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The College of St. Scholastica

A Tuition-Free Pathway to The College of St. Scholastica

We are breaking barriers to provide accessible, high-quality education to students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. For fall 2025 and spring 2026, the Saints Promise scholarship program will cover up to 100% of tuition per semester for eligible students whose family-adjusted gross income is below $80,000.

Unlock Your Tuition — Application Process

Apply Today

Complete your application to St. Scholastica.

Complete your FAFSA

There is no additional application for the Saints Promise scholarship. Eligibility will be determined after reviewing your FAFSA.

Meet Eligibility Criteria

  • Student is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  • Adjusted gross income (AGI) is below $80,000* as reported on the FAFSA or Minnesota Dream Act Application
  • New first-time student attending the Duluth Campus for fall 2025 or spring 2026 (this program does not apply to summer enrollment)
  • Enroll full-time (12+ credits per semester) in a program or course of study that applies to an undergraduate degree
  • Stay in good standing with state and federal student loans (if borrowing)
  • Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards for future semesters
  • Have not already earned a baccalaureate degree

 

Photo of a St. Scholastica Staff member walking student through documents

The Math Adds Up

The Saints Promise will cover up to 100% of tuition per semester after other scholarships, grants, stipends and tuition waivers have been applied. There is no limit on the maximum term, yearly or lifetime dollar amount of an award you can receive. Saints Promise eligibility requirements must continue to be met on a term-by-term basis for renewal.

Why St. Scholastica?

Your success is our purpose.

Students choose St. Scholastica because 98% of Saints are employed or advancing their degree within six months of graduation.

The numbers speak for themselves.

Saints’ early post-graduation earnings are $10,000 above other Minnesota graduates.

Learn through real-world experience.

90% of first-year students participate in hands-on service and community learning or research with faculty.

Learn in a supportive community.

A 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio allows for mentorship opportunities and helps support students in their academic and professional lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for the Saints Promise scholarship?

There is no additional application for the Saints Promise scholarship. Students must be accepted and enrolled into The College of St. Scholastica and meet eligibility requirements.

Income eligibility for the Saints Promise scholarship program is determined from your submitted FAFSA. St. Scholastica’s Financial Aid team will review your FAFSA and determine your eligibility each semester. You will be notified through your financial aid award, which is mailed to each student.

How much money can I receive?

There is no limit on the maximum term, yearly or lifetime dollar amount of an award you can receive. Saints Promise scholarship is based on the “last-dollar” calculation of your eligibility on a term-by-term basis. The scholarship can cover up to 100% of tuition per semester, less all other sources of gift aid.

“Gift aid” is financial aid that does not require repayment, such as scholarships, grants, discounts, stipends, third-party payments and tuition waivers from federal, state or The College of St. Scholastica. Gift aid from outside entities (military, tribal funding, private foundations, etc.) will not be factored in. Loans and student employment are not sources of gift aid. The goal of this strategy is to utilize available program funds to provide as many eligible students as possible a tuition free pathway to a college education.

Is the Saints Promise scholarship renewable?

Yes, there is no limit on the maximum term, yearly or lifetime dollar amount of an award you can receive.

Eligibility requirements must continue to be met on a term-by-term basis for renewal. If AGI rises to or above $80,000 in subsequent years, the student will no longer be eligible to receive the Saints Promise scholarship. Additionally, as a “last-dollar” scholarship, if new sources of gift aid are awarded to you, the Saints Promise scholarship will be recalculated.

Can I be eligible for the scholarship but not receive an award?

Yes. Students who meet eligibility requirements, but whose total gift aid covers the full amount of tuition, will not be awarded a Saints Promise scholarship. This is because the sum of other aid has already provided enough funds to cover tuition.

What costs does the Saints Promise cover?

Saints Promise covers up to 100% of tuition after gift aid. This scholarship program does not cover housing, food, books, fees or other college costs outside of tuition.

*How is my AGI calculated?

The Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) comes from the 2023 Federal 1040 Income Tax Return and can be found on line 11 of the 1040. For dependent students, both parent and/or step-parent income will be used to calculate the family AGI. Independent students will have the AGI of the student considered for program eligibility. If the student is married, the student and spouse’s combined AGI must be below $80,000 in order to be eligible.

What happens if I don’t maintain my GPA?

The Saints Promise scholarship requires full time enrollment and Satisfactory Academic Progress (GPA 2.0 or higher and 67% completion ratio). If a student fails to meet this, the scholarship will be canceled.

Who can I talk to about the Saints Promise scholarship program?

If you have questions or would like to find out more about the Saints Promise program, contact the Admissions office at 218-723-6046 or admissions@css.edu.

The College reserves the right to update terms of this scholarship at any time.