Scholarships & Financial Aid
Committed to Affordable Education
The 花椒直播 recognizes hard work, accomplishments, and dreams. To that end, USM offers Academic Merit scholarships, Athletic and Fine Arts talent awards, and grants based on the needs of you and your family. There are also multiple specialty awards.
For the incoming freshmen in 2024, the average financial aid award was over $24,000; for incoming full-time transfer students, the average award was over $19,000 鈥� and those figures are before federal loans or work-study.
Learn more about our scholarships below. Remember though: to be considered for any USM awards, you must first apply to USM and complete your FAFSA.
USM is also proud to announce the new Guardian Angel Fund 鈥� a 100% work-match program for students with high financial need. Learn more
The is your first step to receiving a USM financial aid package. USM's many scholarships and grants are listed below 鈥� and we can also direct you to external scholarships.
If you are having problems completing the FAFSA, please contact our financial aid office at 913-758-4303.
USM's FAFSA Code is: 001943
Review USM's Scholarship Options for Incoming Fall 2025 Full Time Undergraduates:
Freshman scholarship awarding is based on a weighted combination of high school GPA (on a 4.0 scale) and ACT or SAT scores. Freshman Academic & Merit Scholarships are for entering first-year students only; full-time day enrollment is required. Freshman Awards include:
禄 Full-Tuition, Room, and Board Jubilee Scholarship
Special application process required. To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:
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Earn a minimum ACT score of 26 (contact USM at admiss@stmary.edu for more information on SAT scores)
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And either have a 3.7 cumulative high school GPA or be ranked in the top 10 percent of your graduating high school class
Contact USM Admissions for more information. Apply Now for the Jubilee Scholarship
禄 Presidential Scholarship -- $70,000 over 4 years
$17,500 renewable annually; 3.8 high school GPA or above (unweighted on a 4.0 scale)
禄 Dean's Scholarship -- $66,000 over 4 years
$16,500 renewable annually; 3.5-3.79 high school GPA (unweighted on a 4.0 scale)
禄 Trustees Scholarship -- $62,000 over 4 years
$15,500 renewable annually; 3.1-3.49 high school GPA (unweighted on a 4.0 scale)
禄 Blue & Gold Award -- $58,000 over 4 years
$14,500 renewable annually; 2.8-3.09 high school GPA (unweighted on a 4.0 scale)
禄 Opportunity Award -- $54,000 over 4 years
$13,500 renewable annually; 2.4-2.79 high school GPA (unweighted on a 4.0 scale)
禄 Catholic High School Scholarship -- $4,000 over 4 years
$1,000 renewable annually. Can be awarded in addition to one of the awards above
禄 Cristo Rey KC and Bishop Ward High School Scholarship -- $12,000 over 4 years
$3,000 renewable annually. For students of Cristo Rey KC or Bishop Ward high schools. Can be awarded in addition to one of the awards above
禄 Honors Scholarship -- $10,000 over 4 years
$2,500 renewable annually. Can be awarded in addition to one of the awards above
Scholarship Spotlight
USM STEM Scholars Program -- $15,000 annually
A competitive scholarship for dedicated STEM students, worth $15,000 a year, renewable.
The 花椒直播 awards academic scholarships to transfer students based upon their cumulative college GPA. Transfer Academic & Merit Scholarships are for entering transfer students admitted in good standing, seeking their first bachelor's degree. Full-time main campus USM enrollment is required. *Please note: Students in USM's 1-year Accelerated BSN program are not eligible for these scholarships.
禄 Mother Mary Berchmans Award -- $17,000
Renewable annually.
禄 Mother Mary Olive Mead Award -- $16,000
Renewable annually.
禄 Sister Mary Kevin Hollow Award -- $15,000
Renewable annually.
禄 USM Opportunity Award -- $14,000
Renewable annually.
禄 PTK Scholarship -- $2,000
Renewable annually. Can be awarded in addition to one of the awards above
禄 Departmental Awards
USM Departmental Awards are given based on your major 鈥� or expected major 鈥� and are in addition to other academic or talent scholarships or need-based awards you may earn. Departmental awards are issued by the heads of USM's various academic departments and programs, and are for first-time full-time main campus undergraduate students.
