Scholarships and Grants

Loras College offers a wide variety of scholarships and awards based on academic achievement, musical talent and other criteria. These awards are available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who will be incoming, full-time undergraduate students. These awards are not based on financial need.

Loras Scholarships and Awards

Loras offers academic scholarships to accepted students based on their high school GPA. The GPA utilized for scholarship ranking is based on a 4.0 scale. Acceptance awards range from $16,000-20,000. To learn more, talk to your admission representative.

Early Acceptance and FAFSA Submission Award

Loras offers a $500 award to students who are admitted and have submitted FAFSA to the Federal Processing Agency with Loras as a recipient by December 1st. This award is renewable for continuing students who complete their FAFSA by December 1st of each year. Loras School Code is 001873.

Fr. Norman Dukette (’22) Scholarship

Fr. Norman Dukette was the first Black graduate of Loras College and the fifth Black priest to be ordained in the United States. In his honor, Fr. Dukette Scholarships are awarded to all full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate African American or Black men. $1,500 annual scholarships are awarded for the first two years at Loras College and $3,000 annual scholarships are awarded for the last two years. Students must complete a FAFSA each year to be eligible to receive this award.

Marie Louise Scholarship

Marie Louise was a woman enslaved in Alabama by the College’s founder for sixteen years. In recognition of the human dignity she was denied during her lifetime, Marie Louise Scholarships are awarded to all full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate African American or Black women. $1,500 annual scholarships are awarded for the first two years at Loras College and $3,000 annual scholarships are awarded for the last two years. Students must complete a FAFSA each year to be eligible to receive this award.

St. Martin de Porres Award

Students who are members of underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups are eligible to receive this annual award of $1,000. Students must complete the FAFSA annually to renew this award.

St. Christopher Award

Students who permanently reside in a state that does not share a border with Iowa are eligible for this annual award of $1,000. Students must complete the FAFSA annually to renew this award.

St. Catherine Award

Female students who have earned a 3.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale at the time of acceptance to the college are eligible for this annual award of $1,000. Students must complete the FAFSA annually to renew this award.

Eagle Scout or Gold Award

Loras College recognizes the achievement of students who have earned their Eagle Scout or Gold Award through the Boy and Girl Scouts of America programs. Students are able to receive a one-time award of $1,000. In order to qualify, students must submit the certificate of achievement from Boy/Girl Scouts of America to the Loras College Office of Financial Aid by March 1st.

Loras College Chemistry Olympics Award

The annual Chemistry Olympics allows students to compete in group and individual events. Loras recognizes the top competitors at the college’s annual Chemistry Olympics with one-time scholarships. For more details please contact your admission representative.

To be eligible for any of the following scholarships, students must first apply and be admitted to the College. For admitted students to access the Loras College Scholarship Application, please access your status page here.

1. Breitbach Catholic Thinkers & Leaders Program/Scholarship

The Breitbach Catholic Thinkers & Leaders Program is a unique and vibrant four-year experience. Its goal is to challenge and engage the whole student – academically, spiritually, personally and socially while learning what it means to be a Catholic thinker and leader in today’s world. The program is intended to put Catholic teachings into action. The program invites up to 15 students to join their ranks each year. Breitbach Scholars will be awarded an annual scholarship of $4,000 in addition to their acceptance award from the College. Applicants who are selected for and complete an interview, but are not chosen for the program, will receive a $1,000 one-time award in their first year. The priority deadline for this scholarship application is December 13. More detailed  information and the application are available at loras.edu/bctl.

2. DuSTEM Scholars Program

The Loras College DuSTEM Scholars Program provides financial and academic support for students wanting to pursue an undergraduate degree in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) disciplines. DuSTEM Scholars will join a learning community that supports their transition from high school to college and from college to career. Throughout the Loras DuSTEM Scholars Program, our goal is to leverage resources to mentor participants into successful professionals. DuSTEM Scholars are eligible for up to $1,500 annually, dependent upon financial need and continued involvement in the program. The priority deadline for the DuSTEM application is January 1. Students must have demonstrated financial need (as determined by the FAFSA) to be eligible for this program. More detailed program information is available at loras.edu/dustem.

3. First Generation Scholars

The First Generation Scholars Program supports first-generation students and families through a curriculum-based program that highlights social connectedness, academic success, mentorship, and personal well-being. Through this intentional and developmental experience, first-generation scholars will learn how to navigate college as well as prepare for post-undergraduate experiences. First Generation Scholars are eligible for up to $1,500 annually, dependent upon financial need and continued involvement in the program. The priority deadline for the First-Generation application is March  31. More detailed program information is available at loras.edu/firstgeneration.

