Unlocking Your Potential: A Guide to Loras College Scholarships

Pursuing a degree is an investment, and Loras College is committed to making that investment accessible through a variety of scholarships and grants. Every degree-seeking undergraduate student currently enrolled at Loras receives scholarships and grants that reflect their achievements and financial need. Loras College is consistently regarded as one of the most affordable private colleges in the Midwest. 100% of undergraduate students attending Loras receive financial assistance.

Merit-Based Scholarships for First-Year Students

Loras College offers merit scholarships to all admitted first-year students, and financial need is not a factor unless otherwise noted. These academic scholarships are awarded based on high school GPA, utilizing a 4.0 scale. The GPA utilized for scholarship ranking is based on a 4.0 scale. Here's a breakdown of the merit scholarships available:

St. Joseph Scholarship: 4.0+ GPA - \$28,000
St. Bernard Scholarship: 3.80-3.99 GPA - \$26,000
St. Raphael Scholarship: 3.40-3.79 GPA - \$24,000
St. Clare Scholarship: 3.00-3.39 GPA - \$23,000
Loras Opportunity Grant: Below 3.00 GPA - \$22,000

It's important to note that the GPA range is a cumulative, weighted 4.0 scale. The total of all Loras scholarships, grants, and awards may not exceed the cost of tuition and fees.

Special Scholarship Programs

Loras College offers several unique scholarship programs that provide financial assistance and foster specific skills and values. Please note: Students may participate in any two (2) scholarship programs, plus St. Cecilia Music Scholars below. Some exclusions may apply and are noted within each program. The priority deadline for all programs is January 15, 2026, unless otherwise noted.

Breitbach Catholic Thinkers and Leaders Program

The Breitbach Catholic Thinkers and Leaders program is a unique and vibrant four-year experience. Its goal is to challenge and engage the whole student-academically, spiritually, personally and socially while learning what it means to be a Catholic thinker and leader in today’s world. Up to fifteen students are invited to join each year. Breitbach scholars will be awarded an annual scholarship of $4,000 in addition to their acceptance award from the College. Applicants who are selected for and complete an interview, but are not chosen for the program, will receive a $1,000 one-time award in their first year. This program cannot be combined with other specific programs.

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Civic Leaders Program

The Civic Leaders program offers you the opportunity to deepen your understanding of leadership, service, justice, and responsible contribution during all four years of your college experience. Designed to blend theory and practice, the program strives to develop your capacities to be positive change agents within your community. Operating from an asset-based perspective, the program aims to assist you in acquiring the skills needed to work in solidarity with marginalized people and communities. Civic Leaders recipients will be awarded an annual scholarship of $1,000. The priority deadline for the Civic Leaders application is January 15.

DuSTEM Scholars Program

The DuSTEM Scholars program provides financial and academic support for students wanting to pursue an undergraduate degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Throughout the Loras DuSTEM Scholars program, our goal is to leverage resources to mentor participants into successful professionals. Students interested in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Math, and Neuroscience are encouraged to apply. DuSTEM Scholars are eligible for an annual scholarship of $1,000. The priority deadline for the DuSTEM application is January 15.

First-Generation Scholars Program

The First-Generation Scholars program supports first-generation students and families through a curriculum-based program that highlights social connectedness, academic success, mentorship, and personal well-being. Through this intentional and developmental experience, you will learn how to navigate college as well as prepare for post-undergraduate experiences. Scholars are eligible for $1,000 annually, dependent upon financial need and continued involvement in the program. The priority deadline for the First-Generation Scholars program application is January 15.

Honors Program

At Loras College, we believe excellence is more than achievement-it’s a way of thinking, questioning, and engaging the world. As part of the program, students will work with faculty mentors on projects such as solar energy, STEM education, veterans and mental health, grant writing, and more. This program awards an annual scholarship of $1,000. The priority deadline for the Honors program application is January 15.

Interfaith Leaders Program

In the Loras Interfaith Leaders program, you will learn how people orient around religion differently, and you will discover how to interact with people of diverse religious and worldview backgrounds. The program expects through careful study, self-reflection, and responsible service, you will learn to lead others toward a deeper and more informed fellowship. Interfaith Leaders are awarded an annual scholarship of $1,000. The priority deadline for the Interfaith Leaders application is January 15.

St. John Paul II Scholarship

To promote the vision of Saint Pope John Paul II, Loras offers scholarships to students who desire to grow in their faith, learn about the current relevance of Saint Pope John Paul II in connection with their own lives, and become an active participant in Spiritual Life offerings. Recipients will be awarded an annual scholarship of $1,000 and require continued program participation to renew the award annually. The priority deadline for the St. John Paul II application is January 15.

