Beginning with students applying for admission to the Providence College Class of 2014 (students entering in September, 2010), there are now three tiers of merit-based scholarships for which students may qualify (see letter to parents dated October 15, 2009).

Liberal Arts Honors Program

Merit scholarships are awarded to those students who are invited into Providence College 's highly selective Liberal Arts Honors Program upon admission into the College. Out of a typical freshman class of 1,000 students, there are approximately 120 spaces available in the program.  There are three scholarship levels:

• St. Dominic Scholarships (full tuition awards excluding room and board)
  • Approximately 30 available each year
• St. Thomas Aquinas Scholarships (3/4 tuition)
  • Approximately 40 available each year
• St. Catherine of Siena Scholarship (1/2 tuition)
  • Approximately 50 available each year

All of these scholarships are renewable for up to four years as long as students remain active members of the Liberal Arts Honors Program and maintain the required GPA. Merit scholars are typically at the top of their graduating class and have completed the most rigorous program of study possible during their high school career.

While the review for admission is holistic and considers each student’s academic record as well as their extracurricular accomplishments and personal qualities, the Liberal Arts Honors Program review is specifically focused on a student's academic credentials.

Please note, students who excel as freshmen at Providence College may apply directly to the Director of the Liberal Arts Honors Program for entry beginning in the sophomore year.  Students who are invited to join the program at that time will not be awarded one of the scholarships noted above.

Academic Scholarships

Academic-based merit scholarships are available to students who have demonstrated superior academic performance during their entire high school career, but were not selected for inclusion in the Liberal Arts Honors Program.  Students who have achieved consistent A- to A grades throughout high school in all subjects – and have taken a rigorous program of study – will be considered for these awards.  Please note that an A- average is not a guarantee of a scholarship, but suggests the minimum type of performance necessary to be a competitive candidate.  All scholarships are renewable for four years provided students meet the GPA requirements.  There are three scholarship levels:

• St. Joseph Scholarship ($14,000 annually)
  • Approximately 30 available each year
• Albertus Magnus Scholarship ($11,000 annually)
  • Approximately 30 available each year
• St. Vincent Ferrer Scholarship ($8,000 annually)
  • Approximately 60 available each year

Providence College Friar Scholarships

The Providence College student body is comprised of students who not only are committed to their studies, but also devote countless hours to extracurricular activities that help to shape their college careers.  They manage to balance academics and activities, and many seem to “do it all.”  They are the epitome of what it means to be a Friar at Providence College.

Providence College Friar Scholarships are merit awards intended to recognize high school seniors who not only have demonstrated the academic discipline necessary to succeed in the classroom, but display extraordinary commitment, leadership and responsibility in their extracurricular pursuits.  While we do not have a prescription for the type of activity that warrants recognition, it is important to note that serious contributors to their pursuits are more attractive than those who have simply been members of a number of organizations.  It’s not the length of the list; it’s the depth of involvement that matters.

Students who have academic achievements that earn them admission to Providence College and also demonstrate a true commitment to their out-of-classroom activities will be recognized with awards ranging from $4,000 to $8,000 annually.  Approximately 150 scholarships will be awarded for students enrolling in our Class of 2014.

Important Notes:

• These merit-based awards will not come at the expense of Providence College's longstanding commitment to need-based financial assistance.
• All students are considered for all merit-based awards.  There are no separate applications required for consideration.
  • Students are not required to complete the need-based application process to be considered for any merit-based awards.
• If a student receives another source of funding that is designated solely for tuition, the merit award may be reduced since the total of these sources cannot exceed the tuition charge on an annual basis.
• All students will be notified of any merit-based scholarships they receive at the same time they are offered admission.
  • Early Action notification will take place by the first week of January.
  • Regular Decision notification will take place before the end of March.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship

Established in 1968, this full tuition scholarship assists undergraduate minority students and others who demonstrate a desire and ability to contribute to the College’s diversity.  Selections are made by a committee and are based on academic potential, leadership, community service, and financial need.  No separate application is necessary in order to be consider for this scholarship.

Cunningham Scholarship

This full tuition scholarship assists undergraduate minority students and others who demonstrate a desire and ability to contribute to the College’s diversity and who currently reside in the Greater Providence area. Selections are made by a committee and are awarded to students with strong high school performance, community service, demonstrated leadership potential, and financial need.  No separate application is required to be considered for this award.

Feinstein Scholarship

Scholarships up to $5,000 are awarded to a select group of students who demonstrate a significant commitment to community service, a proven record of community involvement, and a strong high school academic record. Students who have indicated a major in Public and Community Service Studies are considered for this award.  No separate application is required to be considered for this award. 

Roddy Scholarship

Applicants considered for this scholarship, which covers up to tuition, fees, room and board costs, must aspire to a career in the medical profession. Consideration is based on outstanding academic achievement in high school.  No separate application is required to be considered for this award.