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Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships and grants are two important components that help keep educational costs manageable. Scroll down to learn more about such opportunities at Holy Cross.

Institutional and Federal Programs

Institutional Scholarships

Holy Cross' scholarship program is primarily need-based, although a limited number of merit-based awards are available to students who qualify.

• Holy Cross Scholarships: Eligibility for Holy Cross Scholarship funding is determined based on financial need as demonstrated through the financial aid application process. More than 380 first-year students are awarded Holy Cross Scholarship funding each year. Scholarship award amounts range from $500 to more than $30,000, depending on financial need. Students must reapply each year for Holy Cross Scholarship funding. A complete application and continued demonstrated financial need are required for renewal of this award. In future years, changes in family financial circumstances or in the number of dependent family members enrolled in undergraduate education will affect your eligibility for this program.
• Tuition Scholarships: Merit-based awards offered at the point of admission. Student eligibility for these awards is determined by the Admissions Office.
  • The Ellis Scholarship is a full tuition scholarship which is awarded to a Worcester resident high school graduate. More information.
  • The Brooks Scholarship is a full tuition scholarship awarded to a major in the music department.
  • The Bean Scholarship is a full tuition scholarship awarded to a major in the classics department.
  • Holy Cross Basketball Scholarships are for participation in men's or women's basketball.

Federal Grants

• Federal Pell Grants: The Pell Grant is a federally funded program with grant amounts ranging from $400 to $4,310 for the 2007-2008 academic year. Student eligibility for this program is determined by federal needs analysis.
• Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG): SEOG is a federal grant program for students who, according to federal needs analysis, are determined to exhibit exceptional financial need. Holy Cross is granted a limited amount of funding from this program and priority SEOG eligibility is given to Federal Pell Grant recipients.

Outside Resources

State-sponsored scholarships

If you're a resident of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, or Vermont, Holy Cross expects that you will take advantage of state-sponsored scholarship programs by applying to them directly. You may obtain application information through your high school guidance office or from the appropriate state agencies. Each state scholarship program has its own deadline for applications, so be sure to refer to your FAFSA for deadline information.

Local opportunities

Corporations, foundations, civic groups, parent and school associations and service clubs routinely offer scholarships to local high school students. Check with your high school guidance office to learn how you can apply for these scholarships.

ROTC scholarships and stipends

• The Navy ROTC program at Holy Cross offers full- and partial-tuition scholarships to selected cadets and midshipmen. A full four-year NROTC scholarship student attending Holy Cross receives a tax-free stipend (currently $150 per month) and a Holy Cross NROTC Scholarship Incentive Grant, which equals standard room charges each year. The Incentive Grant is only applicable towards on-campus room charges. For more information, contact the Naval ROTC office on campus.
• Army and Air Force ROTC are offered at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and, through the Worcester Consortium, Holy Cross students may enroll in one of those programs. A full four-year Army or Air Force ROTC Scholarship student is also eligible for the Incentive Grant, equal to standard room charges each year and is also only applicable towards on-campus room charges. For more information, see http://www.wpi.edu/Academics/Depts/AFAS/ or Army ROTC.