• Villanova Merit Scholarships

    SCHOLARSHIPS

    In addition to need-based financial aid, we also offer the following awards and scholarships. Students may only apply for and receive one Augustinian Scholarship. Click on the title of the scholarship to obtain the necessary application. Applications for Augustinian Scholarships are due February 1, and then on a rolling basis if still available.

    Villanova Merit Scholarship

    Villanova Merit Scholarships are granted to students who score at or above the 90th percentile nationally on the High School Placement Test (HSPT)* and Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT).  These tests are offered at Villanova to current 8th graders applying for 9th grade. 

    For students scoring below the 90th percentile, Villanova offers Augustinian Scholarships. Named after previous Augustinian Fathers and Brothers who taught at Villanova, these scholarships are awarded to students who show promise in a particular field or area of focus. Villanova's Augustinian Scholarships are generous awards utilized by the school to build a strong, engaged student body. 

    Augustinian Scholarships

    Fr. John Howard, O.S.A. Scholarship

    Awarded to students with leadership experience
    As our first Headmaster, Fr. Howard’s leadership in bringing Villanova to life with steadfast energy and purpose is an example of one person’s ability to form community and shape an organization for lasting good. Development of servant leadership for the common good is a gift Villanova cherishes. Fr. John Howard, O.S.A. Scholarship is awarded to students with leadership experience. Students should intend to continue fostering these leadership skills and are expected to be actively involved in student leadership at Villanova.

    Fr. John Sparrow, O.S.A. Scholarship

    Awarded to students of promise in writing and language arts
    Fr. Sparrow, with a Ph.D. in English and former teacher at Villanova University, brought a depth of knowledge and love for learning to Villanovans for thirteen years. His love for literature was shared in his vigorous teaching style and high expectations of students. Fr. John Sparrow, O.S.A. Scholarship is awarded to students of promise in writing and language arts. Students should be academically successful in their current language arts or literature course and show an interest and talent for writing.

    Fr. Thomas McLaughlin, O.S.A. Scholarship

    Awarded to students of promise in math and science
    Father McLaughlin was an example to Villanova students of dedication to the faith and the sciences. Well known for his white scientist’s jacket put on over his Augustinian habit he taught several generations of Villanova scientists and was the school's spiritual leader. Fr. Thomas McLaughlin, O.S.A. Scholarship is awarded to students of promise in math and science. Students should have an interest in and be academically successful in math and science.

    Fr. Patrick Keane, O.S.A. Scholarship

    Awarded to students who are active participants within the St. Thomas Aquinas Parish of Ojai
    Fr. Keane gave himself to the service of the people of the Ojai Valley as pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas parish, Ojai. As a distinguished educator in previous assignments, he gave special attention to the young people of the parish. This award continues Villanova’s special concern for students from the Ojai Valley.

    Fr. Robert McGrath, O.S.A. Scholarship

    Awarded to students who are active participants within the Catholic community of Ventura County
    A 1928 Villanova Preparatory School graduate, Fr. McGrath was the son of one of the founding Oxnard families of the school and the first Villanova graduate to be ordained a priest. This scholarship renews the heritage of the Oxnard and Ventura families who sought a local Catholic high school for their children. Fr. McGrath taught at Villanova for twelve years.

    Br. Stephen McKenna, O.S.A. Scholarship

    Awarded to students of promise in the study of history and social studies
    Brother Steve was a history enthusiast, a Civil War re-enactor and an engaging teacher of religion and social studies. With a historical perspective on world cultures, he gave special pastoral concern to resident students and encouraged students in their study of history. The Br. Stephen McKenna, O.S.A. Scholarship is awarded to students of promise in the study of history and social studies. Students should be academically successful in their current social sciences courses and show an interest in this area of study.

    Fr. John Sanders, O.S.A. Scholarship

    Awarded to students with exemplary service within the Catholic community
    Fr. Sanders began his teaching career at Villanova in 1974. While teaching religion and social studies, he was deeply involved in connecting Villanovans with the Ojai community. With great enthusiasm he enriched community life and student activities, he originated Villanova’s signature Wildcat Day event. Fr. John Sanders, O.S.A. Scholarship is awarded to students with exemplary service within the Catholic community. Students should have a minimum of twenty hours of service completed with a particular organization or project, with the intent to continue that service.

    Fr. Anthony Wasko, O.S.A. Scholarship

    Awarded to students of promise in performing arts
    With special skills in speech and drama, as headmaster and teacher Fr. Wasko brought Villanova’s programs to new levels. The remarkable tradition of student success and opportunities for student expression in Villanova’s speech and drama programs is a credit to his memory. Fr. Anthony Wasko, O.S.A. Scholarship is awarded to students of promise in the performing arts. Students should have experience in one or more of the performing arts and are expected to continue this involvement and share their talents with the Villanova community.

     *Villanova does allow students who’ve taken the HSPT at other schools to submit their scores for the Merit Scholarship.  Test scores must be submitted directly from the testing site administrator, and the student may not have previously sat the HSPT within the preceding 60 days to this qualifying score.