Saint Mary’s is committed to providing assistance to students with financial need who would otherwise be unable to receive an education at the university. A portion of the funds from tuition, fees and unrestricted gifts are budgeted as institutional aid. In addition, named scholarships are funded by gifts restricted to those individual funds; these outside sources help increase the aid dollars available for students. An annual scholarship represents an annual commitment to Saint Mary’s from an organization or individual and the entire gift is awarded in the next academic year. Endowed scholarships are funded by gifts from organizations and individuals and these funds are invested. By policy, Saint Mary’s University awards scholarships equivalent to 5% of the scholarship principal. Earnings in excess of 5% are reinvested in the fund, making endowed scholarships permanent and growing sources of financial support to students.

General requirements for scholarships require that the student is a Winona campus full-time undergraduate student and has demonstrated financial need. Some scholarships involve a selection process and require criteria such as demonstration of leadership qualities, academic merit, or theatre, art, or music skills. Students apply separately for these scholarships and the recipients are chosen by a university selection committee. New and current students should contact the Admission Office for information about available scholarships.