Keeping Catholic, Jesuit Education Within Reach

A Catholic, Jesuit education is priceless — for the students who receive it and for the contributions those students make to society. Unfortunately, economic realities continue to place this unique education out of reach for many deserving students.

Saint Joseph’s University counters this trend by providing financial aid and merit scholarships to 90 percent of our students. We are engaged in an ever-increasing challenge to make a Jesuit education affordable for all highly qualified students, regardless of their socioeconomic level. This is not only essential for fulfilling our mission, but also for Saint Joseph’s ability to compete in attracting the brightest and best students to our campus.

Budget pressures are requiring a greater percentage of financial aid dollars to come from gifts and endowment, a trend that is sure to continue. To address this need, With Faith and Strength to Dare: The Campaign for Saint Joseph’s University included student financial aid among its major priorities. Alumni responded generously and funded 86 new scholarships through endowed gifts and the Saint Joseph’s Fund. These additional resources allow talented students, otherwise unable to afford a Saint Joseph’s education, to enrich our community, fulfill their educational dreams and experience life-changing opportunities on Hawk Hill.

“One of the most valuable ways for alumni to advance the mission of Saint Joseph’s University is to contribute toward scholarships,” said Interim President John Smithson ’68, M.B.A. ’82. “Scholarships provide great opportunity, enrich our academic community and help build a stronger University for generations to come.”

Supporting Saint Joseph’s mission will require firm resolve to raise the funds required to help keep Catholic, Jesuit education within reach for as many deserving students as possible. Throughout our University’s long history, this commitment has proven to be well worth the investment.