Qualifying for a departmental award
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For incoming freshmen: An unweighted minimum HS GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
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For incoming transfer students: A minimum college GPA of 3.0.
Contact USM admissions for more information on earning a departmental award.
禄 The Sister Joanna Bruner Nursing Scholarship
Assists with educational expenses such as tuition, fees, room, board, and books
Full-time residential day enrollment, awardees eligible to apply annually, multiple awards available.
To Qualify:
For Incoming Freshmen or Transfer Students
Open to new, existing, or transfer nursing students:
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Must be accepted to USM's Bachelor of Science-Nursing program
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Must be working on first bachelor's degree
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Must live on campus
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Must demonstrate financial need by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASA)
*Preference given to candidates from foster care or residential care agencies, or
those who have attended Cristo Rey Kansas City, Mott Haven Academy, or Ozanam.
禄 Learn more about the Bruner Scholarship
To Maintain:
For Students who Entered USM as a Freshman or Transferred into USM
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Must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA
Contact the USM Admissions Office for more information.
禄 The Patrick Reilly and Margaret Hoferer Reilly, C'34, Endowed Nursing Scholarship
$1,000 per academic year, renewable
The Hoferer Reilly Endowed Nursing Scholarship is awarded to selected juniors or the Traditional BSN Program or students in the Accelerated BSN program. Selection is made by a committee including the chair of the university's Nursing Division.
Criteria
- The Hoferer Reilly Scholarship is open to current or incoming USM students, so long as they are either juniors or seniors in the BSN program or enrolled in the Accelerated BSN program
- Recipients must have a 3.5 term GPA at time of award
- Students are eligible to reapply for the award on an annual basis, so long as they meet all requirements. All students, including those seeking to renew the award, must complete the application process.
- Application includes submission of a 250-word essay describing why the applicant is pursuing a career in nursing.
- For details on applying, contact the USM nursing program or your USM admissions counselor.
禄 Becoming an Exemplary STEM Teacher
Annual $23,000 scholarship during junior and senior years (additional aid may be available for freshman and sophomore expenses)
The BEST Scholars program prepares high-quality biology, chemistry, and math educators. The unique scholarship and teacher preparation program is open to USM juniors and seniors.
Criteria for Selection of BEST Scholars
Candidates interested in pursuing teacher education in biology, chemistry, or mathematics and applying to be selected as a BEST Scholar must be formally accepted to the BEST Scholars program. Acceptance to this program includes acceptance into the Teacher Education Program (TEP). This application process should be initiated just before or during the candidate鈥檚 sophomore year or at the time of transfer to the University of 花椒直播 and includes the following criteria:
- Candidates must be U.S. citizens or nationals or permanent resident aliens
- Candidates must have completed the BEST Scholar/TEP application form
- Declared BSE Secondary in Biology, Chemistry, or Mathematics with the Registrar鈥檚 Office
- Demonstration of cumulative GPA greater than 2.75
- An unofficial transcript from eSpire is acceptable
- Demonstration of basic skills competencies (Praxis CORE Test of Academic Skills or composite ACT of 22 or higher)
- Two letters of recommendation (on provided forms), one of which must be from faculty in their content area
- Passing score on the interview dispositional rubric
- Essay on why the candidate wishes to become a STEM teacher
- Acceptable Certification of Health and Background Screening
After completing interviews with all final candidates, the selection committee will score all applications and create a roster that ranks candidates.
After acceptance, candidates must:
- Maintain a cumulative GPA greater than 2.75
- Receive no grade lower than 鈥淐鈥� in support, content area, and education coursework
- Maintain acceptable dispositions
- Participate in BEST Scholars required activities
This program leads to 6-12 Initial Teacher licensure in Biology, Chemistry, or Mathematics.
After graduation, BEST Scholars agree to teach in a high-need school district for a minimum of four years with continued support from USM for their first two years of in-service teaching.
Athletic Awards:
Offered in Baseball, Men's and Women's Basketball, Football, Women's Flag Football,
Men's and Women's Soccer, Men's and Women's Cross Country, Men's and Women's Track
& Field, Softball, Men's & Women's Wrestling, Men's & Women's Swimming, Men's & Women's
Tennis, Men's & Women's Wrestling, Esports, Volleyball, Cheer, and Dance.
Full-time day enrollment, for undergraduates with outstanding athletic talent and
academic good standing.
Contact the for more information.
The USM Art Talent Scholarship
鈥� Range from $1,500-$5,000 per year, renewable annually
For incoming freshmen or new transfer students, full-time day enrollment only.
To Qualify:
For Incoming Freshmen or Transfer Students:
We like to see whatever range of media you've worked in (if you've only worked in one or two media, we're happy to evaluate what you bring us). There is no set number of pieces you need to submit to be considered. Rather, we want to see recent work that you're proud of and you think shows your artistic growth.
As your portfolio is being reviewed, you will be asked some questions about your artwork and your academic plans.
*Digital portfolios accepted for review.
To Maintain:
For Students Who Entered USM as a Freshman or Transferred into USM:
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Must take one art class per semester until an art minor is complete;
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A cumulative GPA of 2.0
Contact the USM Admissions Office for more information.
The USM Music Talent Scholarship
鈥� Range from $1,500-$5,000 per year, renewable annually
For incoming freshmen or new transfer students, full-time day enrollment only.
To Qualify:
For Incoming Freshmen or Transfer Students:
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Active in the musical life at USM
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Live audition* with a member of the music faculty
Include at least one solo in principal medium (voice, piano, or instrument)
*Recordings accepted, but live auditions preferred
To Maintain:
For Students Who Entered USM as a Freshman or Transferred into USM:
VOICE: Enrolled in MU 131 Concert Chorale each semester with a 2.0 cumulative GPA
PIANO: Enrolled in MU Private Piano each semester with a 2.0 cumulative GPA
BAND INSTRUMENT: Enrolled in MU 136 University-Community Band each semester with a 2.0 cumulative GPA
ORCHESTRAL INSTRUMENT: Enrolled in MU 135 Instrumental Ensemble each semester with a 2.0 cumulative GPA
Contact the USM Admissions Office for more information.
Saint Cecilia Liturgical Musician Scholarship
For incoming freshmen or new transfer students, full-time day enrollment only. The Saint Cecilia scholarship is an annual $3,000 scholarship award to students who can enliven the campus worshiping community with their musical gifts as a vocalist or instrumentalist.
To Qualify:
For Incoming Freshmen or Transfer Students:
- Agree to participate as part of a music ministry team at the 花椒直播
- Audition with a member of the office of campus ministry this can either be live during a visit or submitted digitally.
To Maintain:
- Must participate as a musician in at least 75% of the Sunday and other large liturgical celebrations on campus.
- Communicate consistently with the campus ministry staff when they are not able to make a service.
Email Denise Whelan at denise.whelan@stmary.edu
The Antoinette Berkel Memorial Scholarship
禄 Up to $6,000
Full-time residential day enrollment, renewable annually, one award available.
For Incoming Freshmen
The Antoinette Berkel Memorial Scholarship is a tuition-assistance scholarship worth up to $6,000 for an incoming freshman accepted and enrolled at the University of Saint Mary.
This scholarship is based on academic performance, financial need, and demonstrated community involvement.
Preference will be given to students who have attended Catholic high schools.
禄 Learn more about the Berkel Scholarship
Contact the USM Admissions Office for more information
Celebrating Achievement: The USM BizFest Scholarship
The 花椒直播 is offering scholarships to students who successfully
complete the KC BizFest program.
This scholarship鈥攚orth up to $5,000 a year鈥攊s open to both BizFest students who successfully
apply for admission to the 花椒直播 for the academic year following
their high school graduation, and to those BizFest participants who seek to transfer
to the 花椒直播 after achieving success and demonstrating aptitude
at another college or university. Students who earn a USM BizFest Scholarship may
still be eligible for other institutional scholarships or aid, based on their record
of academic achievement, artistic or athletic talent, or demonstrated financial need.
BizFest Scholarships are limited!
For priority consideration for a USM BizFest Scholarship, you must apply for admission
and notify the university of your BizFest experience no later than April 25 prior to the start of a Fall Semester.
To be considered for the USM BizFest Scholarship, prospective students MUST meet the
standard criteria for admission to USM as follows:
For Freshmen:
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A minimum high school GPA of 2.5
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A minimum ACT score of 18, including a minimum score of 18 on the ACT English section.
For Transfer Students
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A minimum college GPA of 2.5
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Demonstrated significant progress toward attaining a degree; demonstrated success in meaningful classes
Contact the USM admissions office for more information.
The Saint Vincent de Paul Service Award
禄 $2,000 renewable annually
Full-time day enrollment. First-time students only. Multiple awards available.
To Qualify:
For students with a demonstrated and consistent history of Christian leadership through
community service, Christian ministry, and activity in the tradition of Saint Vincent
de Paul.
Incoming Freshmen
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Must have a 3.0 GPA or equivalent in high school.
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Complete the online application.
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Submit a 250-word essay describing the value and importance of Christian ministry and community service, and your future related goals *YOU WILL ATTACH YOUR ESSAY to the online application.
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Submit a written recommendation from a pastor, youth minister, or other leader is required. Please have your recommendation letter emailed to Denise Whelan at denise.whelan@stmary.edu.
Transfer Students
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Must have a minimum college GPA of 2.5.
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Complete the online application.
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Submit a 250-word essay describing the value and importance of Christian ministry and community service, and your future related goals *YOU WILL ATTACH YOUR ESSAY to the online application.
- Submit a written recommendation from a pastor, youth minister, or other leader is required. Please have your recommendation letter emailed to Denise Whelan at denise.whelan@stmary.edu
禄 Complete Your Online Application Now!
To Maintain:
If you are selected for the award, as a recipient you must:
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Act as a representative for campus ministry to the student body
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Participate in campus ministry activities, including liturgy, retreats, outreach, and service trips
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Participate in planning at least two campus-ministry activities during the year
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Present one campus-ministry service experience to the USM community per year
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Maintain a full-time academic schedule (12 hours per semester), with a 3.0 GPA each year
Contact the USM Admissions Office for more information.
Committed to Affordable Education
The 花椒直播 works with each student to meet as much of their financial need as possible.
If you still have demonstrated financial need (per your FAFSA filing) after receiving academic, athletic, or other scholarships 鈥� as well as any federal or state aid you may qualify for 鈥� the university can assist you with Spire Awards. To determine the exact amount, please be sure to file your FAFSA and complete your application for admission to the university.
The Scholarship and Aid calculators found on this page can also help. Contact financial aid or your admissions counselor for additional assistance.
Scholarship Spotlight
禄 USM First Generation Scholars Program
For students who are the first in their families to attend college, and for students with financial need.
Contact Financial Aid
Email: finaid@stmary.edu
Phone: 913-758-4303
Toll-Free: 800-752-7043
Fax: 913-758-6140
Maria Griese
Financial Aid Counselor,
students with last names A-K
se habla espa帽ol
Email: Maria.Griese@stmary.edu
Phone: 913-758-6312
Veronica Holguin
Financial Aid Counselor,
students with last names L-Z
se habla espa帽ol
Email: Veronica.Holguin@stmary.edu
Phone: 913-758-6269
USM FAFSA Code: 001943
Contact Financial Aid
Email: finaid@stmary.edu
Phone: 913-758-4303
Toll-Free: 800-752-7043
Fax: 913-758-6140
Maria Griese
Financial Aid Counselor,
students with last names A-K
se habla espa帽ol
Email: Maria.Griese@stmary.edu
Phone: 913-758-6312
Veronica Holguin
Financial Aid Counselor,
students with last names L-Z
se habla espa帽ol
Email: Veronica.Holguin@stmary.edu
Phone: 913-758-6269
USM FAFSA Code: 001943