First-Year Student Scholarships
Presidential Scholarships
Up to $22,000 annually
(Maximum $88,000 four-year value.)
Minimum 3.85 GPA.
Trustee Scholarships
Up to $20,000 annually
(Maximum $80,000 four-year value.)
Minimum 3.5 GPA.
Franciscan Fellows Scholarships
Up to $17,000 annually
(Maximum $68,000 four-year value.)
Minimum 3.0 GPA.
Franciscan Leadership Scholarships
Up to $15,000 annually
(Maximum $60,000 four-year value.)
2.99 and below GPA
Athletic Scholarships
Awards vary
Contact the USF Athletic Department for details on athletic scholarship opportunities.
Band Scholarships
Up to $5,000 annually
Available to students interested in participating in band. Awards are given based on talent and financial need. An audition with the Music & Performing Arts Department is required; contact them to schedule.
Music Scholarships
Up to $2,500 annually
Available to students participating in USF music ensembles, including Schola Cantorum, Singing Saints, and Joliet Symphony Orchestra. Awards are based on talent and financial need. An audition with the Music & Performing Arts Department is required; contact them to schedule.
Catholic School Scholarships
$3,000 annually
Available to incoming first-year students who graduate from a Catholic high school.
Art & Design Scholarships
Up to $4,000 annually
Available to students majoring in Art & Design, based on interviews with Art & Design faculty.
MERIT Scholarships
Up to $10,000 annually
Available to students of color majoring in education who have financial need as determined by the FAFSA. This scholarship is intended to help recruit, prepare, and create a new generation of teachers of color in Joliet’s schools, so you must also be willing to uphold the scholarship guidelines and partnerships between USF, Joliet Township High School District 204, Joliet Public Schools District 86 and the Joliet business community.
Science Fellows Scholarships
$3,000 annually
Available to students majoring in Biology or Biochemistry who are Presidential, Trustee and Franciscan Fellows Scholarship recipients. Interview will be completed at the Scholarship Competition for First-Year Students in February.
Duns Scotus Honors Program Scholarships
$1,000 annually
Available to Presidential, Trustee and Franciscan Fellows Scholarship recipients. Essay and interview required. Interview must be completed at the Scholarship Competition for First-Year Students in February.
Alumni Legacy Scholarships
$1,000 annually
Available to students who are relatives of parents, siblings, or grandparents who are alumni.
USF Grants
Amounts Vary
Based upon financial need as determined by the FAFSA and USF awarding policy.
USF Family Discount
5% of Full-time Traditional Undergraduate Tuition
Available for immediate family members when two or more students are registered full time in a traditional, undergraduate, full-tuition rate program.
Will County Access Initiative Scholarships
Full Tuition
Available to high-achieving students with the greatest need who reside in Will County. Visit stfrancis.edu/access
2024–25
Scholarship Competition for First-Year Students
This event is open to Presidential and Trustee Scholarship recipients who are admitted to USF before January 30. Attendees will automatically receive a $1,000 Deans Scholarship and will be eligible to compete for a variety of awards that are stackable on their merit scholarship, ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, to get full tuition. Students can also interview for the Duns Scotus Honors Program and Science Fellows Program at this event. Students will be invited to RSVP after they are accepted to the university. Space is limited.
Questions?
admissions@stfrancis.edu
The University of St. Francis participates in the following federal and state programs. All students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to determine eligibility.
Federal Aid Programs for Full-Time Undergraduate Students
Federal Pell Grant Program
$767–$7,395
Federal SEOG Grant Program
$400–$4,000
PELL Recipient with 0 Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
Federal TEACH Grant Program
Up to $4,000 annually
Grant for students who intend to teach in a high need school within a determine shortage area discipline. More information available at studentaid.gov. Grant award becomes a federal loan if student does not fulfill teaching requirements.
Federal Work-Study
Up to $3,000 annually
Federal Work Study is a way for students with financial need to earn money to pay for school through part-time on-campus (and sometimes off-campus) jobs. Based on financial need.
Federal Direct Subsidized & Unsubsidized Loans
$5,500 for first-year students
($3,500 of this may be awarded in subsidized loans)
$6,500 for sophomores ($4,500 of this may be awarded in subsidized loans)
$7,500 for juniors and seniors
($5,500 of this may be awarded in subsidized loans)
Based on financial need. Total combination of subsidized and unsubsidized cannot exceed ranges.
Federal Direct Parent Loan (PLUS)
Up to full cost of attendance less any other assistance.
Parent Borrower may request deferment of payments while student is enrolled half-time in school through Direct Loan Servicing.
State Aid Programs for Full-Time Undergraduate Students
Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP)
Award Range: $400–$8,400 annually
Based on financial need and Illinois residency.
Minority Teachers of Illinois Scholarship
$7,500 annually
Based on minority status and must sign teaching agreement, Illinois residency. Programs require teaching commitment upon graduation; if the applicant fails to meet the commitment, the scholarships become a loan and must be repaid by the student.