St. Cecilia Music Scholarship

Students accepted to Loras are able to audition for vocal and instrumental scholarships and may be awarded up to $3,000. Scholarship recipients must participate in vocal or instrumental ensembles each semester to maintain their award. Auditions will be submitted electronically. Student applications and auditions will be reviewed beginning January 15. Loras offers two music scholarships. Audition for vocal and instrumental scholarships and be awarded up to $3,000. Recipients must participate in vocal or instrumental ensembles annually to maintain their award. St. This scholarship is open to all majors and provides instant membership in a creative, contributing community on campus. Sing two solo pieces, or excerpts of solo pieces, in contrasting styles. Examples may be an art song and a musical theater solo. These should be chosen from the solo repertoire for voice type and should not be choral pieces. Each piece or excerpt should be approximately 2 to 5 minutes in length. Major scale in one octave. Singing on solfege or scale degrees (i.e. Do, Re, Mi, etc. Fr. Play two contrasting solo pieces or excerpts of solo pieces. These should be chosen from the solo repertoire for your instrument and should not be ensemble pieces. Each piece or excerpt should be approximately 2 to 5 minutes in length. Yes! We recommend that you send an accompanying video. Your scholarship application is incomplete until we receive your video. We will have interviews in the days following each submission. Yes! You can submit your solo pieces/excerpts and scales together or separately.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

Sibling Award

Loras College is more than just a community-it’s a family. Often, when one sibling chooses Loras, others are inspired to follow. To celebrate this tradition, Loras offers a Sibling Award of $2,500 for each student from the same family who attends the College at the same time. This $2,500 award continues for the youngest sibling even after the older sibling(s) graduates.

Transfer Student Scholarships

Loras offers academic scholarships to accepted transfer students based on GPA from their previous institution(s). Scholarship is determined by average GPA from all colleges attended. GPA is based on a 4.0 scale. Scholarships are available to students transferring from an Iowa community college to begin full-time study in the fall semester of their junior year. citizens and have graduated from an Iowa high school or been a state resident for at least five consecutive years. Students must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale. Scholarships are awarded in the amount of $8,800. Transfer students who are members in good standing of Phi Theta Kappa are eligible for a $1,000 award.

International Student Scholarships and Grants

All international students seeking their first bachelor’s degree are eligible for merit-based scholarships and grants once accepted to Loras College. You must complete the certificate of finances and submit the associated financial documents to be eligible for merit or need-based aid. Awards are based on full-time enrollment and residency in campus housing. Loras offers a $28,000 International Award to accepted international students. No additional application is required. Loras College is proud to join other colleges and universities across the United States in offering international students financial assistance through the #YouAreWelcomeHere scholarship program. Up to four (4) awards, worth $2,000, will be offered annually.

External Scholarship Opportunities

Applicant must be from a multicultural background who will be a college freshman beginning in the fall. Application and essay about their community service involvement are required, the essay should not exceed 1,000 words. Robert D. Selection will be based upon, high school GPA, financial need, three references, and a 500-word essay. Applicant must be able to demonstrate literary and scholastic ability, exhibit qualities of truth, courage, and fellowship, and display moral force of character. Applicant must be an Iowa student attending Regent Universities, independent colleges and universities, and community colleges throughout Iowa. Applicant must be an Iowa resident who is a member of an Iowa Army or Air National Guard unit for each term looking to receive benefits and who has satisfactorily completed required Guard training/maintained satisfactory performance of Guard duty. Applicant must be a graduating senior from Rock Island High School who will pursue a major in engineering or nursing full-time at a college or university in Iowa or Illinois. Applicant must be a student who is graduating from a Linn County high school and plans to pursue a degree at a college or university in Iowa.

Understanding Financial Aid at Loras

To maximize your financial aid opportunities, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Loras offers competitive tuition and is committed to making education accessible and affordable. The financial aid office combines these four types of aid in proportions that meet the student’s demonstrated financial need. The goal is to create an affordable solution without overburdening you with future debt.

