Academic Scholarships for
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About Scholarships
Excellence through scholarships
Receiving an undergraduate scholarship is an affirmation of the excellence a student has achieved in high school and the hope in a student’s collegiate journey. At the University of St. Thomas, we offer a high quality, Catholic, liberal arts education that we strive to make available to all students who achieve academic excellence, regardless of their financial background.
We are committed to providing a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loan programs, to help make your academic goals a reality.
Understand the difference
Navigate scholarships and aid options at UST
See below to understand the difference between a scholarship, grant, loan, work study at UST.
Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded to academically-excellent undergraduate applicants and offsets tuition costs. Eligible students may receive scholarships for up to eight fall and spring semesters, subject to individual scholarship terms and renewal requirements. Explore the scholarship opportunities available to find out how you may qualify.
We recommend that continuing students check Academic Works throughout the year, as additional scholarship opportunities may become available outside the regular application period.
Grants
All students completing the FAFSA are considered for the Federal Pell Grant. This is the largest federal grant program. Grants are considered gift aid and do not have to be repaid. Eligibility for grant funds, including Pell, is based on the results of FAFSA. UST also uses the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for state and institutional grants.
Loans
Students who meet basic eligibility requirements by completing the FAFSA are offered federal loans. Federal loans represent a debt that you must repay. These loans are in the student’s name and repayment begins six months after the student graduates or drops below half-time enrollment. Federal loans can be subsidized or unsubsidized. Subsidized loans are offered to students with financial need according to the FAFSA.
Work Study
Federal Work Study provides university jobs to students who qualify and is based on results of the FAFSA. Students who have been offered Federal Work Study may apply for those jobs. Students who do not qualify for Federal Work Study may apply for other student worker jobs paid by the department where they are employed.
Students Receive
Donor-Funded Scholarships
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Enrollment
Start your journey
First-Year freshman student scholarship opportunities
Newly admitted students to UST have the opportunity to receive the scholarships listed. See the requirements and how to apply.
Celt Legacy Scholarship
The Celt Legacy Scholarship is awarded to students with a parent, grandparent, or sibling who graduated from the University of St. Thomas in Houston, or a sibling currently enrolled at UST. This scholarship is renewable year over year, no application necessary.
Catholic High School Award
The Catholic High School Award is awarded to students who graduated from a Catholic high school. This scholarship is renewable year over year, no application necessary.
Honors Program Scholarships
- Honors Program Merit Scholarship
Beginning with the fall 2027 cohorts, students admitted into the UST Honors Program will receive a $1,000 scholarship, renewable year over year, no application necessary.
- Honors Program Full-Tuition Scholarship
Beginning with the fall 2027 cohorts, select students who are admitted to the Honors Program will be awarded a full-tuition scholarship.
For more information on Honors scholarships, contact honors@stthom.edu.
V.J. Guinan Presidential Scholarship
The coveted Guinan Scholarship is a four-year, full-ride opportunity awarded to incoming freshmen who excel academically and uphold the Catholic mission of UST. In addition, these individuals assume the role of UST Presidential Ambassadors and leaders within Campus Ministry.
UST awards four full-tuition Guinan scholarships. This scholarship is renewable and any outside aid, such as the Pell Grant or TX Grant, can stack with the Guinan Scholarship. Requirements include:
- Attendance at the annual Merit & Mission Scholars Invitational
- Applicants must belong to Catholic parish and note that in their application.
- Recommended test scores are ACT 28-30. We also recommend a GPA of 3.9. for applicants
- There is an optional essay about Catholic identity upon submission of the application
William J. Flynn Center for Irish Studies Full-Tuition Scholarships
- An annual scholarship for up to four years;
- Up to two funded study abroad opportunities;
- Priority consideration for the Lori M. Gallagher and Joseph C. Gallagher Study in Ireland Scholarship—a one-year scholarship to attend an Irish M.A. program.
St. Thomas Promise Scholarship
The St. Thomas Promise (STP) Scholarship helps eligible Texas students make a UST education more affordable by covering full tuition and regular fees. Awards are renewable for up to four years, provided eligibility is maintained.
Eligibility includes:
- First-year students with a core high school GPA of 3.4 or higher and transfer students with a transfer GPA of 3.5 or higher.
- Family income is $50,000 or less.
- Students must be admitted to UST, complete the FAFSA, and meet financial aid eligibility requirements by the applicable deadline.
Learn more about the St. Thomas Promise, other scholarships, and financial aid opportunities on our Scholarships and Financial Aid page.
Donor-Funded Scholarships
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we continue to open doors through scholarships, empowering students to pursue their dreams and make a lasting impact on Houston and beyond.
See the variety of scholarships that are donor-funded. These are open to all students.
Graduate school Aid
Graduate School Funding Opportunities
The University of St. Thomas makes an effort to support graduate students in funding a master’s-level education. See opportunities below.