4. Honors Program

Students that participate in the Honors Program will receive a renewable $1,500 scholarship for each year enrolled in the program (up to 4 years). The priority deadline for the Honors Program application is May 1. Questions can be directed to Honors Program Director Dr. Jake Kohlhaas (Jacob.Kohlhaas@loras.edu). More detailed program information is available at loras.edu/honors.

5. Interfaith Leaders Program

In the Loras Program for Interfaith Leaders, students learn how people orient around religion differently, and they discover in themselves abilities to interact with people of diverse religious and worldview backgrounds. The program hopes that, through careful study, self-reflection, and responsible service, students will learn to lead others toward a deeper, more informed fellowship. Interfaith Leaders will be awarded an annual scholarship of $1,500. The priority deadline for the Interfaith Leaders application is March 1. Visit loras.edu/Interfaithleaders for more information.

5. Civic Leaders Program

The Loras Program for Civic Leaders offers students the opportunity to deepen their understanding of leadership, service, justice and responsible contribution across all four years of their college experience. Designed to blend theory and practice, the program strives to develop students’ capacities to be positive change agents within their communities. Operating from an asset-based perspective, the program aims to assist students in acquiring the skills needed to work in solidarity with marginalized people and communities. Civic Leaders will be awarded an annual scholarship of $1,500. The priority deadline for the Civic Leaders application is March 1. More detailed program information is available at www.loras.edu/civicleaders.

6. St. John Paul II Memorial Scholars Program

To promote the vision of Saint Pope John Paul II, Loras offers scholarships to students who combine their studies, spirituality and service in witness to Christ and the truth of the human person. Scholarship awards are $1,500 and require continued program participation to renew the award annually. The priority deadline for the St. John Paul II application is March 15. Visit loras.edu/jpii to learn more.

7. St. Cecilia Music Scholarships

Students accepted to Loras are able to audition for vocal and instrumental scholarships and may be awarded up to $3,000. Scholarship recipients must participate in vocal or instrumental ensembles annually to maintain their award. Auditions will be submitted electronically. Student auditions will be reviewed beginning Dec. 1, with subsequent audition reviews occurring after Jan. 17. Students participating in the Liturgical Music Ministry are eligible for a scholarship to cover their applied lesson fee. Visit loras.edu/musicscholarships for more information.

Contact your Admission Representative if you have any questions or if you would like additional information on any of the above programs and scholarships.

Loras Endowed grants are based on student financial need and the total of all other Loras College scholarships and grants awarded. These grants can be renewed each year, but renewal is based upon annual FAFSA results and a consistent level of demonstrated need. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress to receive this grant. Amount varies. For additional information on these and other grants, please contact your admission representative.

Grants

Federal Pell & Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants

Eligibility for Federal Pell Grants is determined by the FAFSA. The federal government determines the maximum Pell amount. In 2022, the maximum award amount was $6,895.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) funds are awarded to students demonstrating exceptional financial need, with preference given to Pell Grant recipients. The award level is dependent upon individual needs and the level of federal funding. Loras students eligible for SEOG funds may receive up to $750.

Iowa Tuition Grant

These grants assist Iowa residents with demonstrated financial need who choose to attend an Iowa private college. Eligibility to receive funds is determined by the completion of the FAFSA by July 1. An Iowa Tuition Grant can be received for a maximum of eight semesters of full-time study. The Iowa Legislation determines the maximum award. In 2022, the maximum award was $7,500.

In the event that available state funds are insufficient to pay the full amount of each approved grant, the Iowa College Student Aid Commission has the authority to reduce the award administratively.

While the Iowa Tuition Grant is the largest state grant funded program, there are a number of other Iowa grants available. Learn more about the state grant opportunities in Iowa and how to apply at iowacollegeaid.gov.

Out-of-State Grant

Undergraduate students that reside outside the state of Iowa are eligible for up to $5,000 in an out-of-state grant. Students must complete the FAFSA and have an expected family contribution of $15,000 or less. Students may renew this grant annually if their grade point average remains at 2.0 or above and they continue to meet the initial eligibility criteria.

Carver Scholars Program

Scholarships are available to students transferring from an Iowa community college to begin full-time study in the fall semester of their junior year. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and have graduated from an Iowa high school or been a state resident for at least five consecutive years. Students must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale. Scholarships are awarded in the amount of $7,600. For additional information visit http://www.carvertrust.org/.

