Parish Scholarship Program
The University of St. Thomas and participating parishes of the Galveston-Houston Archdiocese jointly sponsor the Parish Scholarship Program. This shared scholarship program is offered to encourage more Archdiocesan youth to pursue their college education in a Catholic environment where they can strengthen their faith and prepare to become active and supportive parishioners after graduation.
Parish contributions will be matched by UST, contingent on availability of funding. Freshmen, continuing UST students or transfer students must meet the following criteria in order to qualify:
- Minimum of cumulative 2.8 GPA
- Full-time enrollment each semester (excluding summer term)
- Undergraduates only
- Parish membership within Houston-Galveston Archdiocese
The Parish Scholarship Application must be submitted by April 1st. Scholarship eligibility will be determined every May.
Students should ensure the Office of Admissions has their participating parish listed on their application for admission. Students and/or parishes who would like information on participating in the program should contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid at 713-525-2170.
Catholicity Scholarship
The Catholicity Scholarship is available to students in need of financial aid who are members of Catholic parishes outside of the Galveston-Houston Archdiocese. This scholarship is designed to encourage students to pursue academic excellence in the Catholic intellectual tradition and prepare students to become active members of Catholic communities upon graduation.
The Catholicity Scholarship is not a matched scholarship. Consideration for the scholarship will be made during the admissions application process for incoming freshmen and transfer students. Awards may be renewable and are contingent upon availability of funding.
Scholarship recipients will be required to submit proof of parish membership. Students who would like information on participating in the program should contact their admissions counselor during the time of application to UST.
Catholic School Teacher and Lay Minister Scholarship
UST students who are Catholic schoolteachers or lay ministers in their parish are awarded this scholarship on a first-come, first-served basis (meaning the deadline is on a rolling basis) as funding is limited. Forms are available on June 1 of each academic year, and the scholarship is designed to give half-tuition scholarships for ONE class in the fall semester, ONE class in the spring semester and ONE class for each summer session, pending availability of funds.
This program is for undergraduate or graduate students. Interested students must complete the application and will need to obtain signatures from their Catholic school or parish for confirmation of their position. Please fill out and submit the Catholic School Teacher or Lay Minister Scholarship Application.
Religious Order Discount
Individuals who are members of select religious orders may be eligible for the Religious Order Waiver or Discount. *PLEASE NOTE: Religious Order criteria and award amounts have changed beginning in the 2012-2013 fiscal year. You can access the application form and eligibility criteria here: 2013-2014 Religious Order Waiver/Discount.
Catholic Scholarships 
V.J. Guinan Presidential Scholarship
The V.J. Guinan Presidential scholarship affords full tuition to incoming freshman students who excel academically and uphold the Catholic mission of the University. Candidates are Catholic students who are serious about attending a Catholic university in order to strengthen their Catholic identity and faith. The selection committee will interview applicants to determine their commitment to living the Basilian core values and contributing to religious life on campus.
To be considered, a separate application must be submitted along with certain application materials. Certain eligibility requirements apply. The Guinan Scholarship Application is available for submission.
Source: Stthom