Scholarships: Money awarded based on criteria like academics, activities, talents, or other traits. Scholarships generally don’t need to be repaid. Scholarships are available for all first-year, transfer, and international students.
Grants: Money that does not need to be repaid, usually based on financial need. Help ease tuition costs and reduce the amount you may need to borrow for your education. To qualify, file the FAFSA and demonstrate financial need. Grants can come from the federal and state governments, colleges, or private organizations. The Loras Endowed Grant is based on merit and financial need. This grant is typically renewed each year based on FAFSA results. Eligibility for Federal Pell Grants is determined by the FAFSA. The federal government determines the maximum Pell amount. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) funds are awarded to all Pell Grant recipients. The award level is dependent upon individual needs and the level of federal funding. Loras students eligible for SEOG funds may receive up to $750. These grants assist Iowa residents with demonstrated financial need who choose to attend an Iowa private college. Eligibility to receive funds is determined by the completion of the FAFSA by July 1. An Iowa Tuition Grant can be received for a maximum of eight semesters of full-time study. Iowa legislation determines the maximum award. While the Iowa Tuition Grant is the largest state grant funded program, there are a number of other Iowa grants available. Learn more and apply for these state grant opportunities at iowacollegeaid.gov. Undergraduate students that reside outside the state of Iowa are eligible for up to $5,000 in an out-of-state grant. Students must complete the FAFSA and have a Student Aid Index (SAI) of $15,000 or less.
Loans: Money borrowed by you or your parents that must be repaid with interest. Finance your Loras degree with federal student aid and. To qualify, file the FAFSA annually and enroll in at least half-time enrollment (6 credits per term). Federal loans will then be offered as part of your financial aid package. The loan is need-based and is interest free to students while in school. Annual limits of $3,500 for a first-year student (0-27 credits), $4,500 for a sophomore (28-55 credits), and $5,500 for a junior or senior (56+ credits) are imposed. Independent and graduate students have higher annual loan limits; all loans have an aggregate limit and require completion of the FAFSA. This loan has the same interest rate as a subsidized loan, but differs in that it will accrue interest while the student is in school, however, the student is not required to make those interest payments. A student’s financial aid may include either loan type or a combination of both.
- Subsidized & Unsubsidized Loans:
  - First disbursed on or after July 1, 2024, and before July 1, 2025 6.53% Fixed Interest Rate
  - First disbursed on or after July 1, 2023, and before July 1, 2024 5.50% Fixed Interest Rate
  - First disbursed on or after Oct.
- Parent PLUS loans: are available to parents of dependent students to help pay for education expenses. These loans can be used to pay up to the cost of attendance.
  - First disbursed on or after July 1, 2024, and before July 1, 2025 9.08% Fixed Interest Rate
  - First disbursed on or after July 1, 2023, and before July 1, 2024 8.05% Fixed Interest Rate
  - First disbursed on or after Oct.
Student Employment: Part-time employment while in school allows you to earn money to pay for college expenses.

Federal Student Aid for Graduate Students

Degree-seeking graduate students enrolled in a master’s program can receive $20,500 in Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan funds for each academic year. Loras offers scholarships to new, incoming graduate students. Receive $20,500 in federal unsubsidized funds for each academic year. If you have outstanding loans from your undergraduate education, you may be able to defer payment on those loans while enrolled in a degree-seeking master’s program. Your company or employer may assist in your educational pursuits. Consult with your human resources department to see what educational benefits they have. Finance your Loras graduate degree with federal student aid. To qualify, file the FAFSA annually and enroll in at least 3 credits per term. Federal loans will then be offered as part of your financial aid package. If you are enrolled in a master’s program, you are eligible to receive $20,500 in federal unsubsidized funds for each academic year. These loans are available to graduate students with no requirement to demonstrate financial need. To obtain a loan, you must complete the FAFSA each year. The loan will disburse to Loras and cover the cost of the term(s). You may choose to accept all or just part of the loan. By default, Loras will split the $20,500 amount equally across terms. For financial aid purposes, the Loras academic year runs from summer-spring (ie: summer 2023 through spring 2024). Please be sure to complete the correct FAFSA for the term(s) you wish to receive loans. This loan begins accruing interest monthly while you are enrolled. You are not required to make repayments on the principal or the accrued interest while enrolled at least half-time.

Direct Unsubsidized Loan
- First disbursed on or after July 1, 2023, and before July 1, 2024 7.05% Fixed Interest Rate
- First disbursed on or after July 1, 2022, and before July 1, 2023 6.54% Fixed Interest Rate
- First disbursed on or after Oct.
Graduate PLUS Loan: The Graduate PLUS Loan is available for graduate students. To obtain a loan, you must complete the FAFSA each year, be enrolled in at least at least half-time (six credit hours), and must meet loan eligibility before the PLUS loan can be certified. Like the unsubsidized loan, the PLUS loan begins accruing interest monthly while you are enrolled. You are not required to make repayments on the principal or the accrued interest while enrolled at least half-time.
- First disbursed on or after July 1, 2023, and before July 1, 2024 8.05% Fixed Interest Rate
- First disbursed on or after July 1, 2022, and before July 1, 2023 7.54% Fixed Interest Rate
- First disbursed on or after Oct.
Private Student Loans: Private student loans can provide financing options when federal loans and other resources don’t fully cover your education costs. Private loan rates vary between lenders and are based on your credit and market conditions. Rates are generally higher than federal options. Each lender also sets terms and requirements. Qualifying for a private student loan often requires good credit, stable income, and/or a creditworthy cosigner. Approval is not guaranteed. Look for companies specializing in student loans and only borrow what is absolutely needed so you don’t take on excessive debt. Private student loans can fill in gaps when federal aid is insufficient, but consider carefully and compare all options.