First Generation Scholars

The First Generation Scholars Program strives to support first-generation college students and their families and promote engagement, study skills, and experiential opportunities for the student to have as they successfully progress toward graduation.

This program is designed to recruit and retain first-generation students. First-generation students who apply and are selected to participate in the program are eligible for a scholarship up to $1,500, depending on financial need. Awards are renewable with continued program participation. More detailed program information can be found at www.loras.edu/firstgeneration.

Fr. Norman Dukette (’22) Scholarship

Fr. Norman Dukette was the first Black graduate of Loras College and the fifth Black priest to be ordained in the United States. In his honor, Fr. Dukette Scholarships are awarded to all full-time, degree seeking undergraduate African American or Black men. Transfer students receive a $1,500 annual scholarship prior to the completion of 60 credits and a $3,000 annual scholarship thereafter. Students must complete a FAFSA each year to be eligible to receive this award.

Marie Louise Scholarships

Marie Louise was a woman enslaved in Alabama by the College’s founder for sixteen years. In recognition of the human dignity she was denied during her lifetime, Marie Louise Scholarships are awarded to all full-time, degree seeking undergraduate African American or Black women. Transfer students receive a $1,500 annual scholarship prior to the completion of 60 credits and a $3,000 annual scholarship thereafter.  Students must complete a FAFSA each year to be eligible to receive this award.

Music Scholarships

Students accepted to Loras are able to audition for vocal and instrumental scholarships up to $3,000. Scholarship recipients must participate in vocal or instrumental ensembles annually to maintain their award. Auditions will be submitted electronically.  Student auditions will be reviewed beginning December 1, with subsequent audition reviews occurring after Jan. 17. Students participating in Liturgical Music Ministry are eligible for a scholarship to cover their applied lesson fee. Visit loras.edu/musicscholarships for more information.

Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship

Transfer students who are members in good standing of Phi Theta Kappa are eligible for a $1,000 award.  The award can be renewed for one additional year (two years total).

Contact your Admission Representative if you have any questions or if you would like additional information on any of the above programs and scholarships.

Total awards for students cannot exceed full tuition. Contact the Loras College Admission Office with questions or for additional information on scholarships and grants at 800.245.6717, 563.588.7236 or financial.planning@loras.edu.

All international students seeking their first bachelor’s degree are eligible for merit-based scholarships and grants once accepted to Loras College. Students must complete the certificate of finances and submit the associated financial documents to be eligible for merit or need-based aid. Awards are based on full-time enrollment and residency in campus housing. Awards are renewable as long as award criteria are met annually.

LORAS SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS

Loras offers academic scholarships to accepted international students based on their secondary school achievements. These awards range from $16,000 – $20,000 and are made without regard to financial need. No additional application is required. To learn more, email your admission representative at internationaladmission@loras.edu.

#YOU ARE WELCOME HERE SCHOLARSHIP

Loras College is proud to join other colleges and universities across the United States in offering international students financial assistance through the #YouAreWelcomeHere scholarship program. The eligibility criteria and application for this $1,500 annual renewable scholarship may be found at loras.edu/youarewelcomehere. Up to four (4) awards will be offered annually. The priority deadline to apply is March 1.

UNITED WORLD COLLEGE (UWC) ALUMNI AWARD

Loras College is proud to offer alumni of any of the 18 United World College (UWC) campuses access to a Loras College undergraduate education through a full-tuition scholarship and traditional housing grant. Loras College stands in solidarity with the founding mission and on-going vision of the UWC movement. The eligibility criteria and application for this annual, renewable scholarship may be found at loras.edu/uwc. Up to three (3) awards will be offered annually.

1. Students must be full-time undergraduates and meet the GPA requirements associated with each scholarship.

2. The total of all awarded Loras scholarships, grants, and awards may not exceed the cost of full tuition. External awards may be used beyond the cost of full tuition.

3. Many of our institutional grants, scholarships and awards can be combined; however, most of our program-based scholarships cannot. Specific questions can be directed to your admission representative.

4. Scholarships, grants and awards are available for a maximum of eight semesters.

5. Scholarships, grants and awards are subject to fund availability and may be replaced by alternative funds when necessary.

6. Students must live in campus housing to receive the full amount of Loras scholarship funds. If a student chooses to live off-campus, they will be repackaged with a commuter budget.

The search engines listed below are provided to aid families in identifying possible external scholarships and grants. Many organizations want to financially support students who are earning their college degree. Finding the scholarship opportunities that match your specific attributes will involve research. The search engines listed below may be helpful to you in researching possible external scholarships and grants.