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Support SLU Scholarships

Providing capable students with access to Saint Louis University’s life-changing education and experience, regardless of their financial circumstances, is an essential part of our Jesuit identity. 

Four students study around a table with laptops in front of them.

Students participate in a study group in the Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering building.

A degree from Saint Louis University opens doors and changes lives.

It’s also expensive. Scholarships bring all the benefits of a SLU education within reach. In a marketplace as competitive as higher education, they also help us attract the best students to our campus, elevating Saint Louis University's reputation and creating an ever strong community of graduates. Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders and innovators. An investment in them is an investment in our shared future.

We are committed to making SLU a possibility for as many students as we can. Supporting scholarships has an immediate and profound impact on SLU students, creating opportunities, lowering debt loads and bringing all the benefits of a degree from Saint Louis University within reach. Each year, about 90% of students at SLU receive financial aid, giving students access to life-changing education and experiences.

Support SLU Scholarships

It’s truly been a blessing to not really have to pay too much to go to school and to leave SLU nearly debt-free. For the type of premier institution that we are and the offerings that I’ve been blessed with, I just can’t think of any other situation where I would have been supported so greatly and left with such a great education without paying so much more.” — Aric Hamilton (A&S '23)

Creating a Named Scholarship

Named scholarships are funds supporting Saint Louis University students and honor the donor or a person of their choosing. Named scholarships primarily assist students by reducing their tuition costs. Scholarships can be created to cover additional educational expenses, including books, fees, study abroad and on-campus housing.

As long as the minimum gift commitment to create a scholarship is met, anyone can create a named scholarship, including current and past faculty or staff, parents, alumni, companies/corporate partners and organizations. 

FAQ

What is the minimum gift commitment to create a scholarship at SLU?

The minimum gift commitment to establish a new named endowed scholarship at SLU supporting undergraduate students is $50,000. For graduate/professional programs, the minimum commitment is $100,000.

The minimum commitment to create a new named term scholarship at SLU supporting undergraduate students is $10,000. The commitment to support a graduate/professional program is $25,000.

What is the difference between an endowed and term scholarship?

Named endowed scholarships exist in perpetuity and grow through the University’s endowment. Each year, SLU uses the income from the endowment to support deserving students based on the criteria set by the founding donor. Endowed scholarships have the most flexibility to be customized based on the donor’s wishes. They can be restricted based on school/college, major, geographic region, academic merit, financial need or a combination of those listed. 

Term scholarships are awarded based on the fund's balance and how much is contributed by the donor each year. Term scholarships have less flexibility to customize the recipient criteria and are typically limited to a school/college the donor wishes to support and financial need. 

When are scholarships awarded?

Endowed scholarships become available to be awarded during the fiscal year that follows their establishment. The gift, however, will be entered into the University’s records immediately, and its value will be tracked separately. Income available for spending, in accordance with the endowment’s stated purpose, is calculated based on a spending rate approved annually by the University’s Board of Trustees. 

Term scholarships operate on a positive balance basis and are awardable based on the available balance at the time of award within the University’s standard cycle of operation. Term scholarships are distributed within the University’s annual award cycle.

Who is the best contact to learn more?
For more information on creating a named scholarship at SLU, contact Allaina Blackwell, director of donor programs, at allaina.blackwell@slu.edu or 314-977-2251. Or, if you have an existing relationship with a development director at SLU, you may also reach out to them.

Regional Scholarships

Many SLU alumni clubs fund scholarships for undergraduate students, supporting the next generation of Billikens and fostering connections in their local communities. Regional scholarships are granted to students who best display a dedication to the mission of SLU and live in the alumni club’s region. 

Support the Boston Region Scholarship

Support the Chicago Region Scholarship

Support the Kansas City Region Scholarship

Support the Milwaukee Region Scholarship

Support the Nashville Region Scholarship

Support the New York Region Scholarship 

Learn More

Have additional questions about supporting or establishing a scholarship at SLU? Contact us at giving@slu.edu.