Are there specific scholarships for Catholics attending college?

I'm a practicing Catholic and wondering if there are scholarships available specifically for Catholic students entering college. Do most of these require church involvement, or are they more based on academics?

Yes, there are indeed specific scholarships available for Catholic students who are planning to attend college. For example, the Italian Catholic Federation offers a scholarship for Roman Catholic graduating high school students of Italian Descent. Not all of them require church involvement, while some definitely do. For example, the Knights of Columbus organization offers numerous scholarships and several do prioritize or require involvement in the Catholic Church.

However, many scholarships designated for Catholic students also factor in academic achievement, financial need, and sometimes, the intended field of study. For example, The Cappadona Family Scholarship requires applicants to be of the Catholic faith, maintain a minimum GPA and demonstrate financial need.

Additionally, there are scholarships specifically for students intending to attend Catholic colleges and universities. Some of these institutions might have scholarships for incoming students who are actively engaged in their Catholic faith.

While these scholarships can be beneficial, it's always important to cast a wide net when searching for scholarships. Look for opportunities beyond those specifically for Catholics. You might qualify for scholarships based on academic merit, community service, extracurricular involvement, or other unique aspects of your resume. Also, be sure to consider local scholarships, as these can be a great resource and often have fewer applicants than national scholarships.

Remember to double-check the requirements for each scholarship you consider to make sure it's a good fit. Good luck with your scholarship search!