Grants
Grants are awarded on the basis of financial need and do not require repayment. Grant funds are provided by the University of St. Thomas and by the federal and state governments. Financial aid award packages will include grant funds whenever regulations, University policies, and funding levels permit.
- Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG): A state–sponsored program for Texas residents who meet state–specified eligibility requirements. Maximum award amount is established annually. TEG awards are contingent on state appropriations.
- Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant: For students who agree to serve as a full–time teacher for a minimum of four years in a high–need field in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves low–income students. Grant will be converted into a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan for any student who does not fulfill the teaching obligation within the required timeframe.
Loans
Loans are often a part of a financial aid offer. The following long–term, low–interest loan programs provide graduate students with an opportunity to defer the cost of their education.
- Federal Stafford Loan: Unsubsidized low–interest, long–term loans provided by the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. Students must be enrolled half-time (6 hours to receive loan). Repayment begins six months after graduation or when the student ceases to be enrolled at least half–time.
- Graduate Plus Loans (PLUS): Credit-based low-interest loans available to graduate students based on educational cost.
- Jewish Family Services Loan Fund: A short–term, interest–free loan program available to all students for any related educational expense. The maximum loan amount is $300. Applications are available in the Business Office.
Work-Study / Campus Employment
The work–study program provides on– and off–campus jobs for students who need help to meet a portion of their living and educational expenses. Funding for the work-study programs is provided by the federal and state governments as well as the University of St. Thomas. Work-study awards are based on need.
- Federal Work-Study: A federal program that provides on–campus jobs for qualified students based on demonstrated need and is awarded by the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid. Students receive paychecks for work performed.
- Texas College Work–Study Program: A state funded work-study program for eligible Texas residents. Students receive paychecks for work performed.
- Campus Employment: A number of positions are available on campus for students who desire to work. Such positions can be secured through the Career Services Office and are not part of financial aid awards.
Transfer Students
Transfer student scholarships
Students who transfer to the University of St. Thomas have opportunities for aid as well. See options below.
Automatic Merit Awards
At the University of St. Thomas, your academic achievements are recognized from the moment you apply. Qualified incoming first-year and transfer students are automatically considered for merit scholarships based on their academic record. No separate scholarship application is required. Merit awards are determined at the time of admission and may be renewed annually when eligibility requirements are met.
Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Scholarship
Members of the international college honor society Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) who are transferring to the University of St. Thomas may qualify for a $5,000 PTK scholarship. You must enter UST as a transfer student to receive this award.
Note: First-year students with dual credit are not eligible.
First-Year Merit Scholarships
The University of St. Thomas awards academic merit scholarships of up to $22,000 per year to qualified incoming first-year students. Merit awards are determined at the time of admission based on the student’s core high school GPA and information provided in the application for admission. No separate scholarship application is required.
The scholarship amounts listed below apply to students beginning classes in Fall 2027.*
*Core GPA includes English, math, science, social studies, and foreign language. The University reserves the right to recalculate any non-standard weighted GPA to an unweighted GPA.
Transfer Merit Scholarships
The University of St. Thomas recognizes the academic achievements of students transferring to UST. Qualified incoming transfer students may receive an academic merit scholarship of up to $18,000 per year.
Transfer merit scholarships are awarded at the time of admission based on the student’s cumulative undergraduate GPA from all previously attended colleges and universities. No separate scholarship application is required.
The scholarship amounts listed below apply to students beginning classes in Fall 2027.
Scholarship | Annual Amount |
Monaghan Excellence | $18,000 |
Monaghan Achievement | $15,000 |
Celt Transfer | $12,000 |
Frequently Asked questions
UST Tutoring FAQs
See some questions we often get from students below.
What tutoring and academic support services are available to students?
The Division of Student Success provides students access to tutoring through Knack services, peer mentoring (STEM, engineering, Core Curriculum, and pre-nursing), as well as research support at Doherty Library through the Research Success Center. In addition, students have access to support services like the Counseling and Wellness Services Center, Career Services, and more.
Do I have to be failing to come to tutoring?
No, early use of services like tutoring can be beneficial in improving and enhancing academic performance from the beginning, middle, and end of the semester.
Will my professor find out I came here?
Yes, peer tutors and mentors submit conference notes to faculty when working with students.
What if I don't know what questions to ask?
Providing information from syllabi is a good start in guiding a tutoring session, From there, gain insight on what to get support with from your faculty.
What is the difference between a “peer tutor” and a “mentor”?
There is no difference – both are here to support with course material, communication, managing your time, and connecting with additional support services on campus .
More Questions?
Contact Us
The Tutorial Service Center is located in the Celt Success Center and is a part of the Student Success team at UST.
- tutoring@stthom.edu
- 3900 Montrose Blvd, Houston, TX 77006
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