Important Financial Aid Processes

Verification: This federally mandated process confirms the accuracy of data provided by selected applicants on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Approximately one in three students is selected by the Department of Education to complete the verification process. Verification can include you, your parent(s), or your spouse, if applicable. You are required to provide certain documents to the College for review.
Loan Entrance Counseling: The federal government requires that students complete a student loan entrance counseling session prior to obtaining a Federal Direct Loan. The session prepares students for proper management of their student loan with true/false questions.
Code of Conduct: Iowa Code Section 261F.2 and Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Section 601.21, require developing, administering, and enforcing a code of conduct governing educational loan activities.

Loras Promise Program

Through the Loras Promise, we offer generous merit scholarships for all students and a tuition-free education for eligible students of the Iowa Tuition Grant and Pell Grant. Iowa residents eligible to receive the Pell Grant and Iowa Tuition Grant will have their total tuition needs met by the Loras Promise. First-year students must meet the criteria listed below.

Loras Promise FAQs

Can I go to Loras tuition-free for all four years? Yes! If you maintain Iowa Tuition Grant and Pell Grant eligibility the tuition-free Loras Promise serves as a last dollar scholarship.
Are housing, meals, and fees included? No. However, Loras is committed to helping you meet your financial needs through other forms of aid.

Athletics and Recruitment

Here you'll have access to information about the school and details on their Men's Basketball program like who to contact about recruiting, names of past alumni, what scholarship opportunities are presented … and ways to start the recruiting process. If you are trying to get recruited it is critical to know who to talk to and NCSA has the details you'll need. Key Men's Basketball personnel at Loras College include Head Coach Chris Martin, Assistant Coach Grant Wiederin. If you're thinking about becoming a member of Loras College Men's Basketball program they are the people you must contact. NCSA offers student student athletes the information and tools they need to enhance their chances of being recruited by a Men's Basketball program, whether it's at Loras College or another school. Since 2000, NCSA has been connecting coaches and athletes which is a vital component of the recruiting process. This year alone you'll find 127627 Men's Basketball high school athletes utilizing the NCSA network, technology and scouting professionals to get their highlights before 5112 coaches at 1790 colleges Men's Basketball programs nationwide. If you want to join the Loras College Men's Basketball program you need to start building relationships and a highly-visible, professional quality recruiting profile. Starting that process as soon as possible is crucial to your success. So make your free profile to become a verified NCSA Men's Basketball athlete and start connecting with coaches at the Loras College Men's Basketball program today.

Key Athletic Staff

Athletic Director: Jane Specht
Men's Basketball Coaching Staff:
- Head Coach: Chris Martin
- Assistant Coach: Grant Wiederin
Men's Golf Coaching Staff:
- Assistant Coach: Bo Burgmeier
- Assistant Coach: Craig Collins
- Head Coach: Will Arndt
- Assistant Coach: William Schimbke

Admissions Information

Admissions Toll Free Phone: (800) 245-6727
Admissions Phone: (563) 588-7236
Academic Selectivity: Selective
Religious Requirements: N/A
Common Application: Yes
Rolling Admissions: Yes

Student Body Averages

Average Freshman GPA: 3.1
Average ACT Composite: 20-25
Average SAT 1 Combined: 960-1150

Most Popular Majors

Accounting, Business, Criminal Justice and Safety Studies, Elementary Education, Finance, Kinesiology and Exercise Science, Marketing, Psychology, Social Work and Youth Services, Sport and Fitness Management

Campus Environment

Loras College is located on a 60-acre campus in Dubuque, Iowa (population: 57,696), 80 miles from Cedar Rapids. The college is served by air and bus; a major airport serves Chicago (150 miles); and a train serves Cedar Rapids. The school operates transportation to local colleges.

Paying Your Bill

Students can log in to pay your bill through the Loras College Portal. Statements are published on the first of each month, beginning in July.

Common FAFSA Questions

Why was I selected for verification? The Federal Aid Processor selects around 30% of FAFSA filers for verification.
How do I complete verification? Utilizing the FAFSA-IRS Data Retrieval Tool when completing or correcting the FAFSA or request Tax Return Transcripts as soon as notified.
Why haven't my loans been applied to my student account? The Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling needs to be completed for first-time borrowers in order for these loans to be applied to your student account.
Do I need to apply for a Parent PLUS Loan every year? Yes! If you are seeking additional funds through a Parent PLUS Loan, you must apply annually via the PLUS loan application.
When should I apply for financial aid? As early as your senior year of high school.

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