submitted)
  • Academic: Scholarships awarded based on a vareity of demographic or major-specific criteria
  • Talent: Scholarship based on your ability in arts, athletics, service, and more
     

Competitive Full-Tuition Freshman Scholarship

Award* Minimum Requirements Renewability requirements Application deadline
Trustees' Scholarship
Full tuition Highly qualified entering freshman students selected based upon a competitive interview program during Competitive Scholars Days (invitation only event for eligible students, recipients are required to live on campus). Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.4 after freshman year, and 3.5 at the end of each subsequent academic year Must file admission application PRIOR to Jan. 1

2023-2024 New Freshman Merit Scholarships - Automatically Awarded Upon Admission to RU

GPA Scholarship Amount
3.90+ Breen $24,000
3.30+ Knapp $20,000
2.75+ Carey $16,000

Submitting an ACT score could elevate your merit scholarship level. Use our Scholarship Calculator to find out if you're eligible to level up!

*Check out our scholarship renewal requirements as well.

2023-2024 New Freshman Academic Scholarships

Award* Renewability requirements Application deadline
Loyola Scholarship (Awarded to students who graduate from a Catholic high school)
$1,000 Maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA Must file admission application PRIOR to May 1
Family Award 
$1,000 Awarded to each undergraduate, dependent student in the family currently attending Rockhurst
Education Majors Scholarship
$1,000 All students majoring in education will automatically receive our annual Education Majors Scholarship.
Nursing Majors Scholarship
$1,000 All students majoring in nursing will automatically receive our annual Nursing Majors Scholarship.

Freshman Talent Scholarships

Award* Minimum Requirements Renewability requirements Application deadline
Finucane Service Award
$1,500 Entering full-time freshmen or transfer students who have a sound academic record and demonstrated outstanding community service. Service resume and essay required. Find out more. Participate in service and maintain a 2.5 GPA March 1
Fine and Performing Arts Award
Variable Entering freshmen or transfer students who audition, interview or submit portfolios. Find out more. renewable based on ability and participation, 2.0 GPA February 14
Hummel Scholarship
Variable up to $30,000 Eligible entering students are invited to apply. Find out more.   March 1
Lakas Award
Variable Selected students in writing who interview or submit portfolios. Find out more.    February 18
Language Scholarship
$1,000 Incoming freshmen who major in French and/or Spanish and who maintain good academic standing. Find out more.    March 1
Art
$1,000 Incoming freshmen who have an interest in art. Find out more.    February 14
Athletic Awards
Variable Based on athletic ability and sport    
Bernadette and Richard Miller Scholarship
$3,000 Entering full-time freshman or transfer students who have demonstrated outstanding community service and service to their church. Service resume and essay on most impactful service experience required.  Find out more. 30 hours of service and participation in one (1) Campus Ministry program. March 1

*Per academic year. Note: Students may not be awarded both a competitive and academic scholarship. *The last ACT exam date for scholarship upgrade eligibility is the February exam of your senior year. For GPA, the last cumulative GPA we will review for scholarship upgrade eligibility is from the seventh semester transcript (first semester senior year.)

Rockhurst University has the right to evaluate institutional financial aid packages. The total institutional award from RU may not exceed the cost of tuition.