Merit awards serve to recognize individual students for their academic talent, service, or leadership achievements. Award amounts are determined on an individual basis and celebrate the strength and achievements of each admitted student, in and out of the classroom. One hundred percent of incoming first-year students receive institutional gift-aid assistance. Our investment in student gift-aid assistance totals more than $19 million for entering students. Priority consideration is given to students who submit their application for admission in accordance with stated deadlines. Institutional scholarships and grants may be used to pay Bellarmine tuition only, unless otherwise specified, and are awarded on a full-academic year (2 semesters), fall and spring semesters only. Please note, Bellarmine scholarships may have to be reduced if you receive awards from outside sources that are specified as tuition specific awards. Below are Bellarmine's merit scholarships.
Bellarmine Scholars and Bellarmine Fellows Awards
The Bellarmine Scholars and Bellarmine Fellows awards, awarded to entering first-year students, are Bellarmine’s most prestigious academic scholarships. Completed application for admission and scholarship application deadline is December 1 and an essay with the topic "Describe an incident or situation in your life which piqued your intellectual curiosity" is required. Past recipients have scored 30 or higher on the ACT or 1390 or higher on the SAT and demonstrated a GPA of 3.4 or higher.
Monsignor Horrigan Scholarships
Bellarmine awards Monsignor Horrigan Scholarships to entering first-year students based on the admissions application. The deadline to apply is February 1. The minimum credentials are as follows: 3.0 GPA, 25 ACT or 1200 SAT. Students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA and full-time enrollment status.
Monsignor Treece Awards
Bellarmine also offers Monsignor Treece Awards to entering first-year students based on the admissions application. The deadline to apply is February 1. The minimum credentials include a strong academic profile and extracurricular involvements. Students must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA and full-time enrollment status.
Multicultural Awards
Bellarmine offers awards to entering first-year students to celebrate and enhance diversity within the Bellarmine Community. Multicultural awards are based on your admissions application.
Kentucky Governor Scholarships
BU awards Governor Scholars Scholarships to entering first-year students who completed the GSP or GSA program. This scholarship is only available for full-time enrollment during the fall and spring semesters, and is renewable with a 2.0 cumulative grade point average.
Bellarmine Need-Based Grants
Bellarmine offers Need-Based Grants to entering first-year students who have unmet financial need as determined by the FAFSA. Need-Based Grants are determined and awarded by Bellarmine based on the students' FAFSA data and eligibility for other financial aid programs. These grants are available for full-time enrollment during the fall and spring semesters, and students must file a FAFSA each year for continued eligibility.
Transfer Scholarships/Grants
Bellarmine awards transfer grants to students who transfer from an accredited institution of higher education and have a minimum 2.0 GPA.
Endowed Scholarships
Endowed scholarships are financial assistance to Bellarmine students provided by friends and alumni